America's Great Restaurants

Casa Oaxaca

Adams Morgan is now home to a classy Mexican eatery with all the colors of a wild piñata and the noise of a full-blown fiesta. The sister restaurant of Arlington’s Guajillo, this two-story place offers its share of margaritas, but even better, it displays several different styles of moles, the stew-like dishes based on a paste of ground chilies and other spices and seasonings. We can’t say much for the appetizer salad of warm cheese and caramelized pecans and figs---not enough of anything to make a difference---but the ravioli de huitlacoche (corn fungus) starter in its cozy poblano sauce is a standout. Entrée selections should be limited to just one of the several moles: the black mole with beans and corn tortillas is first-rate. You may want something lighter, however, and the cook lists several unusual tacos, such as those stuffed with carnitas or marinated lamb. Save room for the bread pudding dessert, quite unlike anything you might imagine and oh, so, over-the-top with its nut-and-dried fruit composition.

• Dining Style: Casual Elegant
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Neighborhood: Adams Morgan
• Price: 31 - 50
• Cross Street: Florida Ave.
• Dress Code: Business Casual
• Email: casaoaxaca@gmail.com
• Hours of Operation: Dinner: Closed Monday Sunday - Thursday 5:00pm - 10:30pm Friday - Saturday 5:00pm - 11:30am
• Payment Options: AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
• Parking: Ample street parking is available. As well as a parking garage across the street about a block away.
• Gift Certificates: Yes
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes
• Restaurant Features: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking Area, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine
• Private Party Facilities: We are able to accomodate up to 60 people at our upper or lower levels. We can also section off the downstairs to allow a more private experience for parties of 20 or more. Please email or call the restaurant for more info.
• Private Party Contact: Karen Barroso (202) 387-2272
• Executive Chef: Alfio Blangiardo