Taco Shack is Worth the Wait

In an unassuming, unpretentious establishment off of Dixie Freeway sits one of NSB’s best restaurants. The building would be easy to miss if not for the constant line of people snaking around the front of the open-air shack as they wait to be served.

The Taco Shack looks just like the roadside shanties that pepper the landscape in Costa Rican surfing villages. It is classic surf casual, and an NSB institution. After four years of driving by, we finally decided to check it out and wait. Damn, we were glad we did.

We visited on Friday afternoon and arrived just before noon. The line already stretched the entire length of the ramp, even though they had been open for less than half an hour. And for the record, that wait from the bottom of the ramp was almost exactly 30 minutes.

When we arrived at the window, both of us eschewed their famous tacos and decided to sample other items. I chose the Tidal Wave Tripleta ($7) because it looked decadent: chicken, ham, roasted pork, cheese, lettuce, tomato & “Shackaise” on pressed homemade bread. It tasted even better than it sounded. Maybe the best sandwich I have tasted in NSB… ever!

Colin ordered the Beachin’ Burrito with steak because he’s a burrito expert. How did the Taco Shack offering stack up? One of the best he has had in years.

Service was friendly, if unspectacular. The seating area is not huge, but the tables turnover fairly quickly. It is a comfortable atmosphere, but dress appropriately, as the restaurant is open air.

NSB Insider Tips

• They are closed Sunday and Mondays… and every day from 4-5. Plan around those times.
• Beer prices are actually very cheap, but we recommend ordering at the window as you won’t want to wait in line again.
• No Taco Tuesday here; instead it is Taco Thursday with $1 tacos (beef or chicken). On Tuesdays, buy 1 Beachin’ Burrito and get one half price.
  

Bottom Line:

We didn’t even order their signature items, and still left Taco Shack thoroughly satiated with huge smiles plastered on our faces. We will be back soon.

Visit their website for additional information, and to see the full menu:
http://www.thetacoshack.net/

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