So you’re in Berlin, and you’re from the Americas, and you’re having a craving for a tacqueria (read: a USA equivalent to Berlin’s Dönerladen).
Where do you go? Well, for starters, DON’T go to Mexikoplatz (Mexico Square) in the West; for all your fantasies of mariachi bands and waterfalls of salsa, all you’re bound to find are wet rags they pass as tortillas, drenched in ketchup. If you’re looking for real Mexican food (like refried beans loaded with lard, topped with cheddar cheese and sour cream, and, naturally, a helping portion of guacamole), then this list should help you.
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Dolores
Dolores is a lovely California style burrito eatery (read for: healthy burritos with black beans sans lard) that feels like it could only belong in Berlin (the color scheme and emphasis on design says it all), though, don’t be fooled, the owners are more than familiar with San Francisco; hence the name, a street in San Francisco’s famed Mission District. But again, you’re in Berlin, and this will be clear to you as soon as you take a look at the magazine rack filled with design, art and fashion magazines waiting for you while you wait for the tasty treats to come. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Dolores has recently updated its menu, adding to the regular fare dishes like a tofu mole, salsas like smoky peanut and the plainly mysterious sounding salsa roja -but don’t worry, all the standards are here as well, including the winning combo of black beans and lime rice. I’m a fan of the quesedillas, the adobo beef and carnitas burritos, all with a large helping of guacamole and washing it down with a lemonade.
Rosa-Luxemburg-Str. 7
10178 Berlin (Mitte)
www.dolores-online.de
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Viva Mexico
Located on the past border between East and West Berlin, Viva Mexico is a very respectable eatery where, sadly, almost no one goes. Of course, this noticeable lack of patronage is most likely caused by it’s strange location far from any possible foot traffic, but when I eat there, I tend to think it’s because it’s located directly on the border of a border town that’s been raided so many times by la migra that no one is willing to risk their neck there. In any case, Viva Mexico has very good enchiladas, stand-up burritos and surprisingly, the hot sauce is hot, really, really hot. The place is authentic enough to make this Californian native homesick. Go on Tuesday, and score yourself a 3,50 Euro cocktail.
Chausseestr. 36
10115 Berlin (Mitte)
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Aztec
Boldly naming your restaurant Aztec and evoking a rich tradition, you better make sure the food is good, and surprisingly it is -even if the decor reminds me of Mexican restaurants in old folks communities in Arizona and New Mexico… In any case, the food is good, really good, even if it can be a bit expensive. Try a taco plate or the fajitas. Treat yourself.
Bayerischer Platz 4, 10
10779 Berlin (Schöneberg)
http://www.aztek-berlin.de/
Photo of Dolores burritos restaurant, Berlin by Moe_
Topic: How to Tuesday |
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Tags: Berlin, budget, food
About the author
Shane Anderson left his native California three years ago and has been living in Berlin ever since. He is a freelance writer and journalist.
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