Photo by Mary Rabun
Last year, when Fifth Group converted the Original El Taco to Ela, a Mediterranean restaurant in Virginia-Highland, the walkable community lost its family-friendly patio hangout. On February 26, a new Mexican spot opened just across the parking lot. Called Rosa, it replaced DBA Barbecue on North Highland Avenue. Owned and operated by brothers Brandon and Zach Hancock, Rosa serves tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and fajitas in a casual atmosphere.
“We want it to be a place people can bring their kids and have a good time,” Brandon says. “We’re a neighborhood restaurant that serves familiar food.”
Though the Hancocks are not Mexican, they hired a Mexican chef, Gilberto Ramirez, who used family recipes for Rosa’s dishes. Ramirez previously worked with Brandon at Hal’s the Steakhouse. Zach, too, has a hospitality background, bringing experience working at the Four Seasons.
Photo by Mary Rabun
Currently offering dinner only, Rosa offers snackable appetizers like guacamole, cheese dip, and both avocado and tomatillo salsas. Street tacos come on corn tortillas made in house. Proteins include carne asada, al pastor, carnitas, and grilled chicken. All are topped with onions and cilantro. Expect a house salad, rice bowl, chicken soup, and the popular charro bean soup made with a rich broth. The latter can be ordered alone or substituted for black or refried beans for an upcharge. Children can choose from tacos, quesadillas, or enchiladas—each of which come with a churro for dessert.
“We grew up going to a local Mexican restaurant—Azteca Grill on the Southside—multiple times a week,” Zach explains. “We don’t want to reinvent the wheel. It’s just a room that’s a little nicer than some other Mexican restaurants in town.”
Photo by Mary Hancock
The Hancocks updated the aesthetics of the space, painting it with elements of green and salmon and adding new tile. There are two televisions behind the bar and one on the 60-seat, heated patio. As the name suggests, roses are prominent, brightening up the patio.
The beverage menu features six margaritas and seven other cocktails, plus two non-alcoholic options. Try the Green Thumb, comprised of tequila, mezcal, cilantro, mint, pineapple, jalapeno, lime, and a touch of agave. Draft beers include Dos Equis, Creature Comforts, Halfway Crooks, and Inner Voice varieties. Additional options are available by the bottle and can. There are also eight wines sold by the glass.
Reservations are not accepted.
Photo by Mary Rabun
