A dream come true for late-night partygoers and cocktail fanatics alike, Q Tacos and Machos Cantina are now open on Cedar Springs. Serving delicious tacos until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays through their handy taco window, Q makes a welcome addition to the strip. Their offerings glide in the unexplored area between traditional Mexican street tacos and the loaded, Americanized tacos so many hate to love - or vice versa. Occupying the former Quesa space on 3900 Cedar Springs, Quesa owners Fransisco and Patricia Cabrera have teamed up with Michael Martensen to reinvigorate the space. Based on Martensen's past projects, Madrina and Proof & Pantry, I knew this would be a unique taco and cocktail experience.
Proof & Pantry executive chef Nick Hurry created the menu with a completely fresh outlook, never having done tacos before, and it shows in the best way possible. Classics like the beef barbacoa and trompo are part of a small yet diverse menu featuring unexpected additions like the Cauliflower Taco. Hurry has spent the last 45 days perfecting each taco and side, some created through unintended coincidences, such as the Mexican Street Corn. Following a delayed shipment of crema necessary for the elote, Hurry modified the recipe to exclude the Mexican elote staple and opted for just using mayo out of necessity. The result is a unique twist on a classic, and I highly recommend trying it on your next visit.
After eating a full spread of tacos, I definitely have my favorites that you need to try. The Cauliflower was extremely unexpected yet delicious, featuring golden raisins for a touch of sweetness. The Pork Belly, El Pastor, and Barbacoa are also a must on your next visit, each blending the traditional with Hurry’s modern touch. Even though I’m not a big fan of fish tacos, the Market White Fish wasn’t half bad, but it wasn’t my favorite. All tacos are under $4.
In short, just show them this list on your next visit:
Cauliflower, Pork Belly, El Pastor, Barbacoa, and Elote
If you’re still hungry, get:
The Gringa, Chicken Chorizo, and the queso (and maybe a second order of their amazing elote)
When you do go, and you will go, just remember there are 2 taco windows and don't order food at the bar. The fast-paced bar hopping crowd on Cedar Springs demands a fast drink, and a good one at that. If you've been to Madrina or Proof & Pantry, you already know the delicious and inventive cocktails Martensen and his team are known for, but now their goal is to have it in your hand in under a minute. You read that right. Less than 60 seconds will pass by between your order and your first sip of heavenly nectar. Mezcal, tequila, and.....frozen vodka Red Bull? One of these things is not like the other, but with the summer coming up it just might be the fuel you need to survive the impending months of Texas heat. I'm on a no-fun run getting ready for summer, so if you're like me, ask for a non-alcoholic Summer Wave or Michelada! Both are very refreshing in the warm weather and pair with the tacos well.
Q Tacos will be open for lunch and until 4 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Machos Cantina will open at 4pm daily.
For happy hours, events, and more info, visit:
Instagram: @qtacosatmachoscantina