Oyamel Cocina Mexicana
Category: Taco Bars, Mexican, Cocktail Bars
Neighborhood: Gallery Place / Chinatown
Price: $$$
Address: 401 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
✨ Vibe
A festive, high-energy destination where world-class artistry meets authentic Mexican street food culture in a vibrant and enchanting downtown setting.🍸 Best For
Pre-game drinks for Capital One Arena events, Michelin-recognized small plates, celebratory birthday dinners, and craft margarita enthusiasts.🔥 Highlights
- Award-Winning Pedigree: Helmed by world-renowned chef José Andrés, this Michelin Bib Gourmand winner is a long-standing favorite of the Obama family, celebrated for bringing authentic Mexico City flavors to the heart of DC.
- Signature Sips: The legendary "Salt Air" Margarita—featuring a unique, cloud-like salty foam—is a must-try alongside their extensive selection of curated tequila flights.
- Gourmet Antojitos: Experience a creative menu featuring tableside guacamole, Oaxacan grasshopper tacos, and rich mole sauces paired with house-made tortillas.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Reservations are highly recommended, particularly before events at the nearby Capital One Arena, to ensure your spot in this popular Penn Quarter hub.
- Be sure to check out "Hora Feliz" (Happy Hour) for high-quality cocktails and authentic snacks at an incredible value.
🔄 Weekly Events
🧂 Salt Air Margarita Summer
A seasonal celebration featuring Oyamel's signature margaritas, including the classic Oyamel Margarita and the Pineapple Habanero Mezcalita, both topped with their unique 'Salt Air' foam.
Happy Hour
Happy Hour at Oyamel.
📰 In the News
Oyamel Washington DC
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana offers a festive and comfortable atmosphere in downtown Washington D.C., featuring an extensive selection of tequila flights and unique "salt air" margaritas. The menu focuses on regional Mexican specialties like tableside guacamole, Oaxacan grasshopper tacos, and papes al mole, making it a prime spot for both casual lunches and pre-event cocktails.
The Obama Family's Favorite Mexican Restaurant In DC
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana in Washington D.C.'s Penn Quarter is a long-standing favorite of the Obama family, renowned for its innovative small plates and creative cocktails by chef José Andrés. The restaurant is particularly noted for its signature salt air margaritas, which feature a unique salty foam in place of a traditional salt rim.
The Absolute Best Mexican Food In The US
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana, helmed by chef José Andrés in Washington, D.C., is celebrated for bringing authentic Mexico City flavors to the capital through a menu of small plates, ceviches, and tacos. The restaurant features standout dishes like cochinita pibíl tacos and has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for its high-quality, value-driven cooking.
Savor Authentic Mexican Delights: Top 8 DC Restaurants
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana, owned by renowned chef José Andrés, showcases the diversity of Mexican cuisine in Washington D.C. The restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring classic antojitos, ceviches, and specialty tacos like coctel costeño and nopal asado.
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana - Review - Penn Quarter - Washington DC
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana delivers an elevated Mexican street food experience in a high-energy Penn Quarter space designed by José Andrés. The menu features signature items such as salt-air margaritas, fresh guacamole with hot chips, and a variety of tacos including pork belly and mahi mahi.
Recent Reviews from Google
This place is amazing! From the margaritas to the house-made tortillas. Everything we tried (ceviche, tacos, steak with mole, garlic shrimp) was so rich in flavor and authentically Mexican. I used to...
One of my favorite Jose Andres restaurants. Highly recommend reservations especially before a Cap 1 Arena event. A great way to start is their guacamole. You can order it mild, medium or spicy. I...
Happened to be in DC doing a Museum visit and stumbled across Oyamel that's a great spot post perusing the galleries on a breezy Fall afternoon. The atmosphere was very warm and inviting upon entry...
Was Recommended this place because of the world renowned chef. I knew I would love this place when I saw the sign.. "No hay vida sin Tacos" translation." Not eating tacos is a sin" Or that's what my...
Fantastic spot for tacos and margaritas! The carnitas tacos were juicy and flavorful, and the salt foam margarita was a fun, tasty twist. Loved starting with fresh chips and dip before ordering! The...
