The goods: Fun, lively Mexican joint Tacontento is the latest option for casual dining on Lincoln Road. The vibe is Baja but the owners are straight out of Latin America, part of a chain of similar restaurants born from a taco stand in Guatemala City. This is the first American outpost, with plans for other Tacontentos to pop up around South Florida soon. There’s an outdoor patio in the works but for now sidle up to a thick wooden high top tables with vintage leather bar stools and feast on platters of tacos and tequila cocktails.
Ambience: This hot pink and turquoise-colored den of Aztec delicacies is tucked away on Lincoln Lane (in the former Idol’s Gym), and is decked out in festive piñatas, tapestries and cushions made by Guatemalan Indians and terra cotta sculptures. The inviting fuchsia sandstone bar is made with antique wood from Antigua and presided over by a massive “angel soplon” (a trippy angel with big cheeks). There’s a busy open kitchen in the back, where a team of chefs clang away preparing platters of tacos, enchiladas and fresh-made tortillas.
The grub: Down home Mexican cooking. There’s nothing fancy or high-tech about the grub here; it’s fresh, hearty and generous. Prices are inexpensive compared to other trendy Mexican spots; starters are $5-$8, taco platters are $9-$11 and mains average $16.
