Food: Elevated taqueria.
Vibe: Oaxaca crossed with an of-the-moment L.A. neighbourhood like Echo Park or Silver Lake.
Order this: Pollo rostizado (adobo roasted chicken).
Know this: You could have your late-night cravings delivered by DoorDash, but then you’d miss “reverse happy hour” from 10 p.m. to close.
Average Price: $4 per taco, $26 per entree.
Available for brunch, lunch, dinner and late-night eats, Native Tongues’ refined-but-rustic tacos are a dependable indulgence at any time of day. Go with the braised, à la carte options like confit pork and roast chicken, or order tacos al carbon, a charcoal-frilled, family-size platter for a group. In contrast to homestyle staples, Native Tongues is equally notable for its elevated Mexican-American dishes like the “hamburguesa,” served with hot sauce and chips, a takeout-only burrito and fresh-baked doughnuts. Both sides of the menu pair well with a smoky “mezcalgarita” or inventive cold-brew cocktail. What ultimately makes Native Tongues one of Calgary’s best restaurants is its ability to be both versatile and classic; few restaurants balance dependable mainstays with excursions outside their namesake cuisine so well.
235 12 Ave. S.W., 403-263-9444, nativetongues.ca
