Southern California has arguably the best Mexican food in the United States and having experienced…read morethe joys of streetside taquerias in LA, I was elated to learn about Street Tacos Migue which has been operating near Bellaire Chinatown for the past few years. The experiences have been mixed, but I am holding out the hope for future potential.
The setup couldn't be more ideal: visibility from the busy streets, plenty of free parking due to being in a lot, and a display of food with a proper pastor trompo and stewed meats, aguas frescas, along with a line of people. The eye test alone would fall in favor with my biggest desires of a taco scene minus the absence of any kind of seating.
As far as I can tell, the following meats are offered: trompo, tripa, suadero, longaniza, pollo, asada. The fact they don't mention "fajita" is clearly a nod to how LA they are. (#1) Tacos are the most popular item but the meats are also available in quesadilla, torta, and burrito form. The process is an assembly line of sorts, where one orders, pays, receives, and then manually add all the condiments. I love their tubs of pickled onions, limes, cucumber slices, and a plethora of excellent salsas.
Food wise, the suadero and trompo have been the most consistent. The former has a hint of lard but a crispy and juicy finish. The longaniza, asada, and pollo have been solid, but there have been some moments of dryness where even the salsa couldn't save it.
One thing that isn't similar to LA is the price, which has been conveniently removed from the signage as of last year. This is an issue with many streetside taquerias in Houston frankly, which is disappointing for the lack of transparency. Last I recall, each taco was about $3.
The other issue is the wait -- which depending on one's order can definitely take a while. I appreciate the need for replenishing and making things to order, but aguas frescas and sometimes tortas are tougher orders to fulfill quickly. This is not a place I'd recommend visiting if one is in a hurry.
They operate only on the weekends (Fri-Sun) between 8PM and 1AM, on the Bellaire Blvd (& Gessner) side in front of the Jefferson Dental Clinic. (#2) I do think there is a lot of potential here, and I hope they manage to get some of those issues corrected soon.
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(#1) Please, can someone explain to my why taco trucks in Houston call asada, "fajita?"
(#2) https://www.yelp.com/biz/jefferson-dental-and-orthodontics-bellaire-houston