Lake Taco — Restaurant in Hood River

At first when the food was delivered, I really didn't understand what was going on. I had just paid $2.50each and they arrived in a single tortilla with no fixings. Just meat and tortilla.

I almost cussed aloud when I saw the plate arrive. My gripe with taco places of any kind is when I feel the tacos lack generosity. But the missing fixings would be some next level stuff. I wonder if the server noticed before saying where the salsas are located.

Aside from the single-tortilla, Lake Taco is actually REALLY generous. They have all the cilantro, onion and salsas available in the dining room for customers to adorn their own tacos how they wish. This is the first I've seen where tacos arrive with nothing but meat. The meat portions I would say are fair for the price, not stingy. And then once we'd sat again, the person at the front counter brought over a basket of freshly made potato chips. Completely unexpected.

Regarding the fixings..Would I do it this way? Absolutely not. First impression to hungry, partially observant people like me is negative, emotional and shocking.

Is this actually traditional? They say on their sign "traditional". Who's tradition? No, this isn't traditional in my experience.. but it does serve very well to a particularly picky, food sensitive and self-aware PNW crowd. This part is where I felt like I understood the complexity of Lake Taco.

Tacos should be...

This place is a victim of its own success. The food is the best Mexican food in Hood River. Apparently they are having growing pains though. The nurses at the hospital order lunch there so the kitchen is slammed at lunch. We waited 30 minutes for our food, which is completely unacceptable for a burrito & 2 tacos, and it wasn't even ready yet! Several people who came in after us got their food... it appeared they gave our food to someone else or lost our order. We had somewhere to be so I asked for a refund. Seating is cramped. Outside seating is directly in the sun. They need shade, more staff, and a faster kitchen to keep up with their popularity. I like the food but will never try to come here when busy. I hope they improve their operations because the food is good if you can get it. 3 stars is pretty good for not even...

Truly awesome, local, quality restaurant that represents small business done well.

We originally stopped in here for Tacos on New Year's Day but they were closed. At first I was a little disappointed but then was happy that a family run business took the holiday off.

We went back the day after and had a fantastic experience with great food. The service as excellent. Super personable people ran the place. I think one of the owners recommended the Molinas to my wife and it was delicious. The tacos were hearty. A neat twist was they offered us yummy scratch made potato chips. The salsa bar was also enjoyable.

The outside of the building was enjoyably quirky with bright colors and set back on a lot with a great sign directing people to the location.

Definitely and worthwhile place to...