Call me a slut, but at the intersection of Hastings and Hamilton is an establishment that I have no shame in admitting I frequent several times a week. This little hole-in-the-wall is the Pinche Taco Shop, La Taqueria, undoubtedly one of my favorite places in the city. I arrange my week based on when I can get my next fix, and spend the rest of my time dreaming about it.
One step up from a taco stand, it's the real deal. Using authentic recipes, authentic ingredients, and authentic staff ; it makes you feel guilty for being white. Don't worry, every second of awkwardness while ordering (in my case, shamefully trying to pronounce the menu items with what I'm guessing is my terrible French accent), is worth it because the result is sinfully delicious. The service is quick and helpful and they adorably call me "Juliana" when they bring out the goods. I don't even know how many times I've forgotten to take pictures because as soon as I get that plate within reach my hands start to move and my mouth just can't say no.
One step up from a taco stand, it's the real deal. Using authentic recipes, authentic ingredients, and authentic staff ; it makes you feel guilty for being white. Don't worry, every second of awkwardness while ordering (in my case, shamefully trying to pronounce the menu items with what I'm guessing is my terrible French accent), is worth it because the result is sinfully delicious. The service is quick and helpful and they adorably call me "Juliana" when they bring out the goods. I don't even know how many times I've forgotten to take pictures because as soon as I get that plate within reach my hands start to move and my mouth just can't say no.
You can get four veggie tacos for $7.00 or four meat ones for $9.50. I usually get the same three veggie tacos: the Raja Con Crema (roasted peppers with creamed corn and cheese), the Frijoles Charros Con Queso (re-fried beans and cheese), the Picadillo (sauteed ground tofu in a secret recipe), and trade up my #4 option, usually vying for the Al Pastor (pork marinated in pineapple) or the special (lamb, chorizo, chicken in peanut sauce, etc.). The kicker is the double layer of homemade corn soft taco tortillas, this enables you to mush half of the guts into the second taco shell, optimizing the time spent eating.
With about 15 seats of the stool/counter kind, the venue is cozy, colorful and decorated with the requisite Lady Guadalupe paraphernalia. If it's too busy and/or sunny outside, I recommend getting your tacos to go and eating them on the grass in Victory Square Park next door. With it's reputation, I know that if I can't convince you to check out La Taqueria, then someone else will.
