What’s the hype?
Taps and Tacos, formerly Guri’s Grubhouse, opened at the beginning of the semester. The restaurant serves Mexican food and drinks, and specializes in tacos and draft beer. With 14 different tacos to choose from and 27 beers on tap, Taps and Tacos definitely lives up to its name. One of the most unique things about the restaurant is the fact that it has two tequilas on tap.
Where is it?
The restaurant is located right next to Marie Callender’s and Black Angus on Shaw Avenue. This location is a five minute walk from campus, Bulldog Village, and Campus Edge apartments. This is convenient because students can choose to walk instead of drive.
What’s the cost?
Taps and Tacos can be an extremely affordable dining experience if you go during happy hour. With beer and tacos as cheap as $2.50 each and complimentary chips and salsa, students on a budget can enjoy quality food at a low price.
Happy hour at Taps and Tacos is from 3-6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and all day on Sunday and Monday until closing at 10:30 p.m. After happy hour ends, Tacos and Taps can be a little bit more expensive. Tacos range from $3 to $4.50 each and burritos and entree plates start at $10.
Worth it?
Large entree items at Taps and Tacos are pricey, but the quality of the food is priceless. The flavor of the food and its beautiful presentation shows that the restaurant uses fresh ingredients and takes its time making each dish.
I ordered the chicken California burrito, which is chicken, salsa, cheese, rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream, and french fries wrapped up in a grilled flour tortilla. The burrito was so filling, I took half of it home to eat as leftovers.
As a huge fan of Mexican food, I was disappointed in the lack of spice and smokiness in their chicken and salsas. I felt like I could have ordered the same burrito at Chipotle, added fries, and wouldn’t have been able to tell the difference. Though the food at Taps and Tacos had great flavor, I didn’t get the traditional Mexican heat I expect from a Mexican restaurant.
If you are looking for a deal on Mexican food or a beer close to campus, come during happy hour for a couple of tacos and a Modelo Especial. But if you are looking for traditional Mexican flavors, keep looking.