(Update, April 2015: Reader Layne commented that the chips are NOT gluten-free as they are no longer fried in a dedicated fryer. I separately called the restaurant and confirmed this to be the case. Always a good reminder to check with your servers/managers, as cooking practices change!)
If you haven’t tried Mission Taco Joint in the Delmar Loop, then you’re just going to have to get right on that. It has a cool vibe, good food and A+ margaritas. They call their food “California inspired Mexican street food.” And those margs? They’re seriously good, I wouldn’t kid you.
If you’re gluten-free, you have many, many options. Plus, chips! And street corn (see above)! And rice and beans! How great is that? And don’t worry, I have been here many times and multiple servers have confirmed that the chips are fried in a dedicated fryer. But…I hate to break it to you: you can’t have the queso – it is spiked with beer. Or, the carne asada fries. But you’ll have so much else to gorge yourself on, it won’t be an issue.
The tacos will be your haven. You buy them a la carte. Each one is between $2.50 to $3.50. I’ve tried most of them, but here’s a rundown of my faves.
- Chips & Guacamole – I’ve had a couple hit or miss guacamole experiences here, but in general the guac is good. Go big and get the salsa trio, too.
- Grilled Baja Fish Tacos – chipotle baja sauce, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, queso fresco. GET THIS.
- Carne Asada – wood grilled flank steak, baby arugula, queso fresco, avocado serrano sauce. GET THIS, TOO.
Many other options are gluten-free – cactus, beef brisket birria, yucatan chicken and more. I still have yet to try the cactus taco, but it’s on my list of to-dos. My boyfriend Ken’s taco, pictured above in the middle, is the fried fish taco – definitely not gluten-free. As always, make sure to check with your server before ordering to confirm your order is gluten-free. Each member of the Mission Taco staff I’ve encountered is totally knowledgeable about gluten-free, and if they don’t know the answer, are happy to ask. Prepare for an easy dining experience.
Don’t forget a marg!
Until next time,
Kate
Chips are not gluten free fried in the same fryer as everything else.
Hi Layne – Thanks for the heads up, they must have changed their practices since I was last there. Always a good idea to confirm each time, so thanks for the tip!