Boy, have tacos and time flown since Taqueria Mixteca opened its doors at 1609 E. Third St. in Dayton.

Thousands upon thousands of tacos have been served, and the place always seems to be packed at lunch.

I popped into the Third Street location recently and was somewhat surprised when General Manager Francisco Mejia pointed out that it has been nearly eight years since the restaurant, a favorite among Best of Dayton voters, opened.

Click here to read about the most recent Best of Dayton Mexican Restaurant winner.

Taqueria Mixteca’s anniversary is in May.

It opened its second location at 2190 Shiloh Springs Road in Trotwood late last year.

Time has passed, but the taste of the food has remain consistently awesome and flavorful.

And eating there won’t break the bank.

You can find your favorites - quesadillas, enchiladas, burritos and fajitas, and dishes lesser-known to many American palates like tortilla based sopes and huaraches.

Taqueria Mixteca serves authentic Mexican food with standard meat choices - chorizo, pork, chicken grilled steak and ground beef.

There are also a few choices you don’t find just anywhere - breaded steak, beef tripe, beef tongue and, on the weekend only, shredded goat.

There are also several vegetarian options.

The tacos sell for $2.15 each and are served on corn tortillas piled high with cilantro, onion, and choice of meat.

Taqueria Mixteca

1609 E 3rd St., Dayton [Map]

Phone: (937) 258-2654

Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

More info: https://www.facebook.com/TaqueriaMixteca

All this talk about tacos making you thirsty?

National Margarita Day is Friday. Why not plan to grab a few tacos from your favorite spot and make up a pitcher or two of margaritas.

Recipe from the article Toasting National Margarita Day

PATRÓN POMEGRANATE MARGARITA

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 oz. Patrón Silver
• 1/4 oz. Patrón Citrónge
• 1 oz. fresh squeezed pomegranate juice
• 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
• 1/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 oz. simple syrup
• Salt
• Lime for garnish
• Sprig of mint for garnish

What you do

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice cubes and shake well. Serve straight up in a chilled martini glass or on the rocks in old fashioned glass. Garnish with half-salt rim, lime wheel, and a fresh sprig of mint.

Where is your favorite place for tacos in the area? It is OK to say Taco Bell.

Contact this blog at arobinson@DaytonDailyNews.com or Twitter.com/DDNSmartMouth