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fish tacos at Surfside

Sail into Spring with 15 Fabulous Fish Tacos

It's the ultimate warm weather taco

by China Riddle Apr 21, 2016, 3:00pm EDT

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fish tacos at Surfside

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by China Riddle Apr 21, 2016, 3:00pm EDT

Few dishes capture the essence of warm weather better than fish tacos: light, crispy fish wrapped in a tortilla, slathered in sauces, and topped with crunchy slaw. When ordered alongside a margarita, the ocean feels practically within earshot (although Washingtonians are just hearing the Potomac, unfortunately).

There’s still no shortage of fish tacos for diners to enjoy in the sunshine. The dish originates in Baja California, Mexico. It’s said the idea occurred when Asians came to the peninsula and introduced the concept of fried fish. While fish taco aficionados debate this story, enthusiastic eaters are simply grateful for the brilliant mind who put tempura into a tortilla. It eventually transformed into the beer-battered goodness diners know and love today.

Washingtonians can hit up several locations for the classic battered Baja version. They can also opt for grilled fish, as well as a variety of slaws, sauces, and salsas. Head to one of these 15n eateries for fresh, tasty fish tacos.

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Agua 301

Head to Water Street for a slew of fish taco options at Agua 301. While a classic Baja option is available for $7, diners can also order a $9 sautéed salmon taco with onion, garlic and basil aioli, or a $9 sautéed tuna taco with sofrito sauce and mustard aioli. Each order comes with two tacos.

301 Water St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

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Clare & Don's Beach Shack

Patrons have been relying on this chill bar for years for blackened fish tacos in a chill, patio setting.

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130 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046

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District Taco

On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays eaters can find fish tacos at District Taco locations across the DMV. They consist of grilled fish, pico de gallo, cabbage, chipotle mayo and any other desired topping. Order three tacos for $9.34.

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656 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C.

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El Rey

Built out of shipping containers and boasting a retractable roof, unique taqueria El Rey has an equally unique fish taco. Grilled fish is topped with jicama carrot slaw (as opposed to classic cabbage), salsa verde, chipotle aioli, and cilantro. Order it for just $4.

919 U St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

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Fish Taco

Named after the dish itself, Fish Taco offers three different versions of pescado to patrons. The signature beer-battered fish comes with cabbage and their flagship sauce, while the blackened fish with chile-lime sauce and pineapple-chile relish would please less traditional palates. All orders come with two tacos and rice and beans for $11.95.

10323 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814

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Gringos & Mariachis

At this Maryland taqueria, fried seasonal fish is given a kick with Sriracha cream, crunchy cabbage slaw, and cilantro. Order it for $8.

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4928 Cordell Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

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Johnny Pistolas

Eaters craving Los Angeles-style fare can head to this Adams Morgan taqueria for blackened grilled fish tacos with jalapeño cornichon aioli. Order a single taco for $4 or grab some friends for a $26 tray of six fish tacos with sides of guacamole, Baja slaw, gorditas, and spicy cucumbers.

2333 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

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Orange Anchor

Located on the Georgetown waterfront, this nautical spot boasts three creative fish taco entrees priced at $18 each. Order the crispy cod tacos with lettuce, pico de gallo, and Cajun tartar sauce for a fun twist on the classic, or opt for blackened mahi mahi tacos with lime cabbage slaw, and pineapple salsa.

3050 K St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

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Rito Loco

Lovers of Rito Loco can find fish tacos at their food truck and the brick-and-mortar location in Shaw. The fish tacos consist of tilapia filets seasoned with a homemade Caribbean dry rub, which are then pan-fried and topped with pico de gallo and a four cheese blend. With chips and salsa on the side, diners can order one for $4, two for $8 and 3 for $11.

606 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

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Sei

While most eateries offering fish tacos specialize in Mexican cuisine, diners can also find the dish in this sleek sushi spot. SEI’s fish tacos are priced at $12 and combine blackened snapper with ginger slaw and mango relish.

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444 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

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Surfside Taco Stand

Hit this taco stand, open 24 hours a day and seven days a week, for one of two fish options. Fans of spice will like the $10.95 Negril with blackened tilapia, spicy cabbage, avocado, and chili ranch dressing. Palates craving fresh flavors will likely opt for the $11.95 Maui that combines Surfside’s grilled fish of the month with black bean and corn salsa, sliced avocado, cilantro and lime sour cream.

1800 N St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

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Taco Bamba

Chef Victor Albisu’s popular Virginia taco counter offers “The Black Pearl,” a fried tilapia taco with spicy coleslaw and black aioli. Order it for just $4.

2190 Pimmit Dr, Falls Church, VA 22043

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Taqueria Habanero

Petworth favorite Taqueria Habenero offers a grilled tilapia taco with cilantro, diced onions, radish, and cucumber for just $3. Although on the starter menu, tacos are full sized and can serve as an entrée for lovers of this dish.

3710 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

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The Argonaut

This H Street bar is nautical, pirate-themed, and offers mahi mahi tacos with cheddar, pico de gallo, cabbage-cilantro slaw, and creamy rémoulade. Order it for $13, but guacamole will cost an extra $1.50. Diners wanting a grain-free option can also have the dish served in a lettuce leaf.

1433 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

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Tico DC

Chef Michael Schlow’s rustic Tico offers New American dishes with Mexican and Spanish flare, including a revamped version of classic fish tacos. For $11, diners can order a crispy fish taco with red jalapeno, crunchy cabbage, and chipotle sauce.

1926 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

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Agua 301

301 Water St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Head to Water Street for a slew of fish taco options at Agua 301. While a classic Baja option is available for $7, diners can also order a $9 sautéed salmon taco with onion, garlic and basil aioli, or a $9 sautéed tuna taco with sofrito sauce and mustard aioli. Each order comes with two tacos.

301 Water St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Visit Website

Clare & Don's Beach Shack

130 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046

Patrons have been relying on this chill bar for years for blackened fish tacos in a chill, patio setting.

Open in Google Maps

130 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046

Visit Website

District Taco

656 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C.

On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays eaters can find fish tacos at District Taco locations across the DMV. They consist of grilled fish, pico de gallo, cabbage, chipotle mayo and any other desired topping. Order three tacos for $9.34.

Open in Google Maps

656 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C.

Visit Website

El Rey

919 U St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Built out of shipping containers and boasting a retractable roof, unique taqueria El Rey has an equally unique fish taco. Grilled fish is topped with jicama carrot slaw (as opposed to classic cabbage), salsa verde, chipotle aioli, and cilantro. Order it for just $4.

919 U St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

Fish Taco

10323 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814

Named after the dish itself, Fish Taco offers three different versions of pescado to patrons. The signature beer-battered fish comes with cabbage and their flagship sauce, while the blackened fish with chile-lime sauce and pineapple-chile relish would please less traditional palates. All orders come with two tacos and rice and beans for $11.95.

10323 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814

Visit Website

Gringos & Mariachis

4928 Cordell Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

At this Maryland taqueria, fried seasonal fish is given a kick with Sriracha cream, crunchy cabbage slaw, and cilantro. Order it for $8.

Open in Google Maps

4928 Cordell Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

Visit Website

Johnny Pistolas

2333 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Eaters craving Los Angeles-style fare can head to this Adams Morgan taqueria for blackened grilled fish tacos with jalapeño cornichon aioli. Order a single taco for $4 or grab some friends for a $26 tray of six fish tacos with sides of guacamole, Baja slaw, gorditas, and spicy cucumbers.

2333 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Visit Website

Orange Anchor

3050 K St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Located on the Georgetown waterfront, this nautical spot boasts three creative fish taco entrees priced at $18 each. Order the crispy cod tacos with lettuce, pico de gallo, and Cajun tartar sauce for a fun twist on the classic, or opt for blackened mahi mahi tacos with lime cabbage slaw, and pineapple salsa.

3050 K St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Visit Website

Rito Loco

606 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Lovers of Rito Loco can find fish tacos at their food truck and the brick-and-mortar location in Shaw. The fish tacos consist of tilapia filets seasoned with a homemade Caribbean dry rub, which are then pan-fried and topped with pico de gallo and a four cheese blend. With chips and salsa on the side, diners can order one for $4, two for $8 and 3 for $11.

606 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

Sei

444 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

While most eateries offering fish tacos specialize in Mexican cuisine, diners can also find the dish in this sleek sushi spot. SEI’s fish tacos are priced at $12 and combine blackened snapper with ginger slaw and mango relish.

Open in Google Maps

444 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

Visit Website

Surfside Taco Stand

1800 N St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

Hit this taco stand, open 24 hours a day and seven days a week, for one of two fish options. Fans of spice will like the $10.95 Negril with blackened tilapia, spicy cabbage, avocado, and chili ranch dressing. Palates craving fresh flavors will likely opt for the $11.95 Maui that combines Surfside’s grilled fish of the month with black bean and corn salsa, sliced avocado, cilantro and lime sour cream.

1800 N St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

Visit Website

Taco Bamba

2190 Pimmit Dr, Falls Church, VA 22043

Chef Victor Albisu’s popular Virginia taco counter offers “The Black Pearl,” a fried tilapia taco with spicy coleslaw and black aioli. Order it for just $4.

2190 Pimmit Dr, Falls Church, VA 22043

Visit Website

Taqueria Habanero

3710 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Petworth favorite Taqueria Habenero offers a grilled tilapia taco with cilantro, diced onions, radish, and cucumber for just $3. Although on the starter menu, tacos are full sized and can serve as an entrée for lovers of this dish.

3710 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Visit Website

The Argonaut

1433 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

This H Street bar is nautical, pirate-themed, and offers mahi mahi tacos with cheddar, pico de gallo, cabbage-cilantro slaw, and creamy rémoulade. Order it for $13, but guacamole will cost an extra $1.50. Diners wanting a grain-free option can also have the dish served in a lettuce leaf.

1433 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

Visit Website

Tico DC

1926 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Chef Michael Schlow’s rustic Tico offers New American dishes with Mexican and Spanish flare, including a revamped version of classic fish tacos. For $11, diners can order a crispy fish taco with red jalapeno, crunchy cabbage, and chipotle sauce.

1926 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Visit Website

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