Hispanic Heritage Month: Loud, Proud & Delicious in the DMV

From September 15 to October 15, the country celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Latin communities. At a moment when the current administration has too often dismissed or targeted those very voices, celebrating them feels more vital than ever. Here in the DMV, the tributes are loud, proud, and — naturally — delicious. Restaurants and cultural institutions are marking the month with special menus, collaborations, and festivals that highlight the richness of Latin heritage.

2Fifty BBQ: Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with 2Fifty BBQ, led by Chef Fernando González, who brings Latin American culinary traditions to the heart of Texas-style barbecue. Born in El Salvador, Fernando draws on the bold flavors and time-honored techniques of his homeland, blending them with the precision and patience of Texas-style BBQ. Each dish he creates embodies unique flavors, from marinades rich with chiles and citrus to slow smoking over clean, fragrant wood. In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, enjoy specialty menu items such as smoked al pastor pork belly, pineapple-glazed ribs, and bright seasonal sides that tell a story of cultural heritage and culinary innovation; For more information, click here.

Apapacho x Almoraduz: This September, Apapacho Taquería kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with the launch of its Homies Chef Series, welcoming acclaimed chefs Quetzalcóatl Zurita and Shalxaly Macías of Puerto Escondido’s Almoraduz to join Apapacho chefs Alam Méndez and Elisa Reyna for a 3-day celebration of Oaxacan flavors. The series features 2 exclusive 8-course tasting menus at Galería, La Cosecha on September 11 & 13 (7:00 p.m. seatings, reservations required), as well as a lively Tacos, Tragos & Garnacha Fiesta at Apapacho on September 12 with street food specials, all-day food and drink deals, and live mariachi at 8:00 p.m.; Click here for more info.

Bayou Bakery: Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 16 through October 15, where Chef David Guas turns up the heat with a 30-day weekday pop-up featuring drinks and dishes from Spanish-speaking countries. At his first established eatery, Bayou Bakery, Guas honors the culinary stories of his kitchen staff’s ancestral families, serving recipes from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Puerto Rico. From empanadas to sopas and tres leches, each dish becomes a flavorful chapter in his culinary journey; Click here for more info.

Cameo Coffee + Tea at The Roost: Cameo Coffee + Tea is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with A Toda Madre Roasters (ATMR), a Gaithersburg-based Latino and Asian-owned coffee roaster known for blending culture, inclusivity, and community into every roast. From September 1-31, guests can enjoy exclusive coffees, retail offerings, and specialty drinks crafted with ATMR beans, including collaborations with local talent like Chef Julia Jaramillo. Available daily during Cameo’s operating hours; Click here for more info.

Colada Shop: Colada Shop is proud to honor Hispanic Heritage Month by teaming up with 4 incredible nonprofits serving the Hispanic community across the DMV area. Each week, 1 nonprofit will receive 10% of profits from purchases made with their unique code. To celebrate, Colada Shop will also host a special Happy Hour dedicated to each nonprofit at 1 of its locations, bringing the community together over food, drinks, and culture; Click here for more info.

MITA: MITA is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Culture Sundays, a weekly series beginning September 21 that brings together Chef Miguel Guerra, Chef Tatiana Mora, and a lineup of guest chefs for an afternoon of culture, community, and creativity. Guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails paired with inventive bar-style bites that highlight the vibrant flavors and traditions of Hispanic heritage, with featured chefs including Juan Nacho Olivera of Just Add Water on September 21 and Danny Ledo of Xiquet on September 28. Held every Sunday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at MITA, the series invites guests to gather, connect, and celebrate the rich culinary and cultural traditions that shape our community through casual, flavorful dishes designed to complement expertly crafted cocktails; Click here for more info.

Mi Vida: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Mi Vida, where Chef Roberto Santibañez brings bold Mexican flavors to DC with a modern twist. Guests can enjoy vibrant cocktails, sizzling fajitas, shareable small plates, and a lively atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to gather with friends and family this September and October; Click here for more info.

National Landing: This fall, National Landing BID and Amazon present NaLa Noches, a free live Latin music series at Metropolitan Park running Thursdays from September 18th through October 23rd from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Curated by DC trumpet legend Joe Herrera and aligned with Hispanic Heritage Month, the series showcases salsa, boleros, Venezuelan jazz, and more, with performances by artists including Max Rosado, Gigi MacLaughlin, Miramar, Fran Vielma, Alfredo Mojica, and the acclaimed salsa band Bio Ritmo. Each evening also features hands-on art activities from the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington, free Topo Chico (while supplies last), and food from local favorites like Taqueria Xochi and Peruvian Brothers; Guests can RSVP here.

Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen: Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen, Chef David Guas reimagines American classics through a Hispanic lens. Pop-up specials like Tostones Con Camarón with Salsa Criolla and Vera Cruz Whole Fried Vermilion Snapper with aromatic sofrito bring tradition and innovation together. Guests can also enjoy Lillian's Tuna Croquetas, a personal tribute to Guas’s grandmother, blending family history with every bite; Click here for more info.

Pascual: Led by Mexico City native Chef Isabel Coss, Pascual celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with wood-fired dishes and flavors rooted in family traditions. Highlights include lamb neck barbacoa, guacamole with unique accompaniments, masa-based dishes, and rotating seasonal desserts like buñuelos; Click here for more info.