by Lauren Townsend for The Aha! Connection
The actual birria taco originates in Jalisco and is usually stewed goat, lamb or beef in a red chili sauce. The method made its way to Tijuana and became street fare. It’s there, that it evolves on the L.A. taco scene and eventually sweeps its way here, to Atlanta.
Two of my favorite places to grab a quesabirria are Salsa Taqueria & Wings and El Indio Mexican Restaurante & Taqueria. Salsa Taqueria & Wings (3799 Buford Hwy NE Ste B Atlanta, GA 30329) is open from 10 am – 8 or 9pm. It is connected to a Shell station, and is easy to miss from the street, so look for the gas station. They make great standard tacos that my kids and I are happy to eat. We can take down some asada tacos but make sure there aren’t jalapenos on the ones you give your kids. The birria tacos (or quesabirria) are so good. That first bite, dunked in broth, and crunchy, it’s like a deep breath or warm hug for your stomach. This place gets busy and there are only two tables. I would highly encourage you to place your order by phone (404) 957-8038) prior to pick up.
El Indio Mexican Restaurante & Taqureria (6289 S Norcross Tucker Rd Tucker, GA 30084) is pretty well known as a hidden gem of authentic Mexican food (I’m kind of reluctant to blow it up like this). The birria tacos here are so crunchy and full of tender meat. You can also get your birria tacos with a ramen broth. To be clear, that’s ramen, cooked in the savory, meaty broth with more tender meat. Dip tacos, eat ramen, take a nap.
To sum this all up, American-style birria tacos are the crunchy, meaty tacos missing from your lunch routine and you may have to visit a gas station to find them.
