Around Town

Popular Arlington Restaurateur Mike Cordero Plans New Taco Restaurant in Rosslyn

One of Arlington’s busiest restaurateurs is bringing a new fast-casual taco joint to Rosslyn.

Chef Mike Cordero plans to open “Taco Rock” in a space at 1501 Wilson Blvd, he announced today (Thursday). He’s targeting a May opening date for the new restaurant, taking the place of the long-shuttered Spinfire Pizza.

Cordero, the co-owner of popular Arlington bars from The G.O.A.T. to Don Tito, is backing the business in partnership with his sons, Nick and Anthony.

In a news release, Cordero’s company promises that the new eatery will feature “affordable, gourmet tacos” served on homemade, blue corn tortillas. Per the release, specialty taco options will include:

  • The Figgy Piggy — Slow roasted pork with sweet and savory fig glaze
  • Bourbon BBQ Short Rib — Short ribs with caramelized onions and crispy fried onions
  • Pork Belly Banh Mi — Grilled pork belly, Vietnamese slaw and cilantro
  • Ya Mon Caribbean Jerk Chicken — Grilled chicken, cabbage, jerk sauce topped with a mango pico de gallo
  • TNT — Fresh blue fin tuna seared with seaweed and cucumber wasabi sauce
  • Land & Sea — Skirt steak and beer-battered shrimp with caramelized onions and horseradish sauce

The menu will include breakfast offerings, homemade ice cream and stuffed churros as well.

Cordero also expects to offer “an extensive tequila bar,” with specialty cocktails and Mexican beers on tap too. The roughly 2,500-square-foot space will include an 18-stool bar and room for about 50 diners.

“Taco Rock offers the best of both worlds – upscale, out-of-the-box tacos without hurting your wallet,” Mike Cordero wrote in a statement. “We anticipate the Rosslyn community will deem Taco Rock as the go-to spot for a quick bite or the place to hang out and grab a tequila or beer.”

The restaurant will be Cordero’s ninth across the Northern Virginia area, and his first fast-casual establishment. It will sit adjacent to a Roti location and across the street from the neighborhood’s Target.