Taqueria Mexico — Restaurant in Albuquerque

As my GPS took me on every back road possible to reach Taqueria Mexico, I began to get nervously excited. Nervous because the neighborhood was beginning to look a little rough... and excited because it started to remind me of being in Mexico or at least really close to it, like Nogales, AZ. I am a firm believer that dirty, authentic shack-on-the-side-of-the-road style Mexican food is far superior to the Americanized counterparts you find in most cities, so this area that I found myself passing through was probably a good initial sign. The neighborhood cleaned up a bit (not much) by the time I actually reached the Taqueria and I was pleasantly surprised to find an absolutely packed parking lot and people waiting outside. Good signs all around.

You have 3 choices here: 1) call in your order and take your food on the go, 2) order from the front window and take it to go, or 3) desperately hope that someone at one of the few tables inside will get up to leave just as you are getting there so you can quickly snatch their spot before someone else does. I opted for choice #3 and lucked out. I won't lie, eating your food in-house can be a bit intimidating for a non Spanish-speaking Gringo such as myself. I found that I was the only Caucasian in the packed joint and the only person speaking English. It was a very authentic dining experience so I suggest that those who can overcome some cultural timidity should try sitting down to dine.

On to the food...

One of the things I have desperately missed since moving to the north is horchata. There is nothing quite like the cold, smooth sweetness of an ice-packed glass of this heavenly concoction. And no, you can't try to make it at home. I've tried this myself and quickly regretted it. The good news is that Taqueria Mexico makes a damn good horchata ($2)! I also ordered some chips and salsa ($2.50) to start off with, which I was disappointed to find were not included with a meal (although to be fair, everything is very cheap so it shouldn't be expected). The chips were freshly made and hot and crispy and the salsa was good - not the best I've ever had but it didn't let me down. For my meal I ordered 2 carne asada tacos (my Mexican staple, $2.50 each)) and a fish taco ($2.50). They were fantastic - something I've missed terribly! The tacos probably needed to be double-wrapped in tortillas as they didn't hold together while I ate them but this is due to the fact that they were packed full of goodness and the meat was moist and dripping with juice.

I could have sat there and enjoyed myself all day but have to admit that I felt a bit rushed as others were patiently waiting to snag my seat from me. Overall, it was incredibly delicious food coupled with a uniquely authentic experience. I...

Please Note: this review was for the original restaurant not this new "Taqueria Mexicana". TAQUERIA MEXICO has moved to a new location on Menaul). From the looks of the recent reviews this establishment is under new ownership/staff and I cannot attest to the quality or taste of their food. Original review for TAQUERIA MEXICO (which once again is on Menaul Blvd now) What was lacking in space (inside the restaurant) was made up by excellent food and super customer service. This place was always busy with local business customers from the surrounding medical area as well as pedestrian traffic. Lunch rush was very busy starting at around 1130 a.m. usually tapering off at around 2ish p.m. Our favorites were: Caldo De Res (beef broth soup with tender beef, potato, carrot, squash and cabbage) served with rice, tortillas and salsa & Flautas plate (shredded beef in a rolled corn tortilla fried to perfection) crispy and delicious with guacamole, beans and rice. They had a traditional carne asada burrito that did not disappoint as well as the Torta (Mexican version of the hoagie made on the grille) with your choice of meat. Their chips and salsa always fresh and delicious. This was authentic Northern Mexico food. Prices are excellent for the food serving size! I hope to review their new...

What was ordered: 2 Adobado Plates, Chips & Salsa, a Side of Guacamole, and 2 Cherry Cokes.

Positive Notes: The person who took the take-out order was kind, patient, and professional. The location was very easy to find and in a safe neighborhood. Safety precautions were taken in the lobby: guests and employees were all wearing masks, everyone stayed 6 feet apart, and there were plexi dividers between cashiers and guests. Checkout was super easy — they accept cash, credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay. The food was neatly packaged. Forks and napkins were included. The waiting area smelled like heaven. The adobado was delicious. The salsa that came with the chips was EVERYTHING. I’ve often said that a restaurant’s house salsa can be the most telling thing and this salsa was mind-blowing! The portions were generous, but not overwhelming.

Opportunities: The waiting area was a bit small and while we were all able to stay 6 feet apart, it became more difficult as more people entered the space. Mind you, this isn’t necessarily the restaurant’s fault and one can choose to wait outside while the area...