Late Night Taco Run to Zacatacos

It's been almost two weeks since my first taco outing, and I've neglected my taco duties long enough. Yet, since I'm only 8 days away from completing my undergraduate career (Yay!), I think any readers I've acquired won't be too disappointed.

Vamos hablar/Let's talk tortillas. 

Last weekend, Natalia and Sara, my gal pals, swung by the South Side and took my sister, Jenny and I to Zacatacos on the corner of 71st and Pulaski. Previously, I've only ate at Zacatacos once before, and I remember enjoying my medium size and fully loaded meaty tacos, then. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for this late night taco run. 

Sara, Jenny and I ordered tres (3) tacos, while Natalia order una torta (and a side of chiles vinagres, at'a girl), which may have been the better option given our insatisfaction with our choices. Sara ordered un taco de barbacoa topped with cilantro and onions, while Jenny ordered un taco de cecina with just cilantro, and I ordered un taco de cecina with the works (tomatoes, lettuce,  and cheese). 

I will admit that offering my humble opinion on the infamous Zacatacos' taco is daunting, since a variety of reports have rated their tacos as top in the city. But, I must be honest in saying that, while the cecina was cooked and seasoned perfectly, I was once again disappointed by the El Milagro tortillas. At La Placita, the tortillas had a nice char comal aroma and taste, but at Zacatacos, the tortillas were greasy and dry. Sara experienced a similar unpleasant tasting, she commented that her barbacoa was pieced and completely soaked through her tortilla.

However, this taco short fall does not mean that the experience was an overall unsatisfying outing. If you are looking for an authentic, bright and lively place to gather with your friends after a late night, I would recommend Zacatacos for its friendly customers and service.  The cocineros (chefs or cooks) were extremely pleasant and willing to strut a smile as I took snap shots of them hard at work. Zacatacos offers a variety of other choices on their menu (like their tortas, just ask Natalia). I personally would like to return to taste their platillos or the giant TACO BOWL, but especially for their fiery, spicy, and hot salsa roja.

Between the sudden Bieber-fever outburst sing-a-long by Natalia and Jenny, Sara's super kind indulgence of my newly found love for taco chisme, and our crispy fried tortilla chips smothered in that awesome smoky and spicy salsa roja, the night was a success.

Keep tuning in for more of my taco adventures. I appreciate all the feedback and positive energy!