Nestled inconspicuously amidst the urban town of Ramsey, the 27-year-old and counting restaurant, Badlands Tacos, celebrates “Taco Tuesday” traditions every week. Every time I go the air is alive with the sizzle of grills and the aroma of spices. The quality of the ingredients is evident in every dish, and I eagerly await for Monday to pass as Badlands Tacos whips up their Tuesday-only taco recipes for dinner.
From the handmade tortillas crafted using age-old techniques passed down through generations, to the meticulously sourced ingredients that leave your taste buds wanting more, every bite is a testament to the culinary passion of the chefs behind the scenes and Taco Tuesday traditions.
Every Tuesday, like clockwork, this unassuming spot transforms into a haven for taco connoisseurs like myself. Badlands Tacos offers four different kinds of “mini street tacos” for $3 a pop. You can choose any, or all, styles of tacos such as beef, chicken, chorizo or tilapia. My personal favorite is the beef tacos, which I get every time I go.
Topped with onion, tomato and cilantro, the beef and chicken tacos are the most popular. The delicious chipotle hot sauce drizzled on the chicken tacos, or the original Tapatio hot sauce accompanying the beef tacos make for the best street tacos on the East Coast. The chorizo tacos are topped with black beans, onion, cilantro and sliced jalapenos.
If you’re more of a seafood person, you can’t go wrong with the tilapia tacos which are topped with lime, cabbage, onion, cilantro and chipotle aioli sauce wrapped in two warm and soft corn tortillas.
Growing up in and out of southern California where the majority of my family resides, and the fact that I’m Mexican, means I have high standards for tacos, and Badlands meets the criteria. With an extensive Mexican cuisine menu, there are many options to try including some of my everyday favorites like the chimichangas and specialized burritos like the “Mad Dog Burrito,” which consists of half-chicken and half-beef with sour cream, salsa, lettuce and tomato — minus the tomato for me.
Badlands also offers a limited menu for those who are vegetarians throughout the week, but you can only try those phenomenal and iconic street tacos on Tuesday evenings. The lunch and dinner menu is fantastic, but I would highly recommend treating yourself to the delicious warm churros for $1.50 each or homemade brownies.
The friendly staff and inviting atmosphere enhance the dining experience, making the setting a must-visit for anyone in the area. Badlands Tacos is a short seven-minute drive from Ramapo and is available to order via Uber Eats and DoorDash. They are open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Badlands is a consistent culinary business that cranks out delicious meals, especially on Tuesdays when their under-rated mini street tacos create happiness from your mouth to your heart. You will not regret trying this place. After all, in a world filled with countless dining options, sometimes it’s the unassuming spots that hold the greatest treasures.
5/5 stars
krosen@ramapo.edu
Featured photo by Karissa Rosen
