Playa Taqueria — Restaurant in Montclair

This was a pleasant stop. My top-tier chum and I came by this past Saturday around noon for some much needed sustenance during the Montclair Town-wide Yard Sale (which I honestly thought was terrible - if you don't have kids, you were not finding much beyond moldy pogo sticks and tattered luggage sets. Dark times.). Apparently there was also a sidewalk sale going on in Upper Montclair so it was definitely on the crowded side when we wandered over but we were still able to secure parking about a block away. Deliciously uneventful.

Despite the congestion in the surrounding area, Playa Taqueria wasn't too busy - there were a few people seated outside, but otherwise we were able to walk right up to the counter and order. My favorite part of this experience by far was that Playa let you kind of mix and match/build your own. I'm very picky when it comes to Mexican because I don't like crunchy shizzle in my food (which is kind of a calling card of the genre) so a lot of times I'm out once pico de gallo or whatever automatically gets involved. Despite several items not being to my liking in the official quesadilla description, I was able to pivot and order a very basic version of it, with just chicken, cheese and a guac add-on. (After making an enormous deal of ordering off menu, the woman behind the counter listened to my order, nodded slowly and said, "...so you want a chicken quesadilla." I may have blown the situation out of proportion.)

The quesadilla was very good. It was definitely made to order, so it came out several minutes after my chum's meal (a bowl of nachos or something that was housed quickly). It's not a formal restaurant by any stretch so the disparate arrival times to me aren't a big deal, especially when you're getting a better quality meal being made right then and then. It was a LITTLE too cheesy for me (absolutely dictionary definition nitpick), and it's wild to me that queso is one of the typical ingredients in this dish; I can't even imagine the cheese overload in that scenario. But the chicken was very flavorful and I was pleased that the guac was a legit portion (an item in my experience where you really have to pull teeth to get more than a very small spoonful, even if you're already paying extra for it).

The restaurant (at least the front end) was being handled by a handful of young women, all of whom were very nice. The one at the register who dealt with my order specifically deserves top marks for dealing with my high maintenance behavior capably and ably. I also didn't think the price point was too bad - the obvious chain comp for me would be something like a Bubakoo's, which is definitely a step or two below this and really greasy. I think you're getting better food for roughly the same cost, which I'll always take in a heartbeat.

I can't recommend the Town-Wide Yard Sale this year, but I do...

When it comes to tacos - there is no fake love The tacos at Playa Taqueria blessed all of my taste buds The Pollo Adobado and Short Rib with the heavenly marinades I'm expressing my love for this place like a serenade They are bringing the people handcrafted, culinary sensations These folks ain't playing around - feed your temptations Mark my words - the Nixtamal Corn is the game changer Make ya head explode - certified brain banger My second trip back - this time I didn't stop for tacos Let's get straight to the 'Guac' - on a scale of 1-10 - I give it 10 avocados The 'Cup O Esquites' - much to my surprise - it came in unique form It was essentially a mind-blowing deconstructed street corn Be warned - there's a lot of incredible deliciousness going on here I don't know what the chef is doing but I really like what's going on here I got those Nachos - Short Rib braised with spices - Suadero steez House-made queso, black beans, Pico, Crema - take my dinero, please Chipotle! Salsa Verde! The Sauce Man gives a thumbs up I could eat this food every day - sun down to sun up So stop what you're doing and start alerting your neighbors 206 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair - a place bursting with flavor Vibrant and Authentic - establishing a special legacy Shout out to Chef Ricky for those little twists and special recipes Big Ups to Charlie and the entire team for the good energy Ingrained in my brain - nothing but good memories

I'm Ciphurphace and I approve...

Let me begin by stating that I rarely give out 5-star reviews. However, this local gem has truly earned every bit of it. I recently visited this place and had an incredible experience. The burritos were bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection, while the quesadillas were equally delightful, with gooey cheese and a satisfying crunch. The guacamole was fresh and flavorful, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the meal. I can’t wait to explore the rest of their menu. The portions are generous, so come prepared to indulge. The friendly and professional staff made the visit even more enjoyable. Overall, it was an amazing experience, and I can’t wait to return. If you’re in the area or craving authentic Mexican food, this place is highly recommended. Do not miss the opportunity to try it and make sure to share...