A la carte tacos at Urban Taco
I take national holidays seriously. I mean, if somebody took the time to put “national” in front of a few words on a particular date, I should honor that effort. And it’s not mine to pick and choose. Do I call my mom on Mother’s Day but ignore my dad a month later? Of course not.
And so, in anticipation of today, July 24, National Tequila Day, I did my required research. Call it my tequatechism.
That research included a trip to Urban Taco on McKinney, to see if this Uptown taqueria was holding strong since I reviewed it nearly three years. And I’m happy to report, it’s strong as ever (and still better than the one at Mockingbird Station).
This drive-by tasting (and sipping) was looking not just at how well the menu worked for busy luncheoners, but whether the tequila selection was worth spending National Tequila Day here.
The restaurant offers lunch specials, all under $12 — from a three-course meal to a Tex-Mex plate of two tacos, rice and beans to tortas (traditional sandwiches). I’ve ordered the tortas here in the past and been impressed, but when “taco” is in your name, you stick with it.
I ordered my tacos a la carte, getting four instead of two: Pastor, barbacoa, arranchera steak and carnitas. The tacos at UT come pretty much as is: Aside from a wedge of lime and any salsas you choose to order, they are ready to eat. All are filled will juicy meats, none more so than the carnitas — slow-roasted pork with salsa rojas and cilantro. Four is plenty for lunch … especially when you know what’s still to come.
Ah, yes — tequila.
Urban Taco’s bar is well-stocked; even better, their staff is well-informed. We asked for a recommendation of something refreshing but hearty for lunch; our genial, prompt waiter returned with a snifter of Corralejo, a reposado that was as smooth as the Prince of Cambridge’s cheeks, but with a fruity, slightly smoked-nut taste of the palate.
It even comes with a side of sangrita — a slightly spicy tomato juice concoction akin to Bloody Mary mixer, that lets you alter the flavor profile.
Of course, Urban Taco isn’t the only area resto celebrating the holiday today; Cantina Laredo, Meso Maya, El Fenix and more have plans for diners and drinkers, and those are just the ones I remember. And you can certainly pick your favorite tequila to celebrate — or try something new to experiment. We love experimentation.
Of course, as far as I know, no employers offer paid leave on National Tequila Day, but that’s all right. We’ll probably need tomorrow off more anyway.
