Located along a busy roadside, there’s a small taco truck that people across Pennsylvania keep talking about.
It doesn’t have a flashy sign, a big dining room, or anything fancy that would make you think it’s special at first glance.
But once you catch the smell of sizzling meat on the grill and see the steady line of hungry customers waiting, you know something good is happening here.
Locals swear this spot serves some of the best tacos in the entire state.
So what makes this little roadside food truck so popular?
And why do so many people say it serves the best tacos in Pennsylvania?
Let’s take a closer look.
Where Is It?
El Guanaco Food Truck is located in Reading, a city in Berks County in southeastern Pennsylvania.
You’ll find it at 245 Buttonwood Street, not far from downtown Reading.
It’s about a 1-hour drive from Harrisburg, roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes from Philadelphia, and around 2 hours and 20 minutes from New York City depending on traffic.
If you’re already exploring Pennsylvania Dutch Country or passing through the Reading area, this taco truck is an easy and delicious stop to add to your route.
About
El Guanaco Food Truck is a small roadside taco truck that has built a huge reputation for serving some of the best tacos in Pennsylvania.
The menu focuses on authentic Salvadoran street food along with some Mexican-style items like tacos, and everything is made fresh right inside the truck while you wait.
You’ll often spot a steady line of locals here, especially in the evening, which is always a good sign you’re about to eat something seriously good.
The biggest stars on the menu are the tacos.
They come on small, soft corn tortillas and are loaded with classic fillings like chicken, beef, pork or lengua.
Each taco is topped the traditional way with chopped onions and fresh cilantro, and you can add a squeeze of lime and spoonfuls of their house salsas.
The beef tacos and pupusas are among the most popular orders.
You can also order burritos, quesadillas, tortas, and pinchos if you’re extra hungry.
The burritos are huge and stuffed with your choice of meat along with lettuce, beans, cheese, and fresh toppings.
Their quesadillas come on large tortillas that are grilled until golden and melty, often filled with meats like chicken or pork.
Tortas are another favorite and come piled high on soft sandwich rolls with meat, lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese, and mayo.
One thing people love about El Guanaco is how simple the setup is.
This is classic street food done right.
You walk up to the food truck window, place your order, and within minutes you’re handed a tray or bag filled with hot, freshly made food.
The flavors are bold, the portions are generous, and the prices are refreshingly affordable.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll stop for just a few tacos and end up ordering six once you smell the grill working.
If you’re anywhere near Reading and love authentic tacos, this food truck has become a must stop for a reason.
Know Before You Go
El Guanaco Food Truck typically opens at 10 AM and stays open until 8 PM, which makes it a perfect stop for lunch or dinner.
Hours can change depending on the day and weather, so it’s smart to check their social media before heading over.
Prices are one of the best parts about eating here.
Most tacos usually cost just a few dollars each, so you can easily build your own taco feast without spending much.
Many regulars order three to five tacos at a time, especially if they want to try different meats.
Parking is usually available along the nearby commercial strip, though it can get a little busy during peak dinner hours.
If you arrive around sunset or later in the evening, you may see a small crowd gathered around the truck waiting for their tacos.
If you want something to do before or after grabbing food, downtown Reading is only about 5 minutes away.
You can check out the Santander Arena, which hosts concerts, hockey games, and events throughout the year.
Reading Public Museum is another great nearby stop and features art galleries, a planetarium, and a 25-acre arboretum.
Bring cash, come hungry, and plan on ordering more tacos than you think you need.
Most people quickly realize that three tacos disappear in about five minutes once that first bite hits.
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