Is that really it’s name? Yes, it is really called “El Fresh Taco” and, despite a name that sounds like the taco cart by all the new construction, it’s a name that really fits. Everything at El Fresh Taco is, well, fresh. The tortillas are made on site daily. The salsa, made fresh daily. The daily special, you guessed it, made fresh daily. Each day they feature horchata and an agua fresca that are made fresh that morning on site. Is it a lot of work? I’m sure. Is it worth it? Oh yes, well worth it.
El Fresh Taco features authentic Mexican favorites in a fast casual dining style (what I like to call an “OPS” – order, pay, sit). By Mexican, I mean real Mexican, no Tex-Mex here (though there is a chimichanga and a taco salad on the menu – not usual Mexican fare, but I’ll let that pass.). The tacos are described in very traditional Mexican ways such as “al carbon” or “al pastor”, instead of “beef steak” or “pork”. There is more to it than the name, though. The al pastor is sliced off a rotisserie of season pork which has been sliced, rubbed with spices, and layered – a very traditional Mexican method. All the tacos come with onion and cilantro only – no heavy handed pile of lettuce and cheddar cheese as in more “tex-mex” establishments. The quesadillas feature Mexican style cheese and look more like a grilled taco with cheese than the flat sandwich of cheese and meat cut pizza style that is usually presented as a quesadilla. To compliment the food, El Fresh Taco offers Mexican sodas as well as more American soft drinks and fountain drinks. They also have flan and tres leches which looked good, though I haven’t tried them yet.
The decor is very modern and inviting. In a strange balance of food and location, it would seem natural enough for a doctor or nurse to cross the street from the hospital to eat while a group of laborers sat enjoying their lunch as well. El Fresh Taco opens up the hidden flavors of the traditional Mexican taqueria to a new set of clientele who would feel very uncomfortable in the very Spanish language and Mexican culture heavy taquerias that are the usual local for such fare.
On flavor, I give El Fresh Taco the highest marks. Everything was fresh and flavorful and very well prepared. The seasonings were well balanced and the tacos had a great ratio of ingredients – none overpowered any other. The price is extremely reasonable and makes for a great lunch. The menu is a little slim for evening dining unless on is in a hurry. But if one is in a hurry, El Fresh Taco may not be the choice for you. Good, fresh, quality food takes time, and while El Fresh Taco may seem like a “fast food” establishment, don’t be surprised if your order takes much longer than expected. Don’t let time drag you down, though. Sit back, enjoy a refreshing tamarindo agua fresca, and wait – you’ll be well rewarded.

El Fresh Taco
Fry & Kingsland (in Starbucks shopping center)
Prices: typical lunch $5-7 + drink
Food Quality:*****
Service:****
Ambience:*****
Notes: Great place for lunch. Make sure to get an Al Pastor taco and an agua fresca.

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