Taqueria La Placita takes its name seriously.

While you can get burritos and other Mexican dishes at other taquerias along the Route 1 corridor, the Edmonston restaurant makes it clear from the minute you walk in that tacos are the main speciality.

Located at 5020 Edmonston Rd., the long-running taqueria owned by Javier Martinez has an oversized menu on the wall replete with up-close photos of the 20 types of tacos it serves, ranging from beef tongue to tripe to pork cheeks.

For those looking for something a little extra, there’s also pork and chicken tamales and a hearty torta, along with a short breakfast menu.

With ample covered outdoor seating, La Placita anchors a plaza that includes a Hispanic grocery store, bakery and gift shop.

In recent years, the Route 1 corridor has become something of an authentic taco haven, with Taqueria Habanero in College Park; Taqueria Garibaldi and Taqueria El Mexicano off University Boulevard; District Taco, Taqueria El Rey and Taqueria Tres Reyes in Riverdale Park; and La Fondita in Edmonston.

But Taqueria La Placita has gotten the most attention by D.C. media, being named a top taco spot in the D.C. area by the Washington Post and snagging a spot on the Washingtonian’s Cheap Eats list in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2018, among other honors. Earlier this year it made it on Eater D.C. ‘s list of “Where to Find Outstanding Mexican Food Around D.C.”

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