Taco Stand Number 3
I have long wanted to do a comparison tasting of some of Salt Lake City's cheapest eateries: the taco stands. Taco carts started appearing on corners around town several years ago, but up until Friday, I had only eaten from the street vendors once. I had reason to head downtown, so I tweeted up a taco cart meet-up to try out a few new ones.
Taco Stand Number 2
For mysterious reasons that would warm the dead heart of Adam Smith, the greatest concentration of taco stand are arrayed around our nearly-downtown Sears department store. Four different purveyors of tacos, none costing more than $1 (tripe or beef tongue extra), set up their rolling shops at intervals on State, Main and 800 South.
Taco-maker extraordinaire
Five of us, packed an overstuffed burrito, spilled out of Harley's car as he parked at Sears. Over the years, I had noticed that the stand across the street from the department store had the longest lines, even late at night, so that's the one I wanted to try. I didn't make any photos of my three delicioso shredded beef tacos. Harley and Scott enjoyed theirs too, but the taco lady ran out of tortillas, so we trundled over to stand #2 rather than wait for more to be delivered. By the time Rich and Nicole got their plates, Harley had ordered a second round and the taste test was on. At stand #3, Rich upped the competition by asking the taco-maker to select the meats. Taco lady #4 thought it was all completely amusing, especially that we didn't have enough sense to get out of the weather and eat in our car like everyone else (she must have missed the arrival of the circus clown act). She also produced the favorite tacos of the day.
Tacos El Toro
Our winner of the day: Tacos El Toro on 800 South between State and Main.
Tacos from El Toro
However, the taste test won't end there. This is a multi-round competition, with the rules being invented as I get hungry. Watch for twitter and/or Facebook updates for the next convening of the judge's panel. More testers are always welcome. And please recommend your favorite too--a full sampling of all worthy taco carts is the goal.
Comments (5)
You are making me hungry!
Those are some good looking tacos!
Posted by Alan | February 8, 2010 11:03 AM
Posted on February 8, 2010 11:03
You might be interested in the SLC Tacos blog. They have reviews and a map of taco carts.
Posted by Justin | February 8, 2010 12:08 PM
Posted on February 8, 2010 12:08
My fave is the one on 900 South State just one block down from the one in the Sears parking lot. It's by the little yellow Mexican market. Make sure to try it out. They have the an extensive menu and a ton of fresh condiments. They are there till late at night too. YUM!!
Posted by Camille Winnie | February 17, 2010 3:35 PM
Posted on February 17, 2010 15:35
My favorite is in Ogden. There are several around the area of Washington and 24th - 25th street. Even a great hot dog vendor. Mmmm brings back memories.
Posted by Zig | February 23, 2010 4:14 PM
Posted on February 23, 2010 16:14
Looking at those delightful photos make me want to grab a taco right now. It all look delicious!
Posted by Cole | March 8, 2010 7:17 PM
Posted on March 8, 2010 19:17