Paraiso - Mexican Restaurant Taqueria & Mezcaleria

Paraiso - Mexican Restaurant Taqueria & Mezcaleria Mexican restaurant

Overview

If you're in Washington, D.C., and craving a truly authentic Mexican dining experience, look no further than Paraiso - Mexican Restaurant Taqueria & Mezcaleria. Located at 1101 Pennsylvania Ave. SE Unit 1, Washington, DC 20003, this gem offers more than just great food-it invites you to savor a full Mexican cultural experience with its rich flavors, vibrant ambiance, and diverse menu.

When you walk into Paraiso, you're immediately enveloped by the warm, welcoming atmosphere that combines rustic charm with modern touches. The space is designed to make you feel at home, whether you're enjoying a casual meal with friends or a more intimate dinner. The decor reflects traditional Mexican elements, with vibrant colors, art, and a touch of mezcal-inspired elegance. It's a place where you can unwind and enjoy the little pleasures of life.

The menu at Paraiso is a true celebration of Mexican cuisine, offering a wide variety of dishes that span the diverse regions of Mexico. From tacos to tamales, quesadillas to ceviche, the options are endless and guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. One standout item is the tacos, which are known for their freshness and depth of flavor. Each taco is made with soft, hand-pressed tortillas and topped with carefully prepared fillings that range from succulent grilled meats to refreshing vegetables and rich salsas.

But it’s not just about tacos. The restaurant also offers an impressive selection of mezcal cocktails that pair perfectly with the bold flavors of the dishes. Whether you’re a mezcal connoisseur or a first-timer, the knowledgeable staff at Paraiso will guide you through the extensive list, helping you find the perfect drink to complement your meal. The Mezcaleria section of the restaurant is dedicated to this spirit, and it's easy to see why-mezcal adds a unique smokiness that enhances the overall dining experience.

In addition to the fantastic food and drinks, the service at Paraiso is exceptional. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about both the menu and the drinks. They’re always eager to offer recommendations, ensuring that every meal is a personalized and enjoyable experience. The restaurant’s commitment to making every guest feel special is evident from the moment you walk in, and it’s a big part of why Paraiso has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

For those with dietary restrictions, Paraiso has you covered as well. The menu includes options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diners, so everyone can enjoy a delicious meal. And with the restaurant’s emphasis on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, you can feel good about what you’re eating. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared, showcasing the very best of Mexican cuisine with an emphasis on quality and authenticity.

Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., Paraiso - Mexican Restaurant Taqueria & Mezcaleria offers a perfect spot for lunch, dinner, or even a special event. Its prime location makes it easy to visit whether you’re a D.C. local or just passing through. The lively atmosphere and outstanding food make it a top choice for those seeking a true taste of Mexico.

What sets Paraiso apart from other Mexican restaurants in the area is its commitment to authenticity. The restaurant prides itself on serving dishes that honor traditional Mexican recipes, while also embracing modern culinary trends. This balance between old and new makes the dining experience at Paraiso feel fresh and exciting, yet familiar in all the right ways.

Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Paraiso - Mexican Restaurant Taqueria & Mezcaleria never disappoints. With its flavorful dishes, expertly crafted cocktails, and inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to enjoy the best of Mexican cuisine in Washington, D.C.

Good to know

Service options

βœ“ Outdoor seating βœ“ Kerbside pickup βœ“ Delivery βœ“ On-site services βœ“ Takeaway βœ“ Dine-in

Highlights

βœ“ Fast service βœ“ Great cocktails βœ“ Serves local specialty

Popular for

βœ“ Lunch βœ“ Dinner βœ“ Solo dining

Accessibility

βœ“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance βœ“ Wheelchair-accessible seating βœ“ Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

βœ“ Alcohol βœ“ Beer βœ“ Cocktails βœ“ Coffee βœ“ Comfort food βœ“ Happy-hour drinks βœ“ Happy-hour food βœ“ Healthy options βœ“ Small plates βœ“ Spirits βœ“ Vegetarian options βœ“ Wine

Dining options

βœ“ Breakfast βœ“ Brunch βœ“ Lunch βœ“ Dinner βœ“ Catering βœ“ Dessert βœ“ Seating βœ“ Table service

Amenities

βœ“ Bar on site βœ“ Gender-neutral toilets βœ“ Toilet βœ“ Wi-Fi βœ“ Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

βœ“ Casual βœ“ Cosy βœ“ Trendy

Crowd

βœ“ Family friendly βœ“ Groups βœ“ LGBTQ+ friendly βœ“ Tourists βœ“ Transgender safe space

Planning

βœ“ Dinner reservations recommended βœ“ Accepts reservations

Payments

βœ“ Credit cards βœ“ Debit cards βœ“ NFC mobile payments βœ“ Credit cards

Children

βœ“ Good for kids βœ“ High chairs βœ“ Kids' menu

Parking

βœ“ Free of charge street parking βœ“ Paid street parking βœ“ Parking

Pets

βœ“ Dogs allowed outside

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 908 reviews
Amazing 781
Great 110
Okay 52
Not Great 27
Terrible 42
Yuval Lev

Excellent food, great atmosphere! We tried a bunch of different things as a table and we had a great time for a friend’s birthday. I can highly recommend the short rib w/ mole verde, yucca fries, plantains, and tres leches cake! The sangria is one of the best drinks I’ve ever had - bar none! Getting a pitcher for the crew is a total move All the food had a full flavor profile that was really noticeable - you can tell it’s top quality.

John Bueno

Excellent food, service, and atmosphere. Nice location. We had totopos, tacos (chicken, beef, and fish), and burrito. Everything was great (probably the best burrito ever). Although totopos were kind of pricey for what you get, the three salsas were awesome. Highly recommended

Jen Sword

We went to eat brunch at paraiso on a Sunday morning and everything about it was superb. Food was delicious and so thoughtful, the plato fuertes down to the salsitas. Ambiance was also thoughtful with the abundance of cempasuchiles decorating the walls and tables. Restaurant was clean, comfortable,and staff were nice. Would recommend for brunch

Alex Pliskin

My wife and I had our wedding anniversary at the restaurant and I can't recommend the place more. The food was delicious, each and every dish and we ordered A LOT. The duck confit is a must! And the tres leches for desert. I would also recommend coming without the car because the cocktails are sooo good! The service was amazing! The atmosphere was very fun and unique. Highly recommended and we will definitely come back!!

Edward

Their guacamole for sure is one of the uniquely delightful ones I’ve ever had. Staff were extremely professional and courteous. I lost my phone and they were very willing to assist me. One employee allowed me to sign into their iPhone to find my device. So much appreciated. Parking can be a bit difficult to find.

Tommy Tang

We had awesome experience first time trying this place. Our server was very friendly and knowledgeable. Ans the drinks were great, they have absolutely great selections of Mezcal. We love their special Guacamole with chili mango. The NY strip steak was delicious with their peppers corn sauce. We also tried their seasonal special dessert- Spanish Style Tiramisu. The presentation was very fun. The restaurant has very big dining area and modern interior design. I gave one star for all of their plants.l, they are real and beautiful.

Saffron

Great food, drinks, and service. There wasn't much of a wait for the meal. The server was kind and very professional. The food and drink were so good. The building was also very nice. I would highly recommend this restaurant

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