Where to Find the Best Mexican Restaurant in D.C.
This site contains affiliate links of products or services. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
As someone with Mexican heritage from my mom’s side, I have a soft spot for legitimate Mexican food. Not Tex-Mex or other Latino or Hispanic food (which I also love!), but true Mexican cuisine. And sadly, I have not been able to find a Mexican restaurant in D.C. that has blown me away. Until now! Keep reading for why I’m OBSESSED with Maiz64.
Thank you! I would like to thank Maiz64 for their partnership and for hosting my dinner and brunch visits. All opinions are 100% from my own experiences.
Maiz64
1324 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
Maiz64 is located near Logan Circle in Washington, D.C. There is street parking available, but like most of D.C., it can be hard to get a spot. If you prefer to take the Metro, the closest station at McPherson Square (on the orange/silver/blue line) is an 11-minute walk.
Before even talking about the food and drinks, I want to give a shoutout to the welcoming and impeccable service that Maiz64 offers to its guests. I can say without a doubt that I have never experienced a restaurant that makes me feel like a long-lost relative or friend finally coming home. From the bartenders to the wait staff to the management, they make every guest feel welcomed and special. For any restaurant, including a Mexican restaurant in D.C., that is something unique.
Brunch
Sat & Sun: 11am – 3pm
What makes a good brunch? I don’t know about y’all, but drinks and food are pretty much at the top of my list. And Maiz64 delivers on both fronts.
Drinks
The drink menus here are extensive, with a different menu for brunch, dinner, and the Mezcal bar. So keep reading for all the information about each menu!
–Everyday Verde: tequila, cucumber, celery and lime juice: This tastes like a cucumber but in the best way!
–Hibiscus Sour: tequila, hibiscus, egg white, lime and lemon juice. This drink is cool and refreshing, but the Chile spice on top really gives it a kick! Not for those who can’t handle the heat.
–This is not a Mimosa this is a Zaragoza: Fruit punch, lime juice, mescal and sparkling wine: Mexican spin on a mimosa, for the classic Brunch cocktail with a twist.
Food
I could talk about the food at Maiz64 for days, but will only highlight some of my favorites. No matter what you get though, the quality and freshness of each dish really shines through. Maiz64 prides itself on using only Mexican-grown ingredients, which sets it apart from any other Mexican restaurant in D.C.
–Classic Guacamole: I know what you’re thinking. “Oh wow, Jordan, guacamole? Really groundbreaking.” But trust me when I tell you, this is the most perfectly balanced guacamole I have ever had. *Tip: they do not give enough tostadas to start, so ask for more at no extra cost.
–Concha with cardamom & lavender pastry cream: whether as a sweet appetizer or dessert, this traditional Mexican sweet roll is so light and airy, with a thin coating of sugar over the top. Plus you’ll want to eat that cream on its own it’s so good.
–Tuna Tiradito: I am usually not a tuna fan, but the medley of flavors, textures, freshness, and a little heat in this dish changed my mind. It was the consensus favorite at the table!
–Green Chilaquiles + Steak: I AM a fan of chilaquiles, and these did not disappoint. You can choose from egg, chicken, or steak for your protein, making it a vegetarian-friendly dish as well.
Dinner
Sun – Thu: 5pm – 10 pm
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 11pm
According to one of my guests that joined me for dinner, Maiz64 is upscale without being pretentious. This is the perfect definition, as the dinner feels like a slightly fancier night out, but nothing stuffy or high-brow.
Drinks
–Pink Dragon: Tequila, roses flower infusion, lemongrass, Pama liquor, lime juice: for those of us who like sweet drinks that don’t taste like alcohol.
–Alma de Maiz: Your choice (tequila or Mezcal), maiz, lime, chile morita: for those (not me) who want their drinks a bit spicy!
–Poncho Oaxaqueno: Mezcal, hibiscus flower, guava fruit, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and pepper infusion, mix with orange juice: my favorite cocktail at maiz64, with a lit cinnamon stick as garnish.
Food
I have been lucky enough to try multiple dishes from the dinner menu, but again will try to limit myself to only the best of the best. Also, the made-right-in-front-of-you corn tortillas should not be missed!
–Yello Ceviche: Just like the tuna at brunch, the mix of flavors and textures is mind-blowing!
–Catch of the Day: while this dish may look intimidating, don’t let that stop you from ordering it, especially if you love seafood like me. It was light, flaky and so flavorful!
–Mayan Chicken Breast: chicken dishes can sometimes be boring to me, but not this one! It is a huge serving, and I honestly didn’t know it was possible to get chicken this moist and juicy.
–Churros: y’all know I had to get a dessert, and these churros were some of the best I’ve ever had. They had a perfectly crisp exterior and were light and fluffy inside.
Mezcal Bar
Thu – Sat: 6pm – 1am
Maiz64 has a Mezcal bar on the lower level, which is another feature that sets it apart from any other Mexican restaurant in D.C. This bar is first-come, first-serve, with a mix of high tops, bar seating and lounge areas for bigger groups.
The menu is also completely different and entirely unique. If nothing catches your eye, the bartenders are happy to whip up something special based on your preferences. The coolest part? Every single bottle of alcohol comes straight from Mexico, even the gins and bourbons.
I don’t know about y’all, but I’m starving after writing this. I hope next time you’re looking for the best Mexican restaurant in D.C., you’ll visit Maiz64! And check out my other D.C. food post, about my favorite donuts in the area.
10 Comments
Barbara
Love Mexican resturants and trying the ethnic choices!
Chantelle
Saving this gem for later! I love finding good Mexican food when we travel.
Lisa Manderino
This looks unique…We are going to DC this summer I will have to add it to the list!
Jordan
Hi Lisa,
Y’all will have so much fun! I hope you enjoy it, and if you need any other recommendations or tips, please let me know!
kmf
That’s awesome that you found an authentic Mexican restaurant in Washington DC. The food at Maiz64 looks amazing!
Cindy
My grandson is moving to DC. I’ll share this post with him!
Jordan
Hi Cindy,
That is great! I hope he loves it in DC. If he needs any other recommendations or tips about the area, please let me know!
Missy
Will you be visiting there for Cindo de Mayo? I would love to have the Alma de Maiz. I like spicey.
Stacey Billingsley
Yum! I love Mexican food! My favorite place I’ve found was in San Diego. I haven’t been to DC with my own family yet, but when I do, I hope I can try this one out. I want those churros. Your pictures make everything look so good.
Jordan
Hi Stacey,
I bet San Diego has amazing Mexican food! I haven’t been, but hopefully can visit soon. I hope you make it to DC soon too.