Taco Santana
“I walked here and placed an order for 3 vegetarian tacos and because it was still mad cold out, I decided to wait it out at one of the three tables in the place.”
“There was always novellas or mexican talk shows playing.”
“Okay, seriously, I knew this spot was gonna have good stuff simply based on the decorations.”
Taco Santana
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Price range.
$ Price range Under $10
8 reviews
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You know the second you walk in here that it's gonna be good. I may love me some Chipotle, but this is real Mexican food. Tacos are a paltry $2.25 apiece, and there's no tax getting added there, friends.
I got a chicken and a steak taco to go, and both were simply gorgeous. They were nice enough to toss in both a red (spicy) and green (less) salsa, which I split between the tacos for two unique tastes of carnivorous bliss.
Stopped in Taco Santana randomly on a Friday night — SO GOOD. I was craving Mexican food, and this place hit the spot. We only tried two tacos — the chicken tinga and pork with pineapple. Both were delicious and full of flavor. The restaurant looked modest and is off the main strip, but the food is delicious. Highly recommend!
I ordered the Milanese chicken torta. Which is a Mexican sandwich, it had the works, beans,cheese,mayo, lettuce and tomato, white onion. I opted out for the jalapenos. The taste was ok. I disliked the fact that the beans were cold and the taste was underwhelming. The best thing was the nice toasty bread. The price was also great.$4.50. I would recommend this place for a quick bite. The next time I go I will try the burrito.
I walked here and placed an order for 3 vegetarian tacos and because it was still mad cold out, I decided to wait it out at one of the three tables in the place. The atmosphere was chill but definitely not for dining in. Whatever, I wasn't trying to stay.
The tacos are good! I've had some horrible tacos in my years but these are filling and quality. If I'm ever in the area, I'll be back!
There's the band "Santana," which is much overplayed.
There's Tony Santa, the former cocaine king of Miami who always wanted you to say hello to his little friend (kinda pervy).
Then there's Taco Santana, whose chicken tinga tacos are the world's most serious threat to vegetarianism. Seriously.
When the Food Network does the "Best Thing I Ever Ate: Chicken Tacos" episode, they'll need to cram all the chefs into this hole in the wall because there would be no competition… and this is coming from someone who's crossed our southern border 30+ times.
Who'd have thunk that some seriously great tacos are being cranked out under a train in a semi-derelict corner of Hasidic Williamsburg?
For those who don't know, tinga is basically meat slow cooked in a tomato-chipotle sauce, so unlike the quick grilled chewy charred meat in most tacos, this is more like a grandma's stew, eaten with a tortilla. And at Taco Santana, this is cooked by an actual grandma and she packs in more heat that the above mentioned Tony. Literally… you'll find the charred remains of smoked jalapenos in and amongst the fall-apart chicken.
I also enjoyed the El Pastor taco – well above average – and the carne asada was simply decent. It's a total dive with only 3 tables and a steady stream of customers so it ain't a place to propose to your future ex. And I held off a star because they can also be slow… grandma cooks one order at a time, in order, when she's ready – damn you New Yorkers. But they might earn it back if they deliver on future visits.
Honestly, if I were on death row and had to choose between a steak from Peter Luger further down the street or a couple of tinga tacos… I might have to go with grandma. If you're gonna fry on the electric chair, getting roasted with chipotles and tomatoes seems to smell better.
Just don't play "Maria Maria" while I'm electrocuted.
After reading the great reviews on Yelp, I was determined to check this place out. Great Mexican food is hard to find in Toronto, so Taco Santana looked promising! Be warned, however, that their stated hours of 11AM-10PM Monday-Saturday are pretty loose. I.e. if it's not busy, they will just close early. Went by twice only to be disappointed that they were closed. If you're making a special trip to come here, call first.
When I finally did make it, I was not disappointed! Came by to pick up lunch. The place is tiny with no AC or fan, so it was super hot but the staff didn't seem to mind. That little girl in the photo was not there, but there was a young boy who helped translate our order and questions, as the rest of the staff speak little English.
They have tacos, nachos, tostadas, etc. My DC and I shared:
– Taco Santana with pork — quite big and comes with fresh avocado. Delicious!
– Tinga Taco with chicken and veggies — 2 smaller tacos, no avocado. Very fresh and flavourful.
– Chorizo tostada – my favourite!! Fresh shredded cheese on top and nice spicy sausage.
– They give you 2 kinds of hot sauce – red and green. Both are really good, although the latter is way spicier.
Total came to $8. Great value. I wish we had something like this in Toronto…! Will definitely be back next time I am in Williamsburg.
Cheapo prices and authentic Mexican food. I would go back, but it's not the best place I've been. I can tell the lady cooking puts a lot of love into her food that. That's a big plus in my book.
I was exploring the neighborhood with my girlfriend until we came upon this spot. Tacos? Sure, lets do it. Okay, seriously, I knew this spot was gonna have good stuff simply based on the decorations. Sure, it's very early wishful thinking on my part but then I'm the positive type of guy. Sure enough, the tacos were so darn delicious! I will point out the neat presentation – look at the pic. Three tacos per order – perfect portion. This place is great and I shall return.