9 Mind-Blowingly Good
Taquerias in Goshen
Goshen is a city that celebrates its rich cultural diversity.
The Maple City is home to people from nearly every continent, but our largest cultural representation is Latin American. Thirty percent of Goshen’s population hails from Mexico – from Chihuahua in northern Mexico to Oaxaca in the south, and everywhere in between. With such a wide cultural representation (from within Mexico alone!), it’s no surprise that Goshen has an abundance of mouthwatering Mexican restaurants. Here’s our list of nine local taquerias that are so good (and 100 percent authentic), you’ll feel as if you’re south of the border.
Remember, this list covers only a small selection of the authentic local Mexican restaurants in Goshen. If you’d like to get the word out about a taqueria that isn’t mentioned, we invite you to submit your own story. Click here to learn more!
1. Los Primos
122 East Clinton Street
With its downtown restaurant, catering business, and food truck, Los Primos is one of Goshen’s largest Mexican dining establishments. This family-owned business specializes in a wide variety of dishes – everything from Mexican-style soup and sandwiches to gigantic burritos and spicy, piping-hot fajitas – but they’re most famous for their fried plantains and fish tacos. Chef Lopez and his delicious recipes keep this taqueria busy all day, every day. Stop in for lunch or dinner any day of the week (except Wednesday) for some amazing and oh-so authentic Mexican food.
2. Taqueria San Jose
613 East Madison Street
Taqueria San Jose has some of the best tacos in town and, lucky for us, you can get them for $1 a pop on Wednesdays. The tacos come piled high with fresh ingredients including cilantro, onion, and avocado, and are full of tender, flavorful meat (vegetarian options are available, too!). Top off your meal with an ice-cold Jarritos soda and a fresh baked good from their bakery case.
3. Taqueria El Maza
214 Johnston Street
Taqueria El Maza is one of Goshen’s newest taquerias, but it’s quickly gaining popularity among locals. The menu includes Mexican staples like fajitas, burritos, and chimichangas, but also includes a number of unique items including a Mexican shrimp cocktail, or shrimp in tomato sauce topped with avocados.
4. San Marcos
113 South Main Street
San Marcos, located in the heart of downtown Goshen, is a mom-and-pop restaurant known for its fresh, flavorful dishes. Their tacos are made with fresh cilantro and onion, juicy and flavorful meat or beans, and a few limes on the side for extra zest. Of course, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, especially when you smother it with a healthy dose of their house-made salsas (both red and green) and guacamole.
5. El Duranguenze
113 West Washington Street
El Duranguenze (or “of Durango, Mexico”) has been family-owned and operated since 2007. When you step inside their cozy and festive downtown location, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported straight to Durango. Once you taste the dishes, you’ll never be able to go back to fast-food Tex-Mex again! Many of their ingredients, like spices and beans, are imported directly from Mexico, making them truly auténtico.
6. Tacos El Portal
428 West Pike Street
Tacos El Portal is one of Goshen’s only permanent food trucks … and we’re a more flavorful city because of it! The truck is located along Pike Street in Goshen, just north of downtown. Whether you stop by over your lunch break or for a late-night snack, Tacos El Portal delivers some of the best authentic Mexican food you’ll ever taste. They’re well known for their steak tacos, but we mean it when we say that there is no second best on this menu. Try it all, then try it all again.
7. Universal Tamal
225 South Main Street
Universal Tamal in downtown Goshen is best known for – yep, you guessed it! – tamales! If you haven’t tried this Meso-American comfort food before, you’re missing out. Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made with masa, meat, spices, and vegetables steamed in a corn husk. When you unwrap the husk, you’re in for a fabulously flavorful and filling delight. When you visit, try the sweet tamales, which are reminiscent of the flavor of horchata.
8. Restaurante Familiar San Jose
2124 Elkhart Road
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day except Monday, Restaurante San Jose is a fantastic restaurant to sit down for an authentic Mexican meal whenever hunger strikes. Whatever you order, we recommend completing your meal with a tall glass of sweet, spicy, and oh-so cinnamony horchata. The restaurant is located next door to a Mexican grocery store and butcher shop, Carniceria San Jose, where you can pick up ingredients to re-create your own authentic Mexican meal at home!
9. El Camino Real #4
427 West Pike Street
El Camino Real #4 was one of the first Mexican restaurants in Goshen, and has remained one of the most dearly loved. With its spacious interior, El Camino is a fabulous place to sit down with a large group of friends and family. You’re sure to find your favorite dish on its expansive menu, but we recommend trying the burrito, which is full of rice, beans, vegetables, and meat of your choice. Put an extra kick in your dinner with one of their famous margaritas or daiquiris!
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