The Taco Bar — Restaurant in Alberta

I hate to sound like a snobby American, but I’ve eaten at many taco joints down south and this place just doesn’t understand tacos or Mexican cuisine. I ate here once before and was disappointed. Fast forward a cpl years and I see a sign in their window claiming they were voted best taco shop in the province? Or maybe just the area. In any case I’m not sure if this is a self proclaimed title or if people actually voted on this but I decided, hell, I’ll give it one more try. I ordered the taco grande meal for around $15 CDN. This meal includes two 6” tacos with your choice of protein (chicken, beef, or garlic pork) wrapped in two microwaved white corn tortillas. I had a shredded chicken taco and a beef taco. I was given the choice between spicy or mild salsa and I chose the spicy. The spicy salsa lives up to its name and was pretty spicy and tasty, maybe the only good thing about the meal. Other toppings included some sort of pickled cabbage slaw and cilantro. The toppings were simple and alright, but it would’ve been nice to have other options like onion, pico de gallo, a slice of lime, jalapeño, maybe some crumbled cotija or pickled onion. But alas, what you get is what you get. As for the meat, the shredded chicken was exactly like it sounds. The toppings complimented the blandness nicely. The beef was not good at all- tasted like shredded bbq beef that you might eat on a bun, kind of sweet and mushy. I can’t speak on the garlic pork, but I highly doubt they are serving slow roasted pork shoulder cooked in house. The tortilla to filling ratio was way off, and I ended up just eating it with the inner tortilla.

This meal does not come with any sides, so I also ordered the beans and rice for another three or four dollars. The other side offered was store bought tortilla chips and salsa. The rice and beans were a total abomination. White rice seasoned with what tasted like dried oregano and black pepper. The canned black beans had a bit of lime juice squeezed in. If they were aiming for Mexican rice, they would’ve been better off with a knorr Mexican rice packet, and the beans were bland and hard to choke down. This establishment obviously doesn’t believe in using salt, garlic, or onion. It’s a cute atmosphere with outdoor seating, slushy margaritas, and beer and the employees were super friendly, but the food makes me wonder if the owners/cooks have ever eaten authentic Mexican tacos or ever even been to a Chipotle which is far from authentic, but at least fresh and good tasting. They’re trying to make themselves seem authentic, but cut corners and use shortcuts that ultimately make for very uninspired and bland tasting food.

Improvements could be made with fresh toppings, freshly grilled or roasted proteins like grilled garlic shrimp or fish, well seasoned pork shoulder roast, and grilled chicken rather than microwaved shredded chicken breast. Fresh tortillas chips could be made by frying those unnecessary 2nd tortilla they wrap their tacos in. Instead of canned black beans, why not make very simple refried beans witnessed pintos or even black beans and then top with some cotija? Queso and guacamole are also simple toppings that would vastly improve their menu. The seasonings are lackluster and completely wrong for the dishes they’re trying to make. Eating here has made me realize that it’s always a mistake to eat “Mexican” food or pizza in Canada. To be fair, the States don’t know how to do Chinese food or very good Indian food down south either. Sorry for the long review, but the lack of inspiration in this food gave me inspiration that maybe will give this establishment some...

The Mexican food here is hands down, the worst I’ve ever had. So bland and tasteless. Black beans and white rice in a watery bowl.

We sat outside and it could be a really nice spot but the seating is also just as bland. Also, no shade so you’re eating under the hot sun.

Avoid this place.

*Edit - Clearly I’ve hit a nerve with the owner who cannot take the experience of their customers to heart and effect change.

I don’t need to argue with someone that is clearly not able to take feedback or who is clearly not able to be reasoned with.

Yes, the Taco Bar has now taken top place in my world of the absolute worst Mexican food I’ve ever had. I did fail to mention in my initial review that the bowl had spinach in it. Spinach in Mexican food - well, this was a first for me.

The food at the Taco Bar was underwhelming and I left feeling dissatisfied, regretful that I wasted a meal on this place and hating the fact that I spent over $15 on a “bowl” that was so disgusting.

The outdoor space was tacky and cheap and no, there was no table seating available with shade. Some umbrellas would’ve been nice.

Please consider the owners response as an indicator of how this restaurant is run and his/her attitude towards their customers.

Still....

Two big thumbs down. We were so disappointed with this place. We came here a few weeks ago. There was a large group of us. Three families ordered from here... no one was happy. The food was bland, dry, and quantity was small for what you pay. My family got the little tacos, tacos grande, and one drink. It cost almost 40 dollars! I don't mind paying for good food, but this was such a disappointment and a complete waste of money. Wasn't even full after. Would not recommend this place at all. Go down the street and get something else so you won't have an empty stomach and a empty wallet.

Edited to add in response to her rude reply which just goes to show her lack of appreciation for customers.... First off there was two in my family eating.... which we had two meals. Second... no one asked how are food was. And third.... why should we have to come tell you? This isn't the first review like this you have had.... we were annoyed, disappointed and just wanted to leave. Maybe give proper food the first time. In every review you bash the customer for not telling you.... just do it right and charge a fair amount for...