Funny story, this wasn’t the original plan. I had mistaken the venue of our final destination: a candlelight concert in East Vancouver. I assumed it was the Orpheum, based on a previous conversation and as a result we planned on having happy hour at a taco bar within walking distance of it.
Fast forward, we were conversing on the agreed upon dinner destination when I released the actual venue was at Famee Furlane, and despite half the group already there waiting in line, we decided to change our pregame plans to Tacofino on Hastings, which is within walking distance to Famee Furlane. Luckily I was able to exit my Uber right in-front of the taco chain and lo and behold I was now early.
There was plenty of seating and no lines. Like all their other locations, it is counter service, but you can open a tab.
It smelled good walking in, baked corn shells and cheese. Out of all the locations I have visited so far, I really like this one for their lighting feature. An inter-woven copper and glass web showcasing succulents in white vases. It really gave the space character, but felt like it was inherited from its predecessors.
We were just in time for happy hour Monday to Friday from 3-6pm, so took advantage. I started with a $10 margarita as I waited, available in all their flavours at 2oz each. I went with a creamy blueberry coconut in a wonderful fuchsia hue. Berry and salty it made for a good aperitif.
They also margaritas in the popular spicy lime and a pomegranate number.
In truth, the restaurant made an exception for me as they actually aren’t allowed to serve alcohol without food, but I told them I was just here early and everyone would be arriving a few minutes later at 5:30pm.
Seeing as we had 30 minutes left to take advantage of happy hour pricing, I took it upon myself to order most of the food items, while it was still on special. Although minus the chips and dip platter at $10, seeing as the nachos are essentially the same, but with more toppings. For our group of 4 we ordered 2 of the flowing.
The happy hour Stadium Nachos saves you $11. Dressed with cheese sauce, pickled jalapeños, black beans, sour cream, and salsa roja. The thick crispy chip base was the key, strong enough to carry the weight of the heavy cheese sauce. It was like the hot melted cheese you pump, but gourmet. It had enough flavour to carry the dish, with the rest adding spice and texture.
A Pound of Wings with valentina butter sauce saves you $9.50 on the happy hour menu, although it might also be a reduced serving. These were healthy sized drumlet and wings stacked carefully. Coated in tangy tahini seasoning, the buttery sauce helped to temper and even out the over reaching flavour.
And I was going to get the gringas anyways, as my favourite of all their offerings, so was happy to get the 2 for $10 price here. These are soft tacos, given a fried crispy cheese skirt. Already bold in flavour with the cheese, you have a choice of filling between either beef or fried chicken along with tomatoes and more cheese. Served with cheese, Lime crema, and salsa fresca. Between the two I liked the crispy fried chicken over the soggier pulled meat, allowing the gringa to stay crispier for longer with a crunch. In writing this now, I could use a couple.
In short, not the most inexpensive option for happy hour, but a solid option for great food in the community.
Tacofino Commissary
2327 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1V6
(604) 253-8226
tacofino.com
