The Breakfast Taco Spot on My Street – and Why the Lines Form Before Most People Are Awake

I live in Mount Pleasant. That means I walk past La Tejana regularly. I have watched those lines grow since they were selling tacos off a stoop. When I tell you this spot is worth your attention, it is not because I read about it somewhere. It is because I live here.

What is La Tejana?

La Tejana is a breakfast taco restaurant at 3211 Mt. Pleasant St NW, founded by Ana-Maria Jaramillo and Gus May. Ana-Maria grew up in McAllen, Texas, eating breakfast tacos on both sides of the Texas-Mexico border. Gus is a DC native from Takoma Park. They started La Tejana as a weekend pop-up from the stoop of their Mount Pleasant apartment in 2019. People lined up then. When they opened their brick-and-mortar on Mt. Pleasant Street in August 2022, the lines got longer.

The concept is simple: authentic Rio Grande Valley-style breakfast tacos made from scratch on house-made flour tortillas. No shortcuts. The kind of place that earns its reputation by showing up every week and doing the same thing right.

Is La Tejana Michelin-recognized?

Yes — La Tejana holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation, which recognizes restaurants that deliver exceptional quality at a great value. The Washington Post also named it one of DC's top casual dining spots when it was still a pop-up. The recognition followed the food, not the other way around.

What should I order at La Tejana in Mount Pleasant?

Start with The 956 — named for the Rio Grande Valley area code, built with scrambled eggs, refried beans, bacon, fried potatoes, queso, and cilantro, all on a fresh house-made flour tortilla. That tortilla is what people come back for. It is pressed and served warm, and it is what separates a La Tejana taco from everything else on the block. The chorizo and brisket options are both worth adding. Order a few. Go from there.

Is La Tejana good for breakfast in Washington DC?

La Tejana is one of the best breakfast options in Washington DC for anyone who wants food made with care and served without fuss. The menu is short, the tortillas are handmade, the ingredients are fresh, and the whole operation reflects the kind of consistency that turns a neighborhood spot into a neighborhood institution. For anyone who grew up eating breakfast tacos in Texas, it will feel familiar. For everyone else, it is worth finding out what the difference is.

Where is La Tejana located in Washington DC?

La Tejana is at 3211 Mt. Pleasant St NW, Washington, DC 20010, in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until they sell out — which happens, especially on weekends. Go early. They also run a cocktail bar Wednesday through Saturday evenings.

Why does the Slavis Group spotlight businesses like La Tejana?

Because knowing a neighborhood means more than knowing the market. It means knowing where to go on a Saturday morning, who built something from nothing, and what makes a block worth living on. Ana-Maria and Gus started with a stoop and a weekend idea. They now have a Michelin designation and lines that form before sunrise. That is the kind of business worth knowing. That is the kind of neighborhood worth understanding.

If you want to know what life in Mount Pleasant actually looks like — not just the square footage — reach out. We are happy to walk you through it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is La Tejana known for?

La Tejana is known for authentic Rio Grande Valley-style breakfast tacos made with house-made flour tortillas and fresh ingredients. It holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation and was named one of DC's top casual spots by the Washington Post. The 956 taco and brisket option are the most popular orders.

Where is La Tejana located?

La Tejana is at 3211 Mt. Pleasant St NW, Washington, DC 20010. The closest Metro is Columbia Heights on the Green and Yellow Lines.

Is La Tejana Michelin recognized?

Yes. La Tejana holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation, awarded to restaurants offering exceptional quality at a great value in Washington DC.

Who owns La Tejana DC?

La Tejana was founded by Ana-Maria Jaramillo, a native of McAllen, Texas, and Gus May, a DC native from Takoma Park. They started as a pop-up in 2019 and opened their Mount Pleasant location in August 2022.

What hours is La Tejana open?

La Tejana is open Wednesday through Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for breakfast, or until sold out. A cocktail bar operates Wednesday through Saturday evenings.

How do I contact La Tejana?

Call or text (202) 621-8509 or visit latejanadc.com. Follow them on Instagram at @latejanadc.