If you’re a senior at Seven Hills, you know one of the grade’s best perks: leaving campus during free bells and lunch to grab some food. And what better way to spice up the usual routine than by visiting a local taco truck? Convenient, affordable, and delicious, these trucks are practically begging for a free bell visit. Even if you’re not a senior, check out these spots for some authentic Mexican fare. Here’s my rundown of the best taco trucks within reach, and which ones are worth a visit inside or outside of school.
For a fair comparison, I’ll be rating each truck based on:
- Taste (pure flavor of the tacos)
- Freshness (how warm and fresh the food and ingredients are)
- Presentation (how good the packaging and food looks)
- Service (the interactions with the workers and how fast the food comes out)
- Price (comparing the amount of food to the price)
- Location (the location of the truck, its convenience, and what entertainment is available nearby)
- Atmosphere (the look of the truck and its amenities)
Each truck will receive a score out of 10 in each category, with an average score. I took the distance from school into account, as you need to be able to get to the truck and back before lunch is over. I also got the same item from every restaurant, three chicken tacos, and I tried all the available salsas. Here’s the rundown to guide your next taco run:
5. Tacos Don Chavita
Distance: 5 miles
Ratings:
- Taste: 6/10
- Freshness: 4/10
- Presentation: 5.5/10
- Service: 7/10
- Price: 7/10
- Location: 6/10
- Atmosphere: 5/10
In the City of Norwood, on the corner of Sherman Avenue and Allison Street, Tacos Don Chavita was a decent option but didn’t quite shine compared to the others. The chicken tacos were three dollars each. They were tasty, with a nice balance of seasoning and toppings, though they lacked the freshness of their competitors. The tortillas felt slightly stale, and the toppings didn’t stand out. They only gave me one salsa, the green sauce, compared to the two that every other truck gave me. Service was efficient, which boosted the experience, but the truck’s location—farther from school—makes it a less viable option for a quick lunch, especially with the 40 minutes we have. If you’re in the area and craving tacos, Don Chavita will do, but it’s not worth the extra miles for those on a tight schedule.
4. Taco El Brian
Distance: 1.8 miles
Ratings:
- Taste: 5.5/10
- Freshness: 6/10
- Presentation: 5/10
- Service: 3/10
- Price: 5/10
- Location: 6/10
- Atmosphere: 7.5/10
Located in the BP gas station on Madison Road, Taco El Brian was close to being last on my list but barely made it into the number four spot. The chicken tacos were not bad, all things considered. However, the seasoning could have used some work. The presentation was okay, with a barely readable menu and styrofoam containers for the tacos (which, to be frank, is pretty common with taco trucks). The service was slow and inattentive; I waited outside the truck for five minutes, standing in front of the sliding window, before my order was taken, and there were no other customers. While the truck had a nice table and umbrella, it didn’t compensate for the four-dollar tacos and not great service.
There were some nearby interests, being close to the heart of Oakley, but just far enough that you’d probably have to drive. Unless you’ve got no other option, and want to sit under an umbrella, this truck might be worth skipping.
3. Super Taco Tuesday
Distance: 1.3 miles
Ratings:
- Taste: 6/10
- Freshness: 6/10
- Presentation: 7/10
- Service: 6/10
- Price: 7/10
- Location: 5/10
- Atmosphere: 7/10
Super Taco Tuesday strikes a nice balance between quality and efficiency. The tacos were enjoyable, though not exceptional, with standard toppings and well-cooked meat. The service itself was okay, although my experience was less enjoyable when the owner of the Marathon gas station told us we had to leave after we got our tacos because we had a camera. Prices were pretty standard, at three dollars a taco, and the location is convenient, only being a mile or so from the school. Not a bad choice for regular visits.
2. Jorge’s Tacos
Distance: 1.7 miles
Ratings:
- Taste: 7/10
- Freshness: 6.3/10
- Service: 6/10
- Price: 7/10
- Location: 5/10
- Atmosphere: 8/10
Jorge’s Tacos is a popular contender for best taco truck, with its appearances at events here at The Seven Hills School. Jorge’s was down the street from Super Taco Tuesday with a similar location, both being in a gas station parking lot next to a major road. They delivered a solid meal; the tacos were tasty, the chicken seemed to be marinated, with a nice balance of seasoning and toppings. Presentation was pretty on point, with the menu and
branding being the most professional and readable out of all the trucks. Due to the popularity of the truck, wait times can vary depending on the time of day. They had multiple picnic tables and a shady spot under some trees. That, combined with the convenient location near school, makes Jorge’s a solid spot for delicious tacos as long as the wait isn’t terrible.
1. Tacos Locos
Distance: 2.2 miles
Ratings:
- Taste: 7.5/10
- Freshness: 8/10
- Presentation: 6/10
- Service: 7/10
- Location: 9/10
- Atmosphere: 5/10
Tacos Locos stood out as the top-rated truck in my review. The tacos were well-seasoned—but not marinated like Jorge’s—and had fresh ingredients along with the best salsas. Service was friendly, although the cook time took longer than Jorge’s. The location from school is a bit longer of a drive, but it is still within reach for many students during lunch. Though the presentation wasn’t fancy, the quality of the food made up for it. The surrounding area in Pleasant Ridge was fun, with Everybody’s Records, Hello Honey Ice Cream, and Pleasant Ridge Park being within walking distance. This makes Tacos
Locos a great spot to find some authentic Mexican food.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Each truck has its strengths and weaknesses, and your choice will ultimately depend on your priorities: taste, convenience, or price. For the best overall experience, Tacos Locos earns its spot as the top pick. If you’re in a hurry and need a place nearby, Jorge’s Tacos is another reliable option. However, the other trucks featured here can still satisfy your cravings and are in no way bad trucks.
Next time you’re debating where to go for lunch, consider one of these taco trucks. With a little exploration, you might find your new favorite lunch spot!
