Another hot DC summer afternoon and we check into the bar seating at Tico, 1926 14th Street NW. (The long communal high top table was reserved for a private happy hour – good to know!) The cool interior, edgy wall art, polished concrete floors, and expansive sidewalk-side windows, set the stage for this primarily Mexican treat. We would not have been surprised to see a 21st century Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera huddled in the corner….it seemed like their kind of place.
Are you are impressed with 16 linear feet of tequila and mezcal behind the bar and a knowledgeable master to guide you through that territory? (Thank you, Mitchell!) The eponymous happy hour cocktails will start you well on the journey.
The margaritas were just right and the Cava sparkling (and mostly cold, if bottle kept in frig). No beer drinkers among us this day, but they could have only been happy with the three Mexican choices. There were no regular rail liquors – bourbon, whiskey, vodka, gin, rum – on the happy hour menu and we didn’t try the Sangria, made with a Peruvian Pisco…we kept to a Mexican vibe!
Bartender Stephanie made sure our food choices kept rolling out. Selections were tasty, some spicy and all well-proportioned. The Queso Fresco fritters were particularly good and as light as air. Tacos were well-stuffed and messy, with good flavor and heat. The Proper Nachos were not of the usual gooey cheese Tex-Mex variety, but crispy and piquant. The pricing of these nachos ($11) seemed a little steep for happy hour grub, but you didn’t see us complaining. And what is there not to love about Mac & Cheese? This one, flavors by way of Spain (Serrano ham and manchego) was yummy and creamy and hit all the notes of delicious.
The nitty gritty:
Happy Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 3 – 7 p.m. (Monday, all night). The available happy hour seating fills in quickly, so don’t dawdle.
Bathrooms: Clean, functional – seat covers would be nice
Transport: This in the 14th Street/U Street corridor, closer to U Street. Closest Metro stop is U Street/African American Civil War Museum/Cardozo (Green/Yellow). Multiple buses up and down 14th and U Streets.
Accessibility: Barrier free entry for wheeled vehicles and very accommodating to placement at a regular dining table, for those who need alternatives to the bar and high top seating. The restaurant is all on one level.
DC Happy Hour Sleuths 