 Many of us grew up eating out-of-the-Ortega-box shells and spent our pocket change on cheapo "seasoned beef" at Taco Bell. We never dreamed that there was a whole flavor world beyond neon cheese and shredded iceberg lettuce. Taco trucks and blogs abound around the country, but unless you take a step away from the chains, you're never going to know what deliciousness awaits just over the border. There's plenty more to chew on, but it all starts with the first bite. Come out to lunch with Eatocracy. Listen and subscribe on iTunes and subscribe to the Out to Lunch with Eatocracy RSS feed Click to listen: And yes, I do assert that Tacos Nuevo Mexico is my favorite taqueria in all the land - and Top Chef's Bryan Voltaggio didn't hate it one bit. Don't knock it 'til you've tried it - but also, school me on your favorites. We'll share a list in a future post. |
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My boyfriend & his family cook the -best- food.. I love Tacos al pastor with El Milagro tortillas (screw reg corn tortillas. El Milagro tortillas are much tastier w less sodium & calories).. My bf has a ranch in Mexico w his parents, & so when someone travels up to texas from Pachuca, they bring alomg several lbs of homemade queso... Sooo yummy!
I've had tacos from just about everywhere – Taco Bell, Del Taco, Taco Town, Taco Gringo, Taco Del Mar, Taco John's, Taco Tico, Casa Bonita, Chipotle, Qdoba, El Pollo Loco, Pink Taco at Hard Rock Las Vegas, Chevy's, La Hacienda, Mexican Villa, and probably a hundred other places I can't remember. They all pretty much taste the same.
Cabo Fish Taco in Charlotte, NC has the best tuna taco ever!
Lots of opinions here, and some seriously... misinformed people. Who cares about where a taco is made?? As if only the south has good Mexican food. And as far as "authentic", come on! Authentic is simply making food the way it was originally made – and if you're trying to tell me that tacos are only made one way by all 107 million people in Mexico, you're an idiot. There are 1,000 versions of "authentic" Mexican dishes. And immigrants brought those recipes with them when they moved to the US. If you've been living under a rock for your entire life, here's a fact for you: there are millions of former Mexicans living here, and lots of them have opened restaurants. You can find "authentic" Mexican food throughout the US now – it has a lot more to do with using ingredients you'd find in Mexico than anything else. We have a thriving Mexican community in St. Paul MN, if you can believe it, and some awesome Mexican food. One of the better places for tacos is Senor Wong, in downtown St. Paul – who make their pollo asada fresh on demand, pork belly tacos (carnitas), fresh, on-demand guacamole with pico de gallo and lime juice, fried tortillas, etc. Great tacos! And one final thought – even though you scoff at those "Americanized" Mexican places – hey, they introduce people to dishes they might not have tried before, and when they actually make it to really good, made-fresh Mexican food, they'll be even happier.
Well said Cameron, I have found incredible Mexican food in some of the most obscure places, some people are just not daring.
I'm a New Mexican ex-pat living in NY. Tacos Nuevo Mexico was a very welcome discovery when I first moved here.
Also, Kat: GO. TO. OAXACA. (I like the Smith street one best.)
Best mexican ever is in S. California -@ Cantina Mayahuel – No question about it!!
fish tacos,beef taco,shrimp taco,taco soup,taco gumbo,tacos and rice,tacos and gumbo,bubba gump tacos
These are shmeat tacos. nasty. Exactly what noshmeat.com is about
Seriously... Tacos getting this much attention and they aren't even crunchy! From the photos I'd say it wasn't a taco at all, perhaps it should be called poo-in-pocket.
I hate podcasts. How about a well-written article? Remember those? Eatocracy sucks.
The only tacos I truly enjoy are my homemade tacos, both mexican style and fish tacos. I have yet to find anyone elses that comes close.
I second that!
The fly on the plate likes it...
The real test is not whether they are sold in New York or Mexico, but how much they cost. Real tacos cost less than $1 from a roadside table or a meat wagon, but I'm guessing the tacos in the photo are easily $15-$20 per plate. That is what makes them not real. That and real tacos don't have stuff all over them. I love guac and have the best recipe, but Mexican food doesn't include all of the toppings us gringos have become accustomed to.
These comments about authentic ingredients remind me of an old gent I met years ago. He talked about moving to Mexico during the depression because of no work in LA. Ended up in a small poor village where the usual fare was a large grasshopper folded into a tortilla typically still alive. He decided then and there that LA wasn't so bad after all.
The tortilla was still alive?! Barbaric.
Love the article, thanks! I'm in Ohio and I'm sure there are some lovely culinary delights I have yet to find, however I have had some really delicious Mexican food from Banditos and LaCharitta. Probably the most authentic if I had to guess is a little place on Findlay, Ohio Main St. called Mi-Tequilla. They come up with some lovely takes on Mexican delights. Thanks again!
Photo caption. "Excuse me, waitress? Someone seems to have thrown up in my napkins."
Oh and in the picture of those tacos it looks like chunks of ham with that fake creamy Guacamole and apples on the side????? Not my idea of Mexican food.
Ur a MexFoodLover??? R u serious??? Those are RADISHES menso/a...
Forget the taco debate I love Chile rellenos and I am always looking for the best
Street tacos are serious business in Texas. If you get sick then your system is just a wuss.
Man those look good, like pull over off the fWY good. Too bad some of these Ortega loving folks just don't know.
I drive out of my way for the tacos at La Victoria in San Jose. I can't get enough of that orange sauce.
Not sure Ms. Obama would approve of this menu. She is the example of a slim and trim, healthy body.
Those aren't tacos. They look more like rolled up dirty diapers. Now I believe they will eat just about anything in NYC.
Wow, it almost looks as though there is a fly right under the center taco? Or am I seeing things..
Grew up in So Cal...traveled extensively thoughout Mexico...Chon y Chanos in Mexico City is taco ecstasy...in San Diego, Tacos El Gordo are almost as good as the REAL mexican street tacos...best tacos in Tijuana are up by the airport (grilled New York strip sliced razon thin)...amazing!!! Charlotte NC...go to La Lupita Market on No. Tryon and buy a lb of carnitas, they make fresh tortillas and salsa...havent tasted anything better this side of the Miss. This makes me miss home!!!
BTW real tacos are never served with LEMONs! Its gotta be a limes... ;D
All i know is if u want amazing and cheap Rolled tacos.... chicos tacos in el paso texas... is...... the place u wanna be... mmm...
omg, this woman repeats herself incessantly. her breathe-y, giggly, multi-octave voice gave me shingles.
Hey, sorry - that's the voice I was dealt.
I just have a simple suggestion for the US taco crowd, just go to heartland mexico, sample tacos from 10 towns, then post here........
So many Taco replies so little time...Taco Bell skills? Is this an oxymoron? Melissa Lora the outspoken CFO of Taco Bell has the skill necessary to avoid taking care of customer complaints. There is no point of contact at Taco Bell’s website for any of the Board Members of the Bell or their parent Yum Brands, how would you report a taco containing 35% b33f? Lora is also a Board member at KB Home both companies don’t deal with your complaints they ignore you. The FTC Federal Trade Commission Consent order is just laughed at by KB Home Board Members. http://www.akbhomesucks.com Are we still bashin Taco Bell?
most of us DID NOT grow up eating out-of-the-Ortega-box shells with neon cheese and shredded iceberg lettuce. Those are NOT tacos. Please do not call that Mexican food. Those whatever the fucks those are in the pic look horrible also.
around N. Syracuse, NY Ponchito's Taqueria is THE place to get the best mexican food, They absolutely rock!
I'm from Texas and I'd be willing to bet our Tex-Mex beats anything yall have in New York City. Our burgers and barbecue can kick the crap out of yours too! ;D
(but yall do have better delis and pizza so I'll give you that).
Denver has the best Mexican food north of texas
humans are animals too.......
animals can be raised in humane conditions and killed with a lot less pain, and actually be killed before being skinned! Of course the price of meat will be higher…….
BTW I’m not a vegetarian, I just care where the meat comes from: grass fed, pasture raised, killed with as little pain as possible. And it tastes MUCH BETTER BTW……
Maybe we could supply them with a Morphine drip
Dead Animal Flesh: America's Favorite Food
cheap tacos....
cows skinned alive.... blood..... filth....
anything to make more cheap meat........
some people make me sick
Hankook tacos in Atlanta and Kogi truck in LA. Best non Mexican tacos ever.
Here is the definitive on the almighty Taco:
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-499348
ny has thew best food
Best Tacos of them all... Hands Down – Jack in the Box! Just don't ask what's in them... ;)
The Taco Stand in Athens Ga is a delectable treat for Dawg Fans. Cheap and tasty
Athens, GA ..... let me guess you cover it in cheese like everything else you CAN'T cook !
In Tampa we have the Taco Bus. They serve authentic Mexican street food, not Tex-mex. My favorite is the Conchinita Pibil Papos Plato. You should check out their website http://tampatacobus.com/
The best tacos are located in San Diego, CA. Especially the Tacos form 'El Tacos el Gordo' aka Tacos el Fatty.
Adobada tacos from there are boooooooommmmmmb!
The Taco Bus in Tampa Fla. soon to open one in St. Pete.
I'm a fan of El Taco Tote in Albuquerque. They make the handmade tortillas fresh when you order and they have a salsa bar so you get to build your tacos anyway you like.
CNN: It's called Mexican food. It's available at any real mexican restaurant or taco stand. For those of you who have only eaten Taco Bell or 'Ortega' tacos (whatever that is) Just go a block down the street and eat some real mexican style food. Good luck if you live in the north.
The best tacos ever are made by my Abuela. The second best are from Amigo's on Montana (and Cotton) in El Paso, Tx.
Any of the ...berto's taco shops around San Diego are great. It's the hot sauce that sets them apart. Carne asada at Roberto's on Mission Gorge – THE BEST!
Do yourself a favor...drive South on the 5, and exit H Street in Chula Vista. Go west about 3 or 4 blocks, to Tacos El Gordo.
Order the Adobada tacos. You will forget about every "ertos" tacos shop you've ever been to. Tacos El Gordo is a street taco chain in Tijuana that opened up a few locations in San Diego.
Seriously, google the directions to Tacos El Gordo on H Street in Chula Vista. I got all my SDSU buddies hooked, they come down once a week now for adobada.
Hoser...u have gr8 taste!!
Tacos Nuevo Mexico is an AWESOME place! Nachos there are delicious.
Those things (which are not tacos, btw) in the photo look like regurgitated-muck wraps.
Seriously?! This is on the front page? I thought everyone knew that Taco-Bell wasn't "real" Mexican food. Baaahahahaha this is one of the worst articles ever.
Pozole in Atlanta has some AWESOME Tacos!
$1.00 soft tacos in TJ
Cucina Latina on Monroe Rd in Charlotte NC... you wouldn't think little ol' Charlotte would have decent ethnic food, but the Latin diversity here is pretty amazing.
Looks more like something I left in the toilet this morning!
I'd...go see a doctor if I were you. That ain't right.
jaaaaa!!!!!! lol
Your sphincters must be pretty stretched out to pass that dinner plate.
Yes, a doctor.
Or perhaps a priest.
Right next to your mom
I lived in Puebla and Tlaxcala for 2 years and ate everything I could get my hands on, and Taco Rico in Lafayette, Indiana (of all places) has the best tacos I've ever had north of the border.
Can someone recommend good tacos in San Antonio? Is Chachos as good as it gets?
Chachos is the quintessential San Antonio food... Cheap and large portions. It's good and it's damn near impossible to get a bad tortilla in SA. As for best taco, I really like Las Palapas Taco Norteno however I have admittedly not been here long enough to be a taco connoisseur. Torchy's Tacos in Austin is awesome however no one would argue it's a traditional mexican taco.
I almost forgot, Los Robertos on Bitters and 281 is much better than Chacho's.
Torchy's is good, but if I am in Austin, I am heading to Taco Deli for the cowboy or chicken frontera fundido
Thanks for the intel. Chachos wasn't bad by an any stretch of the imagination. I travel to SA for business and will try Los Robertos and Torchy's on my next trip. Much appreciated.
Los tacos from Mi Pueblo in Pittsburg, CA. are delicious and authentic. I know a few mexicans that drive from SF to eat them. The tacos al pastor, especially, served with pineapple, like in Mexico, are to live for. And i'm not a fan of mexican food, but these tacos are addictive.
If you're ever in ugly Pittsburg, CA. stop at Mi Pueblo.
Jeez... this sounds like a yelp review. ;)
omg! i live in oakland and im always at mi pueblo for tacos!!!! love 'em, love'em, love 'em!
I've never had Taco Bell, or any taco chain.. I dont have to, my grandmother makes great tacos from home.. LOL
the best authentic mexican food in USA: Lindo Michoacan, Las Vegas Nevada over by Dessert Inn (away from the strip)
best carne asada tacos ever: tacos el frances, south of tijuana (small part of town called Playas). absolultely the best ever!
Those are the best tacos anywhere, bar none. But sadly, everyone here is limited to tacos in the US.
However tacos "el frank"...best in Tijuas, which in turn makes them the best anywhere.
Best Authentic Mexican food – CONNIE'S in Wichita, KS on 21st St.N and Broadway. Great Tacos(deep fried shell with meat, potatoes and peas mixed in and topped with lettuce and cheese), King Size Burritos smothered in chili and cheese, also try the 3 color plate (Meat, beans and rice served w/tortillas). YUMMMM. Several famous people have ate there. Pictures on the wall last I seen was Harrison Ford.
That's not even close to "authentic."
Nor are you...
Those are Tacos all right. Just not Mexican tacos, or Cal-Mex or Tex-Mex. Must be Kan-Mex.
Damn Toto – We're back in Kansas again!
FYI – Burritos are not Mexican at all – Cal-Mex.
La Cueva Taqueria in Lawndale, CA. Not only are they good, they're cheap eats and their "aguas frescas" (strawberry, cantaloupe or horchata) are the bomb; you can get a good meal for about $5. They're right across from the AMC Theaters / Galleria South Bay mall, and it's usually one of the few places that is still open after a late night movie.
I make the best tacos in Tallahassee, Florida!
This isn't news if you live in Southern California. The Mexican fast food joints are incredible. Don't ask where the food came from, just smile and eat. It's the thing I miss the most when I'm out of town.
Sigh...I would love to have grown up with that around me. In Northern Kentucky - not so much. Little did I know there was so much to look forward to.
So true ... I'm in San Diego .... Love Casa de Guadalahara in Old Town for good Mexican food!!
Casa de Guadalajara? You can't be serious...one of the worst WANNABE Mexican food places in San Diego. In a city where Mexican food is everywhere, this place ain't even par...
Try Ortegas in Ocean Beach...sooo yummy!
Soft tacos filled with lightly seasoned dove meat, some queso fresco, and maybe some salsa fresca, pinned shut with some toothpicks and then quick fried so just the edges of the corn tortilla get crispy
Never thought of how people ate doves. I now have an answer.
This is what it's like when Doves cry.
FYI, dove is a common poultry item worldwide.
Common gray pigeon = Rock Dove
Nuevo Leon makes the best Carne Asada tacos in Chicago, besides the ones I make at home..
In Pilson? I agree – GREAT food!
Best Tacos in Santa Monica, CA
Holy Guacamole
2906 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405-5316
(310) 314-4850
All kinds of real hot sauses.
West Coast Tacos in Indianapolis, IN, are DELICIOUS! Their truck is everywhere.
That must be a big truck.
My Favorite taco stand in Houston, TX: Tacos Tierra Caliente on W. Alabama Ice House
Best tacos I have ever had were from La Esperanza taco truck in Pasco, Wa. And they have the BEST tortas there as well. First stop is always the taco truck when I pull into town!
Those ARE NOT Tacos.
It looks like a Australian impression of how tacos should be (hint: there are no tacos in Oz).
Mexico is what? 2500-3000 miles from New York ? Real tacos have meat, onion, cilantro, and salsa on a corn tortilla.
Nothing more unless it's tacos pescado (fish tacos) and only then are you allowed a bit of shredded cabbage and a salsa made with sour cream and lime juice.
Tacos in Nuevo Jork (new york) hahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!1
We might be far from Mexico, but it's hardly as if no one from Mexico lives here. Again - don't know 'til you've tried. I've had plenty of friends from the West coast, Texas and Mexico come try these tacos. Not a single one hasn't begged to come back...and back...and back...
Last time I checked, there were Taco's down here. I don't know what part of the country you've been to, but I've even had really good one's in my home town of Lakes Entrance, Vic.
I guess maybe really far out in the outback you may have trouble, like, in the middle of no-where, but certainly not in the rest of the country.
I agree, tacos should have onion, cilantro and maybe salsa on a corn tortilla. Nothing more.
However, the bay area in California has pretty good thai food. And i've been to Thailand. Liverpool has pretty good spanish food. Yes, Liverpool. So why wouldn't NY have pretty good mexican food. Geographic distance has nothing to do with flavor. As long as the ingredients are there, and the knowledge and technique, you've got yourself decent authentic food.
I was in Cairns 21 or 22 years ago and found a Mexican restaurant. We ordered some food. They brought us noodles with ground beef on top! (?)
Who died and made you King of Tacos?
Living about 50 miles from Mexico (for the last 40+ years) has given me a resonable idea of what Mexican food should taste like, and more importantly, what it shouldn't.
Travelling extensively has given me a very solid input on Mexican food worldwide.
No,there is no such thing as Mexican food in Kansas, nor will you have a easy time finding it in the northeast.
TexMex is not Mexican, it's TEXAN.
New Mexico does not have Mexican food, it has Native American food (I don't get that whole "south west" thing, overuse of corn and bellpepper is not a food style, it's over use of corn and bellpepper).
If you ever get a chance to try Mexican food in England or Australia....don't, dear god, please don't.
Imagine pizza in Shanghai or Hong Kong.....it's f'n nasty.
Tacos are normally Asada (chopped beef steak), Carnitas (roasted pork), Pollo (chicken), or Pescado (fish).
The hardcore can go for Legua (tongue), T
Living about 50 miles from Mexico (for the last 40+ years) has given me a resonable idea of what Mexican food should taste like, and more importantly, what it shouldn't.
Travelling extensively has given me a very solid input on Mexican food worldwide.
No,there is no such thing as Mexican food in Kansas, nor will you have a easy time finding it in the northeast.
TexMex is not Mexican, it's TEXAN.
New Mexico does not have Mexican food, it has Native American food (I don't get that whole "south west" thing, overuse of corn and bellpepper is not a food style, it's over use of corn and bellpepper).
If you ever get a chance to try Mexican food in England or Australia....don't, dear god, please don't.
Imagine pizza in Shanghai or Hong Kong.....it's f'n nasty.
Tacos are normally Asada (chopped beef steak), Carnitas (roasted pork), Pollo (chicken), or Pescado (fish).
The hardcore can go for Legua (tongue), Tripas (tripes, or stomach), Cabeza (brain), and I can't even handle thinking of it and do not know the correct espanol for them, Pork Fat (possibly chicharrones?) and Guts (yes, full on guts of random origin).
BTW, yes, I do have a degree in culinary arts.
I do not work in the field but my training is rather extensive.
If you really had a degree in culinary arts, which I doubt, you would probably have a more open mind about how a cuisine is defined. Not just the straight and narrow, but as all good chefs will do, use your imagination. Real food enthusiasts appreciate and imaginative interpretation on a classic food.
There are over 2 million (2,200,000) hispanics living in NYC. There are less than 1M (900,000) living in the city of Houston, TX. It's a quick elementary school math problem to quickly see there are MORE hispanics in NYC than in Houston, TX. So, why is it so hard to believe you can't get a good taco in NY?
Uh It's simple math – your comment cracked me up. Being "hispanic" doesn't mean the person is from Mexico. Mexican and South American cuisine are not necessarily the same. Mexican food is pretty distinct and just because a person is "hispanic" that doesn't mean they know good Mexican food. I've lived in Los Angeles and I now live in New England – I know the difference between Mexican and Hispanic in general. And a lot of folks are right, it's mighty hard to find quality, authentic MEXICAN food in the Northeast.
Even the tacos in the picture above are not even close to authentic. Real guacamole isn't creamy or watery looking like the junk on those tacos – it's chunky, mashed with a fork. Authentic Mexican tacos don't have that watery salsa crap also in the picture above – they have Pico de Gallo. I imagine you don't even know the difference.
Seems like you believe that South of the border, everything else is Mexico. FYI, there are 22 countries down there. This is simple, second grade geography. You're way waaaaaaaaay lost.
Agreed with n2ishun.
Real tacos are marinated meat (pastor, asada, tasajo, lengua, barbacoa, etc) cilantro, onions with salsa either on top or served on the side.
Anytime you have tacos with cheese or guacamole, that's a gringo style f-ing up good flavor. As other people have stated, that guacamole in your pictures looks disgusting.
Unless you step away from white people's take on what ethnic food is, you're never going to know what deliciousness awaits just over the border.
Allowed? Wow, great set of rules. I bet there is a nice, dark place where you can put your set of taco rules.
Did you know the ONLY burger is a beef patty, lettuce, tomato, and onion? There are NO other kinds of burgers, the ones with cheese and sauces are fake beef sandwiches made up by americans.
Just like there is only one kind of taco there is only one kind of burger. Also there is only one kind of pizza.
Time for you folks to come out West! Mexican food in NY? Yuck.
Albert.. lots of Mexicans in NYC these days ...
My son's in N.Y. He can't find a lot of groceries required for his favorite Mexican food.
If you're ever in Austin go to Tacodeli on Spyglass Drive or El Meson on Burleson Road. Yummy.
Second that! Tacodeli is the best. I recommend the Scallop Taco (Thursday Special) and the Bison Taco (everyday!). Other favorites include the Guacasabi Tuna (Friday Special) and various Mole Tacos.
Now I'm hungry...
If you're just talking lunch tacos the Happy taco is great. They've also got great breakfast tacos.
I agree. Taco Deli is the best taco in the land. The cowboy taco and the chicken fundido will both blow your doors off.
MMMM give me some pink taco
You have a suitable name for a completely tasteless comment…
fag
Once again... Case in point. :)
WAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Needs to be covered in sour cream and guacamole though!
best with whipped cream
With or without the guac?
There is a place called Pink Taco in L.A.
That's Pinks Hot Dogs
There is a Pink Taco @ The Hard Rock, Las Vegas. Their carnitas platter is soooo good!
Fish Taco?
BIG TRUCK TACOS! Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Big Truck Tacos are the best!!!
Oh yeah, awesome
Ortega tastes bet than taco trucks. Plus I know it's CLEAN.
seriously? ortega better than a taco truck? whatever!
What part of the taco truck are you having? I wouldn't recommend anything on the outside since it probably never gets washed.
Those tacos look like poo. NOT a guacamole fan.
So get it w/o it...
I call dibs on your guac.
They look amazing! Nice call, Nick.
Oh you don't know what you're missing. Guacamole when done pure without all the crap in it and just salt is DELICIOUS and is so good for your skin and cholesterol. mmmm mmmm mmmm
Sorry, but I agree with Jdizzle, at least about the tacos in the photo. I love guac, but the stuff in the pictures looks like school paste. Yuck.
Real mexican food is absolutely delicious. How anyone could eat food with Taco Meat Filing is beyond me. Taco Bell is betting on somantics to win their case in court. "We start with 88% pure beef". Only 12% something else they "start" with. By the time it gets to the taco shell, its only 34% beef and they still want to call it "beef", and by law they cannot. That's the beef their ex-manager has with the whole law suit. Taco Bell, why not call it "Taco Filing" and just leave it at that. I order the chicken or steak (always) any how. LOL
I'm a guacamole fan... but I like chunkier guac. Personal preference.
Quick question- is the podcast available on iTunes?
Good question - finding out.
Yup! Link added above.
Thanks! I listen to a few podcasts so just need to add another to the rotation. :)
Kat, I love what you do, but I have wonder about calling New York tacos the best in the land. I've been to this exact place, and it can't hold a candle to a dozen or more amazing holes in the wall in Southern California, where authentic Mexican food is kind (and gourmet taco trucks are everywhere). This is what worries me about NYC-centric critics. That said, I do love your work.
THey aren't pushing Tacos in this article they are trying to convince you to cross the border and boost Mexican travel industry, Do you really want to risk being killed over a Taco. They say; you'll never know what deliciousness awaits you right over the border.
New York City?!? Y'all loco or what? Tacos outside of Texas or Cali – can't happen – certainly not in Brooklyn. The worst Mission District joint is 10 times better than anything in NYC