Tepache is a fermented, sparking pineapple brew native to southern Mexico. Tepache is made using peels from pineapple and sweetened by honey, ginger, and cinnamon. Tepache’s roots lie in Mexico whereas my friend Alexis and I share roots in North Huntingdon. Our friendship is sparkly and sweet, like Tepache, and very unique as it started before birth. Our parents met at a prenatal exercise class and we still remain close friends for over 30 years!

Since I now live north of the city, I would pass Tepache Mexican Kitchen and Bar while running errands. I added it to my ongoing taco list and was happy to meet Alexis there for dinner. As I waited for Alexis, I took in the ambiance of Tepache. They have an outdoor area, a bar, booths, and tables. It was packed, which to me is a really good sign for a newer restaurant. Frida Kahlo was quoted in Spanish on the wall in front of me which translated in English to “feet, why do I need you for when I have wings to fly?” I always said that if I could have a superhero power, it would be to fly. Imagine how many tacos I could try in all different places if I could fly? At the same time, I cannot give up my feet for my biking and hiking adventures!

After some serious thought on wings versus feet, Alexis arrived and it was game over at that booth. We ordered the drink special of the day, mojitos, and then I focused on the separate Taco Tuesday menu. The Tuesday special was that you could order any taco on the menu a la carte. Now, that is a good Taco Tuesday for someone like me who wants to try as many different tacos as possible on a visit.

There are so many tacos to choose from at Tepache. Ranging from vegetarian options like buffalo cauliflower and jackfruit, seafood with cod and shrimp, authentic options like beef tongue and pork marinated in Mexican orange and achiote sauces, and traditional options with chicken, carnitas, al pastor, steak, and ground beef. After talking to the waitress about the crowd favorites, I went with the chicken chorizo taco, al pastor taco, and the buffalo cauliflower taco.

The shell was the first part of the meal that drew my eye. I loved the homemade corn shells. They seemed deep fried as they were crispy and greasy. The orange tint probably comes from the chipotle they used in the corn shell. The al pastor taco was the first taco I ate on the shell. Marinated pork, onions, and cilantro were diced on top. I did not physically notice the salsa verde and grilled pineapple. The guajillo salsa was served on the side and I am so thankful it was because I could smell the heat! My nostrils were filled with arbol chile scents. I absolutely loved the flavor that emerged from this taco. The al pastor marinade was addicting. Because of the diced meat and lack of fat, the pork did seem slightly dry. But the flavor made up for it. I did not taste any of the grilled pineapple which was a little bit of a disappointment. I give this taco a 3, almost 4 out of 5.

After the shells, my eye was drawn to the cauliflower or should I say colorflower taco. A variety of green, orange, and purple hues. This is due to the Buffalo sauce, red cabbage, avocado salsa, and chipotle aioli. Between all the sauces, I thought it was too overpowering. I would have liked the cauliflower to be more firm instead of soggy and soft. I give this taco a 2 out of 5.

Right dab in between on my taco scale from Tepache was the chicken chorizo taco. I was excited to have the grilled chicken and pan-seared chorizo combo because just 4 days prior, I had a chicken chorizo taco from Sun Dawg Cafe and I absolutely loved it. Like the Sun Dawg taco, the chicken and chorizo was perfectly flavored and mixed so that one meat was not ruling over the other. I loved the chopped onion and cilantro. I would have liked more grated queso fresco and the taco was slightly dry. A lot of grease was soaked in by the shell. I give it a 2, almost 3 out of 5. I liked the Sun Dawg Cafe chicken chorizo taco better than the Tepache one.

Overall, I had a great first time visit to Tepache and I will be back to try more tacos from the extensive list. The mojito, chips, and salsa were 5 out of 5 for quality and taste. The next time I am running errands, I will be back to Tepache.

Price: $4-6 per taco.