Since 2015, Maciel's Tortas & Tacos has served authentic Mexican cuisine. At the heart of this venture is its owner, Manuel Rivera Martínez, from Morelia, Mexico.
Manuel moved to America with his father when he was fifteen years old. Years of physical labor would follow, and in 2008, Manuel found himself in Memphis. Here, he met his wife, Lisha, and together, they combined passion and sweat equity to open the Mexican eatery.
So, why did he name it Maciel's rather than Manuel's? The proud owner explains in the Memphis Flyer: "It's my father's name, Manuel, but they misspelled it on his birth certificate as 'Maciel' and it sort of stuck. But we've kept the name; in fact, my 9-year-old boy is named Preston Maciel Rivera."
The taqueria has cultivated a loyal following by focusing on quality and flavor. Each dish is meticulously crafted to ensure an unparalleled dining experience. Over the years, the restaurant has earned rave reviews, and with its success, Manuel opened several other locations.
We will focus on the original location downtown, which is close to Beale Street and the Mississippi River. The restaurant is a short stroll from some of the city's most popular landmarks, like the Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid, the Orpheum Theatre, and the Peabody Ducks. Such proximity makes planning your sightseeing around a meal at Maciel's easy peasy!
For a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine, add Maciel's Tortas & Tacos to your itinerary.
Vibe
The exterior blends in with neighboring businesses, featuring a short awning and a painted sign over the entrance.
The narrow interior is inviting and utilizes its limited space well, making the room feel larger than it is.
While traditional bright Latin-inspired colors are in the restaurants, these don't overpower the senses. In fact, several walls exemplify American influences, with wooden shiplap walls painted gray. On one wall are white animal silhouettes with butcher markings, highlighting the choice parts for tacos and burritos.
There is plenty of seating at the tables dotting the dining areas, although there is no booth seating. The atmosphere is festive but not bombastic, making the setting ideal for any occasion.
Maciel's Tortas & Tacos: Menu & Drinks
The small taqueria is big on taste and menu options. You'll find something for every diet and even your pickiest eater.
A customer favorite is the Cubana torta, which packs layers of roasted pork, ham, and fresh avocado. It's a hearty sandwich jam-packed with flavor.
The list of tacos is mind-boggling! You'll find chicken, fajita shrimp, chicken, and steak, along with mole, chorizo, veggie, tilapia…you get the idea! With an impressive list of options, you can create unique and tasty custom tacos. For a crispy meal, consider any of the fried tacos.
For a true taste of Mexico, you can't go wrong with the huarache. This classic features mashed beans on masa dough, fried with salsa, onions, potatoes, and protein.
The fajitas are also popular, with various options to add to your chicken, steak, or shrimp. Vegetarians and those on special diets will want to consider the veggie fajita for a tasty and filling entrée.
To complement these standout dishes, Maciel's also serves up refreshing drinks that pair perfectly with your meal. The horchata, a creamy cinnamon rice drink, has the perfect amount of sweetness to complement spicier dishes. Jarritos sodas come in various fruity flavors, offering authentic Mexican beverages. There are also soft drinks to choose from.
Whether you need a quick bite before touring the Old Dominick Distillery or refueling after a day on Beale Street, you'll leave Maciel's Tortas & Tacos feeling satisfied.
