El Camino Real – 903 N 7th St, Kansas City, KS 66101 – (913) 342-4333

This must be where authentic soft tacos go when they die…in the Midwest, anyway. Step inside, and immediately to your right is the open kitchen area where you will see fresh tortillas prepared before your eyes. Various meat fillings can be prepared in tacos, burritos and tortas. The al pastor was a hit – incredibly tender strips of marinated, slightly salty pork were a perfect match to the hot corn tortilla and the simple house salsa. Two tacos, some beans, and a beer should be enough to make anyone leave happy. Two of us enjoyed such a repast for about $15.

You’ll have to forgive me for taking a huge bite before remembering to take the photo…

The rest of the day, I could be heard exclaiming, “TACOS! Heheheheh!” a la this lil’ guy:

Ortega’s Restaurant – 2646 Belleview Ave., KCMO 64108 – (816) 531-5415

A few blocks from Southwest Blvd., Ortega’s mini-mart turns the otherwise quiet corner of 27th and Belleview into one of KC’s most lively loci for great Mexican food, every weekend.

During Sunday breakfast and lunch, a line forms through the tiny dining area. Standees hold pots and pans to be filled from the kitchen’s great cauldron of menudo, and which they will take home to supplement their Sunday dinner. The dine-in crowd enjoys their menudo alongside huevos rancheros with Ortega’s homemade chorizo (dry-textured, with a warm, smokey flavor) or freshly-made tortas. There are a number of imported Mexican soft drinks to enjoy with a meal, including the version of Coca-Cola meant for distribution in Mexico (made with probably cane sugar, not HFCS).

As with many family operations, service can be slow during the weekend rush. But don’t let that deter you – after all, you will still leave wondering how you ate so much.

Ponak’s Mexican Kitchen – 2856 Southwest Blvd., KCMO, 64108, (816)753-0775, Fax (816)753-5577

While not really authentic Mexican, this inauspicious cantina does TexMex very well with fresh ingredients and generous portions. Our favorites are the flautas and their rich, chunky guacamole. A full bar and modest prices make this place near an I-35 bridge a great weekend or after-work hotspot. And don’t forget the ‘Taco Tuesdays’ happy hour from 4-6pm.