El Buen Pastor Taqueria

El Buen Pastor sits on the south side of Rideau St. In checking out the website, they feature their trompo, so my expectations were high that I'd get the tacos al pastor that I love so much. Unfortunately, I went on a Monday, their slowest day. When I walked in, the trompo was empty. I talked to the owner and he was very upfront saying that they do the trompo the rest of the week and not on Monday because he doesn't like freezing the unused meat. I can respect that. I went ahead and ordered a chicken taco and an al pastor taco.

They served it with a tray of onions, cilantro, and limes, along with a salsa roja and salsa verde. Both salsas were spicy and tasty. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

Both of the tacos were fantastic with tender meat and flavourful seasonings. The owner even brought out a third taco for me to try with the previous day's meat from the trompo, so I could compare, and there was definitely a difference. It had a richer flavour but a drier meat, understandably so. I definitely want to go back on a day when I can get the meat freshly shaved from the trompo.

While I was here, I figured I'd go ahead and order the quesabirria tacos, which come in threes with a side of consommé. Again, absolutely fantastic flavours with the beef. The consommé was a little lighter than others I've tried but still really good.

I don't want to focus on authenticity, but this place really felt like it nailed what I was looking for and expecting in a Mexican-style taco. I will absolutely be coming back.