Where to Enjoy Taco Tuesday in Paris


 

The western tradition of Taco Tuesday has infiltrated the international dining scene in Paris.

Mexican food is available in the city of lights the way croissants and baguettes are: abundant, fresh and hot! Those spots that offer tacos see a great influx of customers on Tuesday evenings, with everyone wanting to celebrate the tradition.

The following are my favorite taco spots in the city, a few of them have discounted rates on offer on Tuesdays.

Candelaria in Paris

Candelaria is some of the best Mexican food you’ll find in the city. It’s situated in le Marais, right where the 3rd arrondissement meets the 4th.

It’s mind blowing… if you can get a table.

There are only a few seats available in the tiny eatery that is Candelaria. Seven stools lined up against the kitchen counter, and a six seater table on the restaurant floor.

Candelaria in Paris – by Candelaria – Uploaded by them

It goes without saying you’ll need to get here incredibly early if you want to enjoy tacos on a Tuesday. Candelaria does them authentic to traditional recipes, and offers a good variety of vegetarian options as well.

The real kicker is that there is a hidden room behind Candelaria that contains a secret Mexican margarita bar. It’s a speakeasy-styled space and is open for business from 6pm through until the early hours of the evening — even after the restaurant section has closed up.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 10:30pm
ADDRESS: 52 Rue de Saintonge, 75003 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Filles du Calvaire

El Nopal in Paris

El Nopal make the Paris’ most authentic tacos without question. Unfortunately there is absolutely no space inside of the cantina in which to sit and dine, so we do Taco Tuesday a little differently at this spot.

El Nopal is on the bank of the Canal Saint Martin. Each evening in Paris, particularly in the summer, hundreds of people flock to these banks, munching take-away foods while their legs dangle over the edge.

El Nopal in Paris – by El Nopal – Uploaded by them

Get your take-out order from el Nopal, and find a spot along the canal from which to have your own Taco Tuesday feast.

One thing you’ll need to keep an eye on is el Nopal’s hours of operation. Some days they close for siesta, while others they reaming open all day through. Some days they don’t open at all. Call ahead!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday — Various
ADDRESS: 3 Rue Eugène Varlin, 75010 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Louis Blanc

Café Chilango in Paris

If you move all the way down the Canal Saint Martin you’ll eventually come to its end, and to Cafe Chilango.

This eatery is often compared to Candelaria; the same authentic food but with a bit more seating space inside of the restaurant.

Café Chilango in Paris – by Café Chilango – Uploaded by them

Candelaria is festive every night of the week, but Tuesdays are particularly important. They are known for their tacos, and most travelers return to eat here a second or third time before leaving Paris.

If you’re traveling/dining with a large group of people, Cafe Chilango will happily accommodate. Try to make a reservation for dinner service on weekends!

Vegans will be pleased to know that they have some mushroom and bean tacos on their menu.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday —6:30pm to 12am
ADDRESS: 82 Rue de la Folie Méricourt, 75011 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Parmentier

Luz Verde in Paris

Luz Verde is the new kid on the block, attempting to compete for the ‘best taco’ title with  all of the spots mentioned above.

They’ve opened up in Pigalle, just a stones throw from the Moulin Rouge and other entertainment spots in this lively neighborhood.

Luz Verde in Paris – by Luz Verde – Uploaded by them

Tuesdays are important to Luz Verde, because it’s the official start of their work week and an important day for the taco-loving community. The overwhelming popularity of this spot has seen it filled to the brim day in and day out since opening.

Luz Verde has opted not to take reservations; to dine here on a Tuesday evening you’ll simply have to get here as early as possible. They open at 7pm, so anytime before 7:30pm should be fine.

Their tacos are great, but their ceviche is a must-try!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday — 12pm to 3pm // 7pm to 12am
ADDRESS: 24 Rue Henry Monnier, 75009 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Pigalle

Itacate saveurs du Mexique in Paris

Where do Mexican people go for Taco Tuesday in Paris? They go to Itacate saveurs du Mexique, in the Louvre district near les Halles.

This is believe to be a traditional take on Mexican food as you would find it on the streets of the homeland. Their taco plates consist of four shells with your choice of filling, as well as a hearty side of your choice.

Itacate saveurs du Mexique in Paris – by Itacate saveurs du Mexique – Uploaded by them

I like that Itacate saveurs du Mexique imports actual beers from Mexico, which adds to the authenticity of the dining experience.

The kitchen will also happily cater to vegetarians. I encourage vegans to order each of the veggie-based sides as well as a side of plain tortillas. You can then build your own tacos instead of trying to make exciting ones suitable.

Take note of their siesta closing hours each afternoon!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 3pm // 7pm to 10pm
ADDRESS: 94 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris, France
Metro STATION: Louvre – Rivoli

Before you sit down to dig into Taco Tuesday, treat yourself and your family to a free guided walking tour in the nearest historic neighborhood.