Monday Munchies: Top shelf tacos in Springdale

The setup: This 30-year-old butcher shop-turned-diner in the heart of Springdale has been on my list to check out for a while, but the New York Times beat me to it and named it to its list of the greatest Mexican restaurants in the U.S.

• There is no official menu. Whoever hosts you at the door — for us it was Esméralda — will recite what's on offer, which is generally tacos, burritos and tortas in varieties of prepared beef, pork and chorizo.

The verdict: My friend and I agree this food is clearly on a different level than any Americanized taco spot, and really even from most of the authentic taquerias we've tried over the years.

• Owner Ricardo Palos makes the chorizo, carnitas and chicharrones in-house, according to the Times.
• The meat is insanely delicious.

Best bites: I don't think you can go wrong here, but the carnitas street taco ($4) is good enough to make you weep.

• The sirloin steak ($5.50) and the pork belly ($5) are runners-up.
• The verde sauce wasn't spicy on this visit, but Esméralda said it varies from day to day.

I hear breakfast is superb, though I can't yet vouch for it.

Bottom line: This place needs to be on everyone's short list of stops.

• Check it out: Located at 224 Caudle Ave., in Springdale. Serving 8am-6pm every day.