Description: El Taco Real is a hidden gem in Northwest Indiana. It is located deep in the heart of Hammond, a place that wouldn't allow you to stumble upon this treasure as it is not on a main road, nor really an area you would want to putz around. Locals are really the only visitors to this restaurant, which is a true shame as it has some of the tastiest Mexican cuisine that I have ever experienced.
I usually go to El Taco as my typical "catching-up" meal. We usually start with a pitcher of beer and quickly followed by complimentary chips and salsa. Their salsa is not a normal chunky salsa. I would describe it as a tomato puree with spices. If this doesn't suit your fancy, you can also ask for pico de gallo which is a little closer to regular salsa. In addition, we also ask for their peppers and Mexican white cheese (also complimentary) which you can cut into chunks and eat with the chips and salsa. I am salivating just sitting here thinking about it. =)
Anyways, I usually eat the Queso Fundido as a meal and as many times that I have tried to replicate it at home, it never tastes as good as it does at the restaurant. My father does the Enchilada Suizas and gets a double order to take the second half home. My husband has tried the sopas and enchiladas and would highly recommend both.
This restaurant gets very crowded on weekend nights so go early. If you end up having to wait, they have a small bar, but sometimes they run out of room and you are either smashed in the entrance hallway, or, if it's nice, you are hanging out outside the restaurant.
Also, for those interested, at this time, they do have a smoking section.
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