Tacos (or more broadly, Mexican or Mexican-inspired cuisines) have exploded in popularity in recent years, and Buffalo Niagara—from “fast food” taco trucks to upscale experimental establishments—has plenty of delicious options to choose from.

by Max Fisher

Whether you want authentic or “Buffalo-style” tacos, the Buffalo Niagara region has every conceivable choice

Every Day Should be “Taco Tuesday”

What in the world is Taco Tuesday? The idea always seemed positively ludicrous to me because from a very early age I knew from the very bottom of my heart that tacos could be enjoyed every day. They weren’t meant to be relegated to one day of the week (let alone Tuesday, it’s not even a hump day). If your taco cravings go beyond the Tuesday crowd and are open to enjoying delicious tacos any day of the week, then I have good news because there are a number of places to get tacos in Buffalo Niagara that’ll have you ready to devour a tasty taco every day of the week!

What’s the appeal of a taco? It comes down to its simplicity. At its core, it’s a little more than a soft or hard tortilla filled with an assortment (of hopefully fresh ingredients) wound tightly into a handheld package that’s deceptively easy to handle and enjoy. Sounds easy enough, right? But not all tacos are created equal. (I’ve run into a few taco trucks in my day that had me questioning my life decisions immediately after consuming what they said was a taco). The taco game can, at times, be a risk and reward ordeal.

That’s why for this list, I’m going to focus on a tried-and-true taco place, so the only unexpectedness you have to worry about is the level of yumminess your tastebuds will be forced to shoulder. For that reason, I’m choosing to focus on a Buffalo staple: Elmwood Taco and Sub.

Who’s Your Taco Daddy

Full disclosure I had Elmwood Taco yesterday. I had no idea I would write this piece, and it did not influence my decision of what place to focus on in any way. Because to be honest, I more than likely would have chosen Elmwood Taco even if I didn’t have it yesterday. However, let me be upfront in saying I have been going there for years now. I remember when their current location was Burger King and being elated to learn that they were moving because now they would finally have a drive-through. However, with all the love and appreciation I have for the place, I can still be objective.

For instance, their fish taco, in my opinion, is downright awful. I feel vindicated that they took it off the menu, or maybe I’m just choosing to ignore it. Either/or, it’s terrible. And I understand they had to make changes for Covid, but why is it still drive-through only? Why should those who enjoy cardio before a taco be punished because we don’t have a car? Complaints aside, Elmwood Taco, in my mind, is undoubtedly the raining taco king in Buffalo. Now I know that statement is bound to rile up a great many, but I’m ready to take all the arrows that come my way because I genuinely believe this.

Bean, chicken, beef, fish, veggie or vegan – Elmwood Taco and Sub has all taco bases covered for any craving

Their tacos always have fresh ingredients inside. This is without question. (The hard shell on rare occasions can be a bit stale, but se la vie as they say; it’s only sometimes so I let it slide. Whether you’re looking for a plain beef taco or one with whole black beans or a vegan one with raw vegetables (which is surprisingly excellent and has become one of my go tos in recent years) or anything in between, you can rest assured that you’re getting fresh, top-notch ingredients in whatever you choose. Yes, there may be some complaints that Elmwood Taco isn’t a “real taco place” and that it falls under the category of the gentrified establishment or Mighty-Taco-like generic “Mexican food”.

Still, I guarantee you that most people with that opinion frequent Taco Bell regularly. I’m sure that there’s a small upstart taco spot that’s all the rage with the owners waking up at 5:00 A.M every morning to make taco shells by hand, and to this, I’d like to say I salute them for their hard work and determination, but the heart wants what the heart wants, and my heart wants Elmwood Taco!

Nighthawks

When the place is in full swing, it’s a wonderful hangout spot. The inside looked like a new age 50s dinner with weird neon all over that I could never quite explain the reason for, but I liked it nonetheless. When it’s late-night, you’ve had a long day, and you decide to go inside to grab a taco and some waffle fries, take a pro tip: always ask for no salt, that means they have to make a new batch, and the less sodium in your diet the better. Sit on one of the stools located by the big front window observing the people as they walk by with the reflection of the neon of the window making every person seem as if their highlighted, it has an indescribable calming effect. Still, if you’ve been there late at night, chances are you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Pretty in pink: tacos from Casa Azul accompanied by a Mango Margarita

The Taco Connection

Elmwood Taco And Sub has been around since the early 70s. In my opinion, it’s a more important Buffalo export than Buffalo Wild Wings (it’s a good thing we don’t have a mailing address because something tells me we’d get a few passionate/angry letters if we did). Of course, Elmwood Taco doesn’t have the same cultural reverence as wild wings does, but I’m happy to support a long-running food staple of the community just the same.

Tacos generate passion in people. Look no further than the fact that for the last 900 words, I’ve been gushing about the place that makes them. And that’s great! Having a connection to the places you eat at makes it a part of your life (make sure not to overdo it — too much of a good thing, turns out it’s a real thing).

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