Birria lovers, rejoice: Little Miner Taco, which won hearts in Maryland starting in 2019 before setting up camp in DC last year, has made it to NoVA. Chef-owner Mackenzie Kitburi’s fast-expanding taqueria recently touched down inside Woodbridge’s Epiq Food Hall. Lately, I’ve been on a birria taco kick that’s as personal as it is work-related.
You see, as the name of this post hints, I am obsessed. Consumed with birria tacos of all stripes. Making my own, eating a full variety in order to taste, for example, how much clove or guajillo pepper a particular chef might use. Why? The chile-fueled broth really brings Mexico to my mouth. A birria taco is one of those dishes like pizza and fried chicken that is pretty good even when it’s kind of bad. Give me a cheesy taco with braised meat inside and a consommé for dipping, and I’m a happy gal.
Which brings me to Little Miner, the purveyor of the juiciest birria tacos I’ve tried. Is that a good thing? Yes and no. It does mean that the griddle-crisped tortillas lose some of their crackle, but it also translates to a bite that gushes lasciviously without a single dip in the accompanying broth. Not that I overlooked the crimson-speckled liquid. The excess of jack cheese, which results in crispy seared bits adhering to the lip of the tortilla, mixes with the consommé, dripping into the cup. And the beef? There’s more of it than in most birria tacos, creating a meaty bite that compels many repeats.
Fortunately, the basic platter contains three quesotacos, as Kitburi calls them. Birria de res isn’t the only variety. The cheesy delights are also served stuffed with chicken tinga, grilled chicken, mushrooms, or even ground beef. All come with a cup of Little Miner’s signature consommé. And I’m so happy that the lightly spicy liquid love has arrived in Woodbridge. Bring on the birria!
14067 Noblewood Plaza, Woodbridge
Feature image by Alice Levitt
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