A much needed shopping spree in Georgetown had me researching where to grab a quick-ish bite that would also meet the high criteria for my first dinner after a 3 day juice cleanse. When I discovered Jaco it was the closest I’ve come to feeling an answer to my prayers – extreme I know – but the menu could not have been more fitting for someone very ready to chew (tacos, burritos) but also weary of leaving all things juice (smoothies, fresh juice) behind me. Fresh off the cleanse, I opted for a smoothie and a trio of tacos.
I liked the counter set up at Jaco. Over the counter I could see the fresh ingredients and watch the cook squeeze the fresh lemon juice and chop the fruit for my smoothie. The Brooklynn was filling, so much so I couldn’t finish my taco order. It would make a great breakfast or meal replacement, especially because it uses half an avocado (and that’s just in the small). It was the perfect transition from a liquid only diet to a more substantial plate.
“This is the first taco I’ve ever liked,” I exclaimed to Allison midway through my second bite. Disclaimer: I don’t really love tacos. I do love other traditional Mexican options like sizzling fajitas, burritos, chimichangas – all the good stuff! But again, coming off the 3-day cleanse I needed to ease solid foods back into my diet, and tacos proved to be the healthiest and most friendly option for my stomach.
Jaco has redefined the taco for me. After feeling love at first bite with the chicken tinga, I was hopeful the braised beef and chorizo would do the same. They did! Each one was filled with flavorful meat, crunchy lettuce and veggies and a light mix of cheese and salsa or poblana crema.
Individual tacos range in price from $3.50 to $4.50. Any trio combination of tacos costs $10.00 (good deal!)
Chicken Tinga
Shredded chicken, sauteed onion, shredded lettuce, cotija cheese, tomatillo salsa, and roasted poblano crema
Braised Beef
Braised beef, sauteed onion, shredded lettuce, cotija cheese, tomatillo salsa, and roasted poblano crema
Chorizo
Chorizo, shredded lettuce, picked radish and roasted poblano crema
Allison, a quesadilla fanatic, by default ordered the roasted chicken & red pepper quesadilla.
Look how pretty it is! Don’t you want a bite? You should. The quesadilla was grilled to perfection and served with a different sort of dipping sauce – it was a thick and creamy cilantro ranch dressing. The chicken was flavorful and cheese plentiful. The red peppers balanced out the soft entree with a slight crunch. Can’t go wrong here.
As hot sauce lovers, we sampled Jaco’s hot sauce of choice: Hank’s. With three varieties, Cilanktro, Hank’s Heat and Herb Infused, Hank’s offered a hot sauce for every flavor combination. We agreed each was delicious and had different purposes. My suggestion: consider Hank’s the next time you’re reaching for a bottle of Frank’s.
I’m excited to come back to Jaco when Spring decides it’s finally here to stay. Jaco has a few tables outside on the patio leading up to its almost hole in the wall entrance.
Check out Jaco’s food porn worthy photos on its Facebook page and Instagram @jacojuiceandtaco_dc