$$ WILL PROBABLY SPEND LESS THAN $15 A PERSON
Birrieria y Tacos Alex Tijuana Style food truck
6770 Fourth St. NW, Los Ranchos, near the Pop Fizz Mexican ice cream shop, 623-223-0989, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday
This food truck opened in the North Valley this summer and specializes in birria tacos, a speciality in Mexico. The meat is soaked and the shells dipped in a broth called consomé before they are cooked. The broth is then served on the side as a dipping sauce for the tacos. Also on the menu are carne asada fries, nachos, quesadillas and burritos. Take cash because that’s all they currently accept.
Duke City Taco
4615 Menaul Blvd. NE, 505-881-0783, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, closed Sunday.
This veteran-owned taco eatery opened in November. They have bottled beer and local craft beer available on draft. There are five different meat and three vegan choices for the tacos. The tacos are served with a side of white or Spanish rice and black or refried beans. They recently added birria tacos to their menu after requests from public. There is the option of take-out or enjoy the tacos on a small, enclosed and shaded patio.
El Cotorro
111 Carlisle Blvd. NE, 505-503-6202, 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday.-Saturday; 4-8 p.m. Monday.
This Nob Hill restaurant offers a variety of gourmet tacos, including vegan options, and Mexican ice cream featuring a churro ice cream sandwich. These tacos are more than traditional meats and vegetables. The chicken tinga tacos feature shredded chicken, radishes, red onions and cilantro sprouts while the Al Pastor tacos are served with a grilled pineapple. The house salsas made fresh daily amp up the flavor.
Taqueria Mexico
300 Menaul Blvd. NW, 505-242-3445, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Closed Sunday.
This Albuquerque favorite recently moved to its new location on Menaul Boulevard. It offers one of the city’s most authentic Mexican food experiences. There are 11 different taco options. Tacos are made with grilled bell peppers, onions and tomatoes. It has affordable prices and friendly service.