Taco Boyz — Restaurant in Ottawa

Since moving to Canada for work I'd hoped to find a good authentic taqueria, sadly over three years here there are few places even worth mentioning. You can imagine my excitement then when I saw a place popping up near me with "authentic Mexican food". Having now tried it today it's not my go-to place, but I'm not counting it out yet.

Firstly, let's talk about the foundation of any taco: the tortilla. I was expecting to find quality corn and flour tortillas, but what I got felt very much like store bought quality. C'mon guys, break out the tortilla press and masa and give us something authentic!

Then there's the meat, which visually was very appealing, but sadly I had almost no chance of tasting after the employee preparing my tacos smothered it with way too much salsa. I like a nice spicy salsa as much as the next guy, I even tasted the salsas before choosing which one to put on my tacos, but the guy put more - and more- and more, until the only thing I could really taste was the salsa and the tortillas. I'm going to mark it up to nerves and a language barrier, since they've only recently opened and the employee seemed a bit nervous and confused.

Lastly, I felt conflicted when I saw "birria" as an option on the menu I excitedly ordered it for my tacos... Only to see a thick chile sauce get squirted onto my tacos instead of a side of flavorful consomme that I was hoping for.

So, in conclusion, was my experience "authentic"? No, I wouldn't say so. Was it tasty? Tastier than many options in the area for sure. Would this place be my go-to for good tacos? Probably not, based on today's experience. BUT, I see potential and plan to give Taco Boyz another shot - after which my review and rating may change.

Edit: I've been back since, and I'm sad to say that the experience was the same, so the score stays....

Just got myself a quesadillas and tacos (Saturday taco day) and everything was ok until the lady preparing the tacos pulled out the meat container (she needed to scoop out from the bottom). Those meat containers sit on hot water to keep them warm and the lady took it, the whole water on the bottom of the container dripped in my tacos 🤢.

2nd, the gentleman helping her (his name is S…l) took my quesadilla and put it on the heat and some stuff fell. Then he flipped it, again more stuff fell. Finally he cut it into 3 pieces and again some more stuff fell. In total almost a handful of stuffing wasted.

I don’t know the tacos, i throw them at the exit but quesadillas was meh, not the best or worst 5-6 over 10. It’d be better if he didn’t drop all the stuff and it is not crispy at all.

That lady and the gentleman were respectful, they definitely did their job properly until the above experience.

It’s better to make your food at...

I find most burrito places lack luster, but wow this place is amazing.

If you want a really meaty, cheesy, savoury meal you can do that which I find burrito places really struggle with. But they also have so many topping options that it’s very easy to create something that tastes light and fresh depending on what mood you’re in.

The taco pocket is a way, way better version of the taco bell crunchwrap and it’s absolutely amazing. By far my favourite item on the menu and it was such an unexpected find.

The prices are incredible, $12 for 3 tacos whereas a normal burrito place charges closer to $18-20. We bought 3 tacos, a taco pocket, and a chimichanga and for a second I thought they mischarged us because the price was only $40 after tax.

My girlfriend and I happily drive 20 minutes to get this instead of the dozen burrito options close to us.

Awesome spot, highly...