Chorizo Taco and Carne Asada Taco from Border Grill

Well the day is upon us, the Cinco de Mayo that gracefully falls on the most regal day of the week..taco Tuesday. With this being such a monuments occasion what better way to celebrate than with some authentic Mexican flavors. I rounded up just a few locations here in Orlando where I have had some of what I feel are the most authentic and delicious Mexican flavors. This is not your $5 pork butt taco from a pig that was massaged and hugged daily, this is that hole in the wall where the food comes out bangin every time and you’re walking out of there stuffed like a thanksgiving turkey without unburdening your bank account! So with that we begin.

So for this little food adventure I just had a couple requirements, that when I got tacos that they were being served in corn tortillas. Though I did not order them I wanted to see things such as tacos lenguas (tongue), tripe, and other really traditional types of dishes that would really appeal to the kind of person searching for super authentic cuisine. One of the biggest things was a price point, none of these places are expensive, the most expensive tacos might be the specialty meats but last I checked even those are less than $3. You can feast at all of these places and order one hell of a variety without spending a lot of money. Based on my experience growing up in Los Angeles these are not traditionally gourmet meats on artisan anything, just decent meat, fresh ingredients made with the right spices and the right know how.

Border Grill

Ok so lets start with the first place I found here in Orlando, Border Grill Fresh Mex. This quaint little restaurant is located a couple minutes away from Universal in a very small plaza and what it may lack in space or grander it makes up for in food quality. I have been going here for years and aside from the obvious great taco choices I have absolutely fallen in love with their chimichangas and wet burritos which just pack ingredients and flavor into a huge plate at a great price.

5695-A Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32819

Tacos Express

This was one of my other big Orlando finds because this place has a very extensive menu. Everything I have tried has been delicious and fresh. Walk in here at the right time and you see the peppers being grilled up for the salsa or the fresh topping being diced up and for some reason knowing your salsa and toppings are made fresh brings a certain relief when you are hungry for good food. They do a mean wet burrito here but when a place is called tacos express you need to get the tacos. Throw a tostada in for good measure because if you’ve never had one you are missing out.

9785 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837

Tonos

Definitely one of those places I drove by a thousand times and always said “I should go there” but never quite made it in, that is until I did. Three words, six syllables and you have my hear…care asada fries. Yes that is carne asada, cheese, guac, and sour cream on a bed of fries, yes this is what dreams are made of. This place has been around for a while and their drive through seems to stay pretty busy with people always picking up. Again a place where I have always enjoyed my food and it never breaks the bank.

7135 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32809

Taqueria Ameca

Here is a recommendation I got from a friend that turned into a bit of a love affair. Taqueria Ameca is on Orange Ave just south of Downtown and this little place packs a big punch. Their tacos are a not huge but they are also very cheap so you can get a large variety for just a few dollars which I absolutely love. These very traditional tacos are on hand made tortillas and every bite is delicious. chicharron, beef, chicken, pork, everything you could want.

3558 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806

Torta El Rey

This is another one of those places I drove by for years and never got into but as soon as I did it changed things a bit. Their sorta sandwiches are insane, they’re big, they’re meaty, they’re fresh. Then when you hop on the taco train you get completely spoiled because their tacos are just overflowing with meat and flavor. Absolute sucker for their chorizo which is just the right spice….of course we dump hot sauce on it anyway but it starts off pretty great as well. Sit down or drive through available here with plenty of choices you will definitely be back.

6151 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32809

Taqueria Las Cazuelas

This is my latest find over on the East side of town and I immediately fell in love with it. Not only were the usual suspects delicious but they even had cactus tacos! Now I do not have a clue how many of you have even considered cactus as something you would eat but let me tell you it is delicious. It is often grilled and the consistency is similar to a mix of a bell pepper and a green bean which are both delicious greens but the flavor itself is different while maintaining that good green taste. The horchata and hibiscus are brewed there ready to drink and the menu has a great variety of traditional favorites. So for those closer to UCF and Winter Park you have a nice little option on that side as well.

10360 E Colonial Dr Ste 118, Orlando, FL 32817

5 Traditional Mexican Restaurants for Cinco de Mayo