One of the most pleasant places in Lawrence is the Checkers parking lot. The huge American flag flying over the strip malls and asphalt streets gets my blood pumping. One would believe that this garden spot could not improve, but in July, it did. The food truck Tacos El King opened at the Checkers parking lot in July, serving Mexican and Chinese food.
The Mexican food is some of the best in Lawrence. The corn tortilla tacos with beef tongue topped with fresh cilantro, onions, lemon and green chili were so good that I circled back to the stand countless times this summer. There was not an ingredient overload, and the grilled jalapenos gave my meal plenty of kick.
The Chinese food at Tacos El King is good but not as memorable. The egg-fried rice was delicious, but most egg-fried rice is. If anything, the Chinese food is a distraction from the excellent Mexican food. Those looking for Chinese food do not need to stop by Tacos El King in a town with many options, yet those leaving Checkers have the option of a delicious and convenient meal. Anyone cruising on 23rd Street should turn into Checkers to get a bite.
Concerning prices, the three tacos were twelve dollars. That is pretty steep. For the same $12, one can get a jumbo burrito from Burrito King that will fill you up for the whole day. Burrito King beats Tacos El King in the caloric artillery shell, which is their burritos, but Tacos El King’s freshness is unmatched in the Lawrence Mexican food scene.
The service is also excellent. Everyone working there is friendly, and at my second visit to the truck, the owner made it a point to know my name. For a restaurant run out of a truck, Tacos El King has character in droves.
