By Kathy Chouteau
Even amidst the throng of Mexican eateries on Richmond’s 23rd Street, the Tacos Los Primos food truck stands out, drawing passersby with the wafting smell of authentic food and a good online rep.
On a recent visit to check out some NIAD artwork, Tacos Los Primos caught this reporter’s eye from across the street.
Having not been there before, I was lucky to spot it, as it’s tucked away at the end of a parking lot at 550 23rd St. Its reputation as a go-to spot for tasty street tacos drew me in, inspiring me to dart around traffic to see what all the buzz is about.
What I discovered was a sweet little urban oasis with excellent and affordable Mexican eats. The Tacos Los Primos food truck is parked at the far end of the aforementioned parking lot, right next to a small pavilion with a number of tables and chairs where you can enjoy your meal. It’s the perfect spot for people watching pedestrians on the adjacent 23rd St. corridor.
According to a kitchen staffer working that day, the food truck is owned by Juan Carrillo and has been parked at its spot for 17 years.
During our visit around lunchtime on a Saturday, Tacos Los Primos was bustling with business, but the staff deftly served the line so the wait was minimal.
My companion ordered the chicken taco ($1.75), which was attractively arranged on a sturdy paper plate and included grilled chicken with shredded lettuce and cheese on top along with fresh sliced radishes and a lime on the side. For a drink, he ordered the guava nectar on a staff member’s recommendation.
This reporter ordered the carnitas super burrito ($8.00), a generous portion that was also served on a sturdy paper plate and that featured carnitas (fried pork), beans and rice with salsa on the side.
As an added bonus, Tacos Los Primos gave us a complimentary small side order of fresh radishes along with a cooked onion and a green chili pepper.
All the food Tacos Los Primos served us was fresh, flavorful and reasonably priced. My dining companion also raved about his guava nectar drink. The service was prompt, warm and friendly and the overall experience gave us the feel of hanging out on someone’s back kitchen patio. We will definitely be returning.
The Rich Life recommends visiting NIAD Art Center to check out the latest art exhibition and then crossing 23rd St. to have lunch at Tacos Los Primos for a truly only-in-Richmond cultural experience.
Tacos Los Primos’ hours of operation are Mon. & Tues. and Thurs. through Sun. 10 a.m. to-9 p.m.; and Wed. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 925-207-4022 or click here for more info.
