Nene's Taqueria

Beach Street/Riverside
Thu., Sun. 5:30pm - 1:00am
Fri., Sat. 5:30pm - 2:00am
(Closed Mon-Wed)
817-909-4909

Taco Consumed: Asada/Carnitas
Preference: Carnitas

In the old Minyard's parking lot on Riverside/Beach St., I noticed an interesting taco truck, "Nene's Taqueria".

Upon approaching it, I noticed a woman outside the truck setting up table/chairs and thoroughly cleaning everything in site (perhaps this was 'Nene'?).

I looked at the menu and noticed the tacos were 1.40 each (a little over-priced), BUT it can sometimes be worth it. Seeing as I was hungry and wanted to make up for the Carniceria Los Arcos imbroglio, I ordered three Asada and one Carnitas. After a long days work I was slow on the draw and was asked "would you like cilantro and onions?" ARRGH! The reason I hate this question is because I know if I were hispanic, it would not even be a question. However, if I wanted "white boy" tacos I would go to Taco Bell. Anyway, they are not the first to ask this. Typically it's a competition to see if I can state "with onions and cilantro" before the order-taker asks me that question. This time--they won. ;-)

As I explained to the woman why I was taking the picture of the taco truck ("I review tacos" is by typical beaten down line I give), I asked if they had been in business at this location long. "Oh yea, for a long time". Because I have NEVER seen that truck there, I assume she meant I asked how long they have had the taco truck in general. Regardless, let's hope they make a go of it and are successful at this location.

I was very impressed with the packaging for for my to-go order. This can often be the difference-maker in taco trucks. Nene's tacos came wrapped in quality aluminum foil and were placed in a paper sack with lime, taco sauce, napkins and even salt/pepper. I also noticed they had two hand-sanitizers (something that is becoming en vogue with Fort Worth taco trucks).

Now to the the tacos themselves. About two hours after ordering them, I unwrapped the aluminum foil and was surprised (shocked, actually) that they were still warm. I'd rather not re-heat tacos--so this was a MAJOR plus.

For followers of this hunt, you will notice that for the first time I actually preferred the Carnitas over Asada. Was this because the Asada was not that good or because the Carnitas were very good? The answer is both.

My problem with the Asada were the cuts of meat were incredibly fatty and tough. In one instance I even had to do that thing where you reach into your mouth and pull out that piece of meat you've given up trying to consume--'cause it's just not working. While they were tasty, the quality of the meat was sub-par. The Carnitas on the other hand were among the best I've had. Very tasty and good cuts of pork.

Each taco was double-wrapped in yellow corn tortillas (always a plus). The cilantro was not very fresh. They were dark green and a little wilted.

I will give Nene's Taqueria the benefit of the doubt that their Asada is not always tough/fatty and their cilantro is not always wilted, because everything was PERFECT. If needed, the next time I visit I might be forced actually go with the ol' "Do you know who I am?" so I am sure to get the fresh cilantro and best cut of Asada. ;-)

Carniceria Los Arcos

6809 Mccart Ave Fort Worth
(817) 370-7131
Major Credit Cards Accepted

Taco Consumed: Barbacoa
Preference: None

Ugh! That is the best way I can describe my latest stop on the hunt. Carniceria Los Arcos was by far the worst experience to-date.

This place is on McCart Avenue about two miles south of South Hills High School.

First, the smell. When you walk in to this place, it's hard to describe what the smell is---but whatever it is---it ain't right. I tentatively made my way to the "taqueria" and asked what sort of tacos they had. I was told "Carnitas (pork), or Barbacoa (beef)." I slowly responded, "Uhm, can I look at it." The cook pulled the lid off of the pan that had the Carnitas, and I immediately said, "Can I see the Barbacoa?"

I took the lesser of two evils (based on site) and went with the barbacoa. I informed the cook I wanted corn tortillas with onions and cilantro (I assumed that would answer all the questions) but he quickly got in "Red or Green sauce"? Hmmm...good one. I elected for green.

I estimate it took 4-5 minutes to make my taco, which is actually a long time. Additionally, there was no place to sit and eat inside of Carniceria Los Arcos (not that I could have stomached the smell anyway).

I decided to take my single taco and eat it outside. To make things more interesting, there were wind gusts of up to 30 mph. As I set the styrofoam box on my car and opened the "green sauce", it immediately blew over and I had "green sauce" ALL over the hood of my car.

As for the taco? It sucked. There is no other way to describe it. I never knew meat could taste so bland. As I write this, my stomach is getting nauseous just thinking of the taco. My job is to provide you with non-biased reviews of Fort Worth's tacos--and my advice for Carniceria Los Arcos--stay away.

Taqueria Rio Grande Taco Truck

Camp Bowie/Cherry Lane (Fiesta parking lot)
Open 7 Days per week 9-11
Cash Only

Tacos Consumed: Asada/Fajita
Preference: Asada

Prior to attending a business lunch at Uncle Julios, I decided to make a quick stop at this taco truck I'd seen in the Fiesta parking lot. There seemed to be dualing taco trucks at this intersection as there is another taco truck across the street--and I was determined to pick a winner. Seeing as though the other taco truck was absent upon my arrival Taqueria Rio Grande is the official winner (attendance plays a key role with taco trucks, as you want them to be there when you need them).

Any taco truck that opens at 9:00 am gets bonus points, as taco lovers begin their cravings early in the morning. Seeing as though I would be having lunch at Uncle Julios later in the afternoon, I opted for only two tacos. At $1.50 per taco, they are a little on the high-priced side for tacos, but my expectations were certainly met.

It's well-known my favorite taco (by far) is Asada. However I could not contain myself from also sampling a fajita tacos. Most taquerias do not differentiate between the two (simply because they can't), but Taqueria Rio Grande displays tangible differences between Asada and Fajita, which simply adds to the excitement of taco truck tacos.

I found both tacos interesting in that while they were small, there were filled with generous portions of meat, with just the right amount of cilantro and onions. The tacos were double-wrapped in grilled white corn tortillas. White corn seems to be the tortilla de jour these days, and while I prefer yellow corn tortillas (they seem to have little more kick), these were certainly quality tortillas.

The fajita's were perfectly grilled with a hint of smokiness to them and contained juicy grilled onions, and the asada contained that spicy kick that I enjoy. I found the accompanied taco sauce average, at best...but frankly the taste of the tacos did not require much condiment action.

Taqueria Rio Grande has everything I enjoy in a taco truck. The food comes in a styrofoam container, there is plenty of napkins, outdoor seating (with a trash can), and they even had hand-sanitizer, which I thought was a GREAT touch!

I have to pay this taco truck the highest compliment I can give a taco, as when I drove off, I craved more of their tacos. "Always keep them wanting more" is the true sign of a good taco.

During my business lunch at Uncle Julios, I ordered Tacos Al Carbon, and could not help but laugh to myself as Taqueria Rio Grande $1.50 tacos were light-years better than Uncle Julios $10.00 tacos.

Tortas La Hechizera West Side

7905 Camp Bowie West

Fort Worth, TX 76116
MC/Visa Accepted

Mon-Sun 8:00am-9:00pm.

(817) 696-0900

Tacos Consumed: Asada/Shredded Chicken

Preference: Asada

It has been a while since my last review. As I told a friend of mine, I simply became "sick of tacos". I've had quite a bit of requests for an "About me" or "Contact me" section. I've stated before, this website is about Tacos--not me. Consequently, if you do need to reach me---simply leave a comment in the FAQ and I will get back with you.

Back to the hunt....in looking for Carniceria Y Taqueria Dos while on Camp Bowie (still don't know where that place is), I noticed Tortas La Hechizera West Side (henceforth known as 'LaHech'). It's been a while since I enjoyed a taco, so I ventured in.

Upon walking through the doors, I realized I knew this place. This is the same place as La Hechizera in Tacoville. I am not a huge fan of multi-chain taquerias. Regardless, I was in, so I placed my order.

Both tacos were standard tacos. Standard as in "real" tacos (corn tortillas, cilantro, and onions). The shredded chicken taco was quite juicy (always a plus). One good sign of a taco is when you bite into it, juice squirts. Not grease, put simply juice.

La Hech serves open-faced tacos. While this does aid in prepping the taco, the downside is it tends to get cold quickly. I prefer the tacos already folded, and then I can prep if I desire.

All in all, not too bad, but not earth shattering, either. At $1.50 per taco, I feel they are a little over-priced. However, there are not too many taquerias in that area, so if you live/work near there---it's definitely worth a visit for real tacos.