Until moving to Kennett Square, I had a very underwhelming knowledge of Mexican fare. My first taco experience was in high school, made from a kit complete with ground beef and a foil pouch of taco sauce. As I got older and more adventurous, I tested the waters of local Mexican restaurants. I was quickly disillusioned by the former ways of taco kits, and I embraced the shredded chicken or ground beef piled with cheese, lettuce and tomatoes.
Then I moved to Kennett Square.
I realize, now, how truly uninformed I still was in the Way of the Taco. As we got our bearings in the new town, we started venturing out to sample the restaurant offerings, of which there are plenty in Kennett Square. One of the things Kennett Square does not lack is Mexican eating establishments. There are many to visit, each offering its own unique take on everything from salsa to huaraches (a cuisine item that, until recently, I did not even know existed).
It is in Kennett Square that I learned I’d been eating American-style tacos my entire life. A legitimate Mexican-style taco will involve a marinated meat (either slow-cooked and shredded or cubed and pan-seared), diced onions, cilantro and a squeeze of lime over a double-layered corn tortilla. The beef and pork tacos I have had in Kennett Square blow any ground-meat taco out of the water.
Luckily, whether you are local to or a visitor of Southern Chester County, there is Mexican fare for everyone that ranges from simple to adventurous. Read on for my top picks for grabbing a taco in Kennett Square:
El Ranchero
Located just a block down from the State Street shopping district, El Ranchero is well-known by locals and tourists alike. Upon walking inside, the tile, decor, artwork and lobby fountain immediately whisked me away to Mexico. El Ranchero is a great step in the right direction for those who want to get to know Mexican food better but do not want to stray too far from the American-style they are used to. Tacos come with lettuce, tomato and cheese, unless it is noted that traditional-style is preferred. We love getting a large order of their to-go salsa and chips to serve up along side our tacos.
La Michoacana Grill
A sister eatery to the famed La Michoacana Ice Cream, La Michoacana Grill opened in the fall of 2011 at the bustling corner of Union and Cypress streets. A spin on Mexican take-out, La Michoacana Grill is a great place to go for quick, on-the-go Mexican food. Their made-to-order tacos can be prepared American-style or traditional-style (be sure to note if you have a preference), and are relatively inexpensive. Outside seating is available when the weather is favorable. My favorite menu item here is the fish tacos, with a pre-scooped cup of La Michoacana ice cream for dessert!
Taste of Puebla
Although new to Kennett Square, Taste of Puebla has been a staple in the local Mexican food scene for years. Initially situated in West Grove, owners Cristobal and Mariana Castaneda made the move to Kennett Square to occupy the building formerly known as Kennett Steak and Mushroom. From their signature albondigas en chipotle to their famed mole poblano, Taste of Puebla truly brings the Mexican experience to Chester County. Their tacos are no exception. I have found the taco meat to be amazingly succulent at Taste of Puebla, as it is carefully marinated and slow-roasted before it is shredded. I highly recommend the shredded beef tacos.
La Pena
Sitting in a small, unassuming building adorned with yellow and brown stripes, La Pena is one of those “off-the-beaten-path” places that secretly serves amazing food (their sign even totes the title of “The Best Taco and More!”). La Pena, though, is not for the faint of heart. If you like heat, La Pena brings it! There are no spice level options here. Choose your menu item and be ready to sweat. There is something majestic about the juxtaposition of bold, delicious flavor and eye-watering heat found at La Pena. It is a true rite of passage into the realm of Mexican cuisine. Whatever item you order, be sure to try the pork.
Guadalajara Express
Guadalajara Express is a taqueria that flies under the radar of visitors as well as most residents of Kennett Square. Living within walking distance has given me the advantage of trying something that is relatively unknown. This is the place to come if you have an adventurous palate. Guadalajara Express is not just a taqueria, but a carneceria (butcher shop) as well. The menu is grill-style (and it helps if you can converse in Spanish), but the choices for taco meat fillings will defy even the most creative of imaginations: cabeza (head), lengua (tongue), tripas (intestines) and more! Even if you keep it simple here, the chicken, beef and pork all come out perfect-just be sure to squeeze a little bit of lime over the top!
What are your favorite local places to taco?
Photo credits (in order they appear): Nina Lea Photography, Trip Advisor, La Michoacana Grill, Jena Wood, Stephanie Anderson.
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