Exploring Hood River County’s Mexican Fare With Chef Paco Magaña With a lonchera food truck so popular that it sells out many days (get there early!), chef/owner Paco Magaña of Paco’s Tacos knows his stuff. At both the downtown Hood River and Parkdale locations, his family’s farm-raised meats like asada, al pastor, birria, carnitas and chicken — seasoned with flavors direct from Mexico — are on the menu. He recommends the loaded Mt. Hood burrito “that’s got it all,” the most popular menu item, and street tacos made “samurai style” with sour cream and extra cheese. At the Parkdale location — where his mom, Sylvia, makes the tortillas — stop in on weekends for menudo and barbacoa specials. You might see Paco’s cousin Diego — known for his carnitas — cooking at Michoacán Sports Bar & Grill in Odell, founded by his uncle Tony, or at Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant in Hood River, which uses meat from the family ranch. For both burgers and tacos, try El Cuate’s restaurant or food truck in Hood River, run by a friend of Magaña’s, whose hamburgers are spiced up with chipotle mayo. And that’s just the beginning of Hood River County’s Hispanic and Latin food offerings. Relax on the cute, dog-friendly outdoor patio at Hood River Taqueria, with a huckleberry margarita to accompany a torta Cubana, a crunchy roll filled with four kinds of pork, or enchiladas. Love & Hominy Tacos, which opened in downtown Hood River in 2022, specializes in “globally inspired” fusion food like tacos with Thai or Mediterranean spices. In the Heights neighborhood, you’ll love Lake Taco’s colorful outdoor seating area, as well as its crispy quesadilla-like mulitas and huaraches — a corn tortilla with refried pinto beans, sour cream, fresh salsas and your choice of meat. Nearby, the food truck Empanadas Maria Elba might be one of the few places you can order a Chilean-style hot dog with the works alongside a soft and savory homemade empanada. COURTESY OF PACO’S TACOS Paco’s Tacos EMPANADASMARIAELBA.COM 1109 13TH ST, HOOD RIVER • DINE-IN • TAKEOUT Orders of 12 or more please give 24-hour notice: call (541) 399-9232 or text us at (541) 490-1902 Authentic Chilean flavor Delicious homemade goodness Empanadas Maria Elba visithoodriver.com 27
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