A proposal to open a 24-hour Mexican restaurant in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood is facing pushback from neighbors.
In June, Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita announced it would be opening this summer at 529 E. Howell Avenue, the former home to Bark Social until last November. The restaurant also announced 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. operating hours on its website. However, in its special use permit application filed in July, the restaurant said it will be open 24 hours a day.
“We are planning to open a new Authentic Mexican Food restaurant,” owner Jorge Villalobos wrote in the SUP. “The hours of operation will be 24 hours daily in the indoor area. The restaurant will accommodate up to 69 patrons indoors and 20 patrons outdoors. Parking will be provided with 12 spaces available; however, employees will not utilize these spaces and will park on the street instead. We anticipate starting with approximately 7 employees.”
The restaurant will not serve alcohol, and outside patio hours would be 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, according to the application.
A neighbor in support of the proposal posted two letters she received against it. The letters against the proposal say that a 24-hour restaurant opens the neighborhood to “potential for increased crime and safety issues,” as well as noise and light from traffic.
“There are no 24-hour restaurants operating on any residential street in Alexandria,” reads the letter. “If approved, this will be the first one.”
The deadline for public comments on the proposal is Aug. 7.
As a resident of Howell Ave I have now received two manifestos on the ills of having an awesome taco place open after 10pm in our neighborhood. I ask you as my neighbors to please contact your representatives in support of much needed late night food options in Delray!
— Dianne Harris (@dianneharris.bsky.social) 2025-08-05T23:00:37.144Z
