Hey Hamilton, let’s taco ’bout …
Who doesn’t love a good taco? Versatile, convenient, portable, easy to make, and delicious, these fun-filled pockets offer no end of variety.
When talking about tacos in and around our city, let’s just say there’s a lot to talk about! That was almost a tongue-twister, wasn’t it? From Tex-Mex fusion styles, to authentic Mexican and Latin American, we really do have a huge variety of choice for these handheld morsels. Let’s delve into some favourite taco spots in Hamilton and Burlington.
Mexican Kitchen
35 York Blvd., Hamilton
mexicankitchen.ca
IG: mexicankitchenmarket
FB: marketmexicankitchen
Located in the year-round Hamilton Farmers’ Market is the Mexican Kitchen – a favourite stall for Hamiltonians searching out tacos. This small-but-mighty spot’s menu has offerings like tostadas, burritos, tamales and pozole soup, but if it's tacos you are after, try the soft corn tortillas with chicken, pork, beef or chorizo. The birria tacos are very popular among visitors, and there are veggie options for the non meat-eaters.
Latin Food and Products
35 York Blvd., Hamilton
latinfoodshamilton.com
IG: latinfoodshamilton
Not only does this Hamilton Farmers’ Market stall provide a variety of Latin grocery products, it has a bar stool setup where you can enjoy delectable mix-and-match tacos like chicken mole, panela cheese, or braised achiote pulled pork. Veggie, vegan and gluten-free are available on the menu, too! The team also recently launched tacos gobernador (a shrimp quesa taco served with a consomme). Be sure to check their social media for the details on that special.
Flavours Latin Cuisine
261 Queenston Rd., Hamilton
flavourslatincuisine.ca
FB: flavourslatincuisine
Flavours Latin Cuisine is a true hidden gem. This corner spot at Parkdale and Queenston serves up delicious Latin American eats like salchipappa, empanadas, tostones, and so much more! For the taco choices, choose from either carnitas, pastor or quesabirria (stuffed with beef shank, beef short ribs and cheese).
Amigos Tex-Mex
109 George St., Hamilton
amigoshamilton.com
IG: amigoshamont
This ever-cool and colourful Tex-Mex spot on George Street off Hess isn't necessarily what you would call authentic but it does serve up big tasty flavours. And for tacos, there are several to choose from: chicken with pineapple salsa, and crispy charred pork with pickled jalapeno, to spicy carrot with charred corn and braised oyster mushrooms. You can also grab yourself some hard tacos at Amigos!
TacoMex
162 King St. W., Hamilton
IG: yourtacomex
Bold authentic Mexican flavours and very warm customer service are served out of this mostly takeout spot on King Street. If you find yourself working downtown, or are there for a nearby show, this is a great spot to try out something new. Try the pastor or birria tacos, but you can’t go wrong with any option from the menu.
El Cabrón Cantina
310 Crockett St., Hamilton
IG: elcabroncantinahamilton
One of the newest taco spots in the city (and one of the few taco spots on the Mountain) is the wonderful addition of El Cabrón Cantina. It is also one of the few Guatemalan restaurants in Hamilton, bringing something new to our city. Try their platanos con frijoles (plaintains with beans and crema), carne asada beef entrée, and regular or premium tacos like battered shrimp or fish.
Lemon and Ice
780 Concession St., Hamilton
lemonandice.ca
IG: lemonandiceconcession
FB: LemonAndIceConcession
Another Mountain taco spot is Lemon and Ice on Concession. Best known for freshly made smoothies and power bowls (rice, lettuce, greens, vegetables and proteins packed together with dressings), Lemon and Ice also has a variety of chicken taco choices – some more classic, some more creative. Pick from options such as Southern with corn and BBQ drizzle, chicken caesar, BLT, or Dill Boy with dill pickles and ranch dressing. They often launch new drinks and products seasonally, too!
Mesa
255 James St N, Hamilton, ON
FB: facebook.com/MesaHamilton
IG: instagram.com/mesahamont
If you have ever enjoyed dining out for Mexican food in the city, it is likely you have heard of Mesa. Mesa is one of the classic spots on James Street North and is a Hamiltonian favourite with options like their grilled panela, and giant burritos. For tacos – you can choose from either corn tortillas or flour tortillas and they come in sets of two with your choice of meat or protein. All of their meat options are halal, too.
Burlington Brewery
3600 Dundas St. Unit G101, Burlington
burlingtoncraft.com
IG: burlington_brewery
FB: TheBurlingtonBrewery
Though they may be a brewery first and foremost (serving up brews like their Maiz Corn Pilsner, Caracas Venezuelan Ale, or Parchita Loca Sour Ale), Burlington Brewery is also making a name for its food items, too! Options like tuqueños, empanadas and flautas grace the menu, but there are also hearty servings of birria tacos to enjoy. Burlington Brewery hosts shows, so be sure to check out its social media or events listing on the website for all the details.
Maria’s Tortas Jalisco
438 Hwy 8 Unit 1, Stoney Creek
mariastortasjalisco.com/
IG: mariastortasjalisco
This Stoney Creek spot always gets a lot of love on social media, and for good reason! Maria and her family serve up authentic Mexican street food – with their specialty being their tortas (a Mexican sandwich on a French bun, stuffed to the gills with delicious meats and toppings). In addition to their namesake item, you can enjoy dishes like burritos, nachos, chimichangas – and of course, tacos. Try their chorizo or barbacoa topped with traditional toppings!
Los Mayas Mexican Restaurant
180 James St. S. Piso 2, Hamilton
losmayasmx.com
IG: losmayas.mx
Inspired by Mayan culture, and serving what they call "Pre-hispanic" dishes, is Los Mayas Mexican. Noteable is the table-side guacamole – made right before your eyes. At Los Mayas, they do more entrée-style dishes such as chicken with chorizo and cheese, carne asada grilled steak, and huevos rancheros. For tacos, you can mix and match with your favourite proteins or choose from some favourites such as steak, shrimp, chorizo, birria and more. They also have a special menu of seafood features, for all the seafood lovers out there.
El Grito Mexicano
236 James St. N., Hamilton
IG: el.grito.mexicano
Since “margaritas and tacos” is in the tagline here, as you can expect – it’s done well! Though that isn't all this colourful spot serves. There is a variety of Mexican favourites on the menu. For margaritas you can choose from frozen, or on the rocks in a whole variety of flavours (tamarind, passionfruit, lime, mango – to name a few), in either alcoholic or non-alcoholic versions. For tacos, you have the choice of proteins like al pastor (pork with pineapple), suadero (slow cooked brisket), milanesa (breaded chicken cutlet) and more. They are all then topped with cilantro and onion, for an authentic Mexican presentation.
The Mule
41 King William St., Hamilton
themule.ca
IG: themulemakestacos
FB: themuletacos
Since its opening in Hamilton back in 2015, The Mule has expanded by leaps and bounds, with five locations now under the Mule umbrella. The menu has remained just as delicious as ever though, with options such as patatas bravas, ceviche and spicy Baja wings. For tacos, the ever-popular Brussels sprouts taco with lemon mayo and cotija is a must-try, or the habanero brisket with purple cabbage slaw and pickled cucumbers.
