(Tookout 12/07/22 WE @ 5:15pm): Pick yo' tacos at the newest Mexican eatery in town!
I've been in search of Mexican food (my friend and her friends had yet to find a "good" place around town) my past two trips to Jersey City, when I finally walked by Pico Taco and was initially impressed by the aroma that wafted out the front door. In October 2022, they relocated from nearby Hoboken after nearly a three-year stint there. Would this new kid on the block (they had a grand opening promotion which I bought several of!) pass the smell test with me!?
PURCHASE
*All tacos were served with freshly-made corn tortillas, chopped onions and cilantro, lime wedges, sliced radishes, and tomatillo and verde salsas unless noted*
3-Tacos Al Pastor + Soda Promo ($10.00): Adobo marinated pork with young pineapple slices, the pork was nicely seasoned, tender, and abundant https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=RiURje-Hn6-q0aDcNaj47Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
3-Tacos Carnitas + Soda Promo ($10.00): Michoacan style braised pork that had a nice lechon-like crunch to some of the pieces and was copious https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=tYGwtRvVlanjQzHLKwaj7A&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
3-Tacos Barbacoa + Soda Promo ($10.00): Slow cooked, shredded Angus beef shoulder with some savory tender meat juices and was bountiful https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=N6u3gfMBWREH7WdNnX776A&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
3-Tacos Carne Asada + Soda Promo ($10.00): Seasoned steak that oddly lacked some flavor yet tender and overflowing https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Hg7MuVKesgyx3ybtWJBnKg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
3-Tacos Pescado + Soda Promo ($12.00): Crispy fried fish with cabbage slaw, cilantro, pico de gallo, and chipotle aioli, the piece of fish was finely fried, crispy, moist, and plentiful https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=hqtr2aWb7vzXA3oT8RYHtw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Pollo Adobado Burrito ($10.95): Marinated grilled chicken with Mexican rice & beans, onions, cilantro, and tomatillo and verde salsas, this tasty fat two-hander meal was bursting at the seams but lacked the amount of yummy meat compared to the tacos https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=S8CY6fjc6trMXS9D21ESjw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
4pc Churros w/Nutella ($6.00): Basically, two long fried dough sticks with cinnamon sugar cut in half, this was a lovely way to end the meal https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=gxmbZffM8fOHiixBTa3c4A&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Sodas 12floz Can (Normally $2.00ea.): A choice of Diet Coke, Sprite, Dr. Brown's Root Beer, Seagram's Ginger Ale, and much more - have at it https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=QUAxelKEmRe6PIZLxm7kNQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
SERVICE
I walked in and kindly greeted by a young gentleman at the order counter who pointed out their grand opening specials. I quickly placed my large order, chatted with the man who mentioned he was familiar with the many taco stands in L.A. (yes!), and about 15 minutes later everything was brought out by a young woman I imagined was the cook. I grabbed my five canned drinks and was on my way - thank you!
PARKING (FREE; N/A this instance)
Although I walked over from my friend's place, there was plenty of free street parking along the main drag of Baldwin Ave. and all surrounding side streets - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A seemingly spacious work-in-progress floorplan that had an empty display case straight ahead when you entered, the order counter on your left, several refrigerated coolers along the right wall, a small dining table in front of the window, and what appeared like some grocery store elements and items https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=e-ZmXry-g8a5zyWma6iPeg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. The walls were kept clutter-free. Plenty of natural lighting came through the large glass windows and front door while electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There was one turned-off TV while the music of Outkast and Sister Sledge played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=47GhaumJZg4STUEN_pYueQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
I found Pico Taco to be a nice touch of L.A. street tacos and would gladly return the next time I was in this part of the country. Sure, the food wasn't as "dirty" as I liked, but you couldn't deny the taste, portion size, the quick service, a somewhat robust menu, and all things considered the price was still very affordable. I wished the burrito had more meat but felt that was fixable. And, I always loved to support small businesses. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $74.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS read more