On the hunt for tacos

Skip the skywalk and take your lunch break outside. Track down one of these delicious taco stands in Des Moines and you're in for an authentic Mexican treat.

The truck: Tacos Tarasco

Where I found it: On the corner of S.E. 14th Street and Edison Avenue.

What to expect: One man was running the place when I stopped by at noon on a Wednesday. The menu consisted of burritos, quesadillas, tortas (a yummy sandwich with your choice of meat) and tacos - all for under $6.50. The food is cooked to order, so be prepared to wait a few minutes.

The tacos: At $1.50 each, I ordered one pastor (spicy sausage) to keep it familiar and one cabeza (beef head) to try something new. As soon as I was finished ordering I could hear the veggies hit the grill in a loud sizzle. The two little tacos, about four inches in diameter, were ready about three minutes later, and were topped with chopped onion and cilantro. The plate was also adorned with a whole grilled jalapeno, perfectly sauteed onion chunks and two lime wedges. Both tacos were hot and delicious.

The truck: Tacos Jerez

Where I found it: On the corner of East 14th and Buchanan streets.

What to expect: Mom takes the orders, Dad makes the orders and their little girl talks with the customers at this family-owned stand. Quesadillas, burritos, tortas, and tacos are all under $6, with tacos going for $1.50.

The tacos: The asada (grilled beef) was a healthy pile of ground meat, sweet grilled onions and fresh cilantro on a warm, soft tortilla. The chorizo (sausage) was similar to the first, but a bit spicier. A squeeze of fresh lime juice from the wedge on my plate made it taste clean and light.

The truck: Tacos Degollados

Where I found it: On the corner of 19th Street and University Avenue

What to expect: This stand seems to attract a few more people over the lunch hour. More people were working the grill (I counted three behind the screen) and the large awning off the truck covered twice as many picnic tables as the other trucks I visited.

The tacos: I went for the lengua ($1.50), a beef tongue taco I was told is amazing. It was. The meat was tender, and the taco was topped with large grilled onion chunks and their spicy red sauce - just the right amount of heat. Although the other tacos looked great, I opted for a steak quesadilla ($5.50) instead, and I'm glad I did. Between the crispy tortillas, the steak and melted cheese were hot and delicious. My pineapple jarritos, a Mexican soda, was the perfect complement to my meal.