A few minutes into my visit at Momma’s Tacos, Alejandra Aguilar Gonzaga, the owner and the restaurant’s namesake comes over to say, hi. I don’t know Gonzaga and this is my first visit to Momma’s Tacos, but Gonzaga likes to greet those who come into her restaurant. She heard what my wife and I ordered for our kids and she thinks we made a mistake. We should order the additas bowl, she said. This mini bowl of rice and beans comes with your choice of meat and a complementary traditional Mexican toy. But most importantly, it is what Gonzaga’s grandchildren like the best, she said. Then turning to my daughter she said directly to her, “You’ll love it.” My daughter is only 1, but seemed intrigued, so we switched things up.
That’s the kind of warmth and character you experience at Momma’s Taco, a celebrated Mexican restaurant. The restaurant reopened in in May after being closed for just over a year due to a fire. After hearing good things for many years I finally made it down to the restaurant which is located in sight of the New Milford green in the heart of the Litchfield County town. I fell hard for the fresh flavorful assortment of traditional Mexican food and the friendly laid-back vibes. Momma’s Tacos is a casual spot that certainly isn’t big, but it’s large enough and feels roomy. The dining area has high ceilings and lots of natural light. There’s a few big tables as well as counter seating area that overlooks part of the kitchen, and gives the place a laid-back diner-style feel.
The food is good old fashioned Mexican comfort food of the kind I always crave. The birria tacos ($19.50) are a signature item and are some of the best I’ve had. The dish features the usual assortment of grilled tortillas with cheese and braised beef birria, along with cilantro and onion toppings and a beef consommé, but here each component really shines. You taste each ingredient including melted cheese that is filled with beef-drenched richness and the shredded beef itself, which is so flavorful I’d eat it plain.
Another highlight is the vegetarian burrito bowl ($17.90), which is bursting with color and flavor and is a wonderful gluten free option. Here, rice beans, cheese, guacamole, lettuce, sour cream and pico de gallo salsa all join forces for a dish that makes you forget all about the missing tortilla. Another strong offering are the tacos ($4.50 per taco). I tried the al pastor and chorizo taco, and was more of a fan of the al pastor but enjoyed both.
Momma’s Tacos doesn’t currently have a liquor license but my server indicated they’d like to get one in the future. In the meantime, Mexican coke served in a glass bottle and made with real sugar is a wonderful choice, and Momma’s Tacos is a great family friendly grab and go or sit down destination.
For dessert we tried the tres leches cake ($5.90), which was a nice and affordable close to the meal, if nothing particularly flashy. And, yes, both my daughter and son did love the additas Gonzaga recommended at the start of our meal.
Erik Ofgang shares his opinions on food and drink in the state. He is the co-author of “The Good Vices” and has written for The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Smithsonian, Forbes and other publications. He pens a Connecticut Magazine column titled “Craft Cruising” about the state’s beverage scene.
