- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
2549 Cambie StVancouver, BC V5Z 3Y6
Neighbourhood: Fairview Slopes
(604) 558-2549
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 8:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
100 reviews for La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop
Review Highlights
-
"I can't get enough of the Al Pastor." In 7 reviews -
"...food, same awesome service, just in a shiny new location." In 7 reviews -
"And the beef tongue was so tender." In 6 reviews
Loading...
100 reviews in English
-
Review from Tom N.
5/11/2012
I've tried a few 4.5 stars taco places in Seattle and man does place destroys them ALL. I thought I've tried the best tacos in the Seattle area, but of course Canada is so much better than the rest of us.
I've tried their Asada, which was some grilled AAA flank beef, which was good, but it doesn't compare to the other tacos I've tried, such as their carnitas and al pastor.
Carnitas had some red onions and some pork and their al pastor had some delicious pork marinated meat and cold tiny pineapple pieces.
On top of the recycle trash can (I wish it was in another place away from the garbage) they have some pickled jalapenos and red onions which was flavorful. I believe it was home made because it tasted something very similar to this marination station in Seattle, where their jalapenos and onions were home made. They also have four sauces to choose from, ranging from mild, medium, hot and HALBERNO! Halberno was good, but beware, it is pretty spicy afterwards. I had to get some al pastor to cool me down with their cold pineapple pieces.
The customer service was top notch, he explained how to order and how the tacos were. The taco shop was the cleanest I've ever been and the staff keeps up a good job on maintaining that.
Parking however is tough to find, but there is a hidden parking lot by the alley, which you do have to pay, but it's so worth it to get some tacos there.... -
Review from Alex I.
Vancouver, BC
5/3/2012
Pinche is an interesting name for a place. Although looking it up, the meaning i am thinking of may just be Mexican Spanish. Still good work on sneaking in a cuss word.
Anyway, one of only a handful of places I have been to in Vancouver that says they serve Mexican food and actually serves Mexican food. And they do a good job. Always appreciate a place that makes their own hot sauces too.
The location is perfect, along the 99 and Canada Line with a lot of stuff in the neighborhood. I like to get one of each of the vegetarian tacos, since they are all good and there is a deal on getting 4 tacos at once. Only gripe is that I have an appetite that 4 tacos does not quite satisfy. -
Review from Paula P.
Vancouver, BC
5/3/2012
I must contribute to the hype because this place is seriously awesome. Detective Riddle, JP and I hit this up mid-week after the Detective and I were lucky enough to get a taste of their wares at the Yelp's Night at the Museum party (which coincidentally was AWESOME!).
Upon arrival we were advised that the beer special was Pacifico's for $3. THREE! Soooo yes! $2-$2.50 for a taco works for me - I understand that there are places where they cost less but come on - this is not going to break your budget! Plus with that kind of deal on cervesas, you come out ahead!
Al Pastor was delicious - well seasoned and complimented by diced pineapple. I also enjoyed the creamy corn and poblano taco (I forget the name...) but my favorite by far was the tofu taco. Obviously simmered for a long time in a tomato based sauce, it includes sliced almonds for a slight crunch and nutty flavour.
The hot sauce bar has enough types of sauce to allow some real creativity in your addition of condiments. You could get four of the same taco and have them come out completely different based on your sauce selections. Add some nice smoky chipotle to the creamy corn taco and it adds an entirely new depth!
The dish of Mexican pickles also makes an excellent addition to your taco (um hello?! jalepeno!).
Probably the best part of this place is the service - this is not manufactured friendliness, these people really mean it - friendly, fast and quick to make a recommendation, this is the best counter service I have recieved in a long time. Review to follow for the Hastings location. (Surprise! I liked it too!) -
Review from Jamie K.
5/3/2012 9 Check-ins Here
This is kind of cheating because I've reviewed the one on Hastings.
I can't resist this place. Every time I leave, I say to myself "this $@%* is AWESOME. Like &@$*ing AWESOME!!
The tinga de pollo is killer and probably my fave. I also usually down the carnitas, pescado and al pastor but I'll sometimes go with the asada or de cachete.
My only complaint is they need industrial grade napkins because the juices run all over your fingers and hands but damn this is good $&@%.
I can "understand" people think this is "expensive" but let's put it into perspective. They use QUALITY ingredients, the flavours are specTACular, and they do it all super fast. So if you want a quick snack, you're in McDonalds, Wendy's, BK, DQ, etc.. and I'd much much MUCH rather spend $10 at La Taqueria than $10 there. Afterall, what does $10 really get you these days. Not a whole lotta much. But it gets you 4 killlllllllllllllllllllllllllllller tacos here (ok just over $10 for meat tacos but I'm just rounding).
My typical stop goes like this: "hihowareyou?mynameisJamie.I'llhave2tingadepollo1c arnitasand1alpastor.here'syourmonygimmeeyummytacos nowwwwwww"
Hats off to la taqueria. I think it means "the place with kick &$$ tacos".
Get off your bacon, stop watching Food Network, and come live it here. -
Review from Patricia V.
Vancouver, BC
4/23/2012
I'm a fucking monster when it comes to this place. Seriously. I could eat this for the rest of my life and die fat and happy. I could. These are the BEST tacos I have ever had without having to cross the border. THEY ARE PHENOMENAL. I CAN'T STOP EATING THEM. I've only started coming here maybe three months ago and I probably come here at least once a week. Sometimes, I drag all my friends with me and we (I) DEVOUR more than my stomach can handle. They're just soooo good, I can't stop I'm addicted to these cute little tacos with their soft corny tortillas and tasty tasty fillings
AND DON'T GET ME STARTED ON THE HORCHATA
OH DEAR GOD. IF YOU ARE COMING TO LA TACQUERIA, PLEASE, GET THE HORCHATA. I *think* its lactose and gluten-free... Horchata is rice milk with I think cashews and cinnamon and sugar....but oh my god...the horchata... This might be biased because I just freaking love horchata, but oh god, the horchata... Try the horchata.... And EVERYTHING, eat EVERYTHING on that menu and unless you're crazy you will NOT be disappointed -
Review from Anna M.
Grandview-Woodlands, Vancouver, BC
5/17/2012
By far the most authentic Taco place in Vancouver! love it!!
-
Review from Michael P.
Burnaby, BC
4/14/2012 4 Check-ins Here
La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop has enough praises already, but I might as well add to its impressive list of compliments.
What can I say? Four tacos of any topping for under $10 is a heck of a steal. I'm not going to list out my preferences on what you should/shouldn't try. Instead, I encourage you to try them all (and that includes the seafood and vegetarian ones too). They're all good!
While you order, don't forget to ask for a glass of horchata. My friend introduced me to it and I've been hooked ever since. What's in it? Here's my motto: Don't ask. Just drink.
If you're a twitter user like I am, be sure to follow them and let them know. You might just get away with some deals. ( @LaTaqueriaYVR )
The staff is a friendly and hilarious bunch and I can assure you that your experience at La Taqueria will not be a disappointment. As always, I'm anticipating my next visit. -
Review from Dee Q.
Vancouver, BC
4/28/2012
Authentic tacos! Yummy!! It was our first time here and loved it. Our favourite is the Carnitas (pork confit w/ picked onions). We each had 6 tacos (fish, beef and pork) and shared an order of the quesadillas (bean). All very tasty.
The staff was very warm and friendly. Even guided us how to assemble and pair the perfect salsa and hot sauce to create the perfect bite.
Great colourful decor and fitting music. Two-thumbs up!! -
Review from Awesta M.
3/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
They're getting five stars for putting up with four females who decided to: 1) claim a table for hours; 2) laugh and joke all night like they were at their momma's house;
3) order $3 beers like it was going out of style and 4) then order tacos like we're on wheel of fortune (where the wheel stops no one knows).
Honestly one of the best girl's nights in a long time. The conversation and laughs were fueled by the good nature of the staff, the $3 drinks and the yummy food. I wish I could tell you which taco was my favorite but honestly they all were. And when I say all I literally mean all. We ordered 24 tacos and one quesadilla between the four of us. I loved all of it which I know is not helpful about what to order when you're there but I'd say listen to Diana L., Whitney D., and Crystal H. and I'm sure they won't lead you astray. -
Review from Marcin P.
4/13/2012
This is a decent taco place, but it does not compare to a proper taco truck that you can find south of the border. Make the trip to Bellingham or Seattle. Also, $2.50 a taco is a little steep. Also, $4.50 for a horchata?
The service is very quick and friendly. I had their pescado, asada, al pastor, and lengua. The beef in the carne asada was in some sort of sauce. Huh? The pescado was disappointing. The lengua and al pastor were good. Not enough onion or cilantro, and where are the radishes? -
Review from Alison S.
4/4/2012
Tried out their booth at the Yelp Night At the Museum event and fell in love! So of course when the Boy and I were wondering what to have when we were feeling a little rumbly-tummyish, this place popped into our heads.
- beef tongue - so tender and tasty!
- carnitas - can never go wrong with carnitas
- fish tacos - yum!
We also tried the chicken mole taco which was not bad but not my favourite (it's hard to compete with the carnitas).
Definitely coming back to try the other 2398493 options on the menu board that I didn't have a chance to try this time around. -
Review from Cayley W.
Vancouver, BC
4/11/2012
Went by today after hearing great things over and over and over. Absolutely delicious, cute location, great (and speedy!) service, and oh my god the hot sauuuuuce.
I'm a vegetarian so I had four vegetarian tacos. It's really evident that they source fresh ingredients and make it all in-house. Could not even believe how great it tasted. And for a vegetarian, four tacos (totally filling!) were only $7 + tax and they were delicious. (4 Meat tacos are only $9 plus tax). I'll totally be back. -
Review from Arnold P.
3/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
Tacos were pretty good. I ordered all of them since I couldn't decide which to eat. My favorite is the beef tongue, it was soft and tender. The others where good but not memorable. They also have Mexican Coca-Cola which is made from sugar cane instead of high fructose corn syrup, for the more natural taste.
Don't let the huge line deter you, it goes by fast. -
Review from Jarin H.
Vancouver, BC
5/9/2012
Four tacos for 9.50 is a great price! And the mole sauce is the real deal, unlike some places *cough cough las margaritas*. Will definitely be back, sooner rather than later. Went with my friend and we both remarked how much it felt like a hole in the wall taco joint in the Mission District of SF. Mmmm...
-
Review from Elisabeth N.
Vancouver, BC
5/10/2012
I went here for the time today based on Yelp reviews and the tacos were delicious. My fav is the pescado, but honestly all were good. I just wish they were larger as I could eat 8 of these before getting full.
-
Review from Pamela L.
oh... this place is awesome. The staff is always pleasant and the price is great. Four small meat/ fish tacos for $9.50 or $2.50 each and you get to choose from an array of delicious variations. My favorite is the PESCADO (grilled season fish with pico de gallo) and the CARNITAS (pork confit with pickled red onions). The last time I went, we had organized a tweet up after chatting back and forth on Twitter about La Taquiera after the last Yelp Event - Nite at the Museum. Though there were about 5 people who RSVP'd we ended up with about 4 tables. That's impressive.
This place is just a taco joint where you come in, grab your taco - douse it with the four different sauces that are available and make room for the next people who have come for their taco fix. It might be quiet for 3 minutes and then you look up and there's a line up that going out the door. Then, quiet again.
But people keep coming back for more and with good reason. They're the best tacos in town. -
Review from Edward L.
Ant F. has always mentioned how good this place is. He is absolutely right.
There are 3 or so parking spots in the back. Otherwise you're looking at the side streets, unless it's after 1800, in which case you might get lucky with a loading zone.
The inside is definitely on the ghetto side, with oldschool laminated tables. The tacos are served in ghetto plastic plates that feel more like a cross between Tupperware and a Frisbee.
The lineups here are weird. People come in huge waves. The restaurant will go from empty to completely swamped (with the lineup spilling out the door) within 10 minutes, then 20 minutes later, the place is deserted (other than our group and maybe 3 people) again. This happened twice. It almost seemed like a flash-mob type of deal.
They have a deal where you can save a buck or two if you order 4 tacos. These are the real deal. None Taco Bell here. I tried 2 of them.
Pescado - grilled seasoned fish with pico de gallo (an awesome vegetable mix similar to salsa). Served with what seemed like pickled cabbage on top. Nice and tangy, and no fishy taste.
Tinga de Hongo - sauteed fresh mushrooms in spicy chipotle sauce. Like salsa on steroids.
There is so much filling that you can actually split it into 2 tacos, as each one comes with 2 skins. Twice the awesomeness, for no extra charge. Yay!
For drinks, they have pop or whatnot, and $4 beers. I decided to try the horchata. It's a sweet almond drink. To be honest, it tastes like almond bubble tea. Delicious.
One of the co-owners (Ignacio, very nice guy) came by and gave my group a free quesadilla, with 2 types of sauces. It was filled with beef tongue and cheese. This is different from the Chinese-style beef tongue. If you can get your mind past the "making out with a dead cow" bit, this dish is super yummy. He also gave us 2 types of Mexican desserts. One looks like a block of light brown cake that pulverized easily (cocaine came to mind for some reason) and tasted like peanuts, while the other was a chocolate/strawberry treat (tasted like the filling in Dunkaroos), served in what looks like a jam or marmalade pack you'd find at Denny's or IHOP.
This place is up there with Don Guacamole's for best taco in town. Highly recommended.Listed in: 2012 Ed's Picks, 2012 Cheap and Tasty
-
Review from Diana L.
Now, tacos are really dear to me, since they are one of my absolute favourite foods. When I say favourite, I mean I could eat tacos every day if I was stranded on a deserted island that specialized in making tacos....
I digress, La Taqueria lives up to my standards. I have had many of their different varieties of tacos, but Tinga de Pollo takes the cake. I like to wash down my tacos with a delicious horchata. They also have tasty sauces to compliment their tacos.
On my last visit, I met Ignacio, one of the owners. He introduced my friends and I to the beef tongue quesadilla. Wowowee, that was delectable. Who ever thought a tongue could taste so good? ;)
Perhaps, I will be adding quesadillas to my list of favourite foods...
*side note: I mentioned to the charming Egnacio that he could consider introducing hard taco shells...I would be very appreciative.Listed in: True Comfort
-
Review from Doug G.
2/22/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Why wasn't I born Mexican???
When I was a kid I thought authentic tacos had hard shells. When I was a kid I thought that authentic tacos were filled with ground beef, shredded lettuce, and shredded cheddar. Then again, when I was a kid I thought Speedy Gonzalez, Wyle E Coyote and Roadrunners roamed the cactus filled deserts of Mexico.
Seriously - there's not a sign of my childhood ground beef, lettuce and cheddar hard-shelled tacos at La Taqueria. That's great because I never liked them. Lots of awesome, intriguing, unusual fillings stuffed into pancake size corn (not flour) tortillas. The shredded lettuce is replaced by cilantro. And your choice of salsas. So many choices - you can mix and match your favorite content. I'm in heaven. And now that this location has opened up next to the Broadway Skytrain station - well I'm a regular. -
Review from Shovel S.
3/30/2012
This shop was very pleasant - finding parking kinda sucked but I guess that's everywhere in Vancouver.
They really do have a unique thing going here, and the tacos are a treat. I'll be back next time I head that way. -
Review from Amy T.
2/27/2012
Although the portions were small and the prices aren't exactly the lowest, the tacos were worth it!
These bad boys were authentic and on corn tortillas. The best deal is to purchase 4 tacos for $9.50. If you wanted 4 vegetarian tacos, it's cheaper. Their menu is small, but you won't be disappointed with the meat tacos. -
Review from Gareth H.
Burnaby, BC
4/25/2012
I don't get it, the foods good but the portions are terribly meagre for the price. If I go to Mexico and this is what they eat I'm guessing they order them by the hundred or they're all skinny mofo's. I'll try it again but more because I can't shut out the blare of awesome reviews.
-
Review from Carmen C.
2/16/2012
Whenever people go on-and-on about how amazing the food is at a particular restaurant, my doubt radar goes off.
I find that (especially here in Vancouver) people tend to rave about food/places/things that are only... meh, so I usually try to ignore the hype.
One of these 'everybody loves it!'-type places is La Taqueria.
An amigo of mine had been urging me to join him for 'the most amazing tacos ever!' for several months, and I always hesitated.
Finally, I gave in.
My friend and I hit the Cambie street location and let me tell ya, it was BUSY! As we waited in line, I carefully reviewed my options on their menu board.
Some of the concoctions sounded a bit questionable.... pork and pineapple? Chicken with some sort of chocolate sauce? Are these seriously tacos???
My friend urged me to try an assortment of tacos, which I finally agreed to.
When the tacos were served, I carefully studied my plate and began sniffing the presentation before me. It smelled.... different. Automatically I thought to myself, 'AW CRAP! I'm not gonna like this.'
I cautiously took a bite of a taco....
and then another....
and another....
AND ANOTHER!!!
They were AWESOME!!!!
Each taco seemed better than the last, and I was beyond impressed. FINALLY! A place that actually lived up to the hype!!!
GRACIAS A DIOS!!!!
So all you nervous/picky eaters, take it from someone who has been a dedicated picky eater since the tender age of 7; this place is the cats pajamas.
4 tacos of your choice = $9.50.
Don't be fooled by their small and innocent looking nature. These 4 tacos will leave you STUFFED!!!
I suggest you try all the meat tacos (I'm a carnivore). They are divine.
Enjoy!
Besos,
CC. -
Review from Jane S.
4/10/2012
My hometown in rural Oregon might not have fantastic authentic Chinese/Vietnamese/Korean/Azerbaijani/Lebanese/Gre ek/Andorran cuisine coming out its ears, but boy does it have some rad, rad taco places. Funny how I can go from Applebeesland to Foodie Valhalla and still feel homesick for tacos. La Taqueria Pinche doesn't quite match the atmosphere of the taquerias of my youth - more telenovelas playing in the background and dudes medicating their hangovers with menudo, please - but the food ranks up there with Oregon's best.
I always judge the quality of a taqueria by what I call the "miscellaneous meats" - unpopular cuts like cheeks and lips, and animals like goat and rabbit that tend to evoke squeamish reactions in white North Americans. At La Taqueria, the misc. meat is limited to cachete (beef cheeks) and lengua (tongue). Don't be afraid, folks. These aren't gamy, or gristly, or funky-smelling. Just juicy and full of meaty flavor. The pescado (fish) and cowboy bean tacos are also very good. All of the tacos come with unique seasonings, so even if you decide not to go for the delicious homemade salsas you won't have to suffer through a bland taco. It could be argued that pre-seasoned tacos aren't very authentic - all of the Oregon taquerias let you add onions, salsas, coleslaws etc. on your own - but the guys here really know what they're doing. They have beer, too. Can't have real Mexican tacos without cervezas. -
Review from April H.
Vancouver, BC
2/19/2012
Since La Taqueria is right near the No Frills I usually shop at, it didn't take long before I caved to all the positive reviews and stopped in for a bite. It's got a great atmosphere - bright, clean, colourful, and busy! They have a casual mix of window seats and tables, and the line moves fast.
I don't have a lot of taco knowledge, so I really had no idea what to expect. There are some really interesting menu items like the chicken mole I wanted to try. I wasn't super famished so I just ordered two tacos: the beef cheek and the garlic mushroom they had on special - total $5. I was a bit apprehensive at first with the beef cheek, but it was pretty delicious. The mushroom one had great flavour.
They were the perfect size to fill you up but not stuff you. The shells are so good I could have them on their own. I'm pretty sure the guy working there was a bit worried about me because I was done eating within maybe 3 minutes of getting my tacos. Oops. -
Review from Kenneth E.
Vancouver, BC
2/8/2012 1 photo
Now I can see the appeal of this place...tastes quite authentic, and a deal to be had for 4 meat tacos for under $10. Sure may not fill you up completely but hit the right spot.
Quite busy during lunch time. -
Review from Roanna Z.
3/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Tacos Tacos. Simple, tasty good food!
They do it right but you always feel like you need more. I guess that way they keep you coming back. Some kind of psyche game they play on us. Give 'em a bite and they'll want more.
Well, it works.
I want more.
ps. the Hastings shop is cuter and more 'intimate' -
Review from Jennifer K.
Vancouver, BC
With tacos, I'm coming from a whole 'nother place. I had ordered two asada, carnitas, and pescado. Of all of them, I was blown away by the pescado, and loved how my fish still had some bones in it - which is fine, they don't grow on trees! The flavor combination was amazing, and even though they had so many sauce options, I'm so glad I decided to leave it clean. (I'll experiment a bit more next time)
Also, I'm usually a big fan of asada, but I'm used to eating at the "hole in the wall"places in Los Angeles, where they keep the fat on to keep prices low. So, needless to say, all that lean meat didn't go over well with me, and the prices were a tad high - 4 tiny tacos for nearly 10 bucks? 'Tis the price for living in Vancity.
If you decide to go, I highly recommend trying their fish / pescado as part of your plate. You won't regret it.
FYI: Line moves quickly, orders served so quickly you don't have time to think about how hungry you are. Go for the "special" on the board, if they still have any left!
Updated on Feb 12: I'm a glutton for punishment - Went back again today and had the beef tongue 'n' cheek (no pun intended) and it was fab! Super tender. So, again avoid the asada. Go for the soft stuff instead. -
Review from Scott P.
1/9/2012
Have you ever enjoyed a taco orgasm? Today I had the best one ever!
While sitting in the end window seat savoring my first bite of taco I started to moan with pleasure. It wasn't until about three bites into it I realized I was moaning out loud and drawing a bit of attention to myself.
I stand before my fellow Yelpers today and declare that La Taqueria Pinche produces the best damn tacos in Vancouver if not north of the 49th parallel. These two little circles of masa topped with some of the best meat ever, brought me back to my days in San Francisco. In SF I lived on the cusp of the Mission district which is home to many Mexican immigrants and some of the most authentic and delicious Mexican food. Down there we didn't have to go to Mexico to get our fix we just went one block in either direction.
I have been in search of great Mexican food, in particular Tacos and I found them today. These guys know what they are doing. They do Tacos only and do it right!
For a small sum of $5 I enjoyed two amazing tacos. If I wanted 4 it would have only cost me $9. I was so satisfied with two but nearly went back for more. Thankfully they are only a few blocks away and I can indulge myself anytime I want.
Thank you to the folks at La Taqueria Pinche for giving me the taste of home I was looking for today. Whenever I am feeling a little blue and homesick you will be seeing my happy face and please indulge me while I moan in the corner.
Sus tacos me hacen gemir de placer. Gracious! -
Review from Thera M.
Richmond, BC
3/31/2012
This is a delicious and quick taco place. The mole is delicious! The staff are friendly. I ate 4 tacos but could have easily ate more. I will be back
-
Review from Art C.
Surrey, BC
4/18/2012
Because I was just back from Mexico my brother suggested we go to La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop, which he was curious about. Naturally the food doesn't compare to restaurant dining in Mexico, but for a fast and yummy meal, this is an ideal spot. We had just a half hour for lunch and didn't feel rushed. The beer is part of the decor so it was easy to spot my favorite. Across the street from the Canada line train station, so we could leave the car back at the office. The place was busy and the customers were all having a great time. Try it you will like it.
-
Review from Bronwen M.
Kensington-Cedar Cottage, Vancouver, BC
2/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is a vegetarian food-lover's dream. Great decor, lovely staff, and oh-my-good food. Four tacos usually fills me up, but sometimes I like to add an extra one, or a quesadilla. It's not the cheapest of the cheap, but nor is it expensive. They use good, fresh ingredients and oh boy is it tasty.
Their twitter is great, too: they have all kinds of neat special offers for followers. It can get a bit excessive, but I'm not going to blame them for promoting their business.
Try the Raja con Crema. Try the Tinga de Hongos. Try all the salsas. Try flirting with the cashier. (Did I just say that?) It's all good. -
Review from Tamara L.
1/4/2012
Here's the deal-- This place is a TACO shop... they sell tacos and quesdilla's and drinks and that is *it*. Don't go here expecting all the regular 'mexican' menu items. You will *not* find burritos, or nachos, or chimichangas and all those other north american bastardized 'mexican' foods.
They do tacos (small-- and on corn tortillas) and that's about it.. but they do them very well @ $2-$2.50 each. 4 of these little beauties should fill up someone with an average appetite. They have several veggie & vegan selections as well, so there is something for everyone.
My favourites? The Asada, Pescado & 'Rajas con Crema'.
One star deducted because seating can be a bit iffy and the tables are more 'communal' style. It's very much the sort of place that you order, eat quick & leave. So maybe not the best place to take a date. Oh, also, they were sold out of Coke when I went in which is a bummer. I also have to admit that I sort of have a hate-on for corn tortillas... I *know* that it's 'white' of me to say but I wish places like this would give a *flour* tortilla option.
Overall though this is a GREAT little joint that is much needed in that corner of Vancouver. It's nice to have a lunch option that isn't big-box chains like Milestones or Cactus Club. -
Review from Randall S.
New Westminster, BC
1/9/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Finally, Vancouver is getting some really good Mexican food.
Tacos are the thing at this place. I generally get a plate of four meat tacos, each in a different flavour. They're all damn good.
Particularly enjoy their mole taco--something you rarely see on any menu. -
Review from Kari C.
12/13/2011
Me: I'm going to make some veggie tacos at home.
Coworker: Those aren't real tacos.
Me: You're from Mexico! Don't fill my head with lies! Oh, my heart.
I have been here twice so far, and once to their other location, all great experiences.
My boyfriend is El Salvadorean, and hates (HATES!) bright colour schemes and fast-paced Latin music (I totally dig it), probably because his family is super into it, which makes me like this place just a little bit more. Hee hee.
Fresh tacos, lots of variety, a range of sauces, funky business cards, pickled vegetables...this place is fun. The staff are helpful and informative, too. Just pray to San Taqueria (the patron saint of Taco shacks) that you don't get stuck in line behind people who don't know how to order food. Jesús Cristo!!!
I've tried almost all of their tacos, haven't disliked any, but some favourites are the carnitas, al pastor, pescado, and raja con crema.
Their veggie taco selection is great. If I were a vegetarian I might consider moving in and sleeping on top of the Jarrito cooler. Raja con crema is pretty swell, with roasted poblano peppers, creamed corn, and cheese. I call it The Bobby Flay because in almost every Throwdown episode he puts them in his freaking recipe. Red velvet cake? Don't mind if I do...
Get messy and enjoy the food. Every taco comes with 2 little corn tortillas under the toppings. You can either eat it all as one, for reliable durability, or do what I do, which is separate the tortillas (tearing is a possibility), split the toppings onto each, and then enjoy one of each normally as it is served, and its twin with lime juice and pickled vegetables. Double the fun!
Those pickled onions are addictive, by the way. It's hard not to pile them on. My man hates onions, too (yes, I am sure he's Latin), but loves these.
If you're still undecided, try one to start. How can you lose out on a $2 - $2.50 taco?Listed in: Surefires, Werewolf Time
-
Review from Peter S.
Updated - 12/21/2011
Sounds like the 50 cents Interac fee is no more!
I would hate to be a business owner and have to pay all the Visa/Interac fees caused by non cash carrying people like myself. But, I guess that's the price of business.
Oh well. Glad to hear I can eat even more tacos here. Next time I'll aim for an even dozen.
Keep it up Taqueria. You guys rock.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/7/2011
12 Tacos and a Mexican Coke, an easy five stars!
Paying 50 cents extra for Interac, a massive salsa… Read more »
-
-
Review from Trish L.
Vancouver, BC
4/12/2012
I have never eaten anything here that I did not enjoy. I especially love their fish taco and carnitas! Horchata is great too. Make sure you add them on twitter for updates on daily specials and deals! Yummy!
-
Review from BB H.
Burnaby, BC
12/27/2011
You walk in and see a giant menu above--no prices. Just great. How do I know it's going to be a ripoff already? I was hoping it wasn't but it is. Had four soft tacos and some Mexy water drink for $14 (pre-tip).
Food was bland--nothing special and certainly no better than the Taco Shack on W. 4th. Staff seems to be Mexican so I guess kudos for fresh authenticity in ingredients but we're talking tacos here--a staple of the Mexican diet and what is really a fast food here far north of the border. I expected far better taste. For $7 it'd be fine but at $14 I expected tastier tacos.
Honestly, the place looks like it's a hipster "too cool for school" trendoid hangout. If it was full of Mexican Canadians, I'd maybe question my judgment on it. It isn't. -
Review from Ellie V.
Vancouver, BC
2/3/2012
YES!
These aren't your typical "Old De Paso" tacos. These are some delicioussssss tacos.
I ordered 4 vegetarian tacos, two which were the tofu-based one, and two with mushrooms. Mmmmm! So good. Next time I'll have to try to other vegetarian options. They were super succulent and delightful.
I quite like how they serve the fillings on the soft tortillas, as opposed to the crunchy taco shells.
La Taqueria also carries those classic Mexican sodas, as well as Horchata! -
Review from Russty N.
Vancouver, BC
12/30/2011
It's been a while since I've had a real Mexican Taco but I've had a lot of Tacos from places south of the border including So Cal where Tacos are as common as burgers. La Taqueria on Cambie makes a very authentic and good tasting Taco rivalling those of Mexican street vendors selling Tacos in East LA and other Latino neighbourhoods.
The ingredients are flavorful, rich and juicy. The soft tortilla taco shell is freshly made and doesn't tear easily. The only difference between La Taqueria and some of the other Taco places is that you only get bite size morsels, 3-4 bites and your done. This would be OK if they were inexpensive, but at approx $2 each, lunch gets pretty expensive.
Service is good, the staff is helpful in ordering and they are very polite. Tacos are made quickly and looked appealing. The restaurant is small and seating is tight during lunch. One knock is that they don't give you extra plates. Try eating a a moist dripping taco with just a napkin.
If you want to try a Taco in Vancouver other than Taco Del Mar, give La Taqueria a try.
