Joaquin Herrera | 210SA

If you're looking for authentic cuisine from central Mexico, then Tac-Iza is the place to indulge your taste buds. Mexico City staples such as molletes, gringas and lamb barbacoa are all served up in this quaint and colorful restaurant. Nestled between Broadway and Nacogdoches on Loop 410, it's been in business for two years. And for those looking for a good place to enjoy breakfast or Sunday brunch, Tac-Iza has a full menu of great Mexican fare to fill your hungry tummy.
WHAT: Tac-Iza Mexican Grill

WHERE: 1002 N.E. Loop 410; (210) 826-5313

HOURS: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. every day

TASTE SENSATION: For breakfast, we tried the chilaquiles Mexico with red sauce, which is a mound of fried tortilla strips served with chicken, tomato sauce, cheese and sour cream. If you're familiar with traditional chilaquiles, you'll recognize this plate right away. Served with a nice helping of refried beans and perfectly fried potatoes, the chilaquiles are soft and the chicken melts in your mouth. They're not spicy at all, but if you like them with a kick, Tac-Iza offers both green and red salsa. We also tried the huevos a la Mexicana, which were equally good and filling.

For lunch or dinner, try the gringa, which is perfectly seasoned pork meat with melted white cheese served between two large flour tortillas. Our mouths water just thinking about it! Some other staples include molletes (two french bread halves smothered with refried beans, white cheese and salsa), caldo tlalpeño (chicken broth with shredded chicken, rice, avocado, celery, carrots and white cheese) and lamb barbacoa (served on weekends only). Tac-Iza has a big menu that will keep you coming back for more and affordable prices that will allow you to.

TUMS-WORTHY: Too much of a good thing can give you problems later. The salsa is delicious but unless you're really brave, you might stay away from the chile de arbol salsa. For those die-hard spice-aholics, it might be a good thing. But for wimps like us, one taste and we started to sweat and cry at the same time.

THE 210 TAKE: If you've ever been to Mexico City, you'll love this menu. If you've ever wanted to go to Mexico City, then you should definitely check this place out. There's a nice patio for days when you want to enjoy your food outdoors with a margarita.

Worth mentioning is that Tac-Iza offers one of the best happy hours in town, from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday. A small margarita costs $2.99 and a large, $3.99 — that's right, $3.99!

Joaquin Herrera | 210SA