Taquearte

Finding a taco in Mexico City isn’t difficult. There’s probably a guy named Luís out on the sidewalk selling one regardless of where you happen to be in Mexico City. Of course, standing on the sidewalk, eating a taco, is not the most comfortable dining experience and do that can often resulting in ruining your Gucci loafers or cashmere sweater.

So, finding a restaurant that let’s you sit down, order a taco and enjoy it while watching the latest news on the big-screen TV hanging on the far-wall, is for some, a preferred dining experience.

And Taquearte, Mexico City’s largest restaurant-chain specializing in tacos is an excellent way to achieve that dining experience.

With eight locations dispersed throughout Mexico’s big capital city, Taquearte has become a popular quick fix for that taco urge.

Although there are similarities between it’s closest competitor, El Califa, and Taquearte there some distinguish features.

All the Taquearte restaurants are ultra-casual. With the recent remodel of most of the El Califa locations, the décor and ambiance at El Califa is a cut above what you’ll find at all the Taquearte locations. The tacos are slightly smaller at Taquearte. They most closely resemble the tacos you’d find at most taco stands on the street. But you’ll also pay almost twice as much for the tacos at El Califa.

For the budget minded, Taquearte is probably the better choice if you’re willing to give up that more stylish décor.

The menu at Taquearte is slightly more varied, as well. In addition to the standard tacos, volcanes (called cráteres at El Califa), and gringas, Taquearte offers sandwiches, salads and an organic taco section. The menu doesn’t make it clear, but the implication is that these chicken and cheese tacos are made with chicken fed with organic-grains and cheese made from grass-fed dairy cows.

Generally speaking, I think the level of execution at El Califa is a notch-above and more consistent than what you’ll find at Taquearte and in the remodeled locations in Condesa, Roma Norte, and Del Valle, the ambiance at El Califa is far superior.

But you’ll definitely pay the price for those minor upgrades. If a quick, convenient taco-fix is what your seeking in clean, albeit somewhat mundane ambiance, Taquearte is an excellent choice. And with the most locations of any chain in Mexico City, there’s likely a Taquearte close to wherever you happen to be in the big city.