A lively, affordable Mexican restaurant with especially popular birria tacos, generous portions, and mostly warm service, though occasional quality-control and consistency complaints warrant realistic expectations.
Mr. Taco earns loyal regulars with standout birria tacos and generous portions at affordable prices, backed by friendly, attentive service. Its setting is lively but not distinctive, and occasional reports of delayed food and uneven preparation keep it just short of the very top tier.
Mr. Taco is a busy, casual Meriden Mexican restaurant with a strong neighborhood following. The room is described as clean, welcoming, and energetic, while complimentary chips and salsa set an immediately generous tone. One recurring impression is that the staff are warm and the portions are substantial, although music can run loud and busy periods occasionally disrupt timing. The cooking leans traditional and comfort-focused rather than experimental. Birria tacos are the clear star, joined by well-liked tacos, fish plates, burritos, fresh salsa, and Mexican soups. Most diners find the food flavorful and fairly priced, but a handful of repeat customers report uneven steak, dry flautas, bland tacos, or less reliable sides. The restaurant is therefore strongest when ordering the crowd favorites rather than treating every menu item as equally bulletproof. Families are well served by the current menu: children can choose nuggets with fries, cheese quesadillas, kid nachos, or two tacos with a side, while adults have plenty of familiar options. Reviews include successful family and group visits, though one reviewer notes that children must remain seated. This is an easy choice for a casual family meal, especially for kids who like tacos, quesadillas, or fries.
Area vibe: Historic New England mill-town center with a mix of civic buildings, small shops and local eateries.
Safety: Generally safe in daytime; some streets quieter at night so usual urban caution advised after dark.
What's nearby: Near Meriden Green (town common), city hall, Route 71/Route 5 corridors, local shops and small restaurant cluster.
The four Birria Tacos for $13.75 are the safest standout, but the menu has several other strong comfort-food choices.
Expect a welcoming family setting and free chips and salsa, but be prepared for loud music and occasional inconsistency when it is busy.
The room feels clean, welcoming, and energetic, with a lively volume that may not suit a quiet meal.