If you’re near Rittiman and I-35 around the lunch hour, there’s no shortage of amazing, inexpensive Mexican restaurants, though Tapatia seems to be consistently among the most popular. The interior of the restaurant is structured similarly to a Jim’s or Denny’s, with wooden risers separating the seating area like a bookcase into compartments.
Most of the clientele are laborers, and there certainly seemed to be an emphasis on efficiency. Orders are taken quickly and food is presented in short order, allowing anyone looking for a quick bite to find an appealing option in the taqueria.
Chips and salsa are gratis, though graze lightly because the lunch special portions are generous. I went with the enchiladas verdes ($7.49), a combo that included three torpedoed tortillas brimming with chicken, an ample serving of rice and beans, and a piquant, acidic tomatillo sauce that had a pleasantly subtle warmth of spice.