Cheap Eats 2012: Taqueria La Placita

There are fancy taco trucks, upscale taquerias serving fillings of octopus and foie gras, and chefs using tacos as a delivery system for their latest wild ideas. But there’s nothing trendy about this joint in Little Mexico, where the taxidermy on the walls is without irony and the 20 fillings include pig lips. Vegetarians, be forewarned.

Food adventurers are likely to get the most out of the place, but the al pastor, with juicy carved lamb and slices of pineapple, the barbacoa (shredded beef), and the chorizo don’t require any courage and deliver the same bold flavors as the pig lips. Make use of the fantastic and fiery salsas, and don’t neglect the wonderful pickled onions and jalapeños, which cut the richness of the meats.

Also good: Pork-leg, tongue, and carnitas tacos.