Taking a look at Mezoco Food Truck in Montclair, New Jersey today. I spotted the taco truck at the Montclair Farmers market held in the parking lot of the Walnut Street train station. Mezoco has been on my list for awhile and came to my attention from a recommendation who heard about them through the Rachael Ray Show.
Mezoco had some great press from the show back in October of 2018. They were given the thumbs up by celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern. I planned to review Mezoco tacos with the same amount of detail that I give to every taco spot, and without bias.
Tortilla hugged Splendor – Andrew Zimmern
I spotted the truck at maybe 11:30 (not quite lunch so brunch tacos) pulling over I was the first to order. I ordered three tacos (3 for $10) seasoned ground beef, pork carnitas, and Cilantro lime chicken. I should note there is a vegetarian option, a chorizo, and Mahi-mahi taco. The wait for my tacos was not long (always important) after my order a crowd showed up pretty quickly. I should point out there are additional food items like quesadillas, bowls, etc. they even have catering for your special events.
Seasoned Beef Taco
Jumping right in, I took my first bite in the seasoned beef taco, very finely ground beef, great savory first bite with just the right amount of spice with the after taste. I thought this taco in particular was excellent, I could eat several of these alone. The seasoned beef taco came topped with their mango salsa, and fresh pico de gallo. Mezoco uses some fresh produce for their toppings and spice, that is very clear in the flavor profile. In keeping with being honest the tortilla was quite stale, the tortilla lost it for me. Mezoco could really benefit with handmade tortillas or if time restricted fresher tortillas.
Cilantro Lime Chicken
First bite into the Cilantro lime chicken, you’ll get the fresh taste of the pico de gallo and cilantro, unfortunately you might get a mouthful of the cilantro crema. The chipotle crema on here isn’t as well executed as It could be, it taste as though its plopped on and not evenly drizzled throughout the taco. The chipotle crema is more the consistency of chipotle mayo than a light crema. This taco’s saving grace is again, the fresh ingredients, but unfortunately it takes a fall for both the meat and the tortilla. The chicken by all means is very dry and I mentioned, the tortillas are stale throughout.
Pork Carnitas
The carnitas tacos follow very similarly to the chicken tacos, great toppings and flavor, but unfortunately the meat falls short again. The carnitas here are on the dry and chewy side.
Closing Thoughts
Overall I’d say Mezoco is a good taco spot, and to give them the benefit of the doubt things happen and quality might have had an off day with both the meat and the tortillas. The sauces, and fresh produce used to prepare the toppings is A+, it leads me to believe it was maybe an off day. I would try their other tacos again, just don’t believe the hype. They are good tacos there’s just a lot of taco spots that surpass them in the Garden State.
- Solid Taco Review Score: 7/10
- Taco Price: $10 for 3 tacos, $4 for 1, 10 for $30
- Location: Montclair, NJ
- Strengths: very fresh toppings and spices
Solid Taco Review 
Hey Paul,
My name is Greg Cuoco and I’m the owner and head chef of Mezoco. Thank you so much for the honest review. There is only one way to get better and it isn’t only hearing how great things are. I definitely think you caught us on an off day so I would encourage you to give us another shot. I look forward to sharing some more taco love.
Have a good one.
Greg
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Greg,
I’ll definitely be back to try you guys again, I can understand having an off day.
Thanks,
Paul
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