Gringos Making Tacos - the Taco Shack

Situated about 6 miles south of Champaign Illinois in bedroom community Tolono, at the town's sole traffic signal, the sign "Gringos Making Tacos" is sure to catch the eye. Be sure to stop in - you won't be disappointed.

The food at The Taco Shack is fresh - all things are made while you watch. Quick and efficient, their burritos and tacos are made with genuine care, and the customers waiting in line or dining in their small dining room would appear to all be repeat customers, with the owners knowing people by their first names. Not a surprise in a small town eatery, but refreshing nonetheless.

The menu is straightforward and situated on the wall as you walk in. Choosing is tough, as they have gone the extra mile and included the ingredients they use in each of their creations, and then you are forced to choose between a regular burrito, or a large.

I suggest that unless you plan on feeding a family of four, go with a regular burrito. My favorite (yes, I am a repeat customer already, too, even though I have to drive out of the way) is their Gringo Burrito, with fresh stir fried chicken, white beans, lettuce, cheese and their own Good Stuff to Eat salsa. Their salsa was their first product, that the owners used to sell at flea markets and street fairs, until someone suggested they should expand.

And don't forget to get a slice of their homemade pie. So far, none of them has disappointed.

For about ten bucks, 2 people can easily enjoy a good, hot, simple meal with genuinely friendly service, and business owners who care about their customer's satisfaction. This is a winning combination in my book.