Taqueria Latina.. — Restaurant in Pompano Beach

What a lovely hidden gem !! I read the reviews and thought I'd pass by for taco Tuesday. There was no special, but the tacos are $2 anyway !! So all day everyday $2 tacos ! And, they're authentic Mexican tacos. Last time I had them like this was when I was in Tijuana for a medical treatment. They were soooooo good ! Just tortilla, meat, onions and cilantro! Delicious.

I saw some of the negative reviews and this is what I think (my opinion, not fact obviously). Some people like well seasoned and sauced meats. I'm Argentinian, so when I grill it's just salt and pepper to keep the taste of the meat. These tacos weren't overly seasoned, so you got mainly the taste of the meats. I thought it was delicious and light, as these tacos should be. So, some people may have been expecting taco Bell type tacos 🤷🏻‍♂️ or something that masks the taste of the meat, like Rocco's tacos or something.

I also tried something new, the shrimp tostada and the chorizo Sope. Both very flavorful. The tostada is a thin crispy tortilla, shrimp, onions and cilantro, with some kind of red sauce. Kind of BBQ ish. The Sope is a thick, bread type base with the chirzo, lettuce, tomato and onion. Also delicious.

I had the flan, it wasn't homemade, it was from Publix (the lady that worked there told me lol) and of course Publix flan is bomb so, I wasn't upset haha.

All in all, loved this place. Cozy, authentic, friendly lady at the front. Definitely family run. With a store in the back for authentic Mexican products. Also had to have the Coke. Next time I'm having this purple drink that's in a 5 gallon jug in the fridge, I don't remember what it's called, but it was delicious and sweet. Kind of like a sweet cranberry juice. I beleive she said it's from Jamaica ? Maybe just the flower. I don't remember, but it was good. Oh, and the free chips and salsa was great too !

Definitely check it out if u want to try something different and authentic. Can't...

I know this review is pretty critical, but I was truly anticipating writing a great review review because I was very sure that I was going to be eating delicious authentic Mexican! The restaurant is small, "mom & pop shop-like",and did not feel like a place designed to want customers to sit and eat, restaurant-style; more strictly take-out oriented (McDonalds is WAY mpre sit-down restaurant-like; coming from someone who never sits down to eat in a McDonald's--not that I see any problem with it; personally, I just view Mc'y D's as Drive-Thru only).

I guess I just strongly felt there couldnt possibly be a chance for a place in that local--directly facing a main highway, AND on the most perfect part of Sample Road, cause traffic 24/7 backed-up RIGHT at that spot--with HUGE sign saying "Mexican Food", in such a HEAVILY Latin populated area, to serve anything BUT Flavorful authentic Mexican food! I definitely was super excited and maybe I set my expectations too high? But the food was surprisingly BLAND! I ordered the chicken enchiladas, I was under the impression it was shredded chicken but it was like little cut up bits that were cooked in a way that left the chicken pieces chewy. Just to get through the meal I had to add Lots of Salt,Crystal hot sauce, cheese and Seasonings and heat it up, throw it on top of a plate of Doritos and pretend it was nachos! The amount of rice was SO small that it, very neatly, fit inside the smallest square of the foam carryout container! The beans weren't refried OR black, I still dont know what they were? And this 1-plate of "shredded chicken enchiladas" was $11.00! I made sure you all could see this prize dish yourself, below... but when I took the picture it was because I was anticipating using it for a GREAT review, since I hadn't yet tasted any of the food. :( too bad, theyre within walking...

If you're looking for a classy, high-end Mexican restaurant...stop, because this isn't it. But if you are looking for truly authentic Mexican (not Tex-Mex) fare and don't mind a no-thrills hole-in-the-wall, you've found your spot in Pompano. Their solidly Mexican clientele speaks to its authenticity. A Mexican friend turned our family onto this spot, and we've been there several times, and it's always consistently excellent. The tacos al pastor are as authentic as you'll find in south Florida, and come with plenty of meat and doubled corn tortillas which have been warmed on the flat grill, not the microwave. Only way to make them more authentic is to use a "trompo" right in front of you. Carnitas (shredded pork) and Asada (steak) tacos are also delicious. Tacos are $2 (a little more for steak), and a great bargain. Their fajitas are also spot-on, and a generous portion. I'm not a fan of horchata (beverage made from rice and cinnamon), but my Mexican friends swear by the one served here, and tons of folks order it.

Why five stars? Because I'm comparing apples to apples. Not comparing the interior to a decked-out Mexican restaurant, but rather comparing it to other bare-bones spots. But their food exceeds what you'll find at Mexican restaurants that will charge you twice as much and be half as good, with smaller portions. So if you're not afraid of a hole-in-the-wall spot, and appreciate authentic Mexican food, do yourself a favor and try this place; you will not be...