Five Places to Fiesta this Season in Windsor-Essex
While Windsor-Essex is famous for our pizza, our taco game is equally strong.
From fun fusion mash-ups to traditional corn tortillas stuffed with mouthwatering meats and veggies, our local Mexican food scene has garnered a reputation for dishing out crave-worthy creations that are muy delicioso.
That taco talent doesn’t come from nowhere. Windsor-Essex is home to a vibrant Mexican community, particularly in Leamington, where rich culinary traditions thrive alongside some of the best produce in the world. Add in a roster of adventurous chefs from Kingsville to Walkerville, and it’s no surprise our region serves up tacos that are as diverse as they are delicious.
Want to drive your taste buds loco this summer? Join us on a cross-county taco tour and discover some of the best spots to fiesta. Find a new favourite spot? Be sure to tag The DRIVE on social media and use the hashtag #DRIVEtacotour for your chance to win some tasty prizes.
Here are just a few of our top picks:
El Diablo – Kingsville
El Diablo in Kingsville isn’t your typical Mexican joint; it’s a bold, flavour-packed experience where traditional tacos meet global inspiration.
Their creative menu is packed with beautifully plated dishes with a focus on balance and bold flavours with Mexican and Asian influences. The tuna tartare taco is a must-try, blending the freshness of sushi with the crunch of a hard-shell taco in one perfect bite. Classic options like al pastor and carne asada are equally tantalizing, and there are vegan and vegetarian choices as well.
Be sure to stop in on Taco Tuesday for their $5 taco feature and don’t forget the margaritas; fun, refreshing, and the perfect pairing for a night of taco-fuelled bliss.
Rico Taco – Windsor
Authentic Mexican cuisine in the heart of Windsor’s Little Italy? You bet.
Located on the WindsorEats food hall patio, Rico Taco is an unassuming food truck that is THE original place for birria tacos in YQG.
Unfamiliar with the birria craze? Allow us to enlighten you. These heavenly tacos are a delicious blend of slowbraised, tender beef simmered in a rich, aromatic chili and spice broth wrapped in crispy, cheesy corn tortillas. Each taco is served with a side of savoury consommé for dipping, ensuring every bite is juicy and irresistible. Pro tip: be sure to grab A LOT of napkins. Also, don’t sleep on the fish tacos; another fan favourite.
Hot Tacos – Leamington
For a true taste of Latin cuisine and authentic dishes you won’t find anywhere else, set your GPS for Hot Tacos in Leamington.
Here you’ll discover classic taco offerings including Cochinita Pibil, cooked using the original Yucatecan recipe of vibrant slowroasted pork marinated in achiote and sour orange. They also offer meltinyourmouth beef tongue, smoky chicken tinga, as well as favourites like chorizo, steak, and shrimp. This is traditional Mexican street food at its finest, and a must try for any foodie.
Bonus: Hot Tacos also offers a second location in downtown Windsor for city slickers who live closer to the core.
El Patron – Tecumseh
While El Patron is located in the heart of Tecumseh, one bite of their mouth-watering tacos will transport you to the middle of Mexico City.
The vibrant, welcoming restaurant prides themselves on fresh, made-from-scratch dishes, including their famous street tacos, available individually, as a meal with rice and beans, or for a crowd, with an 18-pack Super Taco Box. Because what’s better than a taco? Even more tacos.
Mix and match your favourite fillings including picadillo, asada, chorizo, shrimp, or even beans and grilled peppers and onions for vegetarian options. And be sure to grab the house-made salsas for dipping.
Grand Cantina – Windsor
Consistently ranked as one of the best taco spots in Windsor-Essex, the Grand Cantina in Walkerville is all about good vibes and even better food.
You won’t find any Plain Jane tacos here; every menu item is a delightfully delicious fusion of flavours, with popular options like the spicy Sticky Duck with hoisin, cilantro and pickled jalapeno, Ugly Delicious with crispy gochujang chicken, pico de gallo and pickled jalapeño and Veganville stuffed with tempura fried smoked tofu, pico de gallo, pickled red onion, vegan aioli and corn chip dust.
Pull up for Taco Tuesday and enjoy $3 off a 3-pack of tacos…and be sure to throw in a pitcher of margaritas for good measure.
