Chances are good that if you follow Northern Virginia magazine’s food coverage, you’re familiar with H2 Collective. Entrepreneurs Eric and Ian Hilton are the force behind two of this year’s Best Restaurants, Café Colline and Parc de Ville, as well as pop-up Gee Burger. On December 20, they’ll debut another concept in NoVA, the sequel to DC-based taqueria El Rey.
Margaritas and tacos are the centerpiece of the big-city success, but according to a press release, the 6,290-square-foot eatery will have a menu of its own. The bill of fare includes tortas (Mexican sadnwiches), burritos, and papas birria nachos–meaty cheese fries. Birria, in fact, has a whole section on the menu that includes tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and tortas, all with a spicy consommé for dipping. Tacos range from traditional, like al pastor and carne asada, to Impossible meat and Thai shrimp. But we’re particularly curious about the DC Taco, which combines panko-breaded and fried chicken strips with fries, cilantro, and housemade mambo sauce.
Desserts include roasted pineapple, flan, and Mexican-style dulce de leche crepes, but guests may prefer to save those calories for a drink or two. There are six margaritas, including frozen versions, a spicy one, and the Ring the Alarm. The last of those combines mezcal with chile-infused aperol, pineapple and lime juices, and pechaud bitters. Additional drinks range from Mexican hot chocolate to Micheladas. The 50-foot bar boasts multiple margarita stations, but also a dozen taps that pour both imports and local brews.
4201 Wilson Blvd., Ste. 150, Arlington
Feature image by Mykl Wu
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