Tinga Taqueria

    I was 6 years old the first time I ate at Tinga's. I had only eaten Mexican with my uncle Alex in the city twice before (Mind you it was a basic cheese and steak quesadilla.) I was still ordering off of the "Kid's Menu" at this time and there was no reason I was going to stop that ritual in foreign territory. Since I liked the cheese quesadilla I ate in the city I decided to try theirs (I knew it wouldn't let me down.) Surely enough, I liked it.
    My father would always order something I'd never consider twice. Looking back now I laugh at the thought of what I imagined to be such a complex order;  most of what my dad was ordering back then I am ordering now. As I explored the menu more through the growing years I discovered many delicious dishes the Tinga's menu had to offer.
1)The California Burrito= (Vegetarian)a basic burrito rice, beans, cheese, and avocado.
2)Mission Burrito=(for those who are unadventurous) Beans, rice, and cheese
3)BBQ Pork Burrito= (a personal favorite) Rice, Beans, Cheese, pulled pork, and BBQ sauce
4)Spinach Quesadilla=(My Dad's personal favorite) Grilled Mushroom, spinach, cheese, and onions
5)Build-Your-Own-Nacho's= Various items can be put in the nacho's, guacamole, sour cream, beans, chicken and so forth practically anything you request.
6)Chicken Wings= (I have always been a huge fan of the chicken wings at Tinga's, BBQ is the best!) There are 3 flavors offered at Tinga's, Mild, Tangy, or BBQ none of which will let you down.
7)Vegetarian Chili= Delicious blend of beans, onion, tomato and spices, dolloped with onions and sour cream on top!


    My best friend and I used to talk about how Tinga's was our favorite restaurant in Montclair. We would sit on the Monkey bars and tell each other what we would want to order for lunch. I've unfortunately grown to realize that Tinga's is a little plainer than I used to think. When ordering something like the "shrimp burrito" (shrimp, cheese, beans & rice) it's best to throw in an extra item just to make sure your getting all the flavor in the package. The Taco's are a little disappointing, I don't find much flavor in them at all, but at least they come with Rice and Beans...
The food is satisfying, but for what your getting it's definitely a little pricey. Tinga's is better quality then Chevy's or Jose Tejas, but it's certainly comparable to Chipotle. The ingredients are fresh (which is always good) and its quickly put together. The downside is that Chipotle is HALF the price and has double the amount of flavor that Tinga does.
    Tinga's has a lovely a party room for large groups formally known as "El Penguin Room." On Saturdays and Sundays they offer a brunch menu, and Monday through Friday they offer $6 dollar burrito's!
    Over all Tinga's is a nice restaurant to have in town. Tinga's delivers to Upper Montclair and the South End of Montclair. I won't soon stop ordering from there, and it certainly helps that they offer the "build your own" option to make it just the way you like it!