Mrs. C and I were with some friends and looking for a snack after watching a play in Vanier Park, and we decided to give this place a try. Big mistake.
The restaurant was dirty and there were lots of flies. The food cooking area seemed okay, but I didn't look too closely. The prices were ridiculous, but we figured the tacos must be big for the price. Wrong again. We asked for one of each kind of taco, and got three tiny flat kid-sized tortillas with a little sprinkle of unidentifiable stuff on top. That cost 8 bucks. It looked and tasted terrible, and the tortillas were still a bit frozen. The counter service was efficient though since they took our money quickly.
I guess they don't really care too much because they can always snag the tourists... I hope so, because we won't ever be back.
Not Recommended.
I love mexican food so I was happy my boyfriend brought me here one sunny evening. Ordered the 3 tacos for $6.99 and had a choice of 3 meats: steak, chicken, and fish. I choose all three. You get to choose from Shack style (includes mild/hot sauce, salsa, guacamole, shredded cabbage) or Mexican style (mild/hot sauce and onions) I choose the shack style and was served three fresh and delicious tacos. The steak and chicken tacos were tasty and moist and the corn tortilla had a nice authentic flavour. The fish tacos were my favorite and it was drizzled with a chipolte mayo sauce that complemented the fish well. Overall the food was delicious. Service was not so great. There were no smiles and attitude among the workers. The food preparer making my tacos mindlessy threw on the toppings to my tacos and forgot to add some toppings as well. I asked for a side of shredded cheese and was given a small container with a huff. Maybe they were all having a bad day? Overall I would visit again b/c I love mexican food.
Food: I had a chicken taco and it was really juicy, fresh, and tasty. I liked how the taco shell was homemade and different.
Service: Solid
Ambiance: It is dark, small and the walls are painted black and red. It kind of creeps me out!
*** I recommend the Taco Shack if you happen to be around there :)
Finally had a chance to hit the Taco Shack. What we have here is a decent joint with good, basic tacos.
The husband and I both had fish tacos, I had a steak as well. The tacos weren't overly stuffed but the fish was flaky, tasty salsas, the salsa on the steak taco had a decent bite to it. The place ain't the cleanest but the owner and staff were personable. Left with a succulent aftertaste of chipotle, cilantro and chili in my mouth. At $2.79 each, a decent feed at a decent price.
I recently dropped by the Taco Shack for a quick bite. Poor choice on my part. The attitude of staff was poor as they did not even acknowledge any customers. Had the attitude of "just give me your order". My tacos were unbearable. The wrap was soggy throughout. When I picked up the first taco the wrap just completely tore into pieces. As I observed how they were being made the cook would spray the wraps with a water bottle, which is acceptable, but not if the customer is being served a water drenched taco. Absolutely unacceptable. D. Benefield would be ashamed if he knew what was being served.
I go to Taco Shack all the time to get burritos to go. The food is tasty, and the burritos are a good size, if the person working has some skills. The girls who work there are a bit jail baity but cute, and you're in and out in a few minutes.
My favorite offering is their beef burrito, it has the most flavor. You can ask for extra meat and extra spicy if you can handle it! Great place.
I like it!
Stopped by Taco Shack at 9:30pm recently to try out their tacos. Unfortunately, they were out of steak, so I had to settle for chicken and fish. But that was the least of my problems.
While my tacos were being prepared, a worker was sweeping the floors. Disturbingly, he was sweeping dirt in the direction of we customers in line, to the extent that I had to stand back. Disgusting, to say the least. This same person then proceeded to go from broom duty to burrito preparation-- without washing his hands.
Tacos were disappointing, as my server didn't add all the condiments that should come with the order (for example, shredded cheese).
Ambience was awful. No music. Dirty floors. Grumpy service.
I would like to hear from David B., as I'm sure he'd be concerned about what's going on at his shop when he's not around. I'm still holding out hope for this place, though. Lots of potential -- despite my not-so-terrific experience.
The staff seemed more concerned about what music was playing then helping customers. The music was so loud you couldn't talk to someone without yelling at them. My burrito with beans, rice, steak was cold. The plastic cutlery bent to the point that it was useless. Overall an unpleasant experience and I don't think I would go back.
I went to Taco Shack when they first opened and was rather disappointed. When I tried to order, the girl (Korean or Japanese) barely spoke a word of english, and couldn't understand when I tried to order chicken taco's...they only sold taco's at the time (only 3 types of meat too!). The taco's were tiny, tasteless, and definately not worth the money. I would rather spend the SAME amount of money, and walk 6 blocks further to go get some REAL taco's from Burrito Brothers!
Im Mexican and I just wanted to say that the food from this Taco Shack is not Mexican. I was walking along Cornwall with a friend from Colombia and we noticed that there was a new Taco Shack. My friend asked me If I wanted to go in, which we did but immediatly left. It didn't take me more than 2 seconds to realize that what they sell is NOT Mexican food.
I have to admit that I didn't try any food so I can rate it. I just wanted to say that this is not Mexican food so stop saying that it is because it so not. Even that Red Burrito in Commerical Drive does not offer Mexican food. It is Tex-Mex or some kind of combination but it is not mexican either.
cheers
I hope this review doesn't get deleted like the last one..
Living in the "OC" for 20 years I know mexican food. Living in Vancouver for some time I have given up the search until now. The food is the real deal it takes me home thats why I gave it a 5, especially considering the owner isn't mexican. But neither is the owner of Poquito Mas a great place in southern California.
The service was outstanding the kids who work actually know what they are doing, and are friendly.Thats why I gave it a 4.
If you are looking for a theme park in order to eat mexican food then you just don't know how to enjoy mexican food. Its just a cool vibe and great food.
Ambiance, slightly run down, classic music, James Brown, and Classic rock, funky pictures now if only there were waves at Kitts, this would be heaven. A 3.
I had heard the tacos were good here. As a former mexican food junkie in deep withdrawal, I had to give them a shot.
Unfortunately, they were exactly like just about every other Vancouver mexican food I tried: boring, overpriced, and the flavors aren't "Mexican". I had one of each of the fish, chicken, and beef tacos. The fish taco seemed to be built similar to a Baja fish taco (which I am CRAZY about when done right), except they didn't deep fry the fish, the sauce was WAY too much, and because they only used 1 tortilla instead of the usual two, the whole thing disintegrated on contact with my hand. I couldn't identify the chicken as chicken, it was so old and hard to chew. I don't want to think about how long it had been sitting there. The beef was better, but as I ate it I realized there were no mexican flavors in this taco, save a sprinke of cilantro. Hello people! Spice is what makes mexican food mexican! Lay it on me baby.
Also the prices are too high for what you get: three tiny tacos for $7? They should be priced not more than a dollar each.
Having never tasted (as others have put it) "authentic" soft shell tacos down in the State, I had to give this place a try with my buddy. We both had the 3 Chicken Taco deal with drinks.
If was a horrible day outside as it had just snowed a few hours ago, but coming into the taco shack gets your groove going. They had James Brown playing in the background and Daved's a really nice guy. If nothing else, the blindingly orange walls will get you in a sunnier mood, in this 'oh-so-not-sunny' Vancouver.
Having your taco made by a retired CFL player was definitely a unique experience. Who knew good hands with a football translated into good tacos. Overall, the soft-shell tacos were fresh and tasty.
They make their own shells and prepare their own ingredients in the back. Daved even gave some kids who came in some hats, which I thought was a nice touch.
If you can take the heat, make sure you get them spicy, it adds a nice kick to them. You won't regret it.
I can say that I was pretty happy with my first time experience with Taco Shack and I would probably come back the next time I have a craving for tacos.
I'm also waiting for the Sedin's to open up a Swedish restaurant when they retire. Imagine the coordination in the kitchen!
My partner and I went to Taco Shack again on Saturday to have another fish quesadilla, "our favorite" and don't you know we met the owner Daved Benefield CFL player for the BC Lions.
Daved has been open now for a little over 5 months and as he will readily admit they are still working out the kinks which is to be expected from any new business. The key will be to improve his service and energy level to such a degree that people will consider the Shack a 'destination' joint.
Even if they don't he's still going to have to contend with lines but that's a very good thing. I just hope the lines get long enough that he'll have to open his next Taco Shack in Coal Harbour.
Sit back relax have a mexican pop and a quesadilla and then watch the crowd parade on by Cornwall street.
Tried the Taco Shack yesterday. I love burritos so I was anxious to try the place out and compare it to the Red Burrito on First and Commercial. The Taco Shack was solidly good. The food was fresh and tasted very good. I had the fish burrito and it was very good, especially compared to the fish burritos you get from a place like Taco del Mar. I have to admit that the burritos from Red Burrito pack much more yummy goodness into their product than the Taco Shack. However, I would not hesitate to visit the Taco Shack anytime I am in the neighbourhood.
One thing people need to realize before going to the Taco Shack...this is Southern California food, NOT Mexican food and the Taco Shack makes no attempt to fool anyone about what they are. Just solidly good So-Cal food. Very solid.
This cozy "shack" has a small but tasty menu. I liked the black beans that came in my burrito--they have fresh spice in them, like how a grandma would prepare them. Everything was made from scratch as far as I could tell. There was only the owner and one staffer when I visited, but they were on top of things, and the owner didn't mind being interrupted while cooking, and the food still turned out great.
In fact, so unfortunate that it imspired me to open an account here at dinehere.ca!
Found a referral to the new restaurant on a Vancouver blog, and since it is a few blocks from home decided to give it a try.
When my guy and I got there, there was one person being served. We were next in line, but the young guy working there saw two cute girls walking in, turned to us and said "I think they're next." Turned to them and said, "Can I take your order?" Can't fault the guy for trying ;) Anyway, a little annoyed but in no rush so didn't worry about it.
Then another client walked in, asked if we were in line. Yes. So when the guy working was done serving his cuties, turns to the OTHER guy and takes the order. I said "We were next," to which he replied, "Sorry...I'll help this guy first now." Was a lot more annoyed by then but waited it out...wanted to give the food a chance because this was only one employee.
While waiting, another customer already dining offered to the owner, "You should have the girl working here stop touching her hair so much when she serves food." He asked, "Too much?" "ANY amount is gross!" he replied. So the owner walked off.
Truth be told I was impressed with the food - until the second last bite. Took a bite of the burrito and something hard and crunchy was in there. Spit it out, and found either some melted clear plastic or perhaps clear masking tape, or the wrapping from the meat...something big and not food was in the middle of the food, anyway, and I guess that was the last straw. I spit it out and decided that it was time to write a review so that others are warned of the lack of cleanliness and service.
I wanted to have it work out, but unfortunately have to call this a DO NOT VISIT review. Suggest trying Andale's on Davie or Broadway for real Mexican eats.
The burrito is nicely packed--too huge to eat all of by myself in one sitting. The size is to be expected as is the fresh ingredients for being over $6 for one! The guacamole is refreshingly perfect. Though there's quite a bit of rice stuffed inside, it still maintains a nice balance of flavours--I actually enjoyed it more the next day!
The taco comes soft-shelled and somewhat small in size but comes in 3's @ just under $7. Though you get a choice of fish, beef or chicken, or all 3 since they do come in 3's per order, the tortilla gets too soggy to enjoy by the time you take it home even if you live a short ways away. Problem is, all three sour cream & guacamole filled pieces are wrapped in a sheet of foil bundled snuggly together so the sauce & moisture from the other pieces turns more than just parts of the other into semi-soggy pieces. I suppose eating in might be an option to try to enjoy them at their best to see how good/bad they are, but seating's limited and it can get really messy eating it.
Try for yourself! It doesn't take more than a visit to determine how much you like their food since it's a very simple menu, like a taco stand but this is a shack! Choice of A) 3 taco's B) 1 Burrito, or C) 1 Quesadilla; with option of beef/chicken/fish for each. I know I've managed to try them all in one take-out shot...
Service is superb. Friendly & patient.
Currently, they accept cash only... not sure if that will always be the case.
This is the first time I have had an order of taco's in vancouver and immediately wanted more. They were great. Fresh, homemade tortillas steak, chicken and fish (real ones, not deep fried). I had to have 3 orders, i was stuffed. These guys make everything themselves, own guac, salsa's and the like. I haven't tried anything else but the taco's are seriously delicious.
| 1. | Panne Rizo Bakery Cafe (5 m) | |
| 2. | Vera's Burger Shack (5 m) | |
| 3. | Flying Wedge Pizza Co. (5 m) | |
| 4. | Planet Veg (6 m) | |
| 5. | Truffles Bistro (8 m) | |
| 6. | Corduroy (8 m) | |
| 7. | Bean Around The World (10 m) | |
| 8. | Juliet's Cafe and Catering (57 m) | |
| 9. | Nando's Chicken (61 m) | |
| 10. | Starbucks (75 m) |