Tacos La Canasta de Jalisco

Midtown Reno · Mexican · $ · 1510 S. Wells Ave · (818) 993-2487 · Weekends only

Every Saturday and Sunday since 2021, a faded food truck has claimed its spot in the empty lot of a framing shop where Wells Avenue meets Capitol Hill. Once bright red, but now more of a sunset-y orange, it doesn't look like much — but don't let the setting discourage you from stopping. Simply follow the line to the window, place your order with the cheerful and ever-smiling proprietress, Ruth Ibarra, and you'll begin to understand why.

Hailing from Guadalajara, everything Ruth and her husband Francisco prepare speaks of an incredible love for place. Their specialty, tacos de canasta — basket tacos — are steamed soft and arrive with fillings of beans, beef, or crispy chicharrón. The steamed tortilla absorbs the filling's savory richness yielding nothing like the crispy snap of a fried taco. This is comfort, not crunch. Draped with tangy crema and whatever salsa you choose from the ice-filled tray — green tomatillo, red chile, or the incendiary ranchera — they are as good as any taco you'll find anywhere. Ruth makes everything fresh: Sonora-style tortillas, handcrafted aguas frescas, jericalla desserts — a love letter to her family, to her history.

Incredibly, both Ruth and Francisco work full-time jobs Monday through Friday, and yet somehow get into the truck with their daughters every weekend to feed the community. They serve more than tacos and tortas. They serve Guadalajara, on a paper plate. Grab a plastic chair at the communal table or stand and eat surrounded by families, abuelitas, locals. Dig in. Watch the pure joy at the window. Suddenly, Jalisco doesn't seem all that far away.

Don't miss: Ask for the torta ahogada and eat it straight from the bag.