New Bedford’s Hidden Gem Taco Truck Is Back and Better Than Ever

I don't know who needs to hear this, but the El Tarrito Taco Truck has returned to New Bedford and is just in time for me to eat tacos. After COVID-19 hit, the small family business was out of work for quite some time, even though they've been around for the past seven years. The pandemic caused them to shut down business for quite some time, but I'm happy to report that this tiny taco truck is back and better than ever.

When I first caught wind of this plain-Jane-looking truck from Jackson, I wasn't sure if it was actually in business or not. After finally giving it a chance, I was blown away. Hear my words, SouthCoast: El Tarrito Taco Truck is the real deal and you need to try it for yourself.

The corner of Hassey and South Street is where you'll find this unique and authentic Mexican cuisine on wheels. Just plug in 8 Hassey Street in New Bedford into your GPS and you'll be guided right to where El Tarrito's is parked.

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As I walked up to the window, I was greeted by a very nice man named Juan, and in the back, co-owner Latissa was busy as a bee cooking an order that was placed right before mine. The smells emitting from the grill were so enticing, I was convinced to order more than I had originally intended.

"How's it going? I'll take three tacos please," I asked Juan. "One carne asada (braised beef), one carnitas (braised pork), and one pollo (seasoned chicken)."

Each taco was made in a corn tortilla with onion and cilantro and the total came to $9 (just three bucks per taco). Talk about a tasty deal.

"Here you go, sir," Juan said as he passed me the to-go bag. "We really hope you enjoy it. Oh, and here's a Jarritos on the house!"

I've never had a Jarritos before, which is a Mexican pineapple-flavored soda pop that paired perfectly with my tacos. I'll admit, as delicious as the three tacos were, my favorite was the chicken, seasoned to perfection and loaded with flavor. On the side, I was given some fresh-cut limes to squeeze over the tacos and my choice of a mild or hot sauce. Now, let me warn you, as much as you think you can handle the heat, be wary of this sauce. It's very tasty, but it packs a mighty punch, so consider yourself warned.

If I learned any valuable lesson that day, it was to never judge a taco by its shell. El Tarrito's is the real deal, people.