Los Tarascos

Los Tarascos is a local taqueria chain with several branches in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico, and the Avenida Tulum branch in the Centro district is the most central for visitors staying or sightseeing downtown. The cuisine is Mexican taqueria food centred on the grill and the spit, and the specialty is taco al pastor served with pineapple. Al pastor, marinated pork shaved from a vertical trompo and topped with a slice of pineapple, is the emblematic dish and the one most diners order first. Other signature items are alambres, a plate of grilled meat mixed with peppers, onions and melted cheese; gringas, flour tortillas filled with al pastor and cheese and griddled; and costras con queso, tacos whose cheese is crisped into a lacy shell on the plancha. These cheese-based items are a regional favourite and make a heavier alternative to plain tacos. The dining room is informal and open, with a no-dress-code atmosphere, counter or simple table service, steady local traffic and moderate to loud noise at peak times. Tables turn quickly. The restaurant is reported to stay open until about eleven at night, which makes it a useful late-evening option after the plaza and market areas have closed. There is no wine or cocktail programme; drinks are typically soft drinks, fruit waters and beer. Reservations are not taken and are unnecessary; it is walk-in only. Prices are at the budget end, and a full meal costs far less than a comparable meal in the Hotel Zone, along Boulevard Kukulcan. As a chain, the branches share a broadly similar menu, but each location has its own staff and rhythm, so quality can vary slightly. The Avenida Tulum location is on the city's main downtown artery, which makes it easy to reach on foot or by city bus, and a convenient stop between the bus terminal area and the plazas. Visitors wanting a quick, inexpensive dinner of pastor tacos will find it a dependable choice.