So we’ve been to a taqueria since we moved here and an ice cream shop, but have we been to a taqueria that is also an ice cream shop? Why, yes, we have!
Not far from our house in the West End, a place our landlady told us about, is La Rancherita Taqueria y Paleteria. That’s “taco restaurant” and “posicle shop” combined. We were just done working that day and sooo hungry we couldn’t even think of going home and cooking, even though it was a little early. Our last job was near the intersection of Church/Cox Road and Three Chopt, and we knew the taco shop our landlady recommended was right there. We found it with very little searching and went inside.
I was confused at first, because one whole side of the little place had a long ice cream dipping cabinet and looked very much geared toward delightful kid-friendly treats. My husband immediately spotted the window at the back of the room that tacos whence tacos would emanate. One of his super powers is sniffing out meat, especially bacon or, in this case, tacos.
An employee greeted us cheerfully and, after determining that we were in search of savory food, led us back to the magic taco window. She helped us (me, really) come to a decision and when we told her what we wanted to order, she told the young man waiting at the window.
After our orders were placed, she showed my husband the salsa bar. It was awesome, with so many sauces to choose from! One thing we like is to try the spiciest salsa at any place. Their spicy was great but my favorite was the fresh pico or salsa.
I chose the steak tacos and the al pastor – pork seasoned with pineapple Mexican spices. Although both were good, I would get the al pastor again hands-down; it was marvelous. My husband chose the shredded beef, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Again, this was a bargain dinner. We got a side of beans and chips to share and four tacos total. The bill was really reasonable.
When we showed up, it was a little early and I think they were still in the midst of cleaning before the supper crowd. I could detect the chemical smell of cleaner and the sauce bar seemed a little in disarray. We’ll just have to go back for a second look, and maybe next time we’ll save room for a sweet treat. While we were there, a couple of people came in for the snack side, including a dad with his adorable little son.
La Rancherita Taqueria y Paleteria
3423 Cox Rd, Henrico, VA 23233
(804) 918-4861
Visited in early spring, March 2024
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