We started a game of taco telephone and asked some local favorite taco shops where they would eat tacos, other than their own business.
Taqueria El Si Hay
There was no better place to start than El Si Hay, which has won the Best of Advocate Best Tacos several times. The tacos here are so good that it has received mentions in Texas Monthly and the New York Times, and customers are willing to wait to get their hands on them. Go on a Sunday afternoon and you could expect up to a 45-minute wait.
Taqueria El Si Hay suggestion: Tacos Chanos
Tacos Chanos has been an Oak Cliff staple since 1948. Located on Jefferson Boulevard, Chanos is housed in a simple white building with plenty of room inside to enjoy a variety of classic tacos, whether it be carne asada, al pastor or barbacoa.
Tacos Chanos suggestion: Fito’s Tacos De Trompo
Fito’s has locations across Dallas and two in Oak Cliff. The chain is known for its authentic tacos de trompo — corn tortillas filled with marinated and seasoned pork. Taco choices also include chicken, steak, brisket, beef tongue and tripe. They serve tortas, quesadillas, burgers and even a baked potato loaded with sour cream, butter, cheese, avocado and the meat of your choice.
Fito’s suggestion: Cesar’s Tacos
Cesar’s Tacos was originally Cesar’s Donuts. Established in 1996 by Cesar Jasso, he followed his dream of owning his own business. The thing is, donuts are primarily a morning-only business, so he decided to add tacos for an all-day menu. Eventually, he dropped the donuts entirely.
Cesar’s Tacos suggestion: Maskaras Mexican Grill
Maskaras Mexican Grill is a family restaurant owned by couple Zulma V. Hernández & Rodolfo Jiménez and is simultaneously a vibrant celebration of Lucha Libre culture. “Maskaras” is a Spanglish word meaning the same in English and Spanish: “Mask and Mascaras.” Hernández is an ex-beauty queen from Mexico while Jiménez is a former model, host and actor. The pair came together to offer the community traditional Mexican dishes passed down from their mothers.
