“When it’s done properly, taco should be a verb.” – Jonathan Gold
I moved my family to St George in 2008 from Arizona where we had really great dine in Mexican restaurants like Rancho Tia Rosa’s – I think we were spoiled. St George has some pretty good Mexican hangouts like the Green Iguana and their amazing white sauce on a cheese enchilada (sorry, they don’t have a website at this time to link to) or Don Pedro’s parradilla platter experience, but nothing high-end destination like we had in Arizona. What we do have is a handful of great little taco places that are perfect for soccer mom’s on a budget and hungry hikers. Here are my top 3, not in any particular order, and I suggest trying all 3.
1.) Cal’s Smok’n Taco food truck.
Run by Tommy, Cal’s grandson. Tommy gives a great nod to his grandpa as to where he learned how to smoke great meats for these original taco’s. About $4 each, a plate of 3 fills you up and the smell of mesquite doesn’t hurt. My personal favorite is his El Paso taco – slow smoked brisket, tangy jicama lime slaw and Tommy’s hand crafted BBQ sauce. See where he’s at today on Instagram.
2.) Tacos Plaza.
This is a small patio option restaurant with a very simple menu with fresh tacos, burritos, nachos & quesadillas (more). The prices are reasonable and the Mexican soul flavor is very authentic. The word of mouth (literally) is the only form of marketing they need. Our first 3 times here we were disappointed because they sold out! Our 4th trip was well worth the wait – I was pleased with the flavor and freshness. The salsa bar had all the essentials I wanted. Their secret right from them – “And our recipes are our own! Perfected over generations of love and passed down from mother to daughter, everything at Tacos Plaza is original, fresh, and absolutely delicious!”
3.) El Coyote Charo.
El Coyote is the kind of place that, when I walk in I see only myself and one or two other ‘gringo’s’, everyone else is latino, therefore I know this place is real good. Fresh agua frescas & horchata to a salsa bar with fresh pinto beans. Here you can get tacos’ made with all the traditional meats (carne asada, el pastor, chicken) as well as unique baja flavors like shrimp ceviche or menudo. The smell of fresh fire roasted jalapeños and onions fills the air and the melty cheese is a must.
Because I love the Latino flavors – especially the Taco – I hope you found my top 3 as tasty as I have.
Here’s a special bonus for our out of area readers – Because bringing your family to the St george area for an Escape should be as amazing as these tacos! Use the DISCOUNT code “Taco” and save $$$ on these select units or any of our 60+ area vacation homes.
Our themed retreat – Castle Ridge – 4 bedroom with the areas best castle bunk room.
Or you may find an under sea adventure in Submarine is worth “diving into”? See Ridge Haven.
Or a little alien abduction on route 66 themed cabin near Zion National Park. Check out The Bunker at Area 51.
Looking for hiking or biking trails? The Greater St George area (St George, Washington, Ivins etc.) are connected by a network of paved trails ideal for biking, roller blades, hiking and dog walking. Our community is known for an active lifestyle. This is one of our leading qualities that attract thousands of visitors every month.
Hell Hole trail
is one of my favorite in the area as it starts out in Washington at the intersection of Telegraph and Washington Parkway (Exit 13). At the trailhead is CANYON PARK (also known as the Ninja Warrior Park) which in itself is a blast to hang out in if you’ve got any competitive urges.
Hell Hole drops down to the Virgin River and connects up to the Virgin River trail. At the bottom of the trail, go right you’ll end up heading towards St George passing Sullivan Park and Soccer fields. You can stay on this line for miles into St George and Santa Clara without ever leaving the trail system to cross major roads. Ideal for young kids on bikes or scooters. Go left you head East towards Hurricane. The trail ends about a mile heading towards Hurricane – the future plan is to connect to Hurricane and beyond all the way to Zion National Park. This line can take you all the way along the river into St George and out to Ivins/Santa Clara.
This is an official Washington City video on the loop made about 2 years ago (2019/2020) right after they updated the pavement. When using the biking trails, be kind and share the road. You will encounter runners, bikers, skate boards/blades and walkers of all ages. If your eyes are sharp you will spot fox, deer, squirels, butterfly’s and all things of the desert nature around us.
BIKE TRAIL INTERACTIVE or PDF MAPS/Info
Looking for vacation home options near here? Check out these select homes in the Sienna Hills Area off exit 13. (Walking Distance to Hell Hole and Beyond). Interested in owning or selling a vacation home in the area? Connect with us. We’re not your typical real estate office!
SPRING BREAK – Depending on where you live your spring break may start as early as March 4th this year. Spring break traditionally ends Easter Weekend which is on April 17th. With the continuation of schools dealing with the Covid issues you may decide to take an extended spring break all together. Who knows!?
This time of year we have mild days and cool nights. Plus there is not a great deal of rain which is ideal to go out on desert hikes and explore. People enjoy the ever popular Snow Canyon or Zion National Parks as well as get off the beaten path and discover the Red Cliff Reserve and hike to several arches, sand stone monoliths or old west ghost towns! Photography opportunities also flourish with the desert in bloom.
The Weather
During spring break we have lots of league or travel team tournaments for baseball, soccer and basketball as well as dance and cheer competitions. There is always something going on which makes this area very busy every weekend.