Taquerias?

[Shannon]

I'm a transplant from Out West, and every once in a while I start really missing plentiful HitW taquerias. Are there any here? I have found a couple on the south side that are in Mexican grocers, but while they remind me of the taqueria food I crave, I haven't found one yet that does it well. It has to be fresh.

Dos tacos al pastor, con todo, y tamarindo, with bottomless fresh chips and salsas on the bar, bonus points for radishes and pickled jalapenos/onions/carrots. mmMMMMMmmmmmmmmm

[Webster Peterson]

OK describe this HitW taquerias

[Shannon]

Mexican food, generally tacos, quesadillas, burritos, tamales, tortas, sopes, and fairly often menudo and/or albondigas on the weekends. Some places include various shrimp cocktails. Always always always chips and salsa(s), both made there, and generally guacamole and crema (like sour cream, but more like creme fraiche). Tacos are soft - you have to ask for "tacos duros" if you want the hard-shelled kind. Typical toppings for tacos are cilantro and onions, not lettuce/tomato/salsa/cheese. All the conventional meat choices, and it is not uncommon to have tripe, tongue, and goat also to be among your choices. Brain has fallen out of favor, though I have seen it on the menu at one place in the last five years.

Ordering is done at the counter, and you generally go back to the counter when your number is called, though some places will bring your food to you.

They differ from the typical Mexican restaurant in the way that a good neighborhood burger joint differs from a restaurant that serves hamburgers. Fresh, a la carte, family/regional recipes, generally family O&O, limited menu, no pretensions.

It's good food that I think the Hole in the Wall gang would love, if we can find one.

[Dick Davis]

If it's still there, Pancho's Taqueria on Michigan Road. It's in a strip center on the east side of the road in front of an old Target store that's now McGraw Hill testing. I worked for a company owned by a Latino and he always had Pancho's cater our events. I really enjoyed how much different their food was than most of the others I'd had. I'd like to know what you think about it, since you have a much better scope of what good Mexican is.

[Shannon]

http://www.panchosmexicantaqueria.com/

Looks like a possibility, and they seem to have two locations now. I don't get up north all that often, but I will try one or the other of them next time I am up that way.

What you said about the food being "so different" than most of the other Mexican food you'd had is exactly why I don't lump taquerias in with Mexican restaurants in general. To those who feel that Mexican food is all too heavy and greasy, good taquerias provide another perspective.

[Danielle Havens]

Thanks for starting this discussion! I lost my favorite taquería (on 52nd near Keystone) a few years ago and haven't found anything to replace it. I'll keep an eye on suggestions made.

[Carolynn ni Lochlainn]

I understand...I miss La Superica Taqueria in Santa Barbara almost daily, and it's been abut 15 years!

Great Mexican food is available here, though...El Pastorcito rocks. They have two, one at 7876 N. Michigan Road (46268), and the other at 13 Beach Drive (46224). For those who imbibe, they have good beer; otherwise, sodas & limonada. The portions a healthy, the prices lower than average, and they have the best Choriqueso and Chile Rellenos around! You can even get chibo (goat for you non-afficianados). Highly recommended. And pickles are automatic at every table.

[Marita Topmiller]

El Toritos at Keystone at the Crossing in a nice building that fronts 82nd St. Those from the area
will remember the location as the old Keystone Grill. Fresh, fresh, fresh.
Great head chef - Jose. Guac made at tableside. Fresh fish too. I like it so much, I've got a pile
of coupons with me for FREE appetizers. The food is not heavy and greasy. Ask if Jose or Gloria
are there when you walk in. Tell them Marita sent you. If you want something special ask Gloria.
If anyone here wants to try it, give me a call and I'll get one of the coupons to you.