It’s Time for Tacos

Answer these five questions to find out your favorite NH taco spot

BY ELISA GONZALES VERDI

We have tacos on the mind. The pillowy, soft tortilla, the sizzling meat and melted cheese that explodes with flavor bite after bite. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it!

Thanks to Taco Tour Manchester — the largest taco tour in the world — we’ve learned that the simple taco is a place for creativity to shine. Much like an artist’s blank canvas, the taco, to the creative chef, is an endless opportunity for mouth-watering possibilities.

Are you ready to take the plunge and explore the delicious tacos New Hampshire has to offer? Take our taco quiz to find out which Granite State taco spot matches your vibe.

You get a last-minute phone call from a friend saying they have an extra ticket to a concert for a band you’ve never heard of … tonight! You:

A) Say thanks, but you’re already in bed. Plus, you don’t know the band!

B) You look at the clock, realize it’s late and then say you’ll go! You don’t know the band, but you’re going to stream their top hits while you’re getting ready, that way you don’t seem TOTALLY clueless at the show.

C) You’re not huge on last-minute, spur-of-the-moment plans, so you say no for now. But you queue up some of the band’s songs and tell your friend that you would love to catch their next show in a few months!

D) Say “Yes, of course,” get ready and head out! You don’t know the band, and you’ve decided that you want to hear all their songs for the first time in person. You’ll be on your feet for the whole concert, dancing and jamming your heart out — whether you know the words to the songs or not!

You’re sitting next to a stranger on the plane, and you can tell that they’re going to want to talk to you the entire flight. What do you do?

A) You put your headphones in during boarding, so you don’t have to worry about chatting. You’re looking to rest and relax as much as you can during your flight.

B) You chat with your row-mate a little bit during boarding and takeoff, but after a while, you find a movie to watch. You’ll catch up with them again at the baggage carousel.

C) You’re not huge on talking to strangers, and you were planning to spend this flight napping. But you can’t pass up on listening to a good story — you can’t wait to tell your friends about this stranger’s drama when you land.

D) This is perfect because you were planning on getting to know the person sitting next to you, anyways! By the end of the flight, the two of you have practically become best friends. You live for these brief moments of connection, which is why you make friends wherever you go.

You’re in the mood for a cocktail. What’s your go-to drink?

A) The house margarita. It’s a classic, and it reminds you of your 21st birthday. A classic drink and nostalgia? What could be better than that?

B) You order whatever flight they have that day. You’re trying to try new things, and why would you commit to just one drink when you can sample a few and see what you like? Worst-case scenario is you find a new favorite!

C) You’ll order a familiar favorite, like a martini or a rum and coke, but you’ll ask the bartender to do something unexpected. You live for the classics, but you want to spice things up a little.

D) The menu has a mystery drink that changes daily? You’re 100% ordering that! You love surprises, and trying new things.

What’s your favorite way to listen to music?

A) You have your favorite albums on repeat. You didn’t spend all that time curating the perfect CD and vinyl collection for nothing.

B) You’re always tuned into your favorite independent radio station! You love the mix of familiar favorites, while discovering new tunes.

C) You primarily stream your music, and you’re always making playlists for your every mood. You make sure that you mix in songs you’ve had on repeat with songs that you’ve just discovered to keep things fresh.

D) You don’t like defining yourself with one genre, so when you stream music, your primary goal is to keep the algorithm on its toes. You’ll listen to anything, and you bounce around between listening to the radio, streaming, and home-burned CDs.

What do you look forward to most in the summer?

A) Unwinding at the beach with a good book. Just you, the waves and some peace and quiet.

B) You’re looking forward to the trips you’re planning with your friends and family. Your itinerary is full of new places to check out!

C) You’re looking forward to having the quintessential New England summer. You can’t wait for sunset beach walks and the smell of lilacs mixed with ocean air.

D) You can’t wait to tackle the summer bucket list you’ve been working on since last August. This summer is going to be the best summer yet!

If you answered….

Mostly A’s:

You’re Consuelo’s Taqueria!

You love foods that feel like a warm hug, where you can taste the generations of love that went into each dish. You know what you like, and you love finding places that feel homey and warm! That’s why you need to check out Consuelo’s Taqueria. The Manchester restaurant’s relaxed environment and delicious staples will fill your stomach and soothe your soul. With a menu that ranges from carne asada, to alambre, to carnitas, Consuelo’s Taqueria serves up delicious tacos with warm flavors that will put your mind at ease.

Consuelo’s Taqueria / 36 Amherst St., Manchester consuelostaqueria.com / 603-622-1134

Mostly B’s:

You’re My Cielo Taqueria!

Your life philosophy is to try everything, but you can’t help but fall back on your familiar favorites. You want variety, but you want to know you’ll like it, first. My Cielo Taqueria in Epping has a full menu of delicious tacos for you to try, but if you aren’t sure where to start, their taco flight is right up your alley.

With your choice of three, six or 12 tacos, you can sample every taco your heart desires. You can fill your plate with some familiar favorites, like the Tacos Americanos or the chicken tacos, and add some variety with the Al Pastor tacos, calamari tacos and cochinita tacos. With a dozen tacos to explore, My Cielo Taqueria will send your tastebuds on an exciting adventure every time you go.

My Cielo Taqueria / 23 Fresh River Road, Epping epping.ordermycielotacos.com / 603-734-4476

Mostly C’s:

You’re Los Reyes Street Tacos and More!

You love the classics, but you’re always looking for ways to spice things up! You love unexpected flavors that perfectly liven up something you’ve had dozens of times. Los Reyes in Derry dishes up Mexican street-style food, with twists that you’ll be sure to love. Their street tacos are classic and delicious, but their Birria Tacos and Quesabirria truly shine. For Chino’s Birria Tacos and their Quesabirria, Los Reyes uses a recipe that’s stood the test of time, and has been in the Reyes family for generations. You’ll love how these savory tacos explode with flavor in every bite.

Los Reyes Street Tacos and More / 127 Rockingham Road, Derry / losreyesstreettacos.com / 603-845-8327

Mostly D’s:

You’re Taco Tour Manchester!

With you, your friends know to expect the unexpected. You live for excitement, and for diving into new experiences headfirst. You never know what you’ll find at the Taco Tour, which is why this is the perfect taco spot for an adventurer like you.

From Asian-fusion tacos from Bubba’s Noodle Bar, to vegan tacos made with jackfruit from the Sleazy Vegan Food Truck, to whatever taco-themed ice cream Ben & Jerry’s cooks up this year, Taco Tour Manchester dishes up variety and creativity on a tortilla every year.

Taco Tour Manchester / tacotourmanchester.com