Many of us will be graduating in May and are wondering exactly what to do with our SMU undergrad degrees. Marcus Pineyro, class of 2004, took his SMU education and recently opened Urban Taco, a modern Mexican taqueria, in Mockingbird Station.
A native of Mexico City, 24-year-old Pineyro fashioned Urban Taco after the casual, laid-back taquerias of Mexico with a young, contemporary twist. The concept is an upscale, modern option to the time-honored mom-and-pop taco joints, tailor made for the Mockingbird Station scene and SMU clientele.
Urban Taco’s atmosphere will quickly transport you to a far away Central American island. The swanky decor blends lounge with Mexican cabaña. Bursting with color, vivid orange, green, yellow and blue hues jump out at you. Exposed wooden beams and comfy, Mexican-style Equipal chairs quickly tone down the loudness of the color scheme, keeping the restaurant inviting.
Keeping with the street food experience, walk into Urban Taco and place your order at the bar. Then be served at your table for quick, casual dining. The menu is a huge sign hung near the bar for easy viewing offering appetizers, salads, tortas (sandwiches) and tacos.
Begin with the guacamole and hot out of the fryer chips, which will be rushed to your table before your meal arrives. Chunky but smooth, limey guacamole is the real deal while the warm chips, seasoned with a distinct chili-lime salt, are exceptional. If you’re not the guac type, try the salsa appetizer. The charred corn picante being a personal favorite, the appetizer allows you to choose three salsas from a list of seven.
The next logical step is to order a drink. Urban Taco offers a wide variety of beer and tequila. The margaritas, mojitos and palomas (tequila, grapefruit soda and fresh lime) are authentic and the perfect beverage to wash down those tacos. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option (maybe you stayed out at Home Bar too late the night before?) try the cart-style aqua fresca with mouth-watering tamarind.
I decided on the any three tacos with a choice of two sides. The Dos Equis Amber barbacoa (braised tender beef), garlic mojo red snapper and al pastor (chili-rubbed pork) were my choices of tacos with sides of roasted corn con cream and mango-jicama slaw. Each was incredibly fresh and delicious, and I suggest them all. Watching your figure for the next theme party? Opt for the lettuce wrap instead of tortillas.
However, let me warn you: If your stomach is growling, Urban Taco might not be the restaurant destination for you. The tacos are dainty, to say the least, while the prices are steep. Remember, these are not your typical Taco Bell tacos; they are authentically sized.
The food was down-right delicious. But while the cuisine is inventive, the flavors are traditional. Because of the super fresh ingredients and perfectly blended, bold flavors, eating at Urban Taco is like having a mini fiesta in your mouth.
If you still have room, which you most likely will, try the decadent churros (like a long doughnut with cinnamon and sugar) accompanied by rich chocolate and caramel sauces. The churros provide the perfect ending to the whole Mexican cuisine experience.
Urban Taco perfectly blends high style with savory food. The combination of the sleek, festive atmosphere and quick, laid-back food makes Urban Taco the perfect SMU hot spot.
