Situated along Harwin in direct view of the Westpark Tollway, Tacos Roque (aka "Rock") sits a pothole infested concrete parking lot in a residential area just outside of Chinatown. A late night recommendation from a local friend, I come here whenever I want to avoid the crowds from the more popular streetside taquerias in the neighborhood. Had I written about them last year, it would have been an easy 5 star but a series of recent mishaps have left me wanting more. In short, the tacos are good, but always inspect the order prior to leaving.
Unlike other trucks that have lights, music, and a lively atmosphere, Tacos Roque is far more sleepy and I sometimes question whether or not they're open at all. The menu is laid across their red truck in both Spanish and English, but yet only the breakfast tacos are the ones with prices while the rest remain a mystery (#1) for the average first timer. The breakfast tacos aren't available at night, but the rest of their line up which features a number of things from gorditas to huaraches to machetes are often available.
I like to keep it simple and stick to tacos and any available meats. Unlike many of the other taco trucks, they actually refer to their beef as asada (#2). Asada along with pollo (chicken) and pastor (marinated pork) are almost always available. Their chicharron, barbacoa are the more premium options at $3 each but are extremely tasty. I also hold their bistec, tripa and chorizo in high regard as well and I appreciate how tender all of the options are.
I have deviated from tacos a handful of times to get their hamburguesa roque, along with their papas con queso y carne (a Mexican baked potato), a cheetos elote en vaso, as well as their tortas (chilanga + cubana). I can't say that I love them much, but I will give the nod to their pambazos, sincronizadas, and quesadillas as other heartier options worth considering.
The staff is usually a two man crew from a guy with a distinctive voice who is often on the phone handling orders and handling money. This is a cash only truck the last time I checked and parking is going to be all over the place. Spanish is the preferred language here, but I think they should be fine with English orders. My recent outings here have been marred with missing items more often than not, which has been a real bummer since the staff has denied refunds / make-up items in the past. Always check the order, bring cash, and eat well.
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(#1) Don't be shy, always ask.
(#2) And not fajita. Interestingly enough the latter is known as al carbon on their menu. read more