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Espita, Washington, DC
Espita, Washington, DC
Espita, Washington, DC
Espita, Washington, DC
Espita, Washington, DC

Espita

4.5
4.5
511 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican
Top Tags:
Stop by or place an order on Caviar for the city's best tacos, tlayudas, guac, salsas, and quesadillas to take home and enjoy during this crisis.

Pro tip: You can order Liter bottles of Margaritas and Mayahuels as well as killer Mexican wines as well. All alcohol orders must include at least 1 food item.

Additionally, we are raising money for 3 of our employees that did not qualify for unemployment. They are wonderful, hard working people and didn't do anything wrong to disqualify them in our opinion. Make a donation in person, or with your order on Caviar.

Thank you for supporting us in these hard times!!!

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

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Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Latin American, Contemporary Mexican
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 12:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (202) 621-9695
  • Website
    http://espitadc.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Robert Aikens
  • Private party facilities
    Does your office party need more mezcal? Book your next event at Espita! With three distinct areas of the restaurant, we have just the right capacity and venue to make your event special. Please contact us at kelly@espitadc.com to get a quote and design the menus for your perfect event.
  • Private party contact
    Kelly Phillips: (202) 621-9695
  • Location
    1250 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
  • Neighborhood
    Mount Vernon Square
  • Cross street
    N st. NW
  • Parking details
    There is street parking in the neighborhood or a paid parking garage one block north at the Cambria Hotel, at 9th & O Streets.
  • Public transit
    Espita is located conveniently in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, DC, across from the Convention Center. We are a short walk from the Mount Vernon Metro stop, and a quick walk from either Penn Quarter or Logan Circle, or a quick Uber/Lyft from anywhere in the city. Looking forward to seeing you!
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 511 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.5
4.5 based on all time ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

511 Reviews

  1. Gregg

    Baltimore

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on March 15, 2020

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Professional polite and prompt service and both dishes were very good. Highly recommend this place

    Is this helpful?

  2. DaveC

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2020

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    great food, fun drinks, excellent service, great atmosphere indoors and out

    Is this helpful?

  3. GoodFoodTime

    Charlotte

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    All good - food for tasty. Cordial Service Decent Prices

    Is this helpful?

  4. HailSnow

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love coming to Espita. The food is amazing and the service and hospitality are always spectacular. It is my go-to place to bring out of town guests, or just for happy hour and dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  5. GH12

    Chicago

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2020

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The quesadilla is a must

    Is this helpful?

  6. jay1

    Washington DC

    57 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    57 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2020

    overall3food2service5ambience4
    Service was exceptional. however, food wasn't very good. tacos carnitas had no flavor; shrimp needed something like a Mexican cream to bring down the acidity Mexcals way too expensive in my view for average Mexcals - Again, service was absolutely great. if I give it another chance would be because of the service

    Is this helpful?

  7. BrunchBud

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 1, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was amazing food and wonderful services! Can't wait to go back with friends and for dinner. New fav brunch in dc

    EspitaResponded on March 4, 2020

    Thank you so much for the kind words! Looking forward to your next visit! Cheers, Kelly

    Is this helpful?

  8. MOCOMD

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2020

    overall1food1service4ambience2
    terrible food, overpriced, dried tortillas, cheap liquor

    Is this helpful?

  9. CharlotteH

    Washington DC

    136 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    136 reviews

    Dined on February 21, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious defined flavors and hands down the best mezcal margarita in DC. Real tastes of Oaxaca

    Is this helpful?

  10. Seeker

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 21, 2020

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    The waiter should not come every 2 minutes to ask for how things are it is too much and disruptive!

    EspitaResponded on February 24, 2020

    Hi there, Thank you for leaving us a review. We spoke to your server to let them know they were being overbearing. We really appreciate the feedback! Thank you! Cheers, Kelly Phillips

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2020

    overall2food2service2ambience4
    Not much info on the menu if you don't speak Spanish.

    EspitaResponded on February 17, 2020

    Hi there, Apologies if you didn't understand our menu. All the dishes are described in English and all of our servers are happy to further explain a dish or answer any questions you may have. Thank you for leaving us a review. Cheers, Kelly

    Is this helpful?

  12. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall3food5service1ambience4
    While the food here is great, I won’t be back because of the service. The first time it happened I thought it was just the waitress, but now that it’s happened several times I will go elsewhere. Our waiter could not be found anywhere, we couldn’t get drink refills, and our dessert took over half an hour. The food might be good but it’s not worth the annoyance.

    Is this helpful?

  13. TammyP

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent experience from the moment we walked in the door. Upbeat vibe, amazing tastes, friendly servers. We have already recommended it to friends. Definitely plan to return.

    Is this helpful?

  14. DanielD

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The 3 day Mole and the Ceviche were our favorites. Sharing appetizers and entrees is the way to go.

    Is this helpful?

  15. WilliamT

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and the cocktails are amazing!

    Is this helpful?

  16. JohnS

    New Orleans

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food, delicious, strong drinks, and good service. We sat in the heated patio which was covered and shielded from the wind which was perfect.

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 10, 2020

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    It was nice

    Is this helpful?

  18. KK22

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on February 9, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Trish was a star

    EspitaResponded on February 12, 2020

    Hi there, Thanks for leaving a review. I'll be sure to let Trish know how much you enjoyed your experience! Hope to see you again soon! Cheers, Kelly Phillips

    Is this helpful?

  19. AbenaA

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 9, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The whole experience was more than I expected! Great food, great drinks, great server :)

    EspitaResponded on February 12, 2020

    Hi Abena, Thanks for leaving a review! We're so happy you enjoyed everything. Hope to see you again soon! Cheers, Kelly Phillips

    Is this helpful?

  20. Brian

    Dallas

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 9, 2020

    overall3food2service5ambience3
    Had the vegetarian "entre" of cauliflower. It was a joke, $18 for a roasted quarter of cauliflower. Not really a good veggie meal. Drinks are great but food seems to be an afterthought often.

    Is this helpful?

  21. Sean

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 9, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing cocktails, delicious food, attentive staff, and beautiful space with colorful murals.

    Is this helpful?

  22. Manny

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 8, 2020

    overall4food4service3ambience2
    Small menu, but excellent food at a fair price. The prix fixe menu and bottomless drinks are great value.

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  23. KimB

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Waitress was attentive and friendly. I really enjoyed my favorite highball and chorizo tacos. It's become one of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood.

    EspitaResponded on February 8, 2020

    Hi Kim, Thank you so much for the compliments! It's an honor to be a favorite of yours (especially considering how great the restaurants in Shaw are). We're working on a new chorizo recipe right now that we're really excited about. Can't want to hear what you think of it! The plan is to roll it out next weekend at brunch. Cheers, Kelly

    Is this helpful?

  24. MaureenW

    Las Vegas

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and a wonderful place to catch up with colleagues after a busy day of meetings.

    EspitaResponded on February 4, 2020

    So happy you enjoyed your visit! Hope to see you again soon! Cheers, Kelly Phillips

    Is this helpful?

  25. MatthewT

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 2, 2020

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Always a good time. Service and food are consistent.

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 2, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything perfect!

    Is this helpful?

  27. ChristopherS

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 2, 2020

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    OpenTable was great. Wife and I tried walking in off the street and the hostess said the wait was 1 hour 20 minutes. I walked outside, pulled up OpenTable, made a reservation for literally 5 minutes later, walked back in, and the hostess was seriously beside herself... Sat us immediately-with some comment about how she was going to tell the owner the app was not syncing correctly. Dinner was actually really good. Thank you OpenTable!!!

    EspitaResponded on February 2, 2020

    Hi Christopher, Apologies for the confusion! Occasionally OpenTable does not accurately represent our available table inventory and it can cause a touch of confusion at the host stand, but we are happy our hosts were able to get you seated promptly! I'll discuss this with the team tomorrow to ensure it doesn't happen again. Thank you for bringing this to our attention and for the compliments about your dinner. Hope to see you again soon! Cheers, Kelly Phillips

    1 person found this helpful

  28. MariaM

    Atlantic City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 1, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely amazing..you need to stop by for happy hour you won’t regret it!!!

    Is this helpful?

  29. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 1, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our favourites in the city. Everything is delicious and the service was outstanding.

    EspitaResponded on February 1, 2020

    Thank you so much for your compliments! We are so happy to take care of you! Cheers, Kelly Phillips

    Is this helpful?

  30. BronwynL

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 1, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The fixed price menu was a fantastic deal! I had the ceviche which was spicy and refreshing, the crispy pork which was succulent, and the pumpkin for dessert which was Devine, all accompanied by a smokey mezcal cocktail. Well worth the price!

    Is this helpful?

  31. ReneeP

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 26, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service, food, drink and atmosphere where excellent. I highly recommend this restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  32. MarcR

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 25, 2020

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Great location, close to the convention center. Food and drinks were very good.

    Is this helpful?

  33. Chuckles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 22, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food, the size of the dessert caught us all off guard though.

    EspitaResponded on January 25, 2020

    Hi there, Thank you for leaving a review! Chef and I were just talking about this today. Your comments pushed us over the edge and we are going to change the size of our precio fijo desserts next week after ordering new plates and bowls to accommodate. Hope to see you again soon! Cheers, Kelly

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 19, 2020

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Restaurant week menu was superb!

    EspitaResponded on January 20, 2020

    Thank you for joining us for Restaurant Week! We actually offer the same format every night, year round, $35 three course dinner and $22 three course brunch. Hope you can join us again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  35. umamimami

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 19, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    The mezcal is on point and so is the food! The space is fine, but the vibe could be improved some - maybe artwork? Staff were kind and knowledgeable about mezcal!

    EspitaResponded on January 21, 2020

    Hi there, We're so happy you enjoyed your meal! We absolutely love art at Espita! Unfortunately the only place to hang more artwork would be on top of the murals that cover every inch of wall in our restaurant ("Vida y Muerte" & "Punk Frida" by Oaxacan street artist, Yeska) except the wall holding our liquor shelves. There are also 2 murals in our bathrooms, posters and paintings on the glass of the windows lining our patio. Come back soon to check it all out! Cheers, Kelly

    Is this helpful?

  36. HillaryB

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 18, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was amazing. Service was great. Cocktails delicious. Would definitely return!

    EspitaResponded on January 21, 2020

    Hi Hillary, We are so happy you enjoyed your meal! Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Hope to see you again soon! Cheers, Kelly

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 18, 2020

    overall1food4service1ambience2
    This was a terrible experience. We did bottomless drinks with brunch. The bar was “backed up” and it took 55 minutes to get our first drink. A majority of the table only had 1 drink over the 2 hours that we were there. The restaurant was not very apologetic.

    Is this helpful?

  38. Natasha

    Dallas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 18, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was a really good modern version of Mexican cuisine. It’s probably the best Mexican restaurant I’ve visited in DC of the six years I’ve been here. I would definitely visit again.

    EspitaResponded on January 19, 2020

    Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review, Natasha! We're honored that you think so highly of your meal with us. It was a pleasure serving you. Hope to see you again soon! Cheers, Kelly Phillips

    Is this helpful?

  39. Garrett

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 17, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing. The menu captivated us, and the food will bring us back again and again

    Is this helpful?

  40. pmoney

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 16, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server, Michael, was great! The food was delicious. Would come back.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Espita offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 621-9695.

Espita is rated 4.5 stars by 511 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Espita

1250 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Additional information

  • Cross street
    N st. NW
  • Neighborhood
    Mount Vernon Square
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 12:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Latin American, Contemporary Mexican
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    There is street parking in the neighborhood or a paid parking garage one block north at the Cambria Hotel, at 9th & O Streets.
  • Public transit
    Espita is located conveniently in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, DC, across from the Convention Center. We are a short walk from the Mount Vernon Metro stop, and a quick walk from either Penn Quarter or Logan Circle, or a quick Uber/Lyft from anywhere in the city. Looking forward to seeing you!
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Robert Aikens
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://espitadc.com/
  • Phone number
    (202) 621-9695
  • Private party facilities
    Does your office party need more mezcal? Book your next event at Espita! With three distinct areas of the restaurant, we have just the right capacity and venue to make your event special. Please contact us at kelly@espitadc.com to get a quote and design the menus for your perfect event.
  • Private party contact
    Kelly Phillips: (202) 621-9695
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