The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is many things. It's great for people-watching and rollerblading, for example. And -- of course -- our favorite: eating and drinking.
But with an expansive strip offering one establishment after another, it's not too long before you start to notice a few Greek menus and ice cream shops filing past. For a place loaded with Mediterranean-themed establishments and soft serve, the 1-year-old Taco Spot presents a different option for tourists and locals.
See also: Ten Best Tacos in Broward and Palm Beach Counties
The tiki-hut-style shack is reminiscent of a remote island hideaway despite its prime real estate at the north end of the Broadwalk. A thatched straw roof provides shade for those dining on the open front deck and the streetside tables below. Inside, a light-blue subway-tile interior offers additional seating and an order counter for those who wish to grab and go.
The beachside eatery is owned by chef Stuart Snowhite, a personal chef and former owner of the nearby Taco Beach Shack. The menu mirrors many of the offerings found there, only with a decidedly tourist-friendly twist thanks to tropical drinks served out of coconuts and pineapples or white and red supersized sangrias.
Tacos come alone or in pairs with a combo meal that includes rice, beans, and an ear of Mexican-style roasted corn ($5 to $18). There's a choice of ground beef, grilled mahi, tempura shrimp, chicken, Baja-style fish, and the house specialty, the Korean short ribs paired with house kimchi slaw and a creamy chipotle sauce.
Other menu items feature the same choice of filling and include standard Tex-Mex dishes like quesadillas, nachos, giant burritos, and salads ($7 to $10). No matter what taco you order, be sure to sample one of the two house dressings at each table in giant plastic squeeze bottles. There's a verde cream sauce full of flavor and a roja with a nice spicy kick.
If you go, ignore the tourists in ill-fitting swimwear. Instead, go for the view, the atmosphere, and the drinks. It's a casual spot where patrons amble up the front stairs from the beach, disappearing into the quaint interior only to reappear seconds later with a giant coconut. The Coco Loko, as it's called, is a blend of coconut water, coconut, and Meyer's rum and pineapple juice. A similar drink fashioned from a fresh pineapple, the Pineapple Pina is equally popular ($15). Of course, the Miami Vice, Pina Colada, Rum Runners, and Long Island Iced Tea also make appearances.
The Taco Spot is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. all week long and is located at 1500 N Broadwalk Blvd. in Hollywood. Call 954-921-7711.
The Taco Spot is located at 1500 N Broadwalk in Hollywood. For more information, visit The Taco Spot Facebook page, or call the restaurant at 954-921-7711.
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