2025 Taco Walk
The first official Taco Walk occurred on a warm and picturesque Sunday in Albany, NY. My friend Josh and I had drawn a plan of attack and the newly created score sheets would enable us to keep careful track of every factor involved. Josh's son gave us a ride to Lark Street. We opted to walk our way home sampling tacos along the three mile path. Finally, we were underway.
First stop, La Pollerina, 216 Lark St, Albany, NY 12210. Website
The space is small, with only a small selection of metal stools along the counter, and no tables or bathrooms. The menu shows equal brevity with a focus on simple dishes or family dinners which rely mostly on their rotisserie-cooked chicken.
The tacos are well portioned and taste terrific. The chicken is moist and tender. The tortillas aren't pan seared but instead are perfectly steamed. Instead of a traditional verde sauce they offer a smokey brown sauce with a nice heat which we both found quite enjoyable.
A glorious first start. Highly recommend the Street Tacos for $5 each.
The second restaurant was Oaxaquena Triqui, 68 N Lake Ave, Albany, NY 12206. Website
A short walk along Washington Park and we came to the next stop. The space is simple and has a few tables for seating. The menu offers a wider range of tacos and options including beef tongue and fish.
The tortillas are pan seared perfection. The pulled chicken is very good though not quite as tender as the first place. The sauce is a traditional verde and has great flavor.
Solid traditional taco joint. I recommend the three tacos for $9 or $3.50 al a carte.
Third spot is Viva La Cinco De Mayo, 809 Madison Ave, Albany, NY 12208. Website
It was a sunny walk along Madison Ave, through the former St Rose campus, to the third and final taco stop. This is the biggest space yet with indoor and outdoor seating. The menu is also large with a variety of American-texmex options.
The tortillas are the weakest link and a little spongy. The pulled chicken is good and the sauce is a normal verde.
I adore this place and recommend the three tacos with rice for $10.99 and sit outside if you can.
We stopped off at the Madison Pourhouse for a refreshment and to discuss our experience. Josh had some fancy IPA and I went with a Paulaner (German lager). There was one restaurant that was conspicuously unavailable on this particular day and we agreed to do another run to try additional spots. All in all, it was a perfect day filled with Mexican inspired delight. To be continued!
Post Script:
My favorite local sandwich shop, Fresh N Pressed, now offers a taco special and they are worth a go! Tacos, rice and a drink for $14.
Josh whipped up some specialty tacos one day and I captured its beauty.
Thanks for reading! Hope you have some good tacos soon!