Welcome to El Rey Ballston
Nestled in the heart of Arlington, Virginia, El Rey Ballston is a vibrant taqueria known for its lively yet laid-back ambiance. Whether you're indulging in their delicious tacos on Taco Tuesday or enjoying expertly crafted cocktails from the friendly bartender Heidi, the experience is always memorable. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, making it perfect for gatherings or casual nights out. Customers rave about the attentive service and fast-paced environment, with QR code ordering that enhances convenience. With a focus on flavor and hospitality, El Rey Ballston is a must-visit for food lovers seeking a flavorful escape.
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4201 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203, United States Hotline: +1 571-312-5530
Welcome to El Rey Ballston, a vibrant taqueria nestled in the heart of Arlington, Virginia. Located at 4201 Wilson Blvd, El Rey offers a laid-back yet lively atmosphere that is perfect for gathering with friends or enjoying a casual date night. The buzz around this eatery isn’t just about the ambiance; it’s deeply rooted in an exceptional dining experience that marries great food with outstanding service.
One of the highlights of El Rey Ballston is their delectable taco offerings, especially showcased on Taco Tuesdays, where you can delight in three generous tacos for just $10. Diners rave about the portion sizes compared to typical street tacos, ensuring that every bite is both satisfying and flavorful. Whether it’s al pastor or unique tortas, the flavors are bursting and beautifully presented.
Drinks at El Rey are crafted with a level of care that elevates the dining experience. A standout feature is their eclectic cocktail menu, and the bar staff, most notably the talented Heidi, have earned numerous accolades from patrons. Her friendly demeanor and expertise in mixology create the perfect pairing for a memorable evening. Those who have sipped on her creations echo her talent, highlighting the balance and richness of flavors in each drink.
The service is another strong point at El Rey. Customers consistently praise the attentive and friendly staff, creating a welcoming environment that truly enhances the meal. The restaurant adopts a modern touch with QR code ordering, streamlining the process for those who prefer to minimize interaction while still enjoying exceptional service. Even during busy hours, the dining experience remains seamless and fast, thanks to an efficient team dedicated to making every visit enjoyable.
El Rey Ballston is not just a place for a meal; it’s a venue where memories are created. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, it effectively caters to different atmospheres—whether you crave a sunny spot or a cozy corner. The private party room adds versatility for those looking to celebrate special occasions, bolstered by meticulous event planning support from a responsive management team, like Hamza.
In summary, El Rey Ballston stands out as a gem within Arlington's dining scene. From tantalizing tacos and expertly crafted cocktails to cheerful service and a vibrant atmosphere, every aspect combines to create a rewarding experience. Whether you are a taco aficionado or someone simply seeking a great night out, El Rey is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, grab your friends, head over to El Rey Ballston, and indulge in everything this fantastic taqueria has to offer.
El Rey is easily one of my favorite spots in Arlington. The vibe is laid-back but lively, perfect for a night out with friends or a casual date. The drinks here are excellent—crafted with care and consistently balanced. Huge shoutout to Heidi behind the bar—she’s not only super friendly and welcoming, but she also makes some of the best cocktails I’ve had in the area. You can tell she knows her stuff and genuinely enjoys what she does. The whole staff is great, the music’s always on point, and the atmosphere feels like a little escape without having to leave the city. Definitely recommend grabbing a seat at the bar and letting Heidi mix you something—you won’t be disappointed.
I was surprised this wasn't rated higher. The tacos were great and taco Tuesday made it even better. 3 tacos for 10 that were a very large portion compared to other street tacos. Will definitely be back ! Fast service and allow you to order by QR code so no waiting for servers unless you want to
A great venue to host a fun party! Theres a private party room that can accommodate a large group. Plenty of street parking and garage parking nearby which is rare for Arlington. Food is tasty, presented well and staff were very attentive. Shout out to their manager, Hamza. He was super responsive and accommodating throughout the entire planning process. I was honestly very pleasantly shocked to receive this level of customer service at a taqueria. I would definitely be using this venue again as long as Hamza works there.
The food here is simply delicious! The service was also fast. We ordered and paid through the QR code so we didn’t do too much interactions with the staff, which is completely fine with me. Nevertheless, they came by a few times to make sure all was well. I also appreciated this. It was pretty empty when we went and that was wonderful. It has both outdoor and indoor seating and we chose outdoor seating. Overall, delicious food for a good price
Great spot for happy hour (Sunday-Thursday 11-7)! We ordered margaritas, nachos and al pastor tacos. The tacos were exceptionally delicious and the nachos were a little “soupy” but still good. There’s both outdoor & indoor seating, plenty of it, and you can seat yourself. The best part was the service - it was extremely fast and friendly! We were greeted immediately with water & menus, shortly after for our order and our drinks & food came out within minutes.
Very friendly staff, good food and timely service during lunch rush. I’ll be back as they say.
Heidi is such a bomb bartender! Makes my drinks actually as I say "tequila and fruity " I love that the kitchen accommodates my request on the wings which are soo good! Definitely when you're looking for a sweet, friendly face go sit at the bar with Heidi and she will get you right!
Excellent spot for tacos, tortas, and of course some happy drinks! Awesome staff make your visit a great experience and the menu reflects that perfectly. Kudos to the chefs!