Casa Oaxaca - Bethesda, MD

My family and I had a late lunch at Casa Oaxaca off Fairmont Avenue in Bethesda. Since it was nice weather, we sat outdoors in their heated tent. It was decorated with Mexican paper banners. Our server Harold was patient and attentive, ensuring that we liked everything we received and that we didn't need anything else.

For drinks, we shared a pitcher of Margarita. It was $35 for their Classic Margarita or $40 for their Flavored Margarita. It was nice that there were 10 flavors to pick from. Harold's favorites were Guava, Mango, and Passion Fruit. We ended up getting a pitcher of Mango Margarita, which came with tajin rimmed glasses.

While waiting for our food, we were given Chips and Salsa to munch on. The tortilla chips were crispy and the salsa consisted of charred/roasted tomatoes. In addition to the Chips and Salsa, we shared Guacamole and Chips and Esquite. The Guacamole and Chips consisted of guacamole made of avocado, onions, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime served with tortilla chips. The Esquite consisted of Mexican street corn salad topped with cheese, tajin seasoning, mayo, and lime. I liked how it was sweet and savory!

My brother and I shared the Birria Tacos. It was my first time having Birria Tacos and I enjoyed every minute of it. The Birria Tacos consisted of three tacos filled with braised short rib, topped with onions and cilantro, and served with a flavorful consomme. In addition to the Birria Tacos, my brother had the Carne Asada Taco, which consisted of a flour tortilla filled with grilled steak, onions, and cilantro. He enjoyed it with a salsa verde.

My sister-in-law had a Nopal Taco and Chapulines Taco. The Nopal Taco consisted of a flour tortilla filled with grilled cactus, onions, and cilantro while the Chapulines Taco consisted of a flour tortilla loaded with grasshoppers, onions, and cilantro. She enjoyed them with salsa verde. She didn't expect the Chapulines Taco to be 95% grasshopper and would have preferred it to have less grasshoppers. I got to try grasshoppers for the first time. The grasshoppers were crispy, salty, and earthy.

My mom had the Chicken Quesadilla, which consisted of a flour tortilla filled with grilled chicken and cheese and served with pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream. It was light, but I enjoyed dipping it into my leftover consomme.

My dad had a Chicken Taco and Pulpo (Octopus) Taco. The Chicken Taco consisted of a flour tortilla filled with grilled chicken, onions, and cilantro, while the Pulpo Taco consisted of a flour tortilla filled with grilled octopus, onions, and cilantro. They were both tasty without additional condiments.

I'd definitely return to their other flavored Margaritas, Tacos Dorados, Ceviche, Lengua (Beef Tongue) Taco, Carnitas Taco, Al Pastor Taco, Huaraches, Churros, Tres Leche, and Flan.