taqueria

[ tah-kuh-ree-uh ]

noun

1. a restaurant or stand specializing in Mexican dishes, as tacos and burritos.

Word History and Origins

Origin of taqueria¹

First recorded in 1980–85; from Central American Spanish taqueria, equivalent to tac(o) + - ería noun suffix; taco, -ery ( def )

Example Sentences

There were 10 customers, 3 cooks and himself in the taqueria when the shaking started and everyone ran outside.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of his favorite come from El Premio Mayor in Fresno, a taqueria that I completely vouch for.

From Los Angeles Times

Even if you drive below the speed limit along this drag in Everett, you might miss this unassuming taqueria tucked in a strip mall.

From Seattle Times

The office is within walking distance of his Noe Valley apartment and only steps away from some of the city’s best taquerias and cocktail bars.

From Los Angeles Times

She posts photos of herself vacationing in Europe, dyeing her hair at the salon and eating at taquerias.

From Los Angeles Times

More About Taqueria

What does taqueria mean?

A taqueria is a restaurant, food cart, or stall that specializes in serving tacos.

Tacos are a mainstay of Mexican cuisine.

Example: The taqueria downtown is the only stand that sells tacos de cabeza.

Where does taqueria come from?

Taqueria is taken directly from the Spanish word taquería. It is based on the word taco and the suffix -eria (as seen in pizzeria), a form of the suffix -ery, which indicates a place of business (as in bakery). (The word taco probably comes from the Mexican Spanish word taco, meaning “plug.”)

In Mexico, tacos are one of the main street foods, and taquerias are often carts or  market stalls, as well as regular restaurants. Outside of Mexico, especially in the United States, taqueria usually refers to an enclosed restaurant. Taquerias mainly sell tacos, but they sometimes also offer other casual Mexican favorites, like burritos.

Fast food places like Taco Bell are known for selling tacos (especially Americanized versions of them), but the word taqueria is usually used for places considered to have more authentic Mexican cuisine, especially small, independent, family-owned restaurants or stalls. Here you can expect to find soft corn tortillas filled with different kinds of meat, such as pork, beef, chicken, and goat, that is often topped with chopped onion, cilantro, and a splash of lime.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms of taqueria?

• taquerias (plural)

What are some synonyms for taqueria?

• taco place

What are some words that share a root or word element with taqueria? 

• taco
• pizzeria

What are some words that often get used in discussing taqueria?

• Mexican
• restaurant
• street food
• stall
• tortilla

How is taqueria used in real life?

Mexican food has been popular in the U.S. since at least the 1960s, but tacos, Taco Tuesdays, and taquerias are more popular than ever. You can find taquerias in most big cities, and people especially like to find out-of-the-way ones that serve what they consider to be the most authentic versions of Mexican tacos.

In Cali you really have a taqueria at every corner 🙏🏼😂

— Piz (@JoshPisik) February 19, 2020

Starting a new week w/a new (to me) taquería is a good reminder that every day is filled with endless possibilities — and if we’re lucky, many, many tacos

That’s right, people! Toros Tacos in Nampa has the magical ability to restore your faith in the world. Watcha waiting for?!? pic.twitter.com/QPWYDBC3Sn

— Nicole Foy (@nicoleMfoy) February 17, 2020

i keep thinking about a specific taqueria back home that sells sweet corn tamales :( miss u queen

— regular guy (@ishidarelatable) February 16, 2020

 

 

Try using taqueria!

True or false? 

Fast food taco places are usually called taquerias.