We can’t be the only ones who’ve noticed that Charlottesville’s cuisine scene is trending toward tacos. Even fine dining spot C&O offers a version on its late-night menu. But who would win in a blind battle? We put nine to the test, choosing only restaurants in the city and only those open for lunch, to save our judges from slipping into ta-comas. (We also asked some local chefs to weigh in on their favorite taco fillings, toppings and tortillas. See their Restaurant Week menus here.)
Who’s the real winner in this battle? Pretty much everyone—the readers, the judges, the taco joints, even the photographers. Nevertheless, only one could win. Would it be local legend La Michoacana? Old standby Baja Bean? Or perhaps one of the upstarts—Brazos Tacos, The Bebedero or Yearbook?
Starting with a list of 12 tacquerias, our field of competitors shrank to nine when Aqui es Mexico, La Tortuga Feliz and El Tako Nako were unavailable at tasting time. Still, our judges pressed on—heads tilted, taking in every savory bite. Here’s who came out on top.