“Somos una Taquería”: Taco Trunp

Consistently delicious, well-prepared food still lacks in the lower prices ranges in this city, but things are improving. Taco Trunp is one example of that. -JRS

Taco Trunp would like you to know a few things, which they make clear in writing on the tables, the walls, their social media: They are a proper taco joint (“Somos una taquería”); They do not serve Americanized Mexican food (“pas de Tex-Mex”, “no Taco Bell”); They are from Monterrey.

Two more things you should know about Taco Trunp: Yes, the name trolls that racist, misogynist President, Donald J. Trump—you’ll notice the logo parodies his famous hair; and their tacos are delicious, true to their Instagram hashtag, “#MakeTacosGreatAgain”.

Taco Trunp sits on the south side of St. Zotique in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, just west of St. Denis. The tacquería is a narrow, rectangular room with table seating for about sixteen and a small bench outside. You can eat there or take out. Service is friendly and welcoming.

The menu, wonderfully simple, comprises two groups of tacos, served on either corn or flour tortillas. The former come in fours and range in price from $10.50 to $12.50; the latter consists of a single tortilla and costs $4.00 to $6.50. There is repetition across both sections of the menu and diners can add either cheese or avocado for a supplement of $2. Two vegetarian options, no vegan.

The carnitas on corn tortillas are fantastic: shredded pork meat, caramelized here and there, is very moist and delicious. $10.50. Same goes for the El Pastor, which also consists of pork, in this case, marinated and heavily seasoned, served with bits of seared pineapple. Excellent. $10.50. The corn-tortilla tacos are double-wrapped (i.e. two tortillas per taco)—a great touch—and the tacos are filling; one order of four will most likely do one person.

Before serving, the kitchen blasts the tortillas on the flattop, which means the tacos are laser-hot when they arrive; you literally have to let them sit a good ten minutes till they’re cool enough to touch. Be patient: They’re worth the wait.

I tried only one of the flour-tortilla tacos, the “Pirata”. Here they take the flour tortilla and add some cheese before grilling both sides, which tops the white cheese with a beautiful, brown crust. They then add the meat, in this case, well-seasoned beef. Wonderful. $6.50.

Trunp does not serve alcohol; your choice of drinks include soda, juice or a homemade “Limonade Mexicaine” for $2.50, which I recommend: it has a great balance of acidity and sweetness and goes well with the tacos.

I’ve never been to Mexico and can’t speak to the “authenticity” of the food here. I can say, however, that it is fantastic: I recommend Taco Trunp highly and hope they earn the success they deserve. This may be the best taquería in town.