There is no hiding the excitement Rico’s Tacos’ owners have for their restaurant. On the wall outside is painted a large, happy pig cooking in soup. It’s almost as if he knows how good he’s going to taste after simmering for hours in a spicy broth. Even Rico’s Tacos’ delivery truck stands out. The tiny, neon orange vehicle seems almost like a taunt – you dare not to smirk because you know what’s inside. Some would characterize these things as charm, but it’s confidence that pours out like the scent of stewing beef from the restaurant’s doors.
The restaurant itself is so small that you may find yourself sandwiched between dining patrons and rushing waitresses as you wait for a table. Don’t be concerned about hovering over people while they’re eating their delicious tortas – just make sure you don’t drool on them. Not the people, the tortas. You’ll get yours shortly.
Since living in Sunset Park, I’ve had a lot of great tacos, but Rico’s Tacos’ are the best. Like most of the others in the neighborhood, the prices range from $1 to $1.50. They’re pretty small, but a selection of tongue, head, pork skin, and tripe tacos will definitely fill you up (don’t worry, they have chicken, spicy pork, and fried pork, as well) for around $5. The meat’s tender, greasy, filling, and delicious.
However, Rico’s Tacos is much more than tacos. The tostadas are piled high with onions, lettuce, beans, Oaxacan cheese, and meat for $2. Also, the pozole ($3 for small, $6 for large) is amazing. They jam-pack this soup with hominy and pork. Don’t forget to put in the onion, limes, Mexican oregano, and chili powder that they put on the table.
Although everything I’ve eaten at Rico’s Tacos is great, I suggest going on the weekend so you can get the Caldo de Camarones (Shrimp Soup), which is a weekend special. As good as the tostada, tacos, and pozole are, this soup is the best thing I’ve eaten there, if not in all of Sunset Park. This spicy tomato-based soup is filled with a dozen head-on shrimp that almost melt when you eat them. I have no idea how long they cook in there, but I’m guessing it must be exactly the same amount of seconds it took the Yankees to win Game 4 of the 1998 World Series. It’s that satisfying.
