Tipsy Tina’s Taco Cantina

  • Date: 4/20/26
  • Cuisine: Mexican street tacos
  • Location 8th & Q

This establishment is a hidden gem located in the Haymarket area downtown. It was a special night because it was Terri’s birthday, and she had the honor of choosing where we would dine. The interior is charming, featuring simple tables arranged around a central bar. The weather was pleasant, so we decided to enjoy Margaritas. Terry and Brittany each ordered Lime Margaritas, Mom opted for the Lime Hot Margarita, and I chose the Mango Margarita. All of these drinks were exceptionally tasty, although they took quite a while to arrive—so long that Jan had to go look for our server to check on our drinks. For appetizers, we shared chips with salsa and guacamole, which were fresh and very flavorful. Since it’s a taco cantina, we naturally decided to order tacos, their specialty. The tacos were served in sturdy trays that kept them upright and prevented spilling. Brittany’s order was Carnitas with pork, pickled onions, jalapeños, and chipotle lime crema; Terry chose Barbacoa with tender beef, cilantro, and mild salsa; Jan had Al Pastor featuring pork, onions, cilantro, pineapple, and salsa verde; and I went with Pollo Asada, which included chicken, black beans, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, and a chipotle lime crema that packed a spicy punch. As you may know from my previous reviews, I don’t handle spicy foods well, but these tacos were so flavorful and delicious that I couldn’t resist eating them. The heat made my face turn red, especially my ears, and I was sweating profusely, but I was determined to enjoy every bite. Everyone loved their individual orders. We considered ordering another round of tacos, but we were already full. The ambiance started quietly with a sparse crowd, which made it frustrating when our server was difficult to find. Later, a large party arrived, and the noise level increased significantly. The staff struggled to serve everyone promptly, causing some delay with our food, but the wait was definitely worth it.

Our rating:

  • Food 5/5
  • Drinks 5/5
  • Service 3/5
  • Overall 4/5 (would have been a 5/5 if the service had been better)

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