By Chris Murphy
I really don’t know anyone that doesn’t like tacos. Seriously. What’s not to like? Portable, tasty, easy, endless varieties, meats and flavors, mini tacos, giant tacos, breakfast tacos and even choco-tacos. It’s an amazing food group, more versatile than hamburgers or pizza. AND, our area boasts some of the best tacos anywhere. Period.
You need to head out north of Modesto to Bangs Ave, where you will find The Taco Shop. This project has been the brainchild of Roman Wagner and Ryan “Hondo” Johnson for years as they wanted to do local tacos right. NW Modesto needs a good legit taco shop and now it’s here. Many of you well recognize bar tender extraordinaire Sean Devlin, back in Modesto managing the Taco Shop.
Located on Bangs Rd, in the former location of Smokey’s, the Taco Shop is full service, open in the mornings and has some great authentic tastes for any time of day. The kitchen is lead by Juanita Mendoza, who originates in Michoacan, Mexico, and brings the recipes of her family to the Taco Shop. Her traditional tacos are amazing, you can get taco truck tacos and you can get quesabirria tacos (my favorite) too. But, if you are feeling super hungry, order one of Juan’s Giant tacos, or the Big Juan’s Taco Supreme. It is a literally a two-handed taco and the shell is crisp but not too crunchy and is filled with your choice of meat and all of the trimmings.
In the kitchen, under Juanita’s careful eye, the taco shells and chips are house made and really showcase the flavor of the food. The food is and tastes super fresh and the salsas are delicious.
The menu has so much variety and you can start your day with some tasty and spicy Chilaquiles, breakfast tacos, huevos rancheros, or a breakfast burrito. These are all large portions and will get your day to a good start. Something that you will enjoy all day long is the Cowgirl ensalada, with fresh beans, corn, avocado, cheeses and meats that is a real meal. You can enjoy full dinner entrees like chile verde, polla a la crema, sopes and more.
The kitchen is efficient and quick and your taco jones will soon be satisfied. If you have kids, they have a fun kid’s menu with quesadillas, burrito, and tacos.
For you commuters, or if you are on the run, you can get a to-go order and do a grab n go and call it in. If you have time to come in, you can enjoy a large bright dining room, lots of tables and even pinball machines. Roman says they will be adding more games over the next few months.
Along with all of the great food there is a solid beer and wine menu, and as all other Roman Wagner places, the quality and the variety are excellent. Tacos and Beer, these go together well.
Now here’s the kicker. You don’t have to wait for lunch or dinner to get your tacos. The Taco Shop opens weekdays at 8 am with breakfast tostadas. Currently the Taco Shop is open 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. This month, you can expect new later hours to 8pm for a great dinner. Don’t forget to check out the daily specials on the chalkboard.
Whether you eat in or take out, the Taco Shop some something you will love and will be a regular stop.
The Taco Shop
501 Bangs Ave. Suite E, Modesto,
(209) 554-6999
@tacoshopmodesto/
tacoshopmodesto@gmail.com<mailto:tacoshopmodesto@gmail.com>
Can’t get enough tacos? TacoFest. Is coming. April 27 downtown Modesto right after Love Modesto. Don’t miss out on the tacos from all over the region, fun and music.
www.modestotacofest.com<www.modestotacofest.com>
