After accepting a new job, I took a week off from work to relax, regroup and prepare for a new beginning.  Aside from shopping, a pedicure and getting my hair done, I was able to enjoy a weekday lunch in Hoboken.  My brunch buddy, employed in Hoboken, always tells me about the great food trucks and lunch spots that I never seem to experience on the weekends.  So on a beautiful (but windy) Thursday afternoon I met him on Pier C to scope out the Hoboken lunch scene.

At first we were going to try one of the various lunch trucks along Hoboken’s waterfront, but with the baking sun and intense wind, a meal inside was a better option.  We walked downtown searching for the delicious meal of a food truck, with the comforts (and air conditioning) of an indoor spot.  We walked down Newark to one of the only places in Hoboken that appeals to both desires, The Taco Truck.  It is located on Newark Street between Hudson and Washington Streets (right around the corner from Carlo’s Bakery).

Along the left side of the wall, a large blackboard lists their many menu options: tacos, sandwiches, salads and sides.  What to pick when there are so many delicious options?  Here’s my recap…

Just like the Truck, but Inside. The Taco Truck started out (you guessed it!) as a truck in October 2009 making the lunchtime rounds in populated areas of Hoboken and Jersey City.  After developing a loyal customer base, they opened a brick and mortar location in Hoboken the following summer.

Honoring their roots, order windows were built to give the appearance that the customer is still going to a truck to pick up their lunch.  Each counter has a neon number above the order window.  All cooking and serving is done from within this metal enclosure.  After your order has been placed, you are given a buzzer and time to find a comfortable seat.  Wood slated benches line the wall and outside tables are perfect for enjoying the sights and sounds of Hoboken on beautiful day.

Guacamole.  Chips and guacamole are by far my favorite part of any Mexican meal.  Although I enjoy restaurants that make the guacamole right in front of you, the guacamole at The Taco Truck is absolutely delicious.  The bright green color of the avocado further proves how fresh all of their ingredients are.  For $2.50 we were given a paper bag of warm chips and a metal container of guacamole.

Tacos. The Taco Truck is not your average Mexican fast food chain (i.e. Taco Bell).  Their menu features about ten different tacos with pork, beef, chirozo or fish.  The ingredients in each taco are carefully thought out to ensure the authenticity of homemade Mexican cuisine is present in each item.

Some highlights include the Al Pastor Taco, marinated pork taco with onions, cilantro and pineapple and the Camaron, seared shrimp taco with Mexican slaw, pico de gallo, salsa and Mexican tartar sauce.  Although these may sound like an upscale plate, their prices perfectly fit within a weekday lunch budget.

I ordered the Carnitas Michoacan, slow braised sweet pork tucked inside two fresh tortillas.  For $4.50, I was served two tacos with onion and cilantro and a choice of salsa- I went with mild.  Never the one for minimal condiments on top, I added guacamole, crema and crumbled queso cotija to give it a little extra flavor.  The pork was soft and chewy and packed with flavor.

Mexican Sandwiches. Aside from tacos, The Taco Truck serves Tortas, Mexican sandwiches.  These sandwiches are toasted and layered with a protein, onions, avocado, crema, pickled jalapenos for a punch of spiciness and black beans.

My “lunch” buddy ordered the Barbacoa de Castilla, braised shredded beef with a spicy, chipotle salsa.  He loved it, raving that the beef was soft and delicious, and the bread used was both crunchy and chewy.  With a lot of different flavors packed in, you can expect a bit of a kick with every bite.  He highly recommended it.

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.  The most impressive thing about The Taco Truck is their commitment to sustainability and staying environmentally conscious.  They make it a priority to serve fresh, locally grown, organic ingredients.

All dishes and serving wear are metal, reducing the garbage left behind by each patron.  Their garbage area is broken down into three separate trash sections.  Compost, for all food waste, Recycle, for all bottles and cans and Garbage for any other non-food waste from your meal.

Out of five spoons, I give The Taco Truck four.  Mexican is one of my favorite types of food, I am never able to say no to a little guacamole.  Usually a frequenter of Charritos, I think The Taco Truck is a great alternative for a casual lunch or dinner.  The portions were the perfect size for lunch, so you do not have to go back to work feeling overly full!

Aside from their delicious and authentic menu selections, their devotion to environment is very admirable. The metal containers containing our lunches were an adorable accent to the meal.  Also good to note, The Taco Truck stays open until 2 am on the weekends., a perfect place for a post bar snack.  I had a great experience at The Taco Truck, definitely a place to check out, so as their logos states…Eat More Tacos!