‘Nacho’ Average Taco Joint

Taco republic logoTaco ‘bout a hot Mexican restaurant– Taco Republic is the place to be! Located on the northwest corner of Mission and 47th, this gourmet taco joint is a fun atmosphere and a stomach pleaser.

Being the replacement of an old gas station—parking spots are scarce. Luckily, ample parking can be found across the street at the neighborhood Walmart.

The menu is admittedly a bit tight, but never seems to disappoint. Even picky-eaters like myself can find a great meal. For me, cheese dip is the swing vote to whether a Mexican restaurant is worthy of a second trip. Taco Republic passes this test with a solid 8/10. The Jose, a creamy and delicious five cheese queso dip with chips the size of your hand is nothing to be passed up.

For fish eaters, you cannot go wrong with the Del Mar taco: blackened tilapia, mojo garlic sauce, guacamole, and pico de gallo. It is the perfect combination of spicy and seafood. For chicken fanatics, try the Ortiz; a taco filled to the brim with marinated chicken, chimichurri (a green spice-based sauce used to jazz up meat), grilled corn, caramelized onion, sautéed peppers, queso fresco. I ordered it without the onions and peppers and it was equally as great.

If your taste buds just find delicious Mexican food repulsive, fear not: your classic tenderloin with fries or spicy chicken wings are always available. The kid’s menu is disappointedly slim, consisting of only a quesadilla, taco or a chicken leg.

Taco Republic is worth a visit for the ambiance alone. Indoor seating is limited, and the decor and atmosphere are sadly unimpressive (probably explaining limited seating). However, the outdoor experience is where it hits home. The large patio is decked out with a bean bag toss, party lights, and an outdoor bar alongside a monstrous TV—for all of your ESPN needs. Rain or cold can’t stop this party. This joint is equipped with a gargantuan window-like blind to pull down from their canopy for rain, and heat warmers stationed around the patio for chilly nights. They take their Southern Style decor to the next level by adding a sand pit full of tables and chairs for extra seating.

Say goodbye to the regular thimble-sized glasses, because Taco Republic is coming at you with cups the size of Big Foot’s shoe. They require a two handed grasp, but it’s totally worth it. No more waiting impatiently for your trainee waitress to refill your drink for ten minutes, because this thing will never run out.

Complaints are hard to come by, but I have a few. I think I would rather sit on a rock than the deep-seated wire chairs. Also, the tacos are only 6 inches, and for a big eater it will take a few orders to fill up. It runs on the expensive side, ranging from $2.50 to $3.50 per taco, which might drive away the “tight-on-cash” high school students.

The few minor faults of Taco Republic are easily forgotten about, due to the fact that the staff is quick with their job, and very accommodating to picky and particular orders. Although they specialize in tacos, the menu has great variety for all different tastes. The short twelve minute drive from the East parking lot is not a waste of gas, time or money. The fun and fresh atmosphere will definitely leave an impression. This is “nacho” average taco joint.

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