Yes :-) Remi's review (Dec 22nd 2006)

One can probably claim that a gas station might not be the optimal location for a taco shop, at least as far as ambiance is concerned, and Taqueria El Mercado does leave a bit to desired in that department. Located in the old El Gallo Giro spot you pretty much have to choose between a view of Fred Meyer across the street or Conoco’s candy-bar selection.

But ambiance be damned, I’m more interested in the quality of the tacos, and Mercado manages to serve up some pretty good ones. Not Guerrero good, but definitely worth checking out if you’re an aspiring tacoista.

The al pastor, a type of marinated meat (often pork) we don’t see enough of around here, was delicious and definitely on par with anything I have had in Mexico. A bonus is that the taco only consists of the meat and the tortillas, letting you you add whatever else you want from a large “pepper bar.” Here you can find anything you would expect to find in an authentic Mexican restaurant, including garnishes, salsas, pickled vegetables… You know the stuff. I quite like assembling my own taco as it means I can add my preferred stash, as much or as little of it as I wish.

On the flip side I can not recommend the fish taco. The Jennifer tried one and it was way too greasy. We’re talking soaking through the tortillas here, which is not only messy but also makes it borderline inedible.

The fish should be avoided, and the ambiance is negligible, nut the $1.25 al pastor tacos are definitely worth checking out. Taqueria El Mercado is a good alternative to the once proud La Katrina located just a block down the street.