Okay so I’ve gushed about Ixtapalapa before, but here we are again because I genuinely cannot let this deal go. Six dollars and fifty cents for a fat burrito in Gaithersburg, in this economy? I still can’t get over it, lol. Ixtapalapa Taqueria’s a little Mexican counter spot on N Frederick Ave, and it’s one of those gems I keep telling people about.
The burrito’s SO good and honestly worth the trip on its own, but the tacos and the salsas are what keep me coming back. My friend grabbed a few tacos this time and loved them, and I’m still thinking about their roja and verde salsas. If you want big, satisfying Mexico City style food without dropping a ton of cash, this is the move, Nomsters.
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What Makes Ixtapalapa Taqueria a Must Visit
What sets Ixtapalapa apart for me is the value, plain and simple. This is real Mexico City (D.F.) street food, not the Tex-Mex plate of nachos and hard shells you might be picturing, and the prices somehow still feel like a throwback. Most tacos run just a couple dollars, that famous burrito’s $6.50, and you can walk out full for around ten to fifteen dollars a person. But affordable means nothing if the food’s not good, and theirs is.
The salsas are made in house, the protein list runs way past the usual chicken and beef (think al pastor, lengua, suadero, cochinita pibil), and everything tastes like someone back there actually cares. That combo of budget-friendly and genuinely delish is rare, and it’s exactly why this spot’s stayed on my rotation for so long.
What to Order at Ixtapalapa Taqueria
Here’s what I’d point you to, especially if it’s your first time.
The Fat Burrito ($6.50)
This is the one I can’t shut up about. It’s a proper, generously stuffed burrito for six-fifty, which feels borderline impossible these days. It’s hefty enough to be a full meal, and it’s SO good. If you only try one thing, make it this!
The Tacos
My friend went all in on the tacos this visit and loved them. What I love about ordering tacos here is the protein list goes way past the basics, so you can keep it familiar with al pastor, or get adventurous with lengua (beef tongue), suadero, or cochinita pibil. They come on corn tortillas, they’re just a couple dollars each, and they’re so yum. Get a few different ones and split them, you really can’t go wrong. If birria’s more your thing, I like Big Papi’s over in Rockville for that, but Ixtapalapa’s still my everyday pick.
The Salsas (Roja and Verde)
Do not sleep on the salsas! They’re all good, but I’m obsessed with the roja and the verde especially. The roja’s the red chile salsa and the verde’s the tomatillo based green one, and I want them on everything. They’re made in house, and they’re the little detail that turns a good, budget-friendly taco into one you keep thinking about. Load up.
Still hungry, or want options beyond tacos and burritos? A few more things worth knowing about:
- Enchiladas and chilaquiles if you want more of a sit-down style plate
- Tostadas, quesadillas, and pozole
- Sides like arroz, frijoles, esquites, and guac
- Horchata and aguas frescas (tamarindo, jamaica), plus micheladas and margaritas if you’re making it a whole thing
- Paletas (Mexican popsicles) for an affordable sweet finish
What Kind of Mexican Food Is Ixtapalapa Taqueria?
If you’re wondering what to expect, this is Mexico City style, what locals call D.F. (Distrito Federal) street food. That means taco-truck-style tacos on small corn tortillas, bold house salsas, and cuts you don’t always see at bigger Tex-Mex spots, like lengua and suadero. It’s basically the food you’d find at a street stand in CDMX, just tucked into a strip along Route 355. If Tex-Mex combo platters are what you grew up on, this’ll feel a little different, in the best way.
The Vibe and Experience
Don’t come expecting a fancy sit-down situation, it’s a casual, counter-service taqueria. You order at the counter, they bring the food out to you, and there’s both indoor and outdoor seating if you want to post up for a bit. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s the kind of low-key spot that works just as well for a solo weekday lunch as it does for dinner with friends. It does get busy, but the line moves. Come hungry and keep it relaxed, this is a roll-up-your-sleeves kind of meal.
Good to Know
- 📍 411 N Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 (right on N Frederick Ave / Route 355, so the turn in can be a little tricky at rush hour)
- Hours: 10am to 10pm daily
- Order at the counter, then dine in (indoor and outdoor seating) or take out. No reservations, it’s walk-in only
- They take cards, Apple Pay, and contactless, and there’s online ordering on their website if you want it ready to grab
- Prices are super budget-friendly, figure around $10 to $15 a person
- Good options if you’re gluten-free (the corn tortillas) or eating veggie (there’s a mushroom, pepper, and onion taco), just note the mole’s made with nuts
- Ample parking nearby
Would I Go Back to Ixtapalapa Taqueria?
YES and I already have! For me this is a go-to whenever I’m near Gaithersburg and want a lot of really good Mexican food without spending much. It’s not a fancy night out, it’s better than that, it’s the reliable, affordable, actually-delicious spot every neighborhood wishes it had. If you love tacos and salsa as much as I do, it’s a must. For even more taco spots around the Maryland burbs, here’s my roundup.
Have you guys been to Ixtapalapa yet, or is there another Gaithersburg gem I need to know about? Let me know in the comments, Nomsters, and if you’ve got a friend who loves a good deal as much as a good taco, send this their way. Now go get that burrito, you won’t regret it.