Five bucks doesn’t get you much today — a turkey sub, at most. But at new La Paloma off Walnut Hill, it will get you the jumbo taco platter with beans and rice, all without ever leaving your car.
The taqueria, which took over Cappa Cafe’s old spot about a month ago, is the antidote to Tex-Mex. In fact, I don’t think you’ll even find queso anywhere on the menu. Instead, expect Mexican soul food like posole (a pork and hominy stew) and tortas (hot sandwiches served on thick rolls). The real star, however, are the Mexico City-style tacos. These come standard on corn tortillas with cilantro, onions, and a slice of lime to squeeze on top. I tried the tacos al pastor (tender pork that’s cooked on a spit, like a gyro or shawarma). The salsa here is also a must-try if you like the hot stuff. Go for the green if you’re having chicken or pork, and use the red for beef.
My favorite feature here is the drive-thru. It’s not common for a taqueria to have one. When I went, the speaker wasn’t working, so you had to order at the window—but it’s still pretty cool to be able to order a good, authentic meal without leaving the car.
