For many years, Chef Juan Almanza would attract Tucsonans to his food stall at the Tohono O’Odham swap meet. Now, you can enjoy his delicious food at his brick-and-mortar establishment El Taco Rustico on Oracle Road in Tucson. Chef Almanza has been working in the foodservice industry for many years. From Mexican food staple El Merendero to the high-end Hacienda del Sol, Chef Almanza has been feeding Tucsonans always with a big heart and a big smile.
Quesabirria
Popular in central Mexico, birria is a traditional meat stew served in a bowl or tacos. If you go to El Taco Rustico, make sure to order the quesabirria. A taco, filled with birria and cheese. It is served with a side of the birria broth so you can dip it in. We are sure you will love it and will come back for more.
Options Galore
El Taco Rustico allows you to choose your type of tortilla (flour, corn, or nopal) and select your choice of meat. Of course, there is carne asada and tripass, but being from Coahuila, Chef Almanza made sure to offer also cabrito, a delicatessen from Northeast Mexico. Chicharron with green salsa, grilled chicken, and ribs are available to enjoy in your tacos.
Another favorite of ours is the rojitos de camaron. These are similar to the quesabirria, but rather than the birria, the tacos are served with shrimp.
If you are a vegetarian, you can enjoy a queso fundido (melted cheese), nopales, calabacitas (squash), rajas (poblano chile, cooked with cheese and cream), or ask at the counter for other options.
You might have ordered before some al pastor tacos, but make sure to order the same meat, but rather than in a taco, order it as a torta.
To quench your thirst, you will find the popular Coca-Cola from Mexico (one of the reasons it tastes better, is because they use sugar care rather than corn syrup), but make sure to try a horchata. A drink made with rice, cinnamon, and sugar.
Here is a Secret
When you enter the restaurant to order your food, you will see the menu written on a board to your right. But make sure to ask the person taking your order if they have any specials or items in their “secret menu”. You will be surprised.
El Taco Rustico
Web – https://www.tacorustico.com/
Address – 2281 N. Oracle Rd. Tucson, AZ 85705
Hours – Mon-Sat 7am-9pm; Sun 7am-8pm
