Erik S.
Yelp
Mmmm, the Taco Factory, where over 20 years ago my love for Tacos Al Pastor was born. 2022: my love is still strong.
Back in the day, the place was known as Tacos de Fabrica, which translates to tacos from the factory. They still have a semi-automated operation that transforms masa into corn tortillas, because you definitely want a fresh, thin, non-rubbery tortilla to esconse its contents.
I'm guessing that more than a few gringos translated the Spanish name into Tacos Made Of Fabric, so at some point they just went with the English name.
Taco Factory feeds about a 50/50 mix of tourists and locals, locals who are likely on break or just off work from one of the many adjacent hotels, clubs, and, um, other establishments.
The Taco Factory lies about midway down a semi-sketchy walkway that connects both directions of the main drag, Av Kulkulkan. Originally, we'd called that walkway Drugs, Hookers, and Bracelets Alley. There were always a few guys hovering around saying "you want to smoke, sniff, you want a women," while some kid tried to tie a handmade bracelet on your arm, which was also for sale.
On my latest visit (Jan 2022), I'd simply call it Strip Joint Bordello Alley. Nobody approached me for smoke sniff, and no kids were around. Still, dozens of guys tried to interrupt my walk with plastic-wrapped photos of female torsos and/or made gestures like they were juggling their moobs.
Anyway, onto the food, because that's probably why you're reading this.
The Al Pastor "trompo" is still the centerpiece of the place.
And the Al Pastor tacos remains the centerpiece of my meals. Just add a little salsa, devour in 3 bites, repeat.
I tried a couple other meaty and cheesy taco combinations too. All excellent, especially when they include al pastor.
9 tacos and 2 beers later (and yes, they have Bohemia Oscura), that was $21.
If you don't want to be bugged by the occasional beggar and the mooby-bouncing muchachos, sit closer to the trompo, behind the railing. Plus you'll get a great view of guys passing through the sanitizing tunnel on their way into, or out of, the adjacent pleasure palace.
I miss the warmth and brilliant white beaches of Cancun, sure. But I just might miss the Taco Factory more. Hijole, those are some good tacos.