Best Tacos

[retiredguy123]

Who can recommend a good place to order tacos? I like tacos that you can hold in your hand and put on as much taco sauce as you want. I ordered the signature tacos at RJ Gators and asked for taco sauce. They don't have any taco sauce and I have found that to be true at a lot of so called Mexican restaurants. In northern Virginia, they had Tippy's Taco House. So far, the best tacos I have found in The Villages are at Taco Bell. Seriously!

[Bay Kid]

I miss fish tacos in Kilmarnock, VA.

[leftyf]

Taco Bell is my favorite too

[alwann]

What's your definition of taco sauce? When ordering tacos at any of the areas Mexican restaurants, I ask for more salsa and top the taco with it. Is this not the same?

[John_W]

...

[yesi3putt2]

I love the chicken tacos at Applebys

[Chi-Town]

Prima Market Taqueria in Belleview - an old scool taqueria serving authentic tacos. And you can get a cold Corona also. The taco lengua is the best I've ever had. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181215/625127290fdf764fdf7b22f95741caeb.jpg

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[retiredguy123]

What's your definition of taco sauce? When ordering tacos at any of the areas Mexican restaurants, I ask for more salsa and top the taco with it. Is this not the same?
No. There is salsa, hot sauce, and taco sauce. They are three different things. Taco Bell has taco sauce in packages. You can also buy taco sauce in the grocery store in a jar. But, many restaurants that serve tacos do not have taco sauce.

[retiredguy123]

Prima Market Taqueria in Belleview - an old scool taqueria serving authentic tacos. And you can get a cold Corona also. The taco lengua is the best I've ever had. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181215/625127290fdf764fdf7b22f95741caeb.jpg

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Thanks. I will need to try this place. It looks like my kind of place.

[CWGUY]

Prima Market Taqueria in Belleview - an old scool taqueria serving authentic tacos. And you can get a cold Corona also. The taco lengua is the best I've ever had. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181215/625127290fdf764fdf7b22f95741caeb.jpg

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:mmmm: I like tongue okay. Do they ever have goat?

[Henryk]

:mmmm: I like tongue okay. Do they ever have goat?

I tried goat once in Jamaica. As I recall, it was bony as hell. But I’d try it again.

[perrjojo]

Who can recommend a good place to order tacos? I like tacos that you can hold in your hand and put on as much taco sauce as you want. I ordered the signature tacos at RJ Gators and asked for taco sauce. They don't have any taco sauce and I have found that to be true at a lot of so called Mexican restaurants. In northern Virginia, they had Tippy's Taco House. So far, the best tacos I have found in The Villages are at Taco Bell. Seriously!

Take your own
Taco Bell Taco Sauce Recipe - Genius Kitchen (https://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/taco-bell-taco-sauce-60254)

[laryb]

When I go to Taco Bell for a drive by snack, my favorite is a fresco taco. It's light and flavorful. Usually a soft chicken or beef fresco taco.
Taco Bell: Fresco Chicken Soft Taco
Taco Bell’s “fresco” menu is one of the more impressive developments by a fast-food chain. Instead of loading its tacos and burritos with cheese, mayo-based sauces, and reduced-fat sour cream, Taco Bell will substitute a scoopful of its freshly prepared pico de gallo. This swap brings the fresco chicken soft taco to a modest 150 calories with 3.5 grams of fat and less than a gram of sodium.

[Chi-Town]

:mmmm: I like tongue okay. Do they ever have goat?I didn't see goat. But they have a buche taco which is pork stomach.

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[tophcfa]

If you want the best authentic Mexican food in the Villages (or just about anywhere), look no further than AL Jalisco in Spanish Springs. Top notch food at a very reasonable price. Taco Bell versus Al Jalisco is like comparing my golf game to Tiger Woods in his prime. Of all the restaurants in the Villages, this place is always the most consistent quality, reasonably priced, and rarely crowded. I can't figure out why it's not always packed, when much inferior restaurants have long waiting lines. My best guess is because Mexican food is just not that popular and that it is located somewhat off the town square.

[CWGUY]

If you want the best authentic Mexican food in the Villages (or just about anywhere), look no further than AL Jalisco in Spanish Springs. Top notch food at a very reasonable price. Taco Bell versus Al Jalisco is like comparing my golf game to Tiger Woods in his prime. Of all the restaurants in the Villages, this place is always the most consistent quality, reasonably priced, and rarely crowded. I can't figure out why it's not always packed, when much inferior restaurants have long waiting lines. My best guess is because Mexican food is just not that popular and that it is located somewhat off the town square.

:) Maybe I need to try it again. Went to Ay Jalisco when it opened and never went back it was so bad. Lived in the state of Jalisco for 10 years and never tasted anything as bad as I got the one visit. Will try again for sure.

If you are near new construction look for the taco truck. Kind of like a roach coach. That's some good food! :coolsmiley:

[Nucky]

Best Taco's in The Villages, my house. You all should come over when my wife cooks Tacos for about 30 people. It is a sight to see. Even little holders for the shells.

You all are invited. Most of the people we usually have won't be back. They are to fat for wall climbing. 'Ole! :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[BK001]

Best Taco's in The Villages, my house. You all should come over when my wife cooks Tacos for about 30 people. It is a sight to see. Even little holders for the shells.

You all are invited. Most of the people we usually have won't be back. They are to fat for wall climbing. 'Ole! :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:


Trying to scale Nucky's wall to get at those Tacos.

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ISlWN217EYQ/maxresdefault.jpg


Ole.

[Carla B]

Although I suppose it's not strictly Mexican, I love the tacos at Moe's Southwest Grill, either crispy or soft. They mostly sell burritos but can make tacos also. You choose which toppings you want. My downfall is that I can't pass up asking for sloppy pinto beans on the taco with the meat, so by the time it is fully loaded with onions, cheeses, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo or salsa, cilantro etc., etc., the shell collapses. Oh well, it still tastes good eaten with a fork.

There is also a sauce bar that has the most imaginative sauces. Thinking about it has whetted my appetite, so I think we'll go there today!

[perrjojo]

:) Maybe I need to try it again. Went to Ay Jalisco when it opened and never went back it was so bad. Lived in the state of Jalisco for 10 years and never tasted anything as bad as I got the one visit. Will try again for sure.

If you are near new construction look for the taco truck. Kind of like a roach coach. That's some good food! :coolsmiley:

I agree. I my opinion Ay Jalisco is hit or miss. Mostly miss.

[Henryk]

I agree. I my opinion Ay Jalisco is hit or miss. Mostly miss.

I was there Wednesday and had a delicious tortilla soup and chicken chiles rellenos. Really very good.

[Inexes@aol.com]

If you want the best authentic Mexican food in the Villages (or just about anywhere), look no further than AL Jalisco in Spanish Springs. Top notch food at a very reasonable price. Taco Bell versus Al Jalisco is like comparing my golf game to Tiger Woods in his prime. Of all the restaurants in the Villages, this place is always the most consistent quality, reasonably priced, and rarely crowded. I can't figure out why it's not always packed, when much inferior restaurants have long waiting lines. My best guess is because Mexican food is just not that popular and that it is located somewhat off the town square.
Or, maybe it’s not crowded because most people, like myself, tried it and it was terrible....... everybody’s taste is different....

[xkeowner]

If you want the best authentic Mexican food in the Villages (or just about anywhere), look no further than AL Jalisco in Spanish Springs. Top notch food at a very reasonable price. Taco Bell versus Al Jalisco is like comparing my golf game to Tiger Woods in his prime. Of all the restaurants in the Villages, this place is always the most consistent quality, reasonably priced, and rarely crowded. I can't figure out why it's not always packed, when much inferior restaurants have long waiting lines. My best guess is because Mexican food is just not that popular and that it is located somewhat off the town square.

Love GOOD Mexican food but haven't found any within 30 miles of The Villages in the 8+ years we have been here. Tried Ay! Jalisco three times and that was four times too many. We do eat Mexican occasionally when the urge overcomes common sense but we are still looking for GOOD.

Rubio's in Leesburg is probably the most authentic in the area but it is only about four tables in the back of a small Mexican grocery with a very limited menu, zero atmosphere, and, as I tell our neighbors, it is probably TOO authentic for most Villager's.

[Carla B]

Ate lunch at Rubio's once a few years ago. The food wasn't bad or good, just basic and neutral, I thought.

[Gpsma]

Go down to the massive construction zone in DeSoto, McClure etc and find the roving food trucks.

All the illegals that have buikt our homes know goid Mexican Food.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Moe's beats taco hell for chain-restaurant tacos. If there's a Pancheros anywhere near you, I'd try that too. They're pretty good up here in CT, just opened one up in the last year. If there's a good taqueria nearby definitely give it a try. It's not what you'll find at a typical American-style Mexican restaurant. No cheese, no beans, no lettuce, no peppers and olives. Just a spoonful of protein (fish, ground beef, carne asada, tongue, pork, chicken, etc), chopped white onion, and chopped cilantro on a very small double layer of soft corn tortillas. Add a few drops of red or green sauce and that's lunch.

Those are the only "chain" places I'd ever eat a taco. I never go to taco hell unless I'm really hungry and have only enough change in my car's change-bucket for a couple of originals. Taco hell's cooked food isn't even actually cooked there. It's pre-cooked, bagged and frozen, then reheated at the store in microwaved ovens, then kept in warmers on the prep counter. They give it a stir every 20 minutes if it's not busy, just so it doesn't crust up. It's not even mostly beef. It's mostly corn starch, yeast, and ground oats, plus sweeteners and artificial flavors and emulsifiers and preservatives. Pretty disgusting.

Also - just FYI: taco sauce is a commercial American "Mexican-style" restaurant invention. It's mostly a taco hell invention, and a few places that copy it. If you want hot sauce on a taco, put hot sauce on a taco. If you want salsa, use salsa. I like my non-taqueria tacos with pico de gallo on them. I only like fresh salsa, not jarred or made with powdered ingredients, so I tend to not use salsa if I'm going anywhere other than a local joint that makes it from scratch.

[marjie55]

went to Habaneros on 466. Terrible food. Tacos tasted old and the avocado was rotten as well as the tomato pieces that we were charges extra for. Never again will I go to this restaurant. I guess others already know not to go because only a few booths were filled and I think they were family members.

[PoolBrews]

Two places I have not seen mentioned: Prima Market La Poblana on 301 near 42, and Los Magueyes - also on 301, but down in Wildwood. Neither are actually in The Villages, but I have not found a truly good Mexican restaurant in The Villages. Ay Jalisco is very average - some days better than others.

For a large, commercial restaurant, Los Magueyes is the best I have found around. Salsa is fantastic (especially if you ask for the green!), and food is great.

If you are looking for authentic, go to Prima Market La Poblana on 301 - it's a tiny hole in the wall Mexican market that just happens to serve food also. Unbelievably good - not a high end atmosphere, but fantastic authentic mexican cuisine.

[eyc234]

Go to Chuy's in Gainesville or Wesley Chapel. Best Tex-Mex around. None of the places mentioned are Mexican restaurants. Ask for salsa in a Mex-Mex restaurant and you will get a very questioning look. Long time Texan here with many years in Mexico as well, still looking for great Mexican with no luck. Los M in Wildwood probably best in close vicinity or grocery up on 484 Mercardo Pueblo. Best tamales around and hot buffet bar with fresh food daily. Be ready to learn some Spanish and eat some great food.

[retiredguy123]

Went to Ay Jalisco last week and ordered tacos. I asked the waitress, who was Hispanic, for some taco sauce. She looked at me like I was crazy, had no idea what it was, and brought me Tabasco sauce. The tacos at Taco Bell are way better than Ay Jalisco. I find it incredible, but there is just no comparison. I just wish Taco Bell sold beer.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Had three good tacos tonight at Taco Bell at $1.39 each; food is food.

[B-flat]

Our favorite is LasMagaritas on SR 200 in Ocala.

Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant (https://lasmargaritasocala.com)

[big guy]

Ramshackle in Leesburg has great fish tacos. And if you are in St Petersburg, try Grand Hacienda Mexico on 4393 Gulf Blvd in St Pete Beach, or Grand Hacienda Mexico on 4th St. It's the best Mexican that i have had since I left Texas.

[leftyf]

Ramshackle in Leesburg has great fish tacos. And if you are in St Petersburg, try Grand Hacienda Mexico on 4393 Gulf Blvd in St Pete Beach, or Grand Hacienda Mexico on 4th St. It's the best Mexican that i have had since I left Texas.

I used to love the fish tacos and cevechi on South Padre Island

[Viperguy]

Try Texas

[Chi-Town]

Try authentic. What could go wrong.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190109/f1e386994c2e4df5531d59d7bf02b2f7.jpg

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[Jconrad85]

Ay Jalisco is the only one I've found that is at least decent. El Ranchito may have been the worst meal I have ever had. Sadly, I haven't found anything good closer than Tijuana Flats in Leesburg

[Chi-Town]

My first taco was a Jack Taco from Jack In The Box. There is nothing like it.

Heres s blurb from GQ:

The taco’s components include a ground mystery meat packed into a corn shell, which is then deep-fried together, rendering the outer edges crunchy while the taco’s soft midsection is imbued with a sloppy patina of corn oil, which often causes them to fall apart. Then it’s stuffed with shredded lettuce, hot sauce, and a lazy slice of American cheese. Apparently, a lot of people eat them—they even outpace McDonalds’ Big Mac.The Wall Street Journal*this week*noted*that the company sold an astounding 554 million tacos last year, vividly describing them in concert as:

“a wet envelope of cat food”

“vile and amazing”

“the most underrated taco of all time"

I still miss them.



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[John_W]

...

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Does anyone know if Ay Jalisco has frozen drinks? I went yesterday for a taco and enjoyed it and thinking I'll celebrate our home purchase with a double dose tonight - along with a Pina Colada.

[pauld315]

Does anyone know if Ay Jalisco has frozen drinks? I went yesterday for a taco and enjoyed it and thinking I'll celebrate our home purchase with a double dose tonight - along with a Pina Colada.

Do yourself a favor, go to El Ranchito or the place near 466 and 441 intersection

[Henryk]

They're not Taco by name, but I like them even better, the lunch Steak Fajitas at Fiesta Grande in Colony Plaza on 466A. It's so popular they've raised the price twice in the past year. I believe it's now $9.95 and you get 3 soft taco shells, the grilled steak strips, pepper and onions still sizzling on the metal skillet when it arrives (also offer chicken). Plus a plate of rice, refried beans and the taco toppings. Just what you see in the photo, but actually it looks better in person. Plus you get nacho chips & dip when you're seated and soft drinks come in a 32 oz cup. 5 Stars by me!! If you don't like crowds, arrive before noon or after 1pm and forget Saturdays.

MENU (http://www.fiestagrandemexicangrill.com/menu.html)

https://s3-media3.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/FeKu9_8YW9F6FbFznQRAHQ/o.jpg

https://s3-media3.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/GzJc6GuklCMbGoNX-x4nHg/o.jpg

I like Fiesta and that looks very good. But since I turned 60, I just can’t eat that much. In college and beyond, i could eat you out of house and home. What?? Half a large loaded pizza?? Used to be no problem.

[retiredguy123]

One order of fajitas is enough for two people. But, don't try that at Rose Plantation because it will cost you an extra $15.

[Laker14]

Prima Market Taqueria in Belleview - an old scool taqueria serving authentic tacos. And you can get a cold Corona also. The taco lengua is the best I've ever had. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181215/625127290fdf764fdf7b22f95741caeb.jpg

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can you provide information on where this is (for a newbie "clogger")?

Gracias!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Do yourself a favor, go to El Ranchito or the place near 466 and 441 intersection

That would've been a REALLY long walk from the hotel. Plus I wasn't asking for advice.

And just so anyone else who wants to know, knows: yes, they make pina coladas. Not enough rum, but it tasted all right.

[BaylorBear]

I believe you are talking about Las Brisas del Mar and you are right! Excellent Tex-Mex food. I'm from Austin, TX.

[Chi-Town]

can you provide information on where this is (for a newbie "clogger")?



Gracias!Prima Market Taqueria
5717 SE Abshire Blvd, Belleview, FL 34420

Just off 441.
De nada

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[leftyf]

I had some Brisket Tacos at Appleby's last night, very good.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I think some of the different responses are due to different tastes in tacos. There aren't just one or two types. A typical "taqueria" taco is a pair of small (smaller than an Ortega) soft-shells laid down on top of each other, with some kind of protein (carne asada is typical, which is cubed marinated skirt steak), minced onions, and cilantro. And that's it. No rice, beans, cheese, jalapenos, or anything else. Salsa - a somewhat thin roja or verde sauce, can be drizzled on top by the consumer but otherwise it's left as is.

A central Mexican taco, or Tex-Mex taco, is a hard shell typically served with ground beef (though chicken fish and steak but NOT carne asada are common) with lettuce, cheese, onion, tomato, olives, jalapenos, and pico de gallo - or any combination thereof, and typically served with rice and beans on the same dish.

A WESTERN Mexican taco is typically shredded beef and potatoes (similar to a seasoned beef stew) in a soft shell with lettuce, cheese, diced tomato, and a pico de gallo or red salsa on top, with rice and beans on the side.

Aye Jalisco serves the western style, which is not common to the east coast of the USA. It's delicious though, and we can get that up here in one of the Mexican joints in my state. I think the potatoes throws a lot of people off when they try it. But if you know to expect it, you know that they make it very well. I like their refries too, it's thin and flavorful, more like a ladle of thick lightly seasoned pasty bean puree. Another thing many people might be turned off by, but others (like myself) have had at other places that specialize in this type of fare.