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Tacolicious is both wildly entertaining and deeply infuriating. Even the name is split between something we love (tacos) and something we hate ("-licious”\"). So we’ve decided to do this review dueling-banjo style, dishing out the love (Marina girl Taylor) and the hate (cranky former Angeleno, Max) in equal measure.
Look out, Chris Matthews.
Point-Counterpoint: Tacolicious
Point, Taylor: At Tacolicious, they bring you free chips and tasty salsa the second you sit down. As someone who is almost constantly in a state of hunger, this is vital to my happiness.
Counterpoint, Max: This is like giving a participation trophy for “Being a Mexican restaurant.”
Point, Taylor: At Tacolicious, you can get 10 tacos for $50 and they let you pick ONE BY ONE every taco that is included. No rules, just right.
Counterpoint, Max: I’m sure the meats are free-range and organic or something, but we’re all about the flavor. And the $5.95ers in the Mission are kicking these up and down the taco schoolyard. Being able to select them one at a time? That’s nice, but why wouldn’t you get to do that?
Point, Taylor: They have tasty cocktails and good margaritas.
Counterpoint, Max: The margarita pitchers are an awesome deal if you like the flavor of ice.
Point, Taylor: The kale salad has quinoa and other healthy things in it and is very, very good. As a Marina resident I am contractually obligated to consume four to seven kale salads a week, so I need as many options as I can get.
Counterpoint, Max: No comeback—it’s not bad.
Point, Taylor: Churros.
Counterpoint, Max: Better at Disneyland.
Counter Counter point, Taylor: If you’ve been to Disneyland recently enough that you can remember the flavors of things you consumed...I’m concerned.
Point, Taylor: The short rib tacos are heaven encased in a flat, corn-based circle.
Counterpoint, Max: ...1/3 of the time. 2/3 of the time, they’re simply okay. We, the people, demand consistent flavor.
Point, Taylor: Despite being ashamed to say the name out loud, it is the best option to go out to a fun, Mexican dinner in the Marina.
Counterpoint, Max: This is the Nintendo Wii of restaurant names. Sure, you can get over it, but only if you’ve brainwashed yourself into forgetting how lame it is.
Point, Taylor: It is usually eas(ier) to get seats at the bar, and I’m obsessed with sitting at the bar. I think it stems from eating pancakes as a child on my house’s weird modern stairs that let me dangle my legs under them and use the stair up as a table/counter.
Counterpoint, Max: That’s a touching story, and I’m a bar man myself. I think it stems from the fact that I like to drink.
Point, Taylor: It feels sort of like a frat basement party (loud, crowded, dark, drunk people) and I am the product of a sorority. Sadly no gin buckets to be found.
Counterpoint, Max: We’re in perfect agreement, after all: Tacolicious is about the meat market, not the taco meats.