OnMilwaukee’s second generation is school age now, ranging from newborn to 15 years old. Occasionally, some of these kids will contribute their thoughts to the site that is older than they are. This commentary was written by 15-year-old Levi, who is the son of senior writer Molly Snyder.
As you know, Milwaukee is home to lots of different taco places, some bad and some good. I’ve eaten tacos in many different Mexican restaurants. As a person who is picky when it comes to tacos (Ed. note: and all food), I can say that these three places know what they are doing, and I’m honored to tell you about my top three taco picks in Milwaukee.
1. Laughing Taco
As far as taste, Walker’s Point’s "Laughing Taco" hits the spot. Unique items such as a potato shell coating the tortilla and delicious fresh meat really stand out. Some of their tacos revolve around steak; my favorite is the pirata (three for $12), the steak melts in your mouth with a savory and slightly salty taste. Some of their dishes include lettuce, salsa of choice and that amazingly creamy taste and texture of avocado.
However, every positive has a negative. Since this place is growing in popularity at a high rate, the small seating area is sometimes packed with people, so you can’t always find a place to sit. Luckily, you can get carry-out. I also wish they were open on Sundays because that’s a day my family likes to go out for tacos since no one has work or school.
Laughing Taco’s hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 10 p.m. Also now open for brunch on Sundays.
2. Margarita Paradise
Margarita Paradise is inside the Public Market and it does Mexican food right. The food is always very good and very reliable. You want gringo tacos? They got ‘em. You want street tacos? BOOM! Street tacos! If you want chicken tacos, expect the chicken to be perfectly cooked. I recommend the corn tortillas (I almost always recommend corn tortillas), they are especially good. They are soft but can be a little crispy on the edges. I also like their prices, as their taco plate is only $5.
The only downside is they just have a bar to sit at. Some people like this, but as a kid, I don’t really like to sit at the bar. But the Public Market does offer seating on the second floor or outside, so you can always take your tacos there.
Margarita Paradise is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
3. Mazorca Food Truck
I started going to this taco truck when it was on the corner (of South First Street and West Pittsburgh Avenue) by Colectivo (1st Street) and at first when I heard it was moving I was disappointed. Then I found out it was moving (to the Zocalo Food Park, 636 S. 6th St.) even closer to my house.
The al pastor and the bistec tacos are the best because the meats have a lot of flavor and are never dry. Actually, I really like all of the tacos because their corn tortillas are fresh and they stack two tortillas before filling them up. This is key to a good taco experience for me.
A lot of people know that Mazorca has great food, so sometimes the wait is a little long. It’s well worth it, though. My mom and I get the chips and guacamole and eat it while we're waiting sometimes.
Mazorco is open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
