Authenticity and Innovation at Maize Homestyle Tacos

135 S. Regent St., Suite G, SLC
Monday 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Tuesday–Saturday 11:30a.m.–7 p.m.
801.363.0245 | maizetacos.com

Tacos bring comfort to the sad, satiation to the hungry and make a great night even greater. When you have a car full of hangry people and no one can agree on where to get dinner, the answer is always tacos. This is where Maize Homestyle Tacos come into play. Located on Regent Street in the thick of City Creek, this hole-in-the-wall establishment prides itself on its tortillas and they have plenty of reason to brag. “We create seriously good tacos with handmade corn tortillas and all the freshness and flavor of authentic, Mexican street tacos,” reads their website, and I can confirm. 

I ordered three tacos and, because I could not resist, an Elotes in a Cup ($4.50). The elote is exactly what I expected it to be—corn, Cotija cheese, chili powder and lime juice; perfection in a cup. The first taco, grilled Camarones ($3.75), was served on a warm, thick corn tortilla dressed with cabbage, pico de gallo and chipotle crema. Each shrimp was well cooked and still moist. Cabbage on a taco is pointless if it’s not crisp, and this garnish was both crisp and cut perfectly to fit the size of the taco. The chipotle crema matched the shrimp seasoning and enhanced the overall abundance of flavor that was unexpected from a simple taco. 

“… This hole-in-the-wall establishment prides itself on its tortillas and they have plenty of reason to brag.”

The second taco, Tinga de Pollo ($3.75), featured shredded chicken topped with lettuce and queso fresco. The chicken was coated in a red sauce, that I assume was a traditional “tinga” comprised of tomatoes, chipotle chilies and onions. Either way, the heap of chicken was seasoned well and every bite was better than the last. My final taco, Carne Asada ($3.95), was made of tender, certified Angus grilled steak, cilantro, onions and guacamole. This was my favorite taco of the evening. Hands down, these three were some of the best tacos I have eaten in quite some time.

Typically, street tacos are served on two tortillas because one can be flimsy or collapse under the weight of whatever it carries. Maize Tacos saw this as a challenge and accepted. Just one of their handmade tortillas was enough to carry the massive fillings of each taco. They did not fall to pieces in my hands and, while strong, were still soft and full of flavor. Needless to say, I am a true fan of their tortillas. I get a hankering for tacos four to five times a week. Their website claims that, “Maize Tacos has your cravings covered,” and, with how quickly I inhaled each one, I’d say they are 100% correct. I’m not the only one who thinks so, as their Google reviews average just over four stars for both locations which, with how picky people can be, is no small feat to accomplish.

“Typically, street tacos are served on two tortillas because one can be flimsy or collapse under the weight of whatever it carries. Maize Tacos saw this as a challenge and accepted.”

Their menu has a lot to offer. There’s a section just for the niños featuring a Taco ($5.95) served with rice, beans and a small drink, or a Cheese Quesadilla ($5.50) that comes with the same sides as the taco. They also serve 12-inch Burritos ($10.95–14.00, depending on protein) and Super Nachos ($12.75–15.50, depending on protein) loaded with all the fixings one might desire on a plate full of housemade chips. Maize Tacos even has an extensive catering menu for your next holiday party or work event. Follow them @maizefoodtruck on Facebook and @maizetacosut on Instagram for some gorgeous pictures of tacos, behind the scenes and updates. For all your taco needs, visit the restaurant’s brick-and-mortar locations Downtown on Regent Street or in Draper off of 12300 South. You will also find the Maize Tacos food truck at the 14th Annual Craft Lake City DIY Festival from August 12–14. 

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