The taco has gained increasing popularity as of late; no longer mere street food option, it's now a ubiquitous nosh in no-frills and trendy dining locales alike.
When it comes to tacos, where does the value lie? Overall, authenticity trumps ambiance. It's less about the place you find yourself eating one, much more about the reliably tasty combination of crunch, spice and flavor delighting your taste buds. A taco should be simple, with just the right amount of sass.
So where to head when a craving hits? We've sourced ten awesome spots for you. Read on.
EL ARRIERO
There's plenty to like at El Arriero, starting with just-crispy-enough tortilla chips and ultra-creamy guacamole. Tacos come a la carte, in salads or in platters alongside burritos, enchiladas, tostadas and more. Go there for: the Fajita Taco Salad.
2948 28th St. SE, Kentwood
Less than $20
TACOS EL CUNADO
You may have driven by its Grandville Avenue location, marked by a festive multi-colored stand. In September, Tacos El Cunado arrived at the Downtown Market to a glowing response. Go there for: Emily's Taco Trio.
435 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids
Less than $10
TAQUERIA AZTECA
A promising sign you've stumbled upon authentic Mexican cuisine? When there's a Mexican grocery store adjoining the restaurant. Taqueria Azteca offers little fanfare; they know it's more about the food than the décor. Go there for: the Carne Asada Tacos.
2027 N Park Dr., Holland
Less than $20
DONKEY TAQUERIA
A recent addition to Wealthy Street, Donkey Taqueria signals the expansion of What the Truck, a food truck offering fusion tacos, enhancing a growing culinary scene in this area of town. Go there for: Tacos de Queso Acadero.
665 Wealthy St., Grand Rapids
Less than $10
MI FAVORITA
A hidden gem, Mi Favorita serves its food out of a kitchen in the rear of a grocery store. Their daily specials will fill you up nicely, and for next to nothing. Go there for: Tacos de Barbacoa.
408 Columbia Ave., Holland
Less than $10
ARTURO'S TACOS
Well-loved for its amply seasoned tacos—plenty of cilantro, lime and onion—this place serves up affordable fare, especially if you've got an appetite. Twelve tacos go for $10. Also go there for: the Taco Salad.
305 N Beacon Blvd., Grand Haven
Less than $10
CANTINA MEXICAN GRILL
The extensive menu here makes decision-making a feat. Go there for: the Mahi Mahi Tacos—blackened fish, red cabbage, Monterrey Jack and Colby cheeses stuffed into three soft shell tacos. Chipotle tartar sauce gives this dish a nice kick.
2770 East Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
Less than $20
LA TAQUERIA SAN JOSE
At $1.75-$2.00 each, the tacos at La Taqueria San Jose definitely give you a bang for your buck. You'll be satiated after two (or three). Go there for: Al Pastor tacos.
1338 S Division Ave., Grand Rapids
Less than $10
LA MEXICANA MARKET
Mark your calendar for the first Tuesday of the month, when you can swing by La Mexicana Market for 50-cent tacos of one kind. Bite-sized snacks wrapped in homemade tortillas. Mmm. Go there for: the Chorizo Tacos.
1956 Portage St., Kalamazoo
Less than $10
MARGARITA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
At Margarita's, you can get three generously filled tacos for less than $10, from beef tongue to juicy shredded chicken. Go there for: the taco bar, for a DIY meal and toppings galore.
495 W 17th St., Holland
Less than $15
