With all the trials and tribulations we’ve endured lately, there’s something about the care, support, and warmth that taco trucks provide that brings joy, even on our darkest days. I know that may sound a bit flippant, but we all have our coping mechanisms.
This week, I had the pleasure of acquainting myself with the dedicated taco truck owners and operators along North May Avenue, from NW 10th to NW 36th.
From the unbeatable value of their tacos and burritos to the skillful craftsmanship behind their tortas and birria, I tip my hat to every artisan working on these trucks, making sure you can grab a snack, a meal, or, in my case, an entire directory of taco trucks to explore.
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Mariscos El Pelon (On the Corner of N. May and NW 10th)
Starting at the corner of NW 10th and May, my taco tour began with the new kid on the block, Mariscos El Pelon. With an understated flair for well-prepared seafood, Pelon serves up much-loved recipes ranging from a few breakfast dishes to a full spread of dinner options—all with a flavorful, fishy twist.
Immediately catching my eye was the Burrito Mar y Tierra ($12.00), a combination of carne asada and a fish selection—likely the fresh catch of the day, right? This burrito was a truly transformative experience, with the rice and cheese blending seamlessly with the meats to create a whirlwind of flavor. Land ho!
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Tacos Panchos (In the vacant lot where Jimmy’s Egg once stood, N. May and NW 16th)
Tacos Panchos may be a small taco cart, but it delivers big flavor! While the menu includes the basics—like made-to-order tacos and burritos—it also features more traditional fare, such as mulitas, quesabirria, and the standout item that won me over: the Chicken Torta ($7.00).
Something you don’t usually see on many taco truck menus, it had the taste of real roasted chicken, done in chicken salad form.But what really made it pop was the fresh torta bread, sending the sandwich to out of this world maganitude. With onions, avocados and some plump peppers, it felt like a real homemade treat!
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Tacos Y Gorditas El Viejo (Next to York’s at 3101 N. May)
Break time!
Tacos Y Gorditas El Viejo is a true workingman’s lunch spot, with plenty of city workers, hardhats—and myself, of course—enjoying authentic Mexican food on their break. I spotted some breakfast tamales on the menu that sounded incredible, but with the lunch whistle already blown, I opted for two Barbacoa tacos for $5.
As expected, the barbacoa was rich and hearty, with plenty of onions and cilantro adding freshness. Eating at a rickety table alongside road crew and other city workers, you could almost taste the hard work and sweat that made these tacos so satisfying!
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Birrieria Utzil (Outside Frankie’s, 3200 N. May)
Birrieria Utzil is pulling some magic in their cart! Parked near the side of Frankie’s bar, this is one of best trucks—and the tastiest!—I've had the pleasure of masticating to. With its bright colors and diverse menu, it was hard to finalize my order, but eventually, I got the Cochinita Pibil ($3.00) taco and, what the hell, the Esquites Elote ($4.00).
A true double-header, the meal kicked off with the Esquites Elote, where corn kernels were generously coated in rich mayonnaise and parmesan cheese, topped with a bold sprinkle of chile and lime. Equally impressive was the Cochinita Pibil—a gourmet dish of slow-roasted pork, nestled in a corn tortilla and garnished with onions and cilantro.
Taking bite after bite of this duo, it made my whole week, letting me know why I have to chronicle these taco trucks.
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Is there a cluster of taco trucks in your neighborhood? Let me know in the comments!
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Follow Louis Fowler on Instagram at @louisfowler78.
