LASANTABARBACHA @lasantabarbacha

Taco Mex's Vegan Taco

There is every reason that a drive down Manor Road should include a pit stop at the Taco Mex window. Whether crispy tacos or breakfast tacos are the objective, it’s hard to go wrong here. The made-to-order tacos maintain all the quality one expects but at the prices we remember from high school. Try a bean, potato, and nopales taco. It may be vegan, but add some green salsa, and this three-(now-4) ingredient masterpiece has all the flavor necessary to start the morning off right.

For those who have ever wondered how to get more queso in their taco without bursting through their tortilla, La Santa Barbacha’s Cheese Taco is cheesy on the eyes and satisfies the savory-tooth. In a move that feels a bit like cheesy inception, the chefs nix the traditional wrap for a cheesy shell that forms the outer layer of this satisfying taco. Inside, gooey cheddar surrounds perfectly seasoned barbacoa and chicharron. The symphony of textures in this taco is sure to have patrons cheesing.

MEHER’S FAVES

Nitxta’s Beet

“Tartare” Tostada

This taco at Nixta makes me feel like I’m eating a meal from a cartoon. It’s vibrant with magenta hues from the roasted beets, lime green fluff from the avocado crema, a dark green bouquet of microgreens, all piled high on a blue corn tortilla. It tastes as exciting as it sounds. And let’s be honest, a tostada is essentially a taco with a tad less packaging.

Arlo’s Frito Pie Burger

Even those averse to vegan meals should be able to appreciate the creativity of this menu item. Marrying tradition with innovation, this plant-based food truck serves a meatless burger topped with vegan cheese, chili, Fritos, chipotle sauce, pico de gallo, onions, and lettuce. It’s messy, packed with flavor, and guilt-free.