Oh So Tasty: Taqueria La Ventana

Taqueria La Ventana is a funky, fast-casual taqueria concept offering everyday Mexican street food. Designed as a Mexico City taqueria, the interiors feature an eclectic, funky and colorful design that when complemented by the traditional street style fare, transporting you south-of-the-border through a culinary and cultural experience. Taqueria La Ventana currently has two locations: one in downtown Dallas adjacent to Meso Maya and a brand new spot that just opened in May in Addison on Beltline Road. Last week, I was invited to pay a visit to their newest Addison location and give you my thoughts on the place.

The Addison site is a little confusing because it shares a building with another Firebird Restaurant Group concept, Snuffer’s Restaurant & Bar.  While there is a sign facing Beltline Rd, the main entrance is on the side street where you park. Enter the restaurant and place your order at the counter. They will give you a card with a Mexican name on it (see photo). When your order is ready, they will announce the name on your card over the loud speaker and you can go back to fetch your fare.

There are many different meats and fillings for burritos, bowls and the famous authentic Taqueria La Ventana Mexican street tacos, which are served on homemade white corn tortillas made fresh daily by the restaurant. The expanded menu in Addison includes: Bistek (steak), Suadero (beef), Carnitas (shredded pork), Pastor (shaved pork), Pollo (chicken), Barbacoa (beef), Camaron (shrimp), Pescado (fish), Calabacitas (veggie) and Machaca Con Huevo (shredded beef with egg). In addition to mouth-watering street tacos, the restaurant also offers Ensaladas Frescas, salads created from a combination of fresh mixed field greens, iceberg lettuce, sweet tomatoes, candied peanuts garapiñados, avocado and fresco cheese topped with charred cilantro vinaigrette and a protein of your choice. I highly recommend the salad. And I'm not even a salad person. Those candied peanuts are amazing!  Savory sides including Elote, Charro Beans, Arroz and Calabacita are also available. Lastly, satisfy a sweet tooth with tantalizing Churros con Cajeta or Crispy Bread Pudding. With more choices for eating, come more choices for drinking. The Addison location of Taqueria La Ventana boasts a full premium bar. Enjoy margaritas, both domestic and Mexican craft cervezas, Mexican sodas and juices, or whatever sounds good.

The downtown location is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and can be found at 1611 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75202 (214) 484-6803. The Addison restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and is located at 4180 Beltline Rd, Addison, TX 75001 (469) 828-2035. The concept will expand to The Market at the Dallas Farmers Market in Fall 2015. All locations are operated by Firebird Restaurant Group. www.taquerialaventana.com