A month ago Lorena Casas-Ostos gave Louisville another taco joint, but not just any taco joint. MexA Steak Tacos are authentic, steak tacos in a trendy atmosphere. Lorena “wanted to share a part of [her] hometown,” so she created a menu that reflected the tacos she grew up eating. “I’m from...Mexico, a city called Monterrey, where tacos mainly are made with steak (carne asada). That is how I always ate and enjoyed tacos. After living and traveling in different cities of Mexico, I realized that steak tacos were being prepared in different ways in every city or region and liked them all. All with a unique twist, unique ingredients and different types of tortillas,” she says. Her menu reflects her experiences with over seven different kinds of tacos to choose from.
Located in St. Matthews and open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, Lorena’s place feels like you’re eating in her home. Lorena greets you and is eager to talk about the menu. You watch your order being made right in front of you and she even brings it out to you. “I only serve what I serve at home,” she says, so not only is it authentic, but made fresh daily.
So, where do you start? The chips and guacamole. It’s a classic and always a must. It’s fresh, creamy, and has a great hint of lime. You can also try your chips with salsa, poblano queso, or beans.
From there, dive right into the tacos. The menu has two different styles to choose from. There are seven regular tacos all under $5.00 and Tacos Pirarta, larger tacos “like quesadillas but better.”
The Cowboy
This one will satisfy the ultimate hunger with a hearty serving of sirloin on a bed of cheese with grilled onions, jalapeño, avocado, and BACON. Yep, this taco has bacon on it and it’s everything you dreamed it would be. It’s as filling as a hamburger would be, so this one is a good dinner option.
Lorena
Ah, the namesake taco and the favorite. This simple taco filled with sirloin, cheese, and guacamole. It is the taco Lorena grew up eating and after having one I wished I had too.
Norteño and Crunchy Cheese
Both of these tacos are on corn tortillas and are great for lunch. The Crunchy Cheese has, as it suggests, a layer of cheese that is crunchy and savory. For anyone who loves the almost burned edges of the grilled cheese, this one is for you.
Habanero Sauce
The habanero is the best habanero sauce in Louisville hands down. It’s got just the right amount of kick, adding flavor that pleasantly heats up your mouth, but doesn’t burn. I will be stocking up on this. It’s that good.
MexA Steak Tacos is located at 3701 Lexington Road. They’re open Monday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Images: Katie Molck
