By CATHERINE DONNELLY
When we arrived at Taquitos Locos at 1817 Padre Boulevard on South Padre Island, there was a line waiting to get in for an early dinner. It’s easy to find and get to being located in a little strip mall next to WillieDean Bagels and Art Space, across from Acai Bowl.
The inside is clean and brightly colored without too many tchotchkes. There was one large whimsical sign that read, “It’s okay if you fall apart sometimes. Tacos fall apart, and we still love them,” alongside an image of a woman wearing a taco hat. It makes you feel like this will be a fun place to eat.
Service was quick to process everyone in the line. This included all of the “to go” orders and those who chose to “eat in” during the time that we ordered and ate our meals.
“We provide authentic Matamoros style street tacos and we love what we do,” said owner Jaime Suarez. “We’re from Matamoros and are excited to bring that unique flavor to the area.” They opened this location on South Padre about two years ago after their success having a location in Brownsville.
I decided to try the Tacos Locos which was six street tacos with onion, cilantro, lime, queso fresco and avocado. I selected the bistek (beef steak), but it was also available in chicken, barbacoa (barbecue) or fajita for between $10 and $12 a plate.
The tacos were light, delicious and filling, especially when accompanied by a side of the frijoles especial, which are charro beans with ground beef, cilantro, onions and fresh avocado at $3.25 for the regular side order or $6 for the grande. We remarked that the beans could easily be a quick easy side order for those who are out and about at night but need a little something in their stomach for an affordable price.
I think the main difference between these tacos and what we’re used to getting from other restaurants is the use of the queso fresco instead of a heavier cheddar or TexMex queso sauce. You get a light, flavorful punch from the cheese instead of that heavy feeling that the other cheeses give you. That makes it less heavy and less greasy and a delightful blend of flavors that isn’t overpowered by the cheese. In addition, it’s a nice alternative on a hot summer’s day—well, just about any day in South Texas!
The Tostadas Locas was two tostadas (available in beef, fajita, barbecue, chicken or pork) which has meat, beans, queso frescas, onion, cilantro and avocado for only $8. This plate was as good as the tacos, being light and filling.
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