Steph used to work at Boom Boom Mex Mex in Syracuse, a restaurant that has lost some of its luster over the years as it has changed hands, but still carries a stellar reputation for great Mexican food in the area.
Ponchito’s on Fayette Street has long been my favorite traditional taco in Syracuse, and the reason for that is their balance. I feel like Michael watched my videos and knew exactly what kind of tacos I liked when he made these for me.
It’s been maybe four or five years since I first went to Ponchito’s and crowned them as my favorite traditional tacos in Syracuse. The tacos he makes are one Chicharrón, one Carne Asada, and one Pollo, loaded up with cilantro, pico de gallo, salsa, and their hot sauce. Some have guacamole, some have cheese. All of them are delicious.
What I love most about these tacos is the balance. There’s a lot going on, but there’s this really strong harmony between the meat, the salt, the fat, the creaminess, and then the bright acidity from the salsa, the hot sauce, and the pico. It’s a really well-balanced bite. Every element is thrown into high gear, but it all works together.
I will admit that these tacos are not quite the revelation today that they were five years ago when I first had them. I still think they hold up as some of the best tacos in Syracuse — which, I’ll admit, is not the highest bar. There are some great tacos in Syracuse, but compared to other markets in New York like Buffalo and Rochester, the taco scene just isn’t as developed. I hope that doesn’t sound too harsh, because I genuinely love Ponchito’s, and if I was going out for tacos right now that’s the first place I would go.
I took Steph with me and we both really liked them. I think we have a very similar palate, because we had nearly identical notes on the flavors and overall balance.
A very special thank you to our friends at Acropolis Realty Group for sponsoring Eat Local New York Taco Month and making all of this possible. If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Syracuse or Central New York, or need help with a commercial property, make sure you reach out to the crew at Acropolis Realty Group.
Ponchito’s Taqueria
3800 New Court Ave.
Syracuse, NY
Find them on social media here
