Wisconsin may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think "tacos," but, boy, can we do tacos. I'm fairly certain the definition of bliss is a taco in one hand and a margarita in the other. So, go find your bliss and check out a few of the most unique and delicious tacos from around the state.
1. Korean Beef Taco, BelAir Cantina
Fusion cuisine is all the rage these days, and for good reason. When you mix the food from two cultures, something magical happens. This is especially true of the Korean Beef Taco at BelAir Cantina, located in Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Oak Creek, Brookfield and Madison. The Korean Beef Taco features spicy-sweet marinated beef, lettuce, jicama, carrot, lime and Sriracha crema.
2. Korean Taco, Bulgogi Korean Taco Food Cart
Speaking of Korean tacos, look for the Bulgogi Korean Taco food cart in Madison. You may find the food cart on weekdays parked at the University of Wisconsin Library Mall near Lake Street. The taco offers steak, chicken or tofu in a choice of corn or flour tortilla, topped with a lettuce/scallion/tomato/cilantro/bean-sprout mix. The brave can add a little Korean red pepper paste for some extra heat.
3. Southern Fried Chicken Taco, Tex Tubbs Taco Palace
Tex Tubbs is an iconic stop in Madison. While it's known for its variety of unique tacos, including vegetarian and vegan options, you've got to try the Southern Fried Chicken taco. Served on a corn tortilla, it is filled with fried chicken, sweet potato hash, sautéed Swiss chard and chipotle sour cream.
4. Grilled Swordfish Taco, Vintage Cantina
Vintage Cantina, a Green Bay restaurant where "Every day is Taco Tuesday," features a menu divided into two categories: "Tacos" and "Not Tacos." They take their tacos seriously. If you're adventurous, try the Grilled Swordfish taco, made with lime and tequila marinated swordfish with Sriracha, mango barbeque, pineapple salsa, green onion and cilantro.
5. Chicharron Taco, El Jefe Tacos y Tequila
This Stevens Point favorite is a sister restaurant to local hot spots Christian's Bistro and Father Fats Public House. El Jefe offers many authentic tacos, but for something truly unique, try the Chicharron taco, made with fried pork belly, mole sauce and creme fraiche.
6. Vagabond, Milwaukee
I'm telling you - tacos are the perfect place to implement cultural fusion. Vagabond's tacos channel some Korea, some Jamaica, some China and some Hawaii, but its Tikka Masala Tacos bring together the best of Indian and Mexican foods. This taco features tikka masala chicken, diced tomato, yogurt, cilantro and naan bread.
7. Huevos Rancheros, Al Pastor
Do Huevos Rancheros count as a taco? For the sake of deliciousness, I'm saying yes. This West Allis restaurant features a truly authentic Mexico City-inspired cuisine, and, most importantly, serves breakfast all day. Try the Huevos Rancheros - two eggs served on top of a gently fried corn tortilla, topped with red salsa and a side of fried beans.
8. Indian Taco, The New Flame
Native American influence is very prevalent in Wisconsin, from the names of our towns, lakes and rivers to ... our tacos? The New Flame in Lac du Flambeau offers an Indian Taco, made with Indian fry bread, topped with taco meat, shredded cheddar, lettuce, tomato and onion.
9. Key West Taco, Agave Kitchen
Surely, we've touched every part of the world in the aforementioned tacos? Don't forget the tropics. Agave Kitchen, located in Hudson, serves up the unique Key West taco, featuring cast ironed white fish, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, cilantro and lime wedges.
10. Zucchini and Pintos Taco, Pico's Tacos and Cerveza
Whether a vegetarian or not, this Racine restaurant makes some amazing vegetarian tacos for all to enjoy, including the Zucchini and Pintos taco, with pinto bean spread, sauteed zucchini and tomatoes and topped with lettuce and Chihuahua cheese.
While Wisconsin may be more known for its beer-boiled brats, Friday fish fries and artisan cheeses, this state knows how to make a mean taco. What's the most unique taco you've tried? Share with us on social media using #discoverwisconsin.
- Kristen Finstad is a crew member of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.
1. Korean Beef Taco, BelAir Cantina
Fusion cuisine is all the rage these days, and for good reason. When you mix the food from two cultures, something magical happens. This is especially true of the Korean Beef Taco at BelAir Cantina, located in Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Oak Creek, Brookfield and Madison. The Korean Beef Taco features spicy-sweet marinated beef, lettuce, jicama, carrot, lime and Sriracha crema.
2. Korean Taco, Bulgogi Korean Taco Food Cart
Speaking of Korean tacos, look for the Bulgogi Korean Taco food cart in Madison. You may find the food cart on weekdays parked at the University of Wisconsin Library Mall near Lake Street. The taco offers steak, chicken or tofu in a choice of corn or flour tortilla, topped with a lettuce/scallion/tomato/cilantro/bean-sprout mix. The brave can add a little Korean red pepper paste for some extra heat.
3. Southern Fried Chicken Taco, Tex Tubbs Taco Palace
Tex Tubbs is an iconic stop in Madison. While it's known for its variety of unique tacos, including vegetarian and vegan options, you've got to try the Southern Fried Chicken taco. Served on a corn tortilla, it is filled with fried chicken, sweet potato hash, sautéed Swiss chard and chipotle sour cream.
4. Grilled Swordfish Taco, Vintage Cantina
Vintage Cantina, a Green Bay restaurant where "Every day is Taco Tuesday," features a menu divided into two categories: "Tacos" and "Not Tacos." They take their tacos seriously. If you're adventurous, try the Grilled Swordfish taco, made with lime and tequila marinated swordfish with Sriracha, mango barbeque, pineapple salsa, green onion and cilantro.
5. Chicharron Taco, El Jefe Tacos y Tequila
This Stevens Point favorite is a sister restaurant to local hot spots Christian's Bistro and Father Fats Public House. El Jefe offers many authentic tacos, but for something truly unique, try the Chicharron taco, made with fried pork belly, mole sauce and creme fraiche.
6. Vagabond, Milwaukee
I'm telling you - tacos are the perfect place to implement cultural fusion. Vagabond's tacos channel some Korea, some Jamaica, some China and some Hawaii, but its Tikka Masala Tacos bring together the best of Indian and Mexican foods. This taco features tikka masala chicken, diced tomato, yogurt, cilantro and naan bread.
7. Huevos Rancheros, Al Pastor
Do Huevos Rancheros count as a taco? For the sake of deliciousness, I'm saying yes. This West Allis restaurant features a truly authentic Mexico City-inspired cuisine, and, most importantly, serves breakfast all day. Try the Huevos Rancheros - two eggs served on top of a gently fried corn tortilla, topped with red salsa and a side of fried beans.
8. Indian Taco, The New Flame
Native American influence is very prevalent in Wisconsin, from the names of our towns, lakes and rivers to ... our tacos? The New Flame in Lac du Flambeau offers an Indian Taco, made with Indian fry bread, topped with taco meat, shredded cheddar, lettuce, tomato and onion.
9. Key West Taco, Agave Kitchen
Surely, we've touched every part of the world in the aforementioned tacos? Don't forget the tropics. Agave Kitchen, located in Hudson, serves up the unique Key West taco, featuring cast ironed white fish, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, cilantro and lime wedges.
10. Zucchini and Pintos Taco, Pico's Tacos and Cerveza
Whether a vegetarian or not, this Racine restaurant makes some amazing vegetarian tacos for all to enjoy, including the Zucchini and Pintos taco, with pinto bean spread, sauteed zucchini and tomatoes and topped with lettuce and Chihuahua cheese.
While Wisconsin may be more known for its beer-boiled brats, Friday fish fries and artisan cheeses, this state knows how to make a mean taco. What's the most unique taco you've tried? Share with us on social media using #discoverwisconsin.
- Kristen Finstad is a crew member of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.