Posted September 30, 2016
The Truck Stops Here: Mexican Grill Stand
They say the best things come in small packages. We’re not sure who they are, but we’re sure that they’re wrong. The best things come in tortillas! Tortillas with chicken, tortillas with chorizo, tortillas with zucchini and tortillas on top of other tortillas. ¿Comprende? So in recognition of National Taco Day tomorrow, Hispanic Heritage Month and the fact that you never actually need a holiday to eat some tacos, Nutshell reviews the Mexican Grill Stand.
Wade past the heavenly line of halal trucks that sit opposite the Student Center along 13th Street and you’ll find the taco-slinging shack on wheels that we like to call the Mexican Grill Stand (because its name is the Mexican Grill Stand).
If you haven’t tried MGS* yet, your stomach might as well be roaming the food equivalent of the dark, sad alternate dimension in Stranger Things. Speaking of, can we talk about Barb? Right...tacos!
With a modest menu and modest prices, the Mexican Grill Stand whips up tacos and everything else that’s also the best: burritos, quesadillas and nachos with fillings that include savory chicken, chorizo**, ground beef, pork and pineapple***, fish, and veggies (zucchini, corn and tomatoes).
The truck, which opened on campus last school year and has cultivated a loyal following of Mexican food enthusiasts, is a superb option, whether you’re looking to double down on your favorite or try something new. For $6, you can get three TOCs (tacos of choice) and a drink; we like to mix and match for optimal taste-testing.
The tacos are thoughtfully paired with toppings and each is served in two soft, tasty corn tortillas. Chicken tacos, for example, are filled with diced meat and covered with lettuce, black beans, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo**** and sour cream. Light and delicious, the white fish on the fish tacos is accompanied by lettuce, pico de gallo and a chipotle mayo, the kick of which pairs nicely with a squeeze of the provided lime (use it!). The pork and pineapple is finished with fresh cilantro and onion.
The truck also offers occasional specials, such as tomato bisque soup for the fall. If you’re feeling hungry, the burritos—stuffed with rice and black beans, cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo, chipotle mayo, and sour cream—make for more filling meals. Or you can grab a single for $2.25. But who does that? Like we said, the best things don’t come in small packages.
*Not to be confused with MSG.
**A Spanish pork sausage.
***More fun to call it al pastor.
****No, it’s not a place, but a tasty diced tomato salsa.
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