Since 2000, Tom Sietsema has held the position of food critic at The Washington Post. In his latest release for January, he highlighted his six favorite dining spots in the DC area, and among them is a Montgomery County gem.
Cielo Rojo, formerly situated at 7056 Carroll Ave in Takoma Park, has recently reopened its doors in a new and more spacious location just a few blocks away at 7211 Carroll Ave. Sietsema’s glowing review emphasizes the delectable offerings, stating, “The tacos are sold by the piece. One succulent shredded-chicken taco, or a juicy-with-beer-and-orange pork number, begs for another. A more extensive kitchen allows for increased variety, with taco fillings now featuring al pastor, and moles expanding to include peanut and vegetarian versions.”
The menu at Cielo Rojo boasts California-inspired traditional Mexican cuisine, featuring an array of tantalizing options such as tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and an assortment of small plates (platos pequeños) and entrees (platos grandes). The full menu can be seen here.
The owners, David Perez and Carolina McCandless, crossed paths in 2012 at Gracias Madre, a vegan Mexican restaurant in San Francisco. McCandless, with ties to the area being from Takoma Park, and her parents owning the nearby Amano, saw the birth of Cielo Rojo in Takoma Park in 2019. As a testament to the restaurant’s success, the former location at 7056 Carroll Ave is undergoing a transformation into San Pancho Burritos, a fast-casual eatery specializing in San Francisco-style burritos.
Featured image courtesy of @CioleRojoMex on instagram
