These $1 tacos are actually amazing

Bean, cheese & nopales tacos

The first time I came across ImpacTaco on Bélanger in Petite-Patrie, I was riding along the westbound bike lane with a vague plan to find something quick and delicious to eat at the nearby Jean-Talon Market. However, something caught my eye as I crossed St-Vallier, so I slowed down to get a closer look at the brightly coloured illustrations of lucha libre wrestling masks and flashing lights adorning a window on the corner, in a space formerly occupied by El Sombrero. When I saw the sandwich board in front calling out “TACOS — 4 FOR $6,” I impulsively abandoned my plan and pulled a u-turn. I was so pleased with this new find that I came back a few days later, armed with my camera to properly document the experience, and a crew of hungry Cult MTL colleagues to share it with.

We ordered a variety of tacos and gorditas from the menu, the waitress switching between English, French, and Spanish with perfect ease. The atmosphere on the busy terrasse — with a large flatscreen TV showing the day’s football match, gooey Mexican synth-pop from the ’80s on the stereo and a handwritten ad for an in-house drinking contest — was declared authentic and kind of awesome by the South American Spanish-speaker in our party.

First to arrive were our drinks. It was early so we kept it non-alcoholic and ordered pineapple sodas and horchatas, the latter a slightly sweet, rice-based Latin specialty — a cool, light and refreshing option, with a cinnamon kick. The tacos came in waves, giving us a chance to savour each new flavour.

There are several varieties to choose from, but take note vegetarians: the menu is all meat, made with ground or thinly sliced beef or pork, but upon request they’ll hold the meat on the huaraches. The bean and cheese filling was plenty satisfying, especially the version made with nopales (cactus). The tacos are small, simple and delicious, containing your choice of meat dressed with onions and plenty of fresh cilantro and served on a warm, soft shell. The bistec and al pastor tacos were the biggest hits around our table.

Wedges of lime and a couple of sauce options (medium and three-alarm hot) are served on the side and are essential for the juiciness of the tacos. Proceed with caution, but be brave — the payoff is worth the pain.

The gordita was a highly palatable mixture of seasoned pork, cheese, sour cream, onions and cilantro tucked into a crispy, deep-fried pocket. The shell might have benefited from a few seconds less frying time, but despite its somewhat over-crispiness, I was still flung into a mildly mournful state immediately upon finishing the last creamy, cheesy, meaty bite.

This colourful, friendly little taco corner is well worth a visit, especially on Wednesdays, when some of the best tacos in town can be had for just a buck apiece. ■

500A Bélanger E., 514-270-0888