By Denise Ortuno-Neil
With a home style feel, Tampico Meat Market in La Quinta provides specialty market items and with its in house kitchen, is a Mexican food gem!
Tampico Meat Market sits at the base of the La Quinta Cove, which suits the market, lending to its small town appeal. The spot has long been in market mode for several decades, but nothing like it is now. Opened three years ago by current owner John Atallah, the market has quickly become a local favorite, providing a quick shop, and excellent homemade Mexican food.
John Atallah is no stranger to markets, or taqueria’s, managing both businesses throughout his career. So when he came to know about the opportunity to take over the spot, he didn’t hesitate to acquire it. The market itself sells a variety of Mexican specialty items. Customers can find everything from fresh produce, to tortillas, homemade salsas, beans, beverages and so much more. The relevant meat case reminds customers that it is a meat market, offering an impressive array of meat, chicken and even seafood.
The market makes it easy for their customers to prepare dishes at home if they choose, with their pre-marinated meats. They have everything that you would need to make a very impressive Mexican feast in your own kitchen, you could even take the credit if you wanted (but who would do such a thing?). For those of us who just want to eat and go, Tampico Meat Market is happy to oblige with a viable menu of Mexican favorites.
I came to know of the glorious food at Tampico Meat Market when my boyfriend brought home some food from there one evening. Knowing my love for pork inspired burritos, he gleefully brought home one of their Chili Verde Burrito’s. It was on the ample side, well enough for us to share. The pork was tender, and the Verde sauce was spiced perfectly…the whole burrito was lovingly balanced.
Since then, I have come to notice that the food at Tampico Meat Market follows a consistent balanced trend. I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying their chicken tacos, and most recently, the Carnitas Burrito (love my pork). When I ordered my Carnitas Burrito, I didn’t make any modifications, I just let them make it how they make it. It came stuffed with the beautiful Carnitas, velvety beans, rice, onions and cilantro. All stuffed in a comfortably tailored flour tortilla. As I made my way through it, I couldn’t help but notice that I was making a yummy sound with every bite…that’s when you know that you’re into something good.
There are many items at the Tampico Meat Market to indulge in. Besides the Carintas and Chili Verde Burrito, they have Chicken, Carne Asada, Chili Colorado, Al Pastor and for those who are adventurous, a Lengua Burrito. Their menu also features Tacos, Quesadillas, Tostadas, Sopas, Nachos and some seafood dishes. On Saturdays and Sundays, they even offer Menudo.
The Market is opened daily from 7am to 9pm, with the kitchen closing at 8pm. Although there are some outdoor tables, the market lacks alternative seating, making it more of a to-go scenario.
Tampico Meat Market in the La Quinta Cove is a convenient little specialty market, and makes some of the best Mexican food in the Coachella Valley. It is a tasty gem indeed!
Tampico Meat Market is located at 78-100 Calle Tampico, La Quinta 92253 760-771-2777.
