#103: Dollar Tacos at El Paraiso

Thanks to films such as Super-Size Me and Fast Food Nation, we all know that "fast food" is bad.  Bad for our health, often bad for our farms and farmworkers, the environment and small town communities.  However, in the decision to get fast food, guilt is no match for hunger, convenience, and cost.  What's the solution to our need for good, cheap, filling food served fast from familiar faces?

South Bend's answer is El Paraiso.  This grocery store, owned by Jalisco-native Rafael Martinez, stocks an array of Hispanic goods and cooking needs, but off on the left side, there is a small kitchen/taqueria.  On Wednesdays and Sundays, they serve dollar tacos (corn or flour, red or green salsa), filled with your choice of meat (or not) and cilantro and onions.  Upgrade to the taco paraiso, a delicious mash of tomatoes, avocado, and goodness.  Be forewarned: you will probably make this a weekly tradition.

Did I mention their warm and accommodating service?
They let us order takeout even though it was a minute or two past closing--muchas gracias!

Just like at any fast food restaurant, you order your food at the counter, and you can either sit at a brightly-painted table or take it to go.  If only there was a drive-through.

When: Until 8pm.  (The grocery store stays open until 9:00 pm)
Where: 425 S. Main Street, convenient to both downtown and the Hispanic community on Western
Tip:  Try the horchata--not just so you can sing along to the Vampire Weekend song knowing what you're talking about--but it's a welcome complement to the spicy salsas offered.