The story
La Tejana began in late 2019 as a nomadic pop-up run by co-founders Ana-Maria Jaramillo and Gus May from their apartment stoop on Lamont Street in Washington DC’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood. Jaramillo, a Rio Grande Valley native who grew up on both sides of the Texas-Mexico border, introduced May to his first real breakfast taco. The idea stuck: if the relationship worked out, they would open a breakfast taco shop in DC. They sold out of 100 tacos that first day, convincing friends and strangers alike.
When the pandemic hit, they pivoted to delivering homemade flour tortillas, then resumed pop-ups at local bars and breweries. Every weekend they woke at 3 am, made hundreds of tacos from a ghost kitchen, and loaded up their beat-up 1998 Chevy S10. They sold out nearly every time. In August 2022, after two years and hundreds of pop-ups, they opened their permanent shop in Mount Pleasant.
Everything at La Tejana is made from scratch—the cage-free eggs cracked and scrambled daily, the salsas (charred tomato, cilantro crema, avocado tomatillo, habanero), and especially the flour tortillas, which are the foundation of every taco. The menu pays homage to the mom-and-pop taco shops of the Rio Grande Valley. Standouts include the 956 (cheesy scrambled eggs, bacon, fried potatoes, refried beans, queso drizzle), La Choripapa (house-cured chorizo, fried potatoes), and The 512 (chopped brisket from 2Fifty Texas BBQ). Vegetarian and vegan options like Súper Migas and La Betsy (vegan) ensure there’s something for everyone.
La Tejana’s honest, straightforward approach has earned it three Michelin Bib Gourmand awards—a nod to good quality, good value cooking—as well as the 2025 RAMMY Award for Best Fast Casual Restaurant. But Jaramillo and May remain focused on community. They describe their shop as “built by real people, for real people,” where food connects and gathers. Their motto, “Anything para la comunidad,” reflects a grassroots ethos that started with pop-ups as safe gathering spots during the pandemic. Today, La Tejana serves breakfast Wednesday through Sunday, 7:30 am to 1:00 pm, offering a taste of the Rio Grande Valley that feels both authentic and welcoming.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
Instagram