Reader's Choice Awards - Reader's Choice Food

POSTED: Monday, Dec. 08, 2008

Best Mexican cuisine: Taco Lobo

FIRST PLACE

TACO LOBO

Location: 117 West Magnolia St., 756-0711, hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday

From the boss: "What makes us different is that we make everything fresh. Our sauces are made from scratch, we make our own tortillas. Customers can see the cooks making the food in the kitchen and that makes a difference ... nothing's made from a can." Bill Campbell, manager

Reader rave: "I love Taco Lobo; I think it's very authentic. My husband and I get the carnitas and share a big plate. The food is so good and there's so much of it we always walk away with leftovers. The owners are really sweet people and everyone who works there always seems happy to be there." Hollie Joy Hilde, Blaine

Highlights: As you near Taco Lobo's Magnolia Street location, you spot a glowing red, green and white neon sign of a howling coyote. That desert scene signals that you're in for a muy autentico experience, with lively paintings and artwork decorating the walls and a fresh salsa bar that's almost as colorful as the lights outside. Warm smells of cheese-laden enchiladas and fresh tamales greet you at the door like a friendly host. While you try to choose between a variety of burrito options, pollo asado, carne asada or sandwich-like tortas, you can watch tortillas being made or munch on complimentary hot chips. It all goes down great with Mexican or domestic beer, pop or margaritas.