Tacos al Pastor at Tacos El Gordo

Every Tuesday AY will be highlighting a different taco from one of our many wonderful Mexican restaurants and food trucks throughout Arkansas. This week, we’re taking a look at Tacos el Gordo, a food truck set up in the Cupid’s parking lot at 5400 JFK Boulevard in North Little Rock.

 

The funny story is that I found Tacos El Gordo completely by accident, and no, I did not stumble upon the truck on a visit to Cupid’s. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Truth be told, I was in search of another food truck, one that was supposed to be stationed a few doors down at a pharmacy. It was a no-show. That’s when I spotted Tacos El Gordo. I figured, what the heck, I am hungry, let me give this place a shot.

 

The rest is delicious taco history.

 

“We’ve only been in business for six months,” says owner Jessica Villanueva Cruz. “We started last year with the idea of opening our own food truck. We have been in the food business for over ten years. My father, who passed away in 2018, taught me everything I know.”

Tacos El Gordo

Everything I have tried at the truck has been outstanding, but the shining star, at least for me, is the taco al pastor. Tender bits of pork, many of which are crispy from the vertical broiler spit that they have just been sliced from, are loaded into a corn tortilla and topped with a heavy hand of fresh cilantro and chopped, raw onion. You even get a side of grilled onions and an entire jalapeno. If you enjoy more heat, the accompanying orange hot sauce will set your taste buds on fire. The tacos are small but pack a flavor punch, so plan to order at least three.

 

“The selection of fresh produce and the hard work from our employees to make our spices on point are what make the difference. For this particular meat, I wanted to bring a little taste from Mexico,” says Cruz.

 

And here is some even better news. Like AY, Tacos El Gordo celebrates Taco Tuesday each week with a special of three tacos for $5 (from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.). You cannot beat that price, but the taste is what will bring you to this truck. I imagine they have spent the past few months continuing to build a customer base. The folks in North Little Rock are often quite loyal to the businesses they love, which is great news for Tacos El Gordo.

 

Tacos El Gordo

5400 JFK Blvd (North Little Rock_

Phone: (501) 766-4313

Hours: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.