As major American cities go, Boston is about as far as you can get from Mexico. Is it any wonder that your friend from California pities you when you go off on another soliloquy about oysters and lobster rolls? Those delicacies go out of season, he says, but the burrito never does. Rest assured that you need only a trip to Taco Mex to convince him that you can match wits in a burrito-appreciation session.
Taco Mex is a study in natural-wood colors, which provide a neutral backdrop for the lively salsa playing on the jukebox. The menu here classifies the cuisine as “Latin and Mexican,” so in addition to your expected quesadillas ($6.50), chicken and beef fajitas ($11), and loaded burritos ($4.75–$6.50) — all of which are served with or on from-scratch tortillas — they offer a range of dishes with roots in Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. You’re offered a choice of fried plantains or papas fritas (read: French fries) with many of the main platters. The sweetness of the plantains complements the saltiness of the filete de pescado ($12), a grilled haddock entrée, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves.
To start, a thin but substantial puposa ($1.75) or steaming steak taco ($1.75–$2) is a fine diversion while you wait for your meal. Or try the spicy, cilantro-heavy shrimp ceviche ($8), made with thick chunks of tomato, onion, and shrimp. The translation on the Spanish menu is “shrimp cocktail,” which explains its clever presentation in a deep margarita cup. By the time you’ve drained the glass, your burrito will be ready. When that’s finished, it’ll be time to call your friend in California.
Taco Mex, located at 65-67 Maverick Square, East Boston | open daily, 7 am - 11 pm | 617.568.2838.
Related:
Bella Ravioli, Red Sky, La Brace’s grilled-lobster appetizer, More 
- Bella Ravioli
Don’t fret for Bella.
- Red Sky
The pitch for Red Sky is that it’s nicer, more upscale, and appeals to a slightly older crowd than the other nightspots around Faneuil Hall.
- La Brace’s grilled-lobster appetizer
La Brace is far from your typical North End restaurant.
- Dough
One of the most fantastic views of the Beantown skyline is from East Boston’s Maverick Square waterfront.
- Off the Boat Seafood
“What can I do for ya, my friend?”
- Sorellina
Another week, another second or third restaurant by a famous chef (Jamie “Mistral” Mammano) focused on a single cuisine (Italian), with a more-junior chef (John Delpha) at the controls.
- Belle Isle Seafood
On the tiny Winthrop Bridge is some of the best no-frills fish and lobster this side of Kennebunkport, Maine.
- Hungry Mother
Platters such as “catfish pâté” can be visually hilarious, but also really delicious.
- Poop patrol
Cowboy and I are obsessed with our dog’s poop.
- Wiley’s
In the early ’90s, lines of hungry hopefuls used to stack up at breakfast time when Wiley’s was a tiny 10-seat place at Middlebridge in Narragansett.
- Simpler, but not too much
In taking over the space recently occupied by Mim's, one of Portland's prissiest restaurants, the owners of the Farmer's Table were wise to choose a name designed to set customers at ease.
- Less
Topics:
On The Cheap
, Culture and Lifestyle, Food and Cooking, Foods, More
, Culture and Lifestyle, Food and Cooking, Foods, Seafood, Less
