DC chef relaunches new Mexican street food restaurant in Tysons Galleria

A taqueria of a different kind has moved into the Tysons Galleria.

Conceived by some of the team behind DC’s Maïz64, Rabbit Taco opened on June 24 on the mall’s third floor, selling tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more near Empanadas De Mendoza.

Although much of the menu may seem familiar at first glance, the eatery puts its own twist on Mexican street food by using only halal meats and fresh organic vegetables and offering dishes like Mexican corn and tortas (sandwiches) not available at fast-casual chains like Chipotle or Qdoba.

These unique touches have surprised diners, who often come expecting to get the same simple dishes they could get at any other restaurant, says chef Cristian Saucedo.

“When they come here and try our food, they like the quality of the ingredients,” he told FFXnow. “It’s also pretty affordable for everyone and they appreciate that we’re doing something different. I think we’re unique in that space.”

Rabbit Taco also represents a departure for its owners and kitchen team, who developed the concept after their previous restaurant was destroyed by fire in March.

Located at 1324 14th Street NW in Logan Circle, Maïz64 has quickly gained traction after opening in October 2021. It was featured in the 2022 Michelin Guide and recently received a nod from the Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. As the name suggests, it stood out for its use of heirloom corn imported from Mexico.

The restaurant has been closed since the fire and Saucedo did not comment on whether it will reopen, but he says the team has deliberately taken a different direction for its next venture, developing a new menu while maintaining the same focus on authentic flavors and fresh ingredients.

“Over there, it was fine dining. Everything was beautifully presented, and here we’re more like a fast-casual restaurant, so people just want to grab something to go, you know?” Saucedo said.

The team saw an opportunity for its concept at Tysons Galleria, where, according to the chef, a dining option with a “Latin American flair” was lacking.

Rabbit Taco occupies the stall once occupied by London Chippy when the mall attempted to create a food hall with Urbanspace. The third floor still has two remnants of the food hall – Andy’s Pizza and Empanadas De Mendoza – as well as an extension of the popular cafe Shotted.

Halal burger truck Char’d announced in July that its planned brick-and-mortar store will have a grand opening at 12pm on August 18. It will be located in the former Donburi space.

Saucedo says it’s been rewarding to see some of Maïz64’s customers at Rabbit Taco in Tysons, but they’re also starting to find new supporters.

“I don’t know if there’s another restaurant in DC that does what we used to do. I know a lot of our customers come here and check it out. Some of them actually live in the area,” he said. “… We have, and now that we’re open, we’re starting to stand out a little more here, too, and people will know a little more about us. We’re starting to get new repeat customers. I see a lot of the familiar faces every day.”

Rabbit Taco opens at 11:00 a.m. daily and is open until 7:00 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, until 8:00 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, and until 9:00 p.m. Friday.