What’s Good: Hankook Taqueria

Editor’s Note: Today, we kick off our new series of exclusive reviews by four local food lovers and bloggers searching for Intown’s best food and drink. Each week, we’ll post a review from one of our bloggers. First up is art director Thom Volarath.

By Thom Volarath

I’m a huge fan of the West Coast. From San Diego to Seattle, the west coast is famous for mixing cultures and food into something that is unique and memorable.

With that being said, I am loving Hankook Taqueria, 1341 Collier Road, the latest addition to the West Side. This Korean taco joint is located in a unassuming building on the industrial side of Collier Road. Don’t blink or rely on your GPS looking for it, you might miss it (I’ve driven past it every time). Inside and outside, the décor is simple and unassuming. But check out the menu and the hipsters lining the booths, and you know this place is awesome.

The simple menu has three categories: Tacos, Burritos, and Street Snacks. Prices range between $2.25 to $6. Tacos are pretty self-explanatory. It’s meat, with sauce and veggies. What makes theirs different, are the Korean spices and flavors. I’ve tried all the tacos, but my favorites are the beef “Bul Gogi” taco and the fish “Saeng Seon” taco. The former is marinated in a mild spicy bbq sauce and the latter is panko crusted tilapia with a hoisin tartar sauce. My friend Ron swears by the chicken “Dak Gogi” taco. All are accompanied by the usual suspects, lettuce, green onions, cilantro, and limes.

The burritos have the same flavor combinations as the tacos but are served with a side of Kimchee Fried Rice. The Street Snacks section an interesting array of common street foods like nachos and sliders, but with a Korean twist. My favorite from this group is the “Bibim Bop”, a generous combination of spicy beef, vegetables with rice, all topped with a fried egg. Spend a couple of minutes mixing everything together before you eat and be rewarded with a filling and flavorful dish. All this joy for only $6.

Rumor has it that the Hankook owner just purchased a mobile taco truck. So even if you can’t make it down Collier Road, hopefully Hankook will be selling their unique deliciousness at a parking lot near you. I personally can’t wait that long. Me and my GPS are headed to Hankook for lunch right now.