Yes, they do exist. One thing I really miss about California is tasty, cheap Mexican food like the kind you would find at Taco Shop or Robertito’s. Well, I have found a place here that will satisfy my taco cravings until I return to California.
I was looking over my “Cheap Eats in London Guide” to see what restaurants were in Borough, my new neighborhood. I came across an entry for El Vergel, a cafe which was described as having an “inventive, broadly South American menu” that also included a few Mexican dishes. I took one look at the takeaway menu and decided that I HAD to have lunch there on Monday. I ordered the chicken tacos, tortilla chips, and guacamole. The tacos were excellent – they didn’t have any scary British ingredients like sweetcorn or kidney beans, and you could taste the freshness – this wasn’t any ridiculous and disgusting fried food like they have at Chicken Cottage (KFC ripoff) or the various other fast food eateries that are located in Southwark. The tortilla chips were homemade (no Doritos, thank God!) and the guacamole was great. Plus, the food was reasonably priced: �6.30 ($11) for my tacos, tortilla chips, and guacamole (not a bad deal in London). AND BEST OF ALL, it’s located just a 10 minute walk from my dorm! I think I will be eating here everyday…of course I have to try the beef tacos and the tostada, but the empanadas and Chilean village bread also sound very good.
The one downside – it’s only open Monday through Friday, 8am-3pm. Guess that means I’ll be eating pub food on the weekends. Nevertheless, THANK YOU EL VERGEL!
From Cindy:
You found good mexican food, I am so happy for you! Seriously, probably more than a normal person should be
Very exciting
From Cincysundevil:
Supercool! Definitely a place to look forward to if I get to hit London this October as planned!!!
From Grant Winters:
If you really miss good Mexican come down & try my Kitchen (EL PANZON)at the Hobgoblin in Brixton. 12-5pm saturady & sunday Latin Brunch, breakfast tacos, tortas & big plate breakfasts. Sunday latin roast. Plus the house speciality is our Tacos & Burritos available 7days a week evenings mon to fri, All day sat 12-10:30. Buen Provecho…
Grant Winters
From Rebecca:
Hi, I am also from California and just found your blog when searching for tacos in London. I tried to go to Vergel, but they are closed by the time I get there.. Found another place called Tortilla. They have tacos and burritos and are open later. Good find if you live near Islington.
From Martin:
You could always learn to cook, surely? That said I’m glad for you, perhaps you could lend your skills to find me somewhere that’ll do gumbo and cornbread?
From Alan:
The best place i found was the Texas Lone Star restaurant in Gloucester Road. Sadly they have closed and i have bee trying on and off to find someone who makes Tacos made with ground beef.
Are Tacos usually made with strip of beef in the States?
thanks
Alan
From Lindsay:
Alan, you can get tacos with shredded beef or ground beef at most places in the US.