Week two of my taco journey took me to Atoyac Estilo Oaxaca on Glendale and 19th avenues. (Read week one here.) Tucked away between a smoke shop and a gas station, it looked liked the perfect dive taco shop to get an authentic street taco.
The small shop, which could seat maybe 40 people, was packed with people from all walks of life on their lunch break. Construction workers, people in suits and ties, old ladies and teenagers were all gathered to partake in the wares. As I waited, I noticed most ordered the basic taco, with carne asada or chicken, so that’s what I decided to do. I ordered seven carne asada tacos (I was hungry), with everything on it (which was a steal at $1.60 per taco).
This taco didn’t pretend to be anything it wasn’t. No fancy meat, nothing incredibly unique. It was just a good, old fashion, honest taco served on two corn tortillas, made fresh right in the back of the store.
I took the order to go and was handed a piping hot bag filled with peppers, onions, lemons and limes to be added at my discretion.
And here is where the restaurant won over my heart. I ordered guacamole with it and was given a pretty generous portion, but as I left they asked if I would like more, and they put even more containers of it in my bag. I’ve been used to a life of guacamole being a luxury item I could sometimes afford when ordering Chipotle, and this place just gave it out. I almost cried tears of joy.
The tacos were great — hot and flavorful — and the grilled peppers and onions were perfect. The limes sat in the bag with them for awhile, which added to the flavor.
The venue was perfect, it felt alive and authentic. Taco presentation was simple, I would even use the word humble. It was the perfect taco you could get on a budget.
It was packed with flavor, even with the very simple ingredients. No complaints, thoroughly enjoyed gorging myself on them. The onions were the best, grilled to perfection.
Not much in the uniqueness department, but I don’t think that was what they were going for. Just trying to give working men and women their tacos.
Still in the running for best tacos, only time will tell.
Next week we head downtown to Angels Trumpet Ale House to try a more non-traditional taco, a house special they call a Spudtaco.
