If someone offers tacos, I go- this is just a cardinal rule for me. This rule is also how I found myself on the way to Brixton to try out DF Tacos, the new diffusion line of restaurants from the team behind Wahaca. Upon arrival, the message they’re sending with this new chain becomes clear; we’re here, we’re hip, and we’re going to show you all a damn good time!
DF Tacos Brixton
The high-roofed venue feels stripped back but instantly comfy; the vibe is casual, and I would be as happy stopping by for a drink with a friend or date as I would be eating a meal with family or friends. Our incredibly friendly hostess (potentially the manager) showed us right to a booth, and got us started with some of genuinely the best tortillas and dip I’ve had in London. The chips were clearly freshly made, giving all the crunch and ‘dip stability’ one could ask for. The guac was chunky and creamy, and very well seasoned. In my eyes, this instantly portended good things- much like a bread basket at a white table restaurant, the chips were a welcome indication of the dedication to quality, even for minor aspects.
With an initial win under our belts, we carried on to the main menu. As is common with fast-casual spots, a variety of fillings could be ordered in a number of permutations, including tacos, burritos, tortas (Mexican stuffed rolls), and rice bowls. We surveyed and placed our orders and the dishes started coming hot and heavy!
Chile beef tacos came as part of a beautiful trio with pork and mushroom, and were surprisingly well stuffed compared to my memories of Wahaca. The meat itself was rich and tender, and I could have easily eaten a bowl of just the beef if no one was watching.
Pork pibil taco was similarly hefty, both in fillings and in flavour! The pork was left in an achiote and citrus marinade for a beautiful deep flavour, and topped with pickled onions and sour cream for a rounded bite. Although none of us were vegetarians, the Ancho Mushroom was actually a table favourite! The surprisingly meaty mushrooms took on a deep, intriguing smokey flavour with the ancho chile roasting; topped with habanero and pumpkin seed mayo and feta cheese, and they were out of this world.
The chicken burrito, ordered more out of a sense of duty than necessity at this point, was an absolute unit. Chilli rubbed chicken with rice, beans, and slaw received the habanero and pumpkin treatment, with some house pickles in the middle for good luck. Although the purist in me screamed, the pickles were an untraditional but zingy addition to the overall flavour.
By far my favourite drink, and try not to judge me here, was the frozen margarita. Although a lover of margaritas in general (and tequila, and mezcal…), I always avoid frozen margaritas. At their best, they are snowy delights that taste just like you dream of- at their worst, they taste like a petrol station slushy you snuck some of your parents’ booze into. I am happy to report that at DF Tacos, they are serving them JUST as they should.
All in all, it was a wonderful experience to bring some friends for a catch-up or a quick friendly bite, and indeed that seems to be exactly their aim. Will the snobby foodie who’s always whinging about authenticity approve? Probably not, but forget them. DF is a great spot, with friendly, knowledgeable staff, perfect frozen margaritas, and some seriously beefy portions. Get down to a DF Tacos near you; you definitely won’t leave hungry!
