Oaxacan Street Food, Mezcal Cocktails Arrive in Shaw Tuesday

A new bar and restaurant specializing in tortillas made with freshly ground corn, seven types of mole and nine Mezcal cocktails will arrive in Shaw next week.

Espita Mezcaleria will open its doors at 1250 9th St. NW on Tuesday, said founder Josh Phillips. When the eatery opens, it will serve a menu of Oaxacan-inspired tacos, salsas, ceviches and sopes.

“We are importing all of our corn from Southern Mexico and we are grinding it every morning at 5 a.m. to make fresh masa for our tortillas,” Phillips said. “If there’s any tortilla product coming out of the kitchen, it started as kernels of corn the day before.”

Phillips added that he’s especially proud to serve seven varieties of mole, served alongside fresh tortillas.

“It’s incredibly labor-intensive, but it’s a labor of love,” Phillips said.

Espita’s bartenders will also sling nine different types of cocktails with mezcal, a type of agave liquor. The bar’s 85 mezcals will also be sold in one- or two-ounce pours and in a six-ounce carafe meant for sharing. Patrons can also order mezcal flights, wine and Mexican beers at the bar.

The restaurant’s sleek interior has seating for 62 people, and diners can gaze upon murals painted by Oaxacan street artists and members of the political art collection ASARO while they eat. Espita also plans to open an outdoor patio in the warmer months.