Seemor
ChicatanaA-Worth Trying
1400 Meridian Pl NW, Washington, DC 20010
· Mexican restaurant, Burrito restaurant, Caterer
· 4.8/5 Google (460 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Inventive Mexican with adventurous touches, excellent drinks, and lively vibes; great tacos and moles, but occasional service delays and sweetness-heavy cocktails; good value at happy hour, full menu leans premium.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Chicatana delivers A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored by standout tacos and moles, paired with strong service attentiveness and a respected mezcal program. Consistency shows occasional variability and the setting lacks destination appeal, preventing the higher distinction needed for grade A territory. Solid execution across dimensions makes this a competitive neighborhood destination for contemporary Mexican cuisine.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with staff who often guide you through mezcal and tacos. Reviewers call out house tortillas and bright sauces, noting, "Service was fantastic and the food landed with bold flavor." However, expect a lively crowd and occasional waits during peak times. The cooking leans contemporary Mexican with an adventurous streak: grasshoppers, ants, and polished moles alongside classics like pastor and lengua. The culinary approach leans contemporary and produce-driven: modern techniques and seafood crudos rather than theatrics. Portions are fair but tacos may require a few to fill; cocktails skew fruit-forward. Families do fine here thanks to familiar tacos and quesadillas. While insect dishes appear across the menu, kids can stick to al pastor, carne asada, pollo, rice, and beans. Dessert standbys like passionfruit flan and buñuelo (available without ants) help seal the deal.
At a Glance
- Vibrant modern Mexican with standout tacos and moles
- Strong mezcal and cocktail program with helpful staff
- Peak-time waits and occasional reservation hiccups
- Sweet-leaning cocktails and strict happy hour cutoff
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- adventurous_insect_dishes
- robust_mezcal_cocktails
- house_made_tortillas
- rotating_regional_specials
What People Love
- House tortillas and flavorful tacos
- Balanced, complex moles
- Warm, attentive service even when busy
- Adventurous specials that feel unique in DC
Points of Concern
- Happy hour billing is strict to the minute; review your check
- Some dish inconsistency (aguachile bland for a few)
- Crowded bar and waits even with reservations on busy nights
- Creative/fusion menu may not suit conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-$60 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Esquites and Guacamole; follow with 3 tacos (Al Pastor, Lengua, Pulpo); share Enmoladas; finish with Passionfruit Flan; pair with a classic mezcal margarita.
Perfect For
- A mezcal-forward date night
- Happy hour taco run with friends
- Adventurous eaters seeking insect dishes
- Casual celebrations with sharable plates
Location Insights
Area: Urban, lively neighborhood with diverse crowd; bar and dining traffic, active evenings and weekends.
Safety: Generally busy and fine; a few reviews note street activity and occasional discomfort outside.
Nearby: Near 14th St corridor, bars, shops, apartments; easy access to other eateries and nightlife.
Adams MorganThe dining scene in Adams Morgan is eclectic and energetic, featuring a wide range of international cuisines, casual eateries, and trendy bars. The social atmosphere is lively and inclusive, attracting a crowd that enjoys nightlife, cultural events, and community gatherings. The neighborhood is walkable and generally safe, with a strong sense of local identity and creativity.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday16:00–22:00
Wednesday16:00–22:00
Thursday16:00–22:00
Friday16:00–23:00
Saturday11:30–23:00
Sunday11:30–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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