Have you been told the Boston area Mexican food can’t hold a candle to its Tex-Mex and SoCal relatives? These places will prove the naysayers wrong.
Villa Mexico
Go straight for the tacos at this Beacon Hill gas station taquería; you’ll miss its best offering if you instead opt for a quesadilla. While getting your Mexican food fix at a gas station might seem odd, Villa Mexico is a clean, well-run establishment, and has nothing to envy of other hole-in-the-wall brethren. Definitely the place to try if you can’t be bothered with the surrounding chain eateries like Qdoba.
Olecito
The little brother of Olé on the other side of the river, Olecito upholds its taco fame in Inman Square. The secret to their tacos and burrito is the fantastic salsa and guacamole you can put on them, which make them extra delicious. Chicken tacos are on the menu for those seeking comfort food, while adventurers can try the fried shrimp or pork tacos with pineapple salsa. While it may appear slightly more expensive than other locations, the tacos do include a number of trimmings and sides whereas other places charge extra.
Tacos Lupita
This Somerville taquería raises the bar for tacos on the East Coast, featuring Al Pastor (pork), Carne Asada (steak), Pollo (chicken), Chorizo (Spanish sausage), and even Lengua (tongue). If you’re having a difficult time choosing, the Combo Tacos may be your best option; you get three choices with rice, beans and tomatillo sauce. Their pupusas (fried mix of pork, cheese and soft corn tortilla)are also worth trying, if you have any room left after all those tacos.
El Pelón Taquería
If you’re willing to trek out to the Fenway neighborhood, you’ll be rewarded with a wealth of solid Mexican food options at El Pelón. You can go the traditional route with tacos, and choose either grilled chicken, braised pork, or grilled steak, which come with trimmings. However, for an even tastier experience consider one of their special house tacos, such as the Rajas con Queso (black beans, roasted chiles, jack cheese and salsa fresco) or the Pescado (lightly fried cod with limed onions, pickled cabbage and more).
Anna’s Taquería
While the line stretches out the back of this Porter’s Square establishment, the efficient staff serves fresh lemonade, rice, and guacamole with diced tomatoes to accompany their tacos. Anna’s focuses on four simple dishes and delivers them well: burritos, quesadillas, steak plates, and of course, tacos! And at just $5 for a burrito or steak plate meal, you can’t argue with the price.
Taquería Information
Villa Mexico
Address:
296 Cambridge Street
Grampy’s Gas Station
(between Cambridge Street Avenue & Grove Street)
Boston, MA 02114
Telephone: (617) 957-0725
Olecito
Address:
12 Springfield Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
Telephone: (617) 876-1374
Tacos Lupita
Address:
13 Elm Street
Somerville, MA 02143
Telephone: (617) 666-0677
El Pelón Taquería
Address:
96 Peterborough Street
(between Jersey Street & Kilmarnock Street)
Boston, MA 02215
Telephone: (617) 262-9090
Website: www.elpelon.com
Anna’s Taquería
Address:
822 Somerville Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02140
Telephone: (617) 661-8500
