First Taste: Hot Taco in Detroit

(Credit: VATO/Special to Metromix)

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Hot Taco

Metromix Detroit First Tastes

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It’s the re-invention of the taqueria-American-style. Located directly behind the Fox Theater and a short walk away from Comerica Park and Ford Field, Sean Harrington’s Hot Taco fills the downtown vacancy of Mexican fare.

The Mood: The décor and atmosphere can best be described as a minimalist approach. Nothing complicated or overwhelming in stepping up to the counter and placing your order. A couple of round tables sit off to the side, allowing for group seating. Large picture windows overlooking Park Avenue butt up to a long bar-like countertop where more seating is available. 

There is a part of Hot Taco that feels authentically Mexican. Behind the counter is a wall of colorful Jarritos of all different flavors. The venue smells like stewing chicken and pork. Large containers sit on shelves filled with chilies and product.  Chances are, there is probably a novella playing on the T.V., accompanied by the playlist of the day.

The Food: Choices range from tacos (with either a flour or corn tortilla) or burritos (same fillings as the tacos, plus beans, rice, avocado & sour cream).

Poultry choices include the Hot Taco Chicken (taco $2.50, burrito $6), marinated chicken with shredded cheese, red onions, cilantro & salsa verde, and the Simple Chicken (taco $3, burrito $6.50), all white breast lightly seasoned chicken with shredded cheese, red onions, cilantro & pico de gallo

Meat choices include the pork (taco $2.50, burrito $6), Mexican-style BBQ pork with shredded cheese, red onions, cilantro and mango salsa, the Chorizo (taco $2.50, burrito $6), classic ground mexican pork sausage with shredded cheese, red onions, cilantro & pico de gallo, and the steak - (taco $3.50, burrito $7), sliced, marinated steak with shredded cheese, red onions, cilantro and Pico de Gallo.

Seafood choices are the Fish (taco $3.50, burrito $7) grilled, seasoned tilapia with shredded cheese, red onions, cilantro, salsa verde and Pico de Gallo, and the blackened shrimp (taco $3.50, burrito $7) spicy, seasoned shrimp with shredded cheese, red onions, cilantro, avocado and Pico de Gallo.

For vegetarians, Hot Taco offers the Veggie (taco $3.00, burrito $6), black beans, fresh avocado, red onions, cilantro, shredded cheese, salsa verde and Pico de Gallo. This can be made vegan by subtracting the cheese.

Newer to the menu (and available any time of day) is the Breakfast Burrito ($6) which includes 3 eggs, chorizo, shredded cheese, red onions, black beans, rice, pico de gallo & chipotle sour cream, in a flour tortilla.

The Drinks: Though bar service may be planned for the future, sodas reign supreme at Hot Taco. Fountain drinks ($1) and a large variety of bottled Mexican Coke and Jarritos ($1.50) are available for guests.

The Service: The cooks are making food to order, so give yourself a little bit of time around lunch or bar closing time.

Insider’s Tip: Work in the downtown area and want your tacos delivered?  Hot Taco offers delivery service with Hot Spokes (bicycle delivery service) between the hours of 11 a.m. and - 4 p.m. for $3 per ride.  Call the restaurant to place the order.

The Verdict: Inexpensive and delicious, there are few foods more convenient and on the go than tacos and burritos. Hot Taco is open for lunch and late at night, so that craving for spicy Mexican cuisine can always be filled.

Follow more of Joe and VATO’s culinary adventures at http://thehungrydudes.com.

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