Signs That It’s Gunna Be good – what are your signs?
If you see string lights tied to a stop light/chain link fence and a cheap, loud generator, and a trompo for the pastor that is sweating red and orange juices that’s your spot. Bonus if u can see someone hand pressing the little tortillas.
- Tire Shop: cart next to a tire or car repair shop.
- Gas-up: Cart at (or in) gas station.
- Bars on windows: or telltale holes in windows
- Baggies: for condiments/salsas
- Abuelita or Tio: in the kitchen or on the grill
- Trompo: Al pastor spinning on the trompo
- Handmade tortillas: bonus if made with order
- Aguas frescas: Bonus is made from scratch
- Moneygram or Boost Mobile: next door or nearby
- Paper plates: foil, and napkins,
- Lines: food will be fresh!
- Mesquite
- Family owned/operated: enuf said!
- Fluorescent lights and plastic chairs: Comfort is secondary to consumption.
- An odd number of mismatched tables: They’ve accumulated over time, not bought in a set.
- Hand-painted signs: Bonus points if the lettering is a little crooked or faded.
- The smell hits you blocks before you see it: That unmistakable aroma of grilled meat, onions, and spices.
- Zero curb appeal: Looks like it could be closed, but the line tells a different story.
- A calendar from last year (or five years ago) from a Mexican business: Stuck to the wall, proving time stops for good tacos.
- The Food & Service (What’s on the plate, and how it gets there):
- The cook/taco maker is sweating: A sign of dedication to the craft (and hot grills!).
- The tortillas are slightly stained with meat juice: A beautiful mess, proving they’re being used on the same grill as the flavorful meats.
- The salsa bar is a glorious, unlabeled mystery: You have to ask, or bravely sample, the various shades of green and red. (Or they’re in squirt bottles that used to hold dish soap).
- Limes cut into tiny wedges: Precision slicing for maximum squeeze.
- No “crunchy” or “hard shell” options: A clear declaration of authenticity.
- The menu is small and focused: They do a few things, and they do them exceptionally well (e.g., only Pastor, Asada, Carnitas, Lengua).
- You order by the type of meat only: “Dame dos de asada y uno de pastor.”
- Mexican sodas in glass bottles: Jarritos, Topo Chico, or Mexican Coke as the only beverage options.
- The cash register is ancient, or it’s cash-only: Technology takes a backseat to tradition.
- A communal condiment station: Everyone reaches for the same limes, radishes, and pickled onions.
- The Customers & Atmosphere:
- The majority of customers are speaking Spanish: A universal sign you’re in the right place.
- People are eating standing up, or leaning on cars: The food is so good, finding a seat is optional.
- You spot at least one construction worker or landscaper: They know where the real, hearty, affordable food is.
- Kids are running around freely: It’s a family affair, and everyone is welcome.
Comment on your signs below!
