Taco Guild Experience

He Said

Some cities make churches into night clubs, but here Phoenix turned a church into a taco restaurant. It has to be the oddest idea and yet almost strangely appropriate. We realized we were seated in what was once the entrance to the church and up along the walls were pews. The detail is quite enjoyable and makes for good table discussion on your first visit. If you are seated in the main section you will notice it is quite loud due to the high ceilings. But that also makes for a fun and festive atmosphere.
The service was quick and knowledgeable about our options. Very accommodating to our requests, even making us a fresh guacamole without the jalapenos. We needed to cool things down after tasting the complimentary chips and salsa. It is very hot! I had to stop after just 2 chips, but the guac was a nice smoothing mixture with a hint of lime. I have had better chips but everyone else at the table thought they were very good chips, so it just goes to show we all have our preferences.
Their cocktail list is interesting and as I experienced, very refreshing. I started with the Time Machine, with organic rum, lime and lavender bitters. It went well with our order of tacos and just when I thought it was the best drink on the menu, a new recommendation was provided. The gentleman’s agreement was hands down the table’s favorite drink of the night. As my partner would say, “It’s dangerously good”. It’s the kind of drink you could swig down like Kool-Aid. I won’t ruin the surprise and tell you all the ingredients, taste it for yourself and then look at what’s in it. I think you’ll be surprised.
The tacos come al-a-carte but if you order 3 you do get a free side. Our recommendation is the off the cob corn. Just like when your mom cut the corn off your cob when you were younger. As our table enjoyed their trio of tacos, I ordered 2 having enjoyed too much of the guacamole. As it turned out I think I ordered 2 of the best on the menu. I had the Guild chicken and also the Molida lamb taco. You can get your tacos in either a flour, corn, or lettuce cup. I went with the lettuce for the chicken and the corn for the lamb. The lettuce was nice because it allowed you to taste the true star of the taco which is the ingredients inside. The only downfall is that the lettuce broke open and quickly became a mess. For me the corn (which is their default) tortilla is the way to go. My Molida lamb was so moist and flavorful and the blue cheese went really well with the lamb. I am not a big fan of blue cheese so the fact that I enjoyed it on this dish is a true compliment. The sweet potato haystack added a nice sweetness and crunch to the taco as well. All in all, I’d come back for that lamb taco anyday.

She Said

Well, I can cross eating in a church off my list! Yep, Taco Guild is housed in a refurbished historical church. This holy restaurant sits on the corner of Osborn and 7^th Street.  As you walk in, colorful murals and stained glass seem to draw you in. Taco Guild is beautiful with gorgeous chandeliers, exposed wood ceilings and fitting religious decor. A huge bar sits at what use to be the “alter” area of the church and was packed, lively and kickin’. We were seated at the opposite end of the restaurant in which was once the foyer of the church. This was a nice spot because we could look out onto the entire restaurant.

Just like any traditional Mexican restaurant, chips and salsa were immediately brought to our table. I enjoyed the chips but I did add just a pinch of salt to them. The salsa has quite a kick so be careful!  We started with The Fresh Made House Guacamole and opted out on the jalapenos since “He”s mouth was already burning from the salsa. It was fresh, traditional and of course a great starter to share with friends as you enjoy your drinks.

The menu is on the smaller side, but I like that when you know what you are there for… Tacos!  The Tacos are a la carte but if you decide to order a trio, you receive a complimentary side. Our waiter was extremely friendly and helpful as we narrowed down the taco choices.  I ended up choosing the Grilled Seasonal Vegetable, Yucatan Shrimp and Urban Bean Coffee Braised Beef tacos. I never would have guessed but the veggie was my favorite out of the three. Many layers of flavors with the peppers, veggies and delicious jalapeno hummus. It was filling but not in a heavy way.  The beef came shredded and was very tender with caramelized onion, mango jicama relish and a nice salty Cotija cheese. Every few bites I could taste a subtle earthy richness of the coffee hints. The shrimp tacos were meaty and light with green cabbage slaw and an avocado cream. I always get flashes of the beach when enjoying any seafood taco. They all come in corn tortillas but you can ask for flour or even lettuce for a healthier option.

For a side I got the Grilled Corn “Off” the Cob. Its dressed with a tiny bit of habanero butter but they really let the natural taste of the corn and smokiness of the grill to come through. It was the perfect side with my tacos.

Go and enjoy Taco Guild and have a “heavenly” experience of your own!