Downtown Gilbert is the place to check out when experimenting with your flavor palate. Varying from Mexican to Italian inspired dishes your tastebuds will never be lacking satisfaction on this strip of trendy restaurants.

One such company includes Joyride Tacos which I was able to visit with my dad recently. Despite the last minute interview, the amiable staff was able to meet with me to talk about their successful business and it’s trendy Mexican food.

As I waited for my interviewee to arrive, I noticed the industrial/retro throwback decor of the place. There were accent walls with geometric wallpaper, a margarita bar in the middle with spherical lights hanging from the ceiling, colorful pop art scattering the walls as well as music varying from the 1970’s to 90’s. It had an exciting vibe.

The decor was my favorite part of the experience until I tasted the food.

Chandler Timmick, assistant manager of the locally owned restaurant, as well as a past Perry student described the flavors as, “A twist on traditional style Mexican food…you come in and it’s tacos, it’s definitely got a different vibe to it…so, I think what they were trying to do was take traditional ingredients like tacos and enchiladas and put a little spin on it, make them a little different.”

After the interview, I had the opportunity to partake of the main event; a three taco plate with Mexican rice topped with tomatillo salsa and a drink. The flavors described by Timmick rang true as I took the first bite of my now, personal favorite taco, The Standard which included: slow roasted chicken, avocado, Mexican slaw, and aji amarillo.

The juicy chicken was seasoned to perfection and as I chewed the morsels, I could taste a hint of lime probably originating from the Mexican slaw and aji amarillo. I felt as though the taco never ran out of flavor.

The next two tacos I tried were hardly as good as the first one. Compared to The Standard, the Carne Asada and Pork Tacos were more dry although the meat tasted divine. Joyride definitely does not lack on their ability to use spices to their potential.

My Dad, who I went with had a special taco that wasn’t on the menu quite yet. It was a braised lamb taco. “It’s kindof like a gyro in a tortilla and it’s delicious.” he observed.  

Despite the cool vibes and great tasting food, the most meaningful part was the time the company took out of their day to allow me to interview them. We were constantly being asked if we were doing well and in the end our entire meal was paid for!

I would definitely recommend Joyride Tacos as a place to go for a fun night out with friends and family