Taco ’bout Taco Tuesday
Five of our favorite tacos in Memphis to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Cinco de Mayo is Tuesday. And just because we are staying home doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate.
Because the fiesta happens to fall on a “Taco Tuesday,” we thought it appropriate to share five of our favorite tacos in the Memphis area.
And don’t forget: The only thing better than a taco is a taco with a margarita!
Picosos: Carne Asada Tacos
Earlier this year, I listed Picosos’ Pollo Al Carbon as one of my favorite bites of 2019.
A chopped-up, whole smoked chicken comes with all the fixings — including rice, beans, tortillas and pickled onions. French fries come scattered across the top. The chicken is smoky and flavorful. The tacos made with this chicken were “delicioso” — especially when topped with the house salsa and guacamole.
Because Picosos serves its whole chickens only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I am offering a different recommendation for Cinco de Mayo.
Try the Carne Asada steak tacos. Each taco at this family-owned establishment comes on two handmade soft tortillas and is topped simply with minced cilantro and diced white onion. A lime wedge comes on the side for a squeeze of extra flavor. It’s an authentic and flavorful version of a classic taco.
3937 Summer Ave.; (901) 323-7003
Maciel’s Taco Shop: Chicken Tinga Fried Tacos
Maciel’s Taco Shop has been a Downtown favorite since it opened in 2015. This taco shop is known for its authentic Mexican fare made fresh to order.
Maciel’s famous fried tacos are not to be missed.
The fried tacos are tacos served in crispy, freshly fried corn tortilla shells, and I recommend the chicken tacos, which can be ordered with mild seasoning (Pollo) or spicy (Tinga). Each order comes with three tacos loaded with flavorful chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese and sour cream along with sides of beans and rice.
Be sure to ask for a side of Maciel’s sauces. There is a sauce at every level of spiciness to garnish your tacos just how you like them.
45 S. Main St.; (901) 526-0037; macielsdowntown.com
El Mero Taco: Southern Fried Chicken Taco
El Mero Taco was featured on Food Network’s “Big Food Truck Tip with Andrew Zimmern” in 2018. Just this past spring, it was also featured in a book on the history of American tacos. One bite of these creative tacos, and you instantly know why.
Owners Clarissa and Jacob Dries serve some of the best tacos in town from both their food truck and Cordova restaurant.
“My wife was raised in Oaxaca, Mexico, while I was raised in Memphis. We feel that our food is a representation of our two cultures colliding,” Jacob Dries said.
Obviously influenced by Jacob Dries’
Memphis roots, their popular Southern fried chicken taco is stuffed with crispy fried chicken, queso blanco, in-house pickled jalapenos, tomatoes and cilantro.
It’s a one-of-a-kind taco that can’t be beat.
8100 Macon Station #102, Cordova; (901) 308-1661; elmerotaco.com
Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana: Tacos de Huachinango Veracruz
Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana offers some of the freshest and most authentic Mexican food this side of the border. With almost 20 kinds of tacos served each day, along with other authentic menu items that are constantly changing, there is always something new to try.
“This is the style of taco you would find in Mexico City,” owner Jonathan Magallanes said of his fresh and tasty fare that he and his father, Pepe, serve at their two restaurants.
Try the fish tacos garnished with their signature spicy avocado sauce. Fresh tilapia is grilled and served on corn tortillas with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sweet onion, green avocado salsa and a slice of avocado on top. We recommend ordering one of the refreshing fruity agua frescas to wash it all down.
The East Memphis location at 6300 Poplar Ave. is currently closed; the Germantown location reopened April 28 for takeout.
1215 S. Germantown Road, Germantown; (901) 751-1200; delimexicana.com
Las Delicias: Tacos Al Pastor
Las Delicias is known for its guacamole and chips, which can now also be found in area grocery stores. At the restaurants, it is made to order. Full of chunks of freshly sliced avocado, it’s a must-order at every visit.
But this story is about tacos, so let’s get back on topic.
Our go-to order for tacos at Las Delicias is Tacos al Pastor. Spicy pork is thinly sliced and served garnished with thick slices of fresh pineapple, cilantro and minced onion. The pork has a nice level of heat — you can taste the spiciness but it’s not overwhelming.
A frozen margarita swirled with sangria is the perfect libation to accompany your tacos.
Two locations: 4002 Park Ave. and 5689 Quince Road; lasdeliciasrestaurant.com