by Betsy Hagerman

I made a lot of trips to Mexico during my college years (real Mexico – not Cancun) and quickly fell in love with the taco stands. No-frills, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that has been hard to find around Southwest Missouri. Until now. Having heard great things about a new taco stand right here in Springfield, I was anxious to check it out for myself.

Taco Wagon, Springfield, Missouri

The Taco Wagon did not disappoint. Located in a parking lot at the northwest corner of the intersection of W. Sunshine and Zimmer (the light to turn into the Walmart Supercenter), this storage shed on wheels is cranking out a nice selection of Mexican staples. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and tamales, plus a large selection of Mexican sodas. If you’ve never had an authentic Mexican taco, then let me tell you, the meat is where it’s at. Anyone can toss on some cheese, onions, cilantro, salsa, etc., but not everyone can get the meat right. The other thing you should know is Mexican tacos are not the same size as Taco Bell’s. Mexican tacos are made with small, soft corn tortillas and don’t come with cheese or sour cream by default. Don’t be surprised if you can eat three or four.

Tacos el Chinos, Colima, Mexico

Pork Taco

The Taco Wagon offers chicken, pork, steak, and shrimp. I tried the chicken, pork, and steak tacos ($1.25 each); my husband ordered a large chicken quesadilla ($5.50). I will have to say, the pork was the big winner. The steak was good and the chicken was fine (nothing special), but the pork was right on. Known as Tacos Adobada in Mexico, pork tacos are definitely my favorite, and I was pleased that the Taco Wagon held up to my expectations. (Confession: I added cheese to my tacos for $0.25/taco – no cheese is probably my only complaint against Mexican tacos.) The quesadilla was more American-style, but it was still good and gooey, loaded with cheese, and huge! We brought home leftovers.

Chicken, Steak, and Pork Tacos

Quesadilla

Taco Wagon opened in January, 2010, and is typically open every day from 11am until the dinner rush slows down (7:30-8 right now). I say “typically” because they sometimes cater events, and thus won’t be in the parking lot. The owner did say they will be moving 1,000 feet west in the near future, but wasn’t specific about when. I believe it is cash only, so come prepared.

Menu - Prices subject to change

Mexican Sodas (and Coca-Cola)

*Update* For those of you itching to go tonight or tomorrow night (3/25-3/26), don’t. They are catering an event and will not be there! word is they are helping with the Children’s Miracle Network fundraiser at Cox South, so stop by for a dinner and help a great cause. No word on times – sorry.