Where to find good Taco's in or near The Villages??

[Catalina36]

Trying to find a Mexican restaurant that has delicious tasty Taco's.
Recently I tried Lazy Mac's Mexican Restaurant in Sumter Landing by the movie theatre
and I tried Naldo's Mexican Restaurant by Wedge Lane shopping center.

Both Mexican restaurant's Taco's were absolutely undesirable. No choice of hard shell or soft wrap. Small taco's, pricey, a soft wrap that looked like it came out of a plastic package, not even warmed up. Carne Asada Steak Taco's that were absolutely tasteless. Both restaurants Taco prices were not cheap. I just don't understand how any restaurant can serve such crap food and still be in business. I don't mind paying a higher price for good food but I mean really these restaurants should not be in business.

[retiredguy123]

I agree. I think I have eaten at every Mexican restaurant in the area, and I have not found a decent taco. To me, they are all about the same. My biggest complaint is that, if you ask for taco sauce, they don't even know what it is. At least you can get taco sauce at Taco Bell. Their tacos are as good as any of the more expensive restaurants. When I lived in Virginia, I used to go to Tippy's Taco House for the best tacos.

[Chi-Town]

Prima Market Taqueria.
Auténtico.

[davem4616]

IMHO, trying to find really good tacos down here, is akin to finding really good Chinese food or a really good bagel

...it just isn't going to happen

[Dana1963]

IMHO, trying to find really good tacos down here, is akin to finding really good Chinese food or a really good bagel

...it just isn't going to happen
Your ABSOLUTELY RIGHT.

[golfing eagles]

IMHO, trying to find really good tacos down here, is akin to finding really good Chinese food or a really good bagel

...it just isn't going to happen

True, but best compromise after years of hunting is Sunrise Asian at Trailwinds or Koyame off Rolling Acres (Target Plaza). Mexican ---- Brisas del Mar on 441 1 traffic light south of 466---but I had their tacos last week and they were no good either.

[fdpaq0580]

We finally settled on las Magueyes as our go to for Mexican food. Most closely resembles what we knew in so Cal.
By the way, most Mexican restaurants have bottles of sauce on the table, ie: Cholula, Tapatio, etc. The taco sauce you get at places like taco bell isn't very authentic.

[retiredguy123]

We finally settled on las Magueyes as our go to for Mexican food. Most closely resembles what we knew in so Cal.
By the way, most Mexican restaurants have bottles of sauce on the table, ie: Cholula, Tapatio, etc. The taco sauce you get at places like taco bell isn't very authentic.
Cholula and Tapatio are hot sauces, like Tabasco. They are not taco sauce. Also, salsa is not taco sauce. You can buy actual taco sauce at Publix, as well as various hot sauces and salsa. A good taco restaurant should have their own version of taco sauce.

[Stu from NYC]

IMHO, trying to find really good tacos down here, is akin to finding really good Chinese food or a really good bagel

...it just isn't going to happen

Koyame is the best around here

[BigSteph]

I lived in Virginia for most of my life.

My friend, Capt. Obivious, responded one day to me asking the same question; "where do you get good tacos in Richmond."

He said, " I watch where the hispanic community goes for Tacos." "When I see the hispanic workers go in droves to places for lunch, I know it is either affordable or delicious --- or both."

I've followed his advice several times with good results.


I agree. I think I have eaten at every Mexican restaurant in the area, and I have not found a decent taco. To me, they are all about the same. My biggest complaint is that, if you ask for taco sauce, they don't even know what it is. At least you can get taco sauce at Taco Bell. Their tacos are as good as any of the more expensive restaurants. When I lived in Virginia, I used to go to Tippy's Taco House for the best tacos.

[JMintzer]

Heading up 441 towards Ocala, there's a "permanent" Taco Truck on the left side of the road... Looks shady, but the taco's were pretty damn good...

[snbrafford]

We have found two in Wildwood - both right along 301. We prefer Los Magueyes in a shopping center with the Post Office and Ace Hardware. Casa Agava is also good.

[fdpaq0580]

Cholula and Tapatio are hot sauces, like Tabasco. They are not taco sauce. Also, salsa is not taco sauce. You can buy actual taco sauce at Publix, as well as various hot sauces and salsa. A good taco restaurant should have their own version of taco sauce.

Just mho, but the "taco sauce" at taco bell et al is supposed to be a kind of hot sauce. Taco Bell, for example used to package six or seven heats for their taco sauce (ie: hot sauces.) The taco sauce in stores is the bottled Taco Bell stuff you find in the packs at the fast food stores. Yes, there are other brands.
That said, I am not a chef trained in Mexican cuisine so I bow to your superior expertise. My opinion was formed growing in and around the barrios of East Los Angeles.

[fdpaq0580]

Heading up 441 towards Ocala, there's a "permanent" Taco Truck on the left side of the road... Looks shady, but the taco's were pretty damn good...

Hooray! Need to find this and give it a try. What is it close to?

[dewilson58]

We prefer Los Magueyes in a shopping center with the Post Office and Ace Hardware. .

Lots of people like the tacos, or like the price.

I have not been a fan of these tacos.

OP, thanks for the thread................willing to try some suggestions.

[Topspinmo]

IMHO, trying to find really good tacos down here, is akin to finding really good Chinese food or a really good bagel

...it just isn't going to happen

Or pizza or ????

[JMintzer]

Hooray! Need to find this and give it a try. What is it close to?

Sorry, but I've no idea... I just remember seeing it coming back from Ocala and stopping by...

It's on a corner parking lot, possibly an old gas station...

[Papa_lecki]

We have found two in Wildwood - both right along 301. We prefer Los Magueyes in a shopping center with the Post Office and Ace Hardware. Casa Agava is also good.

Los Magueyes is where I would have said.

[REDCART]

Latinos y Mas on 27/441 in Ocala is Spanish fusion and should also offer tacos.

[dewilson58]

Follow the construction crews..............there is a meal truck which is a knock out.

[Babubhat]

Home - Los Magueyes Mexican Restaurant | 352-461-0577 (http://www.losmagueyesmexrestaurant.com/)

[Ecuadog]

Follow the construction crews ...

I have never had their tacos, but I have always enjoyed the other menu items at La Hacienda Restaurant and Supermarket in Ocala, just off I-75 on rte-40. I'd give them a try, especially on "99¢ Taco Tuesday". Make sure you check out their market too.

La Hacienda menu click here (https://lahaciendaocala.com/menu/)

[fdpaq0580]

Sorry, but I've no idea... I just remember seeing it coming back from Ocala and stopping by...

It's on a corner parking lot, possibly an old gas station...

Not to worry. We will find it.

[Sensei]

Sayulita Taqueria
10 NE 1st St, Ocala, FL 34470-6651 +1 352-629-4700

Best tacos ever!
The food was amazing and even the manager checked on us which was awesome! Definitely will be coming back for more!

[LizzieBorden]

Our first choice is Brisas Del Mar, 360 US-441, Lady Lake., just south of the 466/27/441 intersection, on the right. Margaritas are very good, food very tasty, chips/salsa on the table divine, and service is excellent. We love it there. We go usually for the lunch menus which end at three, but there is more than enough food for us and the price wont hurt your wallet. Ask for their punch card….its our “go to” Mexican.

[snhmhg]

Sayulita Taqueria In downtown Ocala one block north side behind Main Street. Authentic street tacos, cold beer, the BEST!

[Jantao]

Trying to find a Mexican restaurant that has delicious tasty Taco's.
Recently I tried Lazy Mac's Mexican Restaurant in Sumter Landing by the movie theatre
and I tried Naldo's Mexican Restaurant by Wedge Lane shopping center.

Both Mexican restaurant's Taco's were absolutely undesirable. No choice of hard shell or soft wrap. Small taco's, pricey, a soft wrap that looked like it came out of a plastic package, not even warmed up. Carne Asada Steak Taco's that were absolutely tasteless. Both restaurants Taco prices were not cheap. I just don't understand how any restaurant can serve such crap food and still be in business. I don't mind paying a higher price for good food but I mean really these restaurants should not be in business.

Ate at Magueyes last night off 301 in the strip mall with ACE and Sav-a-lot. Haven't had their Tacos though. Their Verde Enchiladas were delicious. Big portions, great prices and good services.

[donassaid]

You nailed it on Lazy Mac's. Worst excuse for tacos ever. Try Tijuana Flats in Tavares. Soft and hard shell and very large and tasty at reasonable prices.

[Chloe Girl]

Sorry, but I've no idea... I just remember seeing it coming back from Ocala and stopping by...

It's on a corner parking lot, possibly an old gas station...
It's at the corner of 44 and 27/441.

[retiredguy123]

It's at the corner of 44 and 27/441.
Huh? Rt 44 is south of The Villages and not on the way to Ocala. And, Rt 27 and Rt 441 are two separate roads near Rt 44.

[jimkerr]

I LOVE Tacos ������

[Driver8]

Prima Market Taqueria.
Auténtico.

Yes. The real deal. You're not going to find more delicious tacos around here.

[seoulbrooks]

Or really good Thai or Korean.

[alncon2]

I have to agree with one of the other respondents that Latinas y Mas in Ocala is you best bet. My wife and I have been there many times. Although their menu is Spanish fusion (Mexican/South American) their Mexican dishes are excellent as is their taco’s. Check out their menu online.

[Teemotay]

Huh? Rt 44 is south of The Villages and not on the way to Ocala. And, Rt 27 and Rt 441 are two separate roads near Rt 44.

She probably meant 27 & 42. My brother tells me that Juanita’s taco truck is parked there on Friday and Saturday. Near DJs & Gina’s lounge. He says the food is fantastic, but I cannot say as I haven’t been there yet.

[VickiF]

I like Fiesta Grande in Brownwood and I also got really good tacos at a food truck at Edna’s on the Green.

[crash]

Just mho, but the "taco sauce" at taco bell et al is supposed to be a kind of hot sauce. Taco Bell, for example used to package six or seven heats for their taco sauce (ie: hot sauces.) The taco sauce in stores is the bottled Taco Bell stuff you find in the packs at the fast food stores. Yes, there are other brands.
That said, I am not a chef trained in Mexican cuisine so I bow to your superior expertise. My opinion was formed growing in and around the barrios of East Los Angeles.

I grew up in Southern California and seems to me you have the superior expertise. I also worked for a company that made Taco Bell’s hot sauce which is definitely that a hot sauce the main difference is the amount of vinegar hot sauces much more vinegary than a taco sauce.

[MandoMan]

Trying to find a Mexican restaurant that has delicious tasty Taco's.
Recently I tried Lazy Mac's Mexican Restaurant in Sumter Landing by the movie theatre
and I tried Naldo's Mexican Restaurant by Wedge Lane shopping center.

Both Mexican restaurant's Taco's were absolutely undesirable. No choice of hard shell or soft wrap. Small taco's, pricey, a soft wrap that looked like it came out of a plastic package, not even warmed up. Carne Asada Steak Taco's that were absolutely tasteless. Both restaurants Taco prices were not cheap. I just don't understand how any restaurant can serve such crap food and still be in business. I don't mind paying a higher price for good food but I mean really these restaurants should not be in business.

If you want to know more about the varieties of truly great tacos, watch this series on Netflix. It doesn’t answer your question about finding great tacos in this area, but it’s possible that you have never even eaten a real taco, if you are talking about hard shell and soft shell. Watching this may inspire you to go to Mexico on a Greatest Tacos Pilgrimage. Below is a screenshot from my Facebook page.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Just mho, but the "taco sauce" at taco bell et al is supposed to be a kind of hot sauce. Taco Bell, for example used to package six or seven heats for their taco sauce (ie: hot sauces.) The taco sauce in stores is the bottled Taco Bell stuff you find in the packs at the fast food stores. Yes, there are other brands.
That said, I am not a chef trained in Mexican cuisine so I bow to your superior expertise. My opinion was formed growing in and around the barrios of East Los Angeles.

Same. Mi esposa de Wilson L.A., El Sereno.

[Rzepecki]

Another vote for Casa Agave.

[Carla B]

Rubios Grocery, 2319 W. Main St., Leesburg. A little groceria with a fresh meat counter and a variety of Mexican food items, plus an indoor dining area. The small corn tortilla shells are not crisp, but softened in a little oil. The tacos we order consist of two main ingredients, marinated bistec and cilantro. Orders are placed at the cashier station just outside the dining area and delivered to the table. You can ask for the green sauce or red sauce and they bring these out packed in little containers like the ones at Moe's Grill.

Communicating with some of the personnel at times may be a little difficult but everyone understands "steak" and "taco."

[CappyRam]

Tippy’s is yummy

[Ski Bum]

Well, if you are asking for hard shell, and taco sauce, that's not a taco. Tacos are small, soft, and usually come in an order of three. You can mix and match meat, organs, and/or sometimes fish. Served with pico de gallo, never lettuce. Hot sauce... meh, no, jalapenos, yes. Most always with a bottle of Fanta, Coke, Sprite, or Mexican soda. (I studied business and marketing at ITESM, the MIT of Mexico. College kids know where to find the best tacos!)

Best best answer has already been posted. Roadside stands and food trucks have the best tacos. Just look for the line of latino workers at lunchtime. Don't be intimidated, give it a try!

[Ecuadog]

Rubios Grocery, 2319 W. Main St., Leesburg. A little groceria with a fresh meat counter and a variety of Mexican food items, plus an indoor dining area. ...

I gotta try it. Thanks for the info.

[Buckeye Bob]

We finally settled on las Magueyes as our go to for Mexican food. Most closely resembles what we knew in so Cal.
By the way, most Mexican restaurants have bottles of sauce on the table, ie: Cholula, Tapatio, etc. The taco sauce you get at places like taco bell isn't very authentic.

Have never had tacos there but the white enchiladas are fabulous.

[Cliff Fr]

This is the type of post that we native Floridians find very irritating.

[ElDiabloJoe]

This is the type of post that we native Floridians find very irritating.
Why? Because it is unreasonable to think that states with Mexican borders and large Mexican populations have pretty authentic Mexican restaurants while people lament that a state without a Mexican border and with only a notable Mexican population does not?

I'm sure there are Miami natives that go to Chicago and complain about the inauthentic Puerto Rican or Cuban restaurants.

[Diver Man]

I like Fiesta Grande in Brownwood and I also got really good tacos at a food truck at Edna’s on the Green.

X2, exactly what our picks are, the new taco truck at Edna's has a really good fish taco, and Fiesta Grande has a really good steak taco. ������

[B-flat]

I have never had their tacos, but I have always enjoyed the other menu items at La Hacienda Restaurant and Supermarket in Ocala, just off I-75 on rte-40. I'd give them a try, especially on "99¢ Taco Tuesday". Make sure you check out their market too.

La Hacienda menu click here (https://lahaciendaocala.com/menu/)
Great choice! It’s a bit of a drive but worth it.

[Chi-Town]

Prima Market Taqueria.
Auténtico.

And here is the authentic menu.

[Garywt]

First lesson you learn is that the food is not as good as you had at home.

[CWSBLUE]

Follow the construction crews..............there is a meal truck which is a knock out.

I second that. We look for their truck whenever we're visiting.
very good / fresh / authentic Mexican. And try their fruit drinks. Delicious!

[lpruettusa]

It is likely Juanita's Tacos truck (352-516-5804) on the corner of Hwy 42 and U.S. 27/441 that another poster referred to. Their address is 16535 se 99th ave Summerfield, FL 34491. Their Facebook page (which you can see without being a member) is JuanitasTacos98.

They have 4.8/5.0 stars by 76 reviews at Facebook and similar results elsewhere (e.g., Yelp, etc.).

Facebook and Yelp say Juanita's is only at the location Saturdays and Sundays: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

[Smalley]

IMHO, trying to find really good tacos down here, is akin to finding really good Chinese food or a really good bagel

...it just isn't going to happen
IMHO Brooklyn Bagels has delicious bagels. Try the black russian. And try the whitefish salad. It's very finely chopped and just the right amount of mayo.

[Garywt]

IMHO, trying to find really good tacos down here, is akin to finding really good Chinese food or a really good bagel

...it just isn't going to happen
You can add pizza to the list as well. I don’t eat Tacos but I will get fajitas if we are going out. First time they were find but second time they were terrible and had very little steak. Pizza some is OK but nothing is great, Chinese I was told to not bother and bagels I only get store bought.

[Worldseries27]

well, if you are asking for hard shell, and taco sauce, that's not a taco. Tacos are small, soft, and usually come in an order of three. You can mix and match meat, organs, and/or sometimes fish. Served with pico de gallo, never lettuce. Hot sauce... Meh, no, jalapenos, yes. Most always with a bottle of fanta, coke, sprite, or mexican soda. (i studied business and marketing at itesm, the mit of mexico. College kids know where to find the best tacos!)

best best answer has already been posted. Roadside stands and food trucks have the best tacos. Just look for the line of latino workers at lunchtime. Don't be intimidated, give it a try!
this is obviously a mission for the drone king to follow the workers and let us all know on youtube.

[RedChariot]

imho, trying to find really good tacos down here, is akin to finding really good chinese food or a really good bagel

...it just isn't going to happen

truth!!!

[RICH1]

Spanish Springs @ 845pm…The Extra large taco ������ is all that’s available. Enjoy your meal

[Taltarzac725]

Trip Idea: Texas Monthly’s List of Best Tacos: El Paso - Destination El Paso | El Paso, Texas (https://visitelpaso.com/trip_ideas/texas-monthly-s-list-of-best-tacos-el-paso)

I would expect that they have some very good tacos in El Paso, Texas?

Maybe some local restaurant owners should take a trip there?

[Geodyssey]

Well, if you are asking for hard shell, and taco sauce, that's not a taco. Tacos are small, soft, and usually come in an order of three. You can mix and match meat, organs, and/or sometimes fish. Served with pico de gallo, never lettuce. Hot sauce... meh, no, jalapenos, yes. Most always with a bottle of Fanta, Coke, Sprite, or Mexican soda. (I studied business and marketing at ITESM, the MIT of Mexico. College kids know where to find the best tacos!)

Best best answer has already been posted. Roadside stands and food trucks have the best tacos. Just look for the line of latino workers at lunchtime. Don't be intimidated, give it a try!

A taco is just a tortilla folded around some filling. That's it. The definition applies in Mexico and the US. So a flour tortilla filled with ground beef, McCormick taco seasoning, shredded lettuce, and cheddar cheese is a taco. Filling can be fish or even non-meat, like potatoes. My favorite is chopped carne asada in a grilled corn tortilla with a little chopped onion, pico de gallo, and a lime squeeze. Like you described.

Salsa translates as "sauce". Nothing more, nothing less. It need not contain chilis or tomatoes, but almost always contains the former, usually the later too. Salsas can be cooked or uncooked.

Almost non-refrigerated salsas are cooked- hot sauce, tapatio, Pace, Taco Bell packets, etc. Northern Mexico cuisine uses very little vinegar. Although Tabasco is the name of a Mexican state, Tabasco sauce is not Mexican. It's cajun/southern and was invented by a US banker. (Nothing stopping a restaurant in Mexico serving Tobasco, and some do)

Pico de Gallo ("beak of the rooster") aka salsa fresca is uncooked chilis, tomatoes, onion, salt, maybe lime & some other spices. Colors of the Mexican flag. Can add fruit (mango), avacado, etc. Uncooked salsas separate into solids & liquid.

Catsup and Hollandaise are salsas.

When most people say "taco sauce" they mean a cooked mild tomato-based salsa with few or no chunks, usually a little sweet. Nothing wrong with that but, like shredded lettuce & cheddar, not often found on northern Mexico cuisine tacos.

[ElDiabloJoe]

A taco is just a tortilla folded around some filling. That's it. The definition applies in Mexico and the US. So a flour tortilla filled with ground beef, McCormick taco seasoning, shredded lettuce, and cheddar cheese is a taco. Filling can be fish or even non-meat, like potatoes. My favorite is chopped carne asada in a grilled corn tortilla with a little chopped onion, pico de gallo, and a lime squeeze. Like you described.

Salsa translates as "sauce". Nothing more, nothing less. It need not contain chilis or tomatoes, but almost always contains the former, usually the later too. Salsas can be cooked or uncooked.

Almost non-refrigerated salsas are cooked- hot sauce, tapatio, Pace, Taco Bell packets, etc. Northern Mexico cuisine uses very little vinegar. Although Tabasco is the name of a Mexican state, Tabasco sauce is not Mexican. It's cajun/southern and was invented by a US banker. (Nothing stopping a restaurant in Mexico serving Tobasco, and some do)

Pico de Gallo ("beak of the rooster") aka salsa fresca is uncooked chilis, tomatoes, onion, salt, maybe lime & some other spices. Colors of the Mexican flag. Can add fruit (mango), avacado, etc. Uncooked salsas separate into solids & liquid.

Catsup and Hollandaise are salsas.

When most people say "taco sauce" they mean a cooked mild tomato-based salsa with few or no chunks, usually a little sweet. Nothing wrong with that but, like shredded lettuce & cheddar, not often found on northern Mexico cuisine tacos.

I mean this in good humor, but your response is shocking. For two reasons:

One, you are based in the middle of the country, far from a border with Mexico;
Two, you are absolutely spot on.

P.S.- The Tabasco you mentioned made in the bayou was actually made by a Marylander of Irish descent, McIlhenny. It's right there on the label ;-)
P.S.S. - Many of Mexican descent, especially in SoCal, tend to prefer Cholula or El Tapatio over Tabasco, by a large margin. I know one 2nd generation guy who puts it on EVERYthing - so much so that he will eat anything because EVERYthing tastes like El Tapatio.

[Carla B]

Permanent kitchen table condiments: Salt, Pepper, and Tapatio sauce (at husband's insistence).

[Henryk]

IMHO, trying to find really good tacos down here, is akin to finding really good Chinese food or a really good bagel

...it just isn't going to happen

Brooklyn Water Bagels. Can't beat 'em.

[maistocars]

If you can't get to Torchy's Tacos in Altamonte Springs, we go to Casa Agave on 301. Best around here and the right price. It's where the locals go.

[Smalley]

IMHO, trying to find really good tacos down here, is akin to finding really good Chinese food or a really good bagel

...it just isn't going to happen
Really good bagels at "Brooklyn Bagels" on 441 in the same shopping area as Best Buy and Bed Bath and Beyond. Try the Black Russian bagels and the whitefish salad.

[Chi-Town]

I have found excellent tacos de lengua nearby, but where can one get tacos de cabeza?