Inside La Huerta #2, the Mexican market that replaced Garlic City Grocery at Pacific and S 56th, there's a great little restaurant serving up house-made tortillas and off-menu requests at an hour most other taquerias in the area aren't even open yet.
I staggered in Wednesday after dropping the kids off at dance camp, following a serious huevos rancheros craving. They weren't actually on the menu, but that didn't stop the cook from cheerfully whipping up a tasty concoction of scrambled eggs with smoking hot salsa, refried beans, and fresh hot corn tortillas. (The rice wasn't quite ready yet, but they offered to supplement with more of the other items.) Overhead, a flat screen tv showed a Spanish melodrama with accompanying overwrought soundtrack. The combination of good food and down to earth atmosphere comforted my sleep-deprived nerves, reminding me of breakfasts in my husband's grandma's kitchen.
On the menu, there's a "buffet" - which really seems to mean basic a la carte taco choices, a variety of "hangover soups" and some typical combo plate items. Having now scoped it out I'd definitely take the kids next time. Although the taqueria's in the middle of a market, it's walled on three sides and actually pretty quiet and cozy, safe for my easily overstimulated brood. The food is inexpensive (and good) and the market is fun to explore afterward.
La Huerta #2
5605 Pacific Ave
Tacoma, WA 98408
(253) 474-1727
McKinley, groceries
