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.