Nestled in a corner lot just past the city of Bellaire is Sam Tacos, a true diamond in the rough and one of the tastiest taco trucks I've come across my entire time in Houston. Owner Samuel Ortega hails from Mexico City and has been bringing the chilango swag for the better part of the last decade. If you take nothing away from this milestone (#1) review, just know that this has been my favorite taco truck in the city that I've (selfishly) gatekept for the better part of the last year and more.
The truck is a colorful but not very noticeable from Bellaire Blvd. Save for the TV playing telenovelas or soccer matches, it's a truck where signage is falling apart. The title signage looks like it's about to fall off but the food specials signs are on pristine condition. It tells me that they prioritize food over eveything else and it shows.
Their tacos are everything I want in a late snack. They're savory, indulgent, and well portioned. So many trucks will conceal their price list and then masquerade their tacos with a two biter taquito. Not here, the distinction has been made: $2 for tacos, $1.50 for taquitos.
The cabeza is essentially their version of barbacoa and its rich, fatty, smooth, and my favorite meat selection. Their chicharron is a must order as well, the rinds are silky and full of flavor. The fajita is also quite tasty and the I'm pleased to report that the al pastor is served with a slice of pineaple. Orders that are ready for pickup are announced on a loud speaker. If you have a long commute, I recommend eating the tacos immediately in the car.
It's not all tacos, they have a number of daily specials focusing on other items that range from burritos to machetes to esquite and Mexican hotdogs. While I don't vouch as much for them as I do the tacos, they're worth trying once in a blue moon. Even their salsa packaging is on point. (#2)
The owner has always been courteous and thoughtful and by showing up *every time.* The man doesn't give himself any breaks and this his steady audience of Mexican locals and I are appreciative for all that he does for the community. He's so cognizant that he forgot to pack my esquite and still remembered the mistake when I came a couple of weeks later and threw in a couple more tacos for good measure. That's customer service, folks.
Parking won't be a problem. Spanish is the only thing I hear here, but I've yet to hear anyone order in English. It's a cash only biz and there's an ATM in the same lot.
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(#1) Here's looking at you, 5,200th.
(#2) The same kind of bags for other substances. Just sayin. read more