La Taqueria Downtown – Ten Things We Love About You
Soon after La Taqueria opened in 2005, the New York Times hailed them as an instant classic. Jersey City’s love affair with La Taqueria is still going strong all these years later. We take our tacos seriously, and La Taqueria, to us, remains the gold standard for authentic Mexican food. Specifically, Northern Mexican food that is based on a nice balance of flavors, not unnecessary add-ons like loads of lettuce and American cheese (La Taqueria only uses Mexican white cheese).
La Taqueria loyalists appreciate the Los Dies Mandamientos (10 Commandments) emblazed on the walls and each menu that let you know you are in for the real deal: There are no fajitas, nachos, or pillow-size burritos. No sour cream – crema fresca only. No 7-layer dip, no tacky multi-flavored margaritas, etc. Here are 10 things you WILL find to this day at La Taqueria;
1. Contactless pickup at both locations – 236 Grove and 354 Grove. The owners put substantial thought and research into their contactless pickup and social-distance practices. More power to them, it cannot be easy to do this and they do it exceptionally well.
2. The BEST salsa – not too mild, not too hot and packed with a refreshing, bright kick of cilantro. Perfect with their deliciously salty and crispy chips.
3. In the early days of La Taqueria, they eschewed guacamole. We are so glad they caved on this one, for their guacamole is crazy fresh and outstanding.
4. The cheese enchiladas verdes is our favorite vegetarian Mexican dish ever (you can also get with chicken instead).
5. The rice and beans that come with said enchiladas are no afterthought, but rather a nicely seasoned duo to serve as the perfect accompaniment.
6. The tacos, of course, served with onion, plenty of cilantro and salsa. Our fave is the bistec (steak).
7. The prices, to this day, are so reasonable – everything is under $13.
8. Throughout the pandemic, the owners collaborated with other small business owners in JC, sharing strategies and coordinating food donation efforts.
9. La Taqueria makes one hell of a simple, straight-up, strong, and tasty margarita.
10. The Patio at 354 Grove St., the perfect spot to sip on those margaritas over a long lunch. Hopefully, we will see you there sometime in 2021!
https://taqueriadowntownjersey.com/menu/