Mexican food

By Magi Thomley Williams

Gaby’s Taqueria is Pensacola’s newest upscale food truck experience. Gaby’s offers a different aesthetic and California-Mexican inspired food at the location at 104 East Gregory Street.

What sets this Mexican restaurant apart from dozens of others in Pensacola? Gabriel “Gabe” Hernandez, one of the owners, readily admits it isn’t the food.

“There is no new food. Gaby’s is experience-based,” Hernandez said. “The high level of service. The music. We want restaurants with cool stuff and nice curb appeal.”

Co-owners Kyle Smith, Rafael Simpson and Gabriel Hernandez have achieved their goal. The tastefully designed outdoor dining area is perfect for relaxing with family or friends. Guests can enjoy the breeze that makes banana palms sway around the perimeter of the seating area, or they can pick up a game of corn hole or play tabletop tower games.

Gaby’s Taqueria: 104 E. Gregory St., Pensacola; 850-741-4055; gabystaqueria.com. T o go orders can be placed at 850-741-4055.

The simple menu is heavily reliant on Simpson’s authentic family recipes and includes breakfast fare served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Gaby’s Breakfast Bowl offers a choice of protein, potato, egg, black beans, pico, avocado, queso fresco and cilantro. Tacos and burritos are crafted with a tortilla, egg, choice of chorizo (Mexican pork sausage), bacon or veggie, and potato and cheese. Order a burrito bowl and get a diner’s choice of protein, choice of rice or lettuce, black beans, corn, pico and cheese. Lunch and dinner tacos include chorizo, chicken, pescado (fish) or camaron (shrimp) on flour or corn tortillas topped with Gaby’s slaw. There’s a reason the hot sauce is served on the side – the bona fide red-hot recipe is not for delicate palates.

Gaby’s servers are friendly, energetic, speedy and happy to answer questions about the menu. The level of service is a welcome change from the usual fastcasual dining experience. A kid’s menu is available and so are tasty Aperitivos (starters/sides) including queso and chips, guac and chips, esquite (corn in a cup) or rice and beans.

Enhancing the legitimate Cali-Mex experience is the authentic Mexican non-alcoholic drink menu. Offerings include Mexican Coke (American Coke is made with high-fructose corn syrup and Mexican Coke is crafted with cane sugar, which is less processed than high-fructose corn syrup; some say the difference offers a more natural or purer taste), Topo Chico (sparkling mineral water from Mexico) and Jarrito (a fruity

Mexican soft drink).

Artisan Restaurant Group owners were inspired to bring the fresh and new dining experience to the Gulf Coast after gaining extensive corporate experience while working together at Zoe’s Kitchen. They furthered their expertise at their three popular Tacos Mexicanos restaurants located in East Hill, Downtown Pensacola and the Pensacola State College campus. The compadres continue to create additional partnerships with minority entrepreneurs who have the passion and experience to craft culturally authentic food.

More locations of Gaby’s Taqueria will be coming soon. Until then, pay a visit to downtown Pensacola and enjoy the Cali-Mex inspired cuisine accompanied by lively music, authentic atmosphere and outstanding customer service in a chill outdoor setting.