Since opening in 2013, Harrisburg’s Taco Solo has been a popular spot to grab authentic Mexican tacos on the go. A line of customers extending out the doorway of the tiny 2nd Street taqueria was not an uncommon sight in the middle of the lunch rush or after the bars let out on the weekend.
When the shoe repair shop next door relocated, restaurateurs Juan and Lisa Garcia decided it was a logical move to expand into the available space.
Manager Cristina Chitoroaga is married to Josue Garcia, the third youngest of Juan’s nine siblings. She worked hard to prepare Taco Solo and its patrons for the next phase while keeping the shop open for business.
“They would come in and be so excited to see that the other side is coming along,” she said of Taco Solo’s loyal customers who witnessed the expansion.
The renovations started in March and have wrapped up in time for summer. While the shop continues to have a few outside tables, there is now room for about 25 more people inside the new dining room.
The renovated space is colorful and inviting, invoking the charm of a Mexican street fair with strands of light bulbs hung from the ceiling. Wooden mirrors decorate a wall opposite the giant storefront window where customers will be able to sit at tables and enjoy a quick meal.
The register and assembly line remain at the entrance where customers can order from the new blackboard menu overhead, which was covered in dollar bills from satisfied customers. Chitoroaga plans to frame the bills for the shop so customers can read the messages written on them. Also at the front is an expanded ice cream case that features eight rotating flavors offered with toppings or as a milkshake.
Beverages include glass-bottled Jarritos Mexican sodas, made with real fruit flavors and no high fructose corn syrup or caffeine. And the house-made horchata, a sweet rice milk drink served over ice and blended with spices, is not to be missed.
In addition to the physical changes, there are new menu items to sample. The introduction of grilled fish and shrimp to dishes like tacos, burritos and quesadillas adds another dimension of flavor and freshness. Taco Solo is also excited to reveal a new salsa bar with eight different types of house-made salsas, ranging from mild to hot, and freshly prepared garnishes like cilantro, limes, jalapenos and pico de gallo.
“The customers basically can serve themselves with any kind they want,” said Chitoroaga.
She added that all the salsas are homemade, with fresh and local ingredients.
“The tomatillos are an important ingredient, which look like green tomatoes, but are actually from the gooseberry family,” she explained.
The menu has an extensive selection of appetizers, salads, quesadillas, burritos, tacos and desserts for both meat lovers and vegetarians. No item is more than $10. Taco prices range from $2.98 for a single or up to $8.99 for a choice of three. Coupons are also available.
Everything from the warm tortilla chips to the fresh guacamole and slow-cooked pork and beef on a spit is made in-house. Chitoroaga highlighted Taco Solo’s signature al pastor, which, she explained, presents a twist of tender pork baked and marinated in three different kinds of chilies.
“We marinate it overnight, and then we cook it. And it’s freshly carved out of the rotisserie,” she said.
The Garcia’s restaurants extend beyond Taco Solo. Their flagship restaurant, El Sol, opened in downtown Harrisburg in 2007. Since then, they’ve opened El Sol Express, Taco Solo and the newest addition to the family, La Noche Cantina.
“We truly enjoy being a part of Harrisburg’s downtown landscape,” said Lisa Garcia.
She explained how important it is for a capital city to have good restaurants of all kinds, price ranges and atmospheres and added, “When we opened Taco Solo, it seemed like 2nd Street could benefit from a taqueria.”
With the recent expansion, Taco Solo is prepared to welcome its hungry diners year-round for lunch, dinner or late at night.
Chitoroaga praised her brother-in-law for the positive impact he’s had on the city.
“With just hard work, motivation and determination, Juan brought to Harrisburg what it was missing—authentic Mexican cuisine and culture,” she said.
Taco Solo is located at 200 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg. For more information, call 717-238-1420 or visit www.tacosolohbg.com.
