Big Truck Tacos: street tacos with a gourmet twist
by Tim | September 15, 2009 | 50 Comments
Big Truck Tacos
(3.82 with 49 votes)
Loading ...
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
405-525-8226
In the almost three years since I started EatAroundOKC.com, I can’t remember another restaurant that has generated as much buzz around its launch as Big Truck Tacos. I feel strange writing this article as it almost seems superfluous to have yet another online page dedicated to discussing it. But at the same time, I’ve received enough email from readers asking, “Why don’t you have a review of Big Truck Tacos?” to motivate me to get this article published. So, here we go.
I truly love the idea of Big Track Tacos. It represents the epitome of what I tend to look for in restaurants. That is, a place that offers something truly unique to the Oklahoma City restaurant landscape. On this front, Big Truck Tacos excels, bringing a gourmet and hip spin on the authentic taqueria experience both indoors (at their restaurant location) and on the street (via their actual taco truck). The ownership of this restaurant has experience in high-end dining, and the idea of taking something as awesome as a taqueria-style taco and sprucing it up with culinary creativity is extremely exciting to me.
While their focus right now appears to be on the restaurant location, it seems they have plans to turn their taco truck into a Twitter-driven mobile dining experience akin to Kogi in Los Angeles. Time will tell how this plays out but it could be a very unique and successful offering. For now, it seems that their static location is keeping them busy enough as crowds have been overwhelming and consistent since their opening.
When you visit their restaurant location, you’ll find a small, nicely redone old drive-in diner. There’s not a lot of space inside, but in the warmer weather they have good outdoor seating on colorful picnic tables which can even be used in the rain since they’re covered by the old drive-in roof. Getting to know the people dining next to you is the standard MO here as most anywhere you sit you will be sharing space with others. But hey, that makes it all the more fun and gives it a true “hang-out” kind of feel.
Take a look at the menu and you’ll find a lot to love. The in-depth descriptions of their tacos, burritos, tortas, salads and more are inspiring with exciting combinations of ingredients like “ground bison picadillo,” “fried avocado,” “spice-rubbed beer can chicken,” and the like.
However, when my eyes wandered across the page to the pricing, I was a bit disappointed. Tacos are $2.75-$3.00 each. “That’s cheap!” you may say, but keep in mind that even the smallest appetite would likely need two of these tacos to feel satisfied (I could easily eat three without over doing it). Having frequented some of OKC’s best southside taquerias where amazing tacos of the same size are served up for $1.50 or less each, the price tag on BTT’s offerings let me down. Sure, I know it’s a gourmet spin and I would expect to pay more than the norm, but twice as much? With prices like these, they had better deliver on taste.
But in the taste department, I’ve been let down a bit. Most everything I’ve tried at lunch sounded better on the menu than it actually delivered. I’ve had four different lunch tacos. Two of them have been good. The other two have been average at best. None of them have been what I would consider amazing.
On the positive side, the slaw on “The Okie-Baha” (fish taco) was the best I think I’ve had and “The Rancher” offered a great combination of flavors with slow-braised brisket, potatoes, queso, and a pickled relish that really livens things up. On the disappointing side, the verde pork at BTT was unexciting in both texture and flavor, and the beef al carbon was tough with a “coffee-rubbed” flavor that was quite overpowering and not all that appealing. Even though “Urban Coffee Company – rubbed grilled skirt steak” had my mouth watering when I read it on the menu, it was less than satisfying to my taste.
I also wish the tortillas at Big Truck Tacos brought more to the party. As it is, they’re fine, but they’re nothing special. You have your choice of flour or double-corn tortillas on each taco you order. Livening up the tortillas with something homemade or otherwise unique would really go a long way toward fulfilling the gourmet expectations set by their pricing.
Now, I’ve heard from many people who believe breakfast is the better offering at Big Truck Tacos. I’d have to agree. The pricing is a little lower, which is nice, and the flavors I had were better as well. All of the breakfast tacos are “build your own,” allowing you to select from their list of ingredients. For $2, you get two ingredients but … oh yeah … eggs count as an ingredient. Add a quarter or so for each additional ingredient you want.
I had an egg, avocado and flank steak breakfast taco that was very good. It was heavy on the pepper, which I like. The steak was a little tough, just like the lunch steak, but it had a better flavor than its coffee-rubbed lunch sibling. I also had one with egg, spinach and ham.
You can also build your own breakfast burrito. In fact, this the best value I’ve found so far at Big Truck Tacos. For $4 you get your choice of three ingredients wrapped up in a 10 inch tortilla. It’s a decent amount of food for the price. I had the egg, avocado and flank steak in a burrito and thought it was even better than the taco version. I also thought the tortilla on the burrito was better than the ones on the tacos.
I wish they would open earlier for breakfast. I also wish they would include a few of their own taco creations at breakfast like they do at lunch. Come to think of it, adding a “build your own” option at lunch might be nice as well. Why the separation? And, why not offer breakfast tacos all day. That would really rock.
Alright, so there are some things I wish were different, but at the bottom line, Big Truck Tacos is definitely worth your attention. Give them a try. You’ll find that they run a great operation and they’re very concerned about customer satisfaction. Send them your feedback through Facebook or Twitter and I can almost guarantee they’ll be quick to respond and react.
I’m sure I’ll be visiting them again, though I can say I’d be visiting them a lot more frequently if pricing were a little lower or if there were some lunch combo that could get me three tacos for around $6 instead of $9. As it is, my visits may be infrequent but I do look forward to seeing how they continue to change and improve.
Please let us know what you think about Big Truck Tacos in the comments.
50 Comments So Far. Tell Us What You Think
You can leave your thoughts on this article and see what others have to say using the Facebook comments box below or our built in comments system.
Comments On This Site Only
Comments left here use our built-in system and show up on this website only. You can leave your own comments here if you prefer not to leave them via Facebook.
September 15th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Any article about BTT is incomplete without at least a mention of the “5th Amendment,” their menu option that is different each day and is a secret – even to the cashiers, so they claim. When I ordered it it was a fried tortilla with shrimp and a cole slaw type of topping, and it was excellent. Although it’s listed as “market price,” I paid $3 when I ordered it. It seems to be the concoction of the chefs, and at times they’ll even give a preview on their websites as to what is upcoming for that week.
In addition to this, anyone who goes need to try the queso. As someone who thinks that most of the “complimentary” queso offerings in the OKC area are watered down and bland, BTT had perhaps some of the best queso I’ve ever had.
So yes, the breakfast is excellent. I’ve gone multiple times with the goal of getting something different each time, and I have yet to find a disappointing combination. But if you go for lunch or dinner and your order includes the Rancher and some queso, you’re sure to not leave disappointed. While the prices may be a little higher than hoped, the food will be completely worth it.
September 15th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
After such a comprehensive review, I have little to add to the mix. While my experience with Big Truck Tacos thus far has been limited to their at-the-truck experience,I have to say I agree with the above comments on the food. Most products I have tried have been rather bland, with exception to the queso. While I can go to any taqueria on the southside and get amazing tacos, none that I have tried have the american tradition of queso dipping sauce.
Big Truck Tacos’ queso is probably the best I have had in Oklahoma City. For that reason alone, I go back. If the prices were lower, I would definitely go more often; as it is, I go when I crave their queso. If they happen to have a special taco, or something different I have yet to try, I try it.
All in all, I am excited by their business model and flair. The fact they offer tongue and other specialty tacos to a public that normally do not venture to the southside makes their business that much more interesting.
September 16th, 2009 at 12:52 am
I find this review to be pretty accurate. I was really excited about BTT when it first opened, even was given a coupon for a free taco as a promotional package dropped off at my job. The atmosphere was great, as was getting to chat with my “neighbors” around me at the tables outside. I had the Crispyacdo taco which was OUTSTANDING taste wise, and a refreshing option for vegetarians, but the price tag that came with it was not so hot. I also had another taco, the name of which I can’t remember at this point, that was almost unpleasing to eat. I tried my “neighbors” queso, which was delightful, as I can say for their creamy green hot sauce. But I doubt I would return again except on the occasional special occasion because it is way to pricey for a mediocer taco….I’ll stick to the southside taco trucks. Sorry BTT.
September 16th, 2009 at 7:50 am
I’ve been curious about Big Truck Tacos, and after reading the review, I look forward to trying it soon!
September 16th, 2009 at 9:19 am
Totally agree. Breakfast was much better than my lunch visit.
The only thing I have to add is that the salsas, especially the habenaro, are fantastic. Have found nothing like them flavorwise, anywhere else in the metro other than Pepe Delgado’s in Norman.
September 16th, 2009 at 9:21 am
I went for lunch the other day and it was packed. But the line moved quickly and their entire staff was so helpful, patient and friendly. I loved the cookies and brownies sitting on the counter that you could add to your order for another $1 or $2. I did not try a taco, but I will be back for one, or two! I got a hot dog wrapped in bacon with chili sauce, and it was great, messy, but great! I am interested in trying their breakfast too.
September 16th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Fine review, Tim. Nice job. This place has a great concept, and interesting ingredients, but most of the tacos need MUCH MORE FLAVOR and MORE HEAT/SPICE. Despite the attempted foodie touches, it’s very bland and “safe” Mexican food. Argh, I get so tired of that in Oklahoma. Hasn’t anyone here ever been to San Antonio, and noticed that even the tourists there are joyfully scarfing up properly made Mex and Tex-Mex with real, deep flavors and some spicy kick?
The salsas are nice enough, but are so darn mild that it’s insulting! The one exception, I believe, is the “creamy green hot sauce,” as Jodiii called it above. It has heat.
Finally, the outdoor tables are a great idea in theory, but in practice, we were besieged by flies, even on a temperate day. Yuck. They need better insect repellent or netting.
Or you could just wait and visit in the winter … by which time maybe they’ll have kicked up the flavor in the food.
September 16th, 2009 at 11:37 am
PS — To be precise, “I get so tired of that in Oklahoma” at most “gringo” (for want of a better word) Mexican places.
Drive south, order one of the spicy dishes at Max Pollo, and man! You’ll get hit with Technicolor flavor and spice that makes everything we tried at BTT seem like a washed-out black and white photo in comparison.
I don’t like saying it, and I really hope BTT steps up their game, but that was our experience.
September 16th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Big suggestion for BTT. Add Puffy Tacos to your menu. You wil be the only one in OKC doing it right now. Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, even Tulsa has them. It will be a hit!
September 16th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
As a Korean, I think it would be nice to maybe experiment with different ethnic meats with Mexican fusion to warrant their exhorbitant pricing with their daily mystery specials (Kogi truck only fuses korean style with mexican). But as it is now, I prefer to drive down to SW 29th street to any of the array of taco trucks or Taco Tuesdays at Iguana grill. BTW, the creamy green hot sauce is good with a nice kick to it.
September 16th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
I agree with your assessment Tim. The place had potential. The place looked right and the menu had the right type of items. But, it was over priced and the food was just ok. I agree with the other respondents – go to southwest OKC and get some real tacos. Based on the number of expensive cars I see in the parking lot, it must give the Nichols Hills crowd a place where they can feel like they are going someplace shady.
September 16th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
I don’t have any experience with local street tacos but my first time at BTT was enjoyable.
I enjoyed all of the table sauces. Especially the creamy jalapeno.
The queso isn’t free but it is very good.
A also had the pork verde taco and I have to disagree with Tim because mine was quite tasty.
My only complaint would be with the avocado sauce that came with my wife’s flautas. Compared to the avocado sauce I have had at El Pollo Regio it tasted like water.
September 17th, 2009 at 11:39 am
I think your article is spot on: everything you said about flavor, price, and comparable alternatives was almost verbatim what I mentioned to my wife after I ate here.
Overall, I thought BTT’s ingredients were good and the taste was a tad above average, but I’d gladly spend half the $ and head to Los Commales or Tacos San Pedro, and not have to wait the 30 minutes to place my order.
September 19th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Not going to thrash the concept or its practices. However, when I hanker for Mex or Tex-Mex there are numerous offerings in the greater metro that win out on either taste, or price, or both.
Fortunately for all, most of these places also have reviews here, so happy exploration!
September 24th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
BTT now has puffy tacos! Looks like they read this & took some suggestions??
September 26th, 2009 at 2:05 am
Actually we don’t serve puffy tacos on the menu. I’ve done them a few times as specials long before any ” suggestions” on this “review” . The request actually came from my buddy and tattoo artist, Hound, from down the street at Atomic Lotus.
September 26th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Tall Taco Twin, this is in fact a review, and the reviewer and commenters did in fact offer suggestions (both praise and criticism) after paying their money and trying your products.
So what’s with the scare quotes? It comes across as somewhat petty and thin-skinned. You’re representing your business in public here.
September 26th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
All right, scratch “petty” — too harsh. But thin-skinned for sure.
September 27th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Well here is where I throw my hat in the mix. Thin skinned no. Passionate yes! I at least made my identity known. You have your say, shouldn’t I have mine? When you call my child ugly I do have a right to speak up. Ya know, we never said we were a southside taco stand. We love going to eat at Los Comales. In fact we use the SAME tortilla vendor as they do yet ours lacked “something” Im sure most places you review don’t care what is said here. I do. It’s lime being talked about when you are sitting in the same room and not being able to say ” excuse me. I can hear everything you are saying”
September 27th, 2009 at 9:25 am
…..our place is packed everyday…. Our supporters are numerous. The masses can’t be wrong. I love what we do. I stand by what we produce . This is our dream. Our concept and our food. I apologize if you take this as petty or defensive. That is not my concern. However, I do deserve the same “voice” as you. Perhaps sometime you will visit us again and eat our food and let us know who you are. We welcome suggestions from all our friends.
September 29th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Not trying to start an argument or anything. You mentioned that you served puffy tacos long before it was suggested on this site. I suggested puffy tacos on twitter with no response, as well as, two other friends who also received no response. This was prior to my comment here. We contacted you when you opened your twitter account before you opened the store. So did you serve them before the store opened?
October 1st, 2009 at 11:37 pm
Actually Foodie I don’t recall you on Twitter. We are not against suggestions as I said we welcome them from our friends. Hound suggested puffy tacos when I first told him what we were doing back in May. At any rate my point is not to sound as if we are above suggestions as we have been fortunate enough to have the wise council of several people who we love and respect. There is nothing new under the sun. It’s all been done. We do it everyday for people who don’t care who’s idea it was to do a puffy taco…they love the food and think it to be much better then a ” washed out black and white photo” If you want the credit for the taco then it’s yours. We hope you will visit us sometime when we decide to do it again.
October 2nd, 2009 at 8:27 pm
4 comments later — still wanting to scratch “petty”, Anon Reader Dude…?
October 9th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Can’t we all just be “friends?”
October 10th, 2009 at 7:42 am
The more I read, the more comfortable I become with being on the right track three weeks back.
October 11th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
My opinion of BTT is similar to that of the reviewer. I think the proprietors would be better off to focus on developing stronger flavors in their recipes. The food isn’t bad, but this type of food is typically bold. The market will solve this problem – they’ll have more competition on this side of town pretty soon once the people who really know how to make this food move in. Then, BTT will have to up the ante.
October 14th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
I LOVE this place! I eat there all the time, and have almost tried everything on the menu. BTT is all about flavor. Natural flavor. I just can’t believe that anyone would think the food is bland – if so, their taste buds are probably just fried from eating a bunch of over-seasoned crap. I haven’t ordered anything yet that was less than amazing. I think what they’re doing for OKC is great – and just what we needed! Prices are honest and the food is phenomenal!
For instance, Beef al Carbon – Urban Coffee Company rubbed grilled skirt steak – grilled with roasted onion and poblano pepper – what else could you add to this taco? It is perfect and delicious, just the way it is.
Or the Santa Clarita Cobb Salad – mixed greens-grilled chicken-bacon-red onion-ripe avacado-crumbled tortilla strips-queso fresco- and might I recommend the avacado ranch.. with chipotle blue cheese falling in at a close second place. This is one of my faves! Lite, yet full of bold, fresh flavor – this salad will take you somewhere you’ve never been before! And finally – THE FIFTH AMENDMENT – different every day. It’s a mystery taco until they close for the day and then you can go on Twitter or Facebook to find out what it was, if you couldn’t figure it out. Last time I checked you couldn’t get a surf and turf puffy taco with steak, lobster, and cilantro hollandaise on a crispy corn masa tortilla anywhere else in OKC. This place is the best. Oh and I can’t leave this finished without mentioning the extraordinary sweets – those coffee brownies get me every time, I just can’t stop eating them!!! The chocolate chip cookies, chipotle brownies, mexican wedding cookies… etc… Yes I could write a BTT novel.. LOVE YOU GUYS AND WHAT YOU DO!!!
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Experiences = breakfast and lunch
Taste = top notch
Quantity = lacking
Value = mediocre (get same quality in a larger volume for less price on 29th)
Overall = will only return if others wish to go
PS: they now have a sauce with a little heat
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Much like beauty, taste is completely subjective. One person’s favorite dish will surely make another person puke. That being said, I think BTT is alright. Los Comales is the best in OKC in my opinion so that gives you some idea of my subjective take on tacos and burritos. I think the issue here is that BTT is not a Taqueria. It is really a one of a kind place in OKC right now(thats the biggest reason they are doing so much buisness and why comparisons with real taco trucks and Taquerias on the Southside are not valid). I have friends who enjoy white wine and friends that prefer moonshine. Both points of view are valid because taste is in the bud of the beholder. Lets not allow this excellent forum to become comparible to an ignorant SEC football message board!
November 4th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
@Ron: Thank you. Very well said. We are all entitled to our own opinion, and we can all agree to disagree.
Hubby and I thoroughly enjoy BTT and recommend it to others. They now have 2300+ fans on facebook, so obviously a lot of people think they are doing something right. The main attraction for me are the fish tacos (best I have ever had and easily worth $3/each) and the creamy green sauce. Hubby loved the queso! We have been to restaurants all over OKC looking for queso that he will actually eat. I am also impressed with the variety on the menu. They seem to have a little something for everyone, including vegetarian and lighter options as well as meat. Sure, there are some excellent and less pricey taquerias on the south side where you can fill up for $3 and have your food in a couple minutes. And I do visit some of those places on occasion when I’m down that way. But, since since don’t live or work in that area it ends up being more expensive (and time consuming) for me to drive all the way down there than it is to just wait in line and spend a little more at BTT. I feel that BTT’s prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity. The establishment is super-clean and the food is always fresh. As the old saying goes: you get what you pay for! Good job, BTT, I will keep coming back for more. Thanks for the review Tim, I enjoyed your take on the place.
November 14th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Just came back from my first visit to BTT. Atmosphere and staff was great, chips, queso & table sauces were nice. However, I ordered the bison Gordito and it was incredibly greasy, nicely seasoned but so greasy I couldn’t finish it and used about 5 napkins to continually clean my hands and mouth.
With that said, I will return to BTT, but will inquire about greasiness of what I order next.
November 20th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Two of my favorite friends and I visited BTT this Tuesday and between the three of us sampled a fair portion of what’s on the menu.
I took a chance and ordered a tongue taco – I am so glad that I forayed out of my comfort zone. The tongue meat had a lovely charred and crispy texture juxtaposed with a melt in your mouth interior. Who would have thought cow tongue could taste so heavenly?
I also ordered the ceviche appetizer which could stand alone as a decadent main course. In the ceviche were no less than three distinctly different and delectable fish. I tell you, it was sheer heaven – and affordable. What’s not to love??
It was quite crowded, which made me smile – BTT seems to have garnered an already faothful following. I’m so glad we came to eat, and I WILL be back soon with more friends.
December 4th, 2009 at 11:25 am
I don’t know if this has been done in response to the curious need of OKC folks to “fill up” at each and every meal, but most of the portion sizes for each taco are curiously large.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
I was a little surprised by the review and even more surprised at some of the comments above. With the exception of Alice and a couple others, I couldn’t disagree more with many of the commenters. I have loved Big Truck Tacos from the first time I visited. I’ve been back countless times. Every person that I know (friends, family, colleagues and co-workers) who has tried it has loved it… and loved it passionately. Many, many trips are made to that location often. Our family alone makes at least one trip a week and more if we can. A based on how busy they are so much of the time, they must be doing something write.
It definitely goes to show you that personal tastes are just that… personal. One some have trashed, others greatly treasure. I, for one, highly recommend Big Truck Tacos and applaud how successful the Taco Twins have been. Well done, BTT. (Not so much, eataroundokc.)
December 11th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
(Apologies for so many typos in the comment above. Embarrassing.)
December 11th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Brad, I completely agree with you that personal tastes are just personal tastes. Here on EatAroundOKC we have always offered our honest opinions in what we believe is a respectful way, and we have always welcomed everyone to share their own honest opinions as well, as long as they do it somewhat respectfully. This is exactly what makes our site great. By observing the whole of all opinions offered, one gets the best comprehensive understanding possible. Thank you for sharing your take and thanks to everyone for sharing their takes on BTT and all the other restaurants on our site.
January 6th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
I’m consistently impressed everytime I come here.
I usually try to time it so they’re not so busy.
For example; 8:30am, 5pm.
I’m making my way thru the menu and everything has been amazingly flavorful. Current favorites are the flour wojo and kalamari/caesar salad. Can’t wait to try more.
January 23rd, 2010 at 2:26 pm
I love Big Truck Tacos! An absolute must whenever I’m in the city. BTT uses good ingredients with innovative ideas. Yeilding great flavors and exciting dishes.
If you haven’t gone, GO!
and remember to get the 5th.
February 20th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
Hit BigTruckTacos tonight, had the “Thunder” burrito and queso/chips, it was outstanding!! Love all the different salsa’s on the table and the joint was packed but service was very fast. On the “small” side, my buddy had the CJ Verde tacos and he said they were very good, but they were on the small side. All in all, I will definitely be going back many times to be able to try all the things on the menu.
March 9th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
I normally eat at Big Truck Taco’s at least twice a week. Today 3/9/10 I ordered three Okie Bah Taco’s. On the second taco I found a black hair in the wrapping but not in the taco, so no big deal right?… WRONG. I waited to eat the third one as I had taken my lunch early. About two o’clock I decided I was hungry again, well I was unitl I found this HUGE LONG BLACK HAIR… WRAPPED around the fish and slaw in the taco!!! IT WAS DISGUSTING!! BUT to make matters even worse when I call to inform them, just as an FYI the girl on the phone became exteremly rude and said “FINE Ill let someone know.” Its not like I was asking for my money back or GOD FORBID my food be replaced because theres a gigantic long black hair in my fish taco…….
Since the girls behavior was so rude I decided to go over and inform her manager of the HAIR IN THE FOOD ISSUE as well as his staffers horrible behavior. He seemed utterly nonchalant so I also advised him that I would NOT be eating there again.
C- on prep and delivery of product
and an
F for Customer Service
March 18th, 2010 at 10:08 am
I agree with the price and taste issues. We have tried many things from the menu, and have been disappointed half of the time. We had lunch there the other day and it ended up costing over $20- for two people and we didn’t order much!! The queso is pretty damn good, the beef al carbon lacks flavor and is too dry in my opinion, a little signature sauce of some sort would be nice- there wasn’t anything but meat and onions in it! The guardian wasn’t as good as I expected, and the okie-baha was pretty fishy in a not so fresh way. My boyfriend was way excited about the 5th, he has ordered it numerous times but his excitement has toned down after noticing that 3 times in a row it seemed like they used the same sauce on it which was overwhelming. He hasn’t let it stop him from trying it every single time though. When I ask what the fifth was from the previous day through twitter, they never answer. It would be nice for them to actually post it at the end of each day so you know exactly what it was that you consumed. We eat there often and there are still a few things I’d like to try, but I think everyone is too caught up in the hype. I’d have to say, I think I prefer Iguana’s tacos to these
April 2nd, 2010 at 1:09 pm
I still love this place. I am really glad that they expanded their hours.
One note* went there for lunch today and was extremely dissapointed that they took the kalamari/caesar salad off the menu. It was amazing.
May 30th, 2010 at 9:46 am
Went to Big Truck Tacos on Friday night after hanging out in the Paseo. I wanted one taco to try and after all of the fuss about this place. The beef al carbon taco was ok, but I definitely do not want to pay $3 for a taco. The taco came out way too fast like the meat was precooked. I would have preferred to go down to the south side and got my taco from a taqueria or a taco truck and got a good sized taco for half of the price. I have to give them credit for trying to educate people but they are too expensive for this guy’s taste who loves Authentic Mexican food.
July 14th, 2010 at 10:42 am
@Ryan I must be really picky..their queso is definitely made from velvetta. Good for a tailgate party but not what I expect at a restaurant.
September 21st, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Food is good not great….overhyped and overpriced. But you cant deny the success they are having….not sure how they do it honestly.
September 29th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Went for the first time today…I got the gorditas. They were fine, but nothing special, I’m not dying to go back. The thing that was great? The orange hot sauce. Not sure what the flavor was but it was goooood.
October 28th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Please allow me to preface my comment with: “I was in Portland recently for over a week and ate from the world-renowned food carts every day of that trip, multiple times a day.” I had everything from Thai to tacos to oatmeal to Scottish pub fare. All but one or two were amazing (the Pho up there is too sweet for me and there was one taco cart that had food that was barely warm
) I found this one cart that was open in the evenings and holy god it was amazing. $1.50 for a hot, tasty taco simply can’t be beat.
Ok back to Big Truck, I had to say that previous part simply because I went to BTT a few days ago and was in Portland a couple weeks ago. I still dream of “the good taco cart” and was hoping to find something similar here. Well, BTT makes the tacos in the same style: meat, minimal toppings (cilantro and onions are all that’s necessary if your filling is delightful), and two small corn tortillas to put it on. That’s where the similarities end. BTT doesn’t slap their tortillas on the grill before adding the filling and they’re open to the air so by the time you sit down you’ve got a lukewarm taco. A little wax paper and putting everything on the grill goes a long way, especially on a chilly day.
Anyway, the flavors were good, but the only taco that really struck me as unique and something worth coming back for was the tongue. I’ve never had tongue before, but now I’m hooked – it was delicious! Too bad it’s $3 (plus or minus a quarter) to get a single taco there. You read where I wrote my Portland tacos were $1.50 each, right? That stings a little when reaching for the ol’ wallet at BTT. I understand the price hike to some degree, after all they’re not operating out of a mobile cart with minimal overhead. Why is it again more cities don’t have gourmet mobile food?
But yeah, they’re good and about as close as I can get to PDX food cart tacos, so I guess I’ll take it.
They’re on to something with that tongue though, it’s really seriously super delicious. Just a few tweaks to how they prepare food and I’d swallow that price tag more often.
February 25th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
I’m actually not big on tacos so I usually get the pork verde burrito when I go to BTT. It’s pretty delicious and huge, much like the size of a burrito at Chipotle/Qdoba/Moe’s/etc.
Their mango-habanero salsa (I believe it’s called they call it ‘Asphalt’) goes with the burrito very well and I would purchase that stuff by itself if I could because the combination of sweet and heat keeps me coming back for more.
As for the queso, I don’t see why people rave about it so much because it just tastes like bland cheese from a can and I feel like they could do better. Add some spice or some meat or something, it would be awesome!
February 25th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
Oops, sorry about that parenthetical grammar there ^^^
March 11th, 2012 at 9:12 pm
The prices are a little more expensive BUT you have to keep in mind that these ingredients are LOCAL and this is a very local business.. big truck is not chillies, they dont buy in extreme bulk and freeze the products. all the meats are local raised grass fed meats, all veggies are fresh, they have NOTHING frozen. just a little insight to the ignorant point of view thats mad about having to pay 3 bucks for FRESH and local food. xoxo
Please tell us what you think.