Mexcal — Restaurant in Reno

I’ve have been to so many taquerias over the years, both stateside and in Mexico. I have never had tacos so good. This place ought to find its way into a Michelin guide.

We got a salsa appetizer and three street tacos to share for the two of us. The salsa were all amazing and the best form of their type I’ve ever had. Everything had just enough heat and was skillfully made. The street tacos were mushroom, carne asada, and duck confit. The mushrooms were prepared like you’d expect a shredded pork or beef. The carne asada was crisp and well seasoned. The duck confit was fork shredding. All of them were topped with complimentary flavors. They were just incredible. The roast salsa they served with the tacos was incredible. I asked for the recipe. It’s “just” a roast tomatillo salsa with herbs and lime. I will be remaking that at home. It’s amazing.

Come visit. It will be worth your time.

Update: I’ve been back many times but I keep forgetting to snap a photo before I eat. I was fortunate enough to remember to take a photo this recent visit. On my second plate of tacos that is.

I should mention that I’m sharing all of these with my girlfriend. Our first four (not pictured) were langua, carne asada, short rib, and Al pastor. All were fantastic. The Al pastor was something special. They topped it with pineapple 😍.

The second plate (picture #3) is of a shrimp and carnitas. Do note that most of their tacos come with cheese and/or crema but I can’t do dairy. I think they piled on more meat because we didn’t have dairy. I think I could eat 5 of those shrimp tacos and be done for the day. Shrimp wasn’t overly seasoned so you could actually enjoy the fresh flavor. They were very light compared to all the beef tacos and made for a great palette cleanser.

Still a must...

APPETIZERS They had delicious margaritas. We tried 3 of them...coconut, mango, and blood orange. Drinks cost $12.99. We got the guacamole which cost $10. It was really good. It was topped with sliced Jalapeños, pickled red onion pieces, and cotija cheese. It was a pleasant combo. We also order the trio of salsa with chips. It came with an Avocado salsa, fresh chunky salsa, and I think a fire roasted salsa. They were all good as well. It didn't come with enough chips in my opinion, but it was no issue when we asked for more chips.

ENTRÉES This place does not have rice and beans to accompany your entrees like many other establishments. They did not need to serve rice and beans to fill you up because they make sure you get your fill with the tacos and tostadas! Each one will run you about $4-6 bucks each. I got a carne asada tostada, quesobirria taco, and a chicken taco. My husband got a lamb taco, short rib taco, Mahi Mahi taco and 2 vegetarian tacos...one Mushroom and the other was Cauliflower and apple! Sounds weird but he said it worked well and he liked it! All the tacos were packed with meat. I barely finished the 3 I ordered.

STAFF/ATMOSPHERE The staff here is nice and friendly. Our server was attentive, but not overly so. I I liked the decor inside and outside. I loved the decorative Sugar skulls and La Loteria cards labeling the bathrooms. Cute painting inside on the wall of Reno.

We will definitely come...

First of all…service was amazingly phenomenal! Jose was kind, fun and efficient with the timing. My favorite cocktail was the coconut one..if you like coconut. It’s cold, refreshing and has pieces of coconut around the rim and in the drink. Jose brought out chips with guacamole and salsa. The chips were fresh and crispy and the dips were delicious! I had to asked for more chips. Their quesabirria was the hit of the night! The taco shell is so flavorful in the beef stew. Inside was filled with cheese and shredded beef. I have had quesabirria but this…it is out of the world!!!! Pair it with their dipping sauce…mmmmmm sooo freaking good! The duck taco was different. It was my first time. Has pepper and a little dry for me but drizzle the birria sauce over to add nice flavors. I also had lengua (beef tongue) tacos. This was very very good. The meat is tender and so rich in flavorful. Gotta fair it was spicy salsa and birria sauce. I was dancing in my chair with these tacos! Can’t finish the night without dessert. Their churros were served warm alongside melted gooey dark chocolate and whipped cream. The crust is crispy and sweet sugary cinnamon taste. Inside is so soft and warm. The tres leches was moist and delicious (not too sweet). This restaurant has a cute patio and they play...