When I lived in Middlebury, taking the winding road up the App Gap with the sole destination of The Mad Taco in Waitsfield was a favorite (and frequent) road trip of mine. Over the years, I’ve developed nothing short of a love affair with the Mad Taco. I love their smoked meats, grungy atmosphere, and the Taco’s uncanny ability to attract the very best people in Vermont. Pair a Chile Colorado Big Fatty Daddy or a Carnitas Tostada with a fresh pint of the latest Lawson’s brew, or a beer you’ve never heard of from the west coast. Then settle in for a meal or for a laid back afternoon at the Taco.

I have recommended The Mad Taco countless times over the years. It really is the best Mexican food in Vermont. Try the beef tacos, if you have any doubt. So simple—so perfect. The Taco really is a no-frills locals’ spot, where the combination of the people, the food, and the libations simply make you feel good. It is hands-down one of my favorite restaurants in Vermont. And I hope it always will be…

The Mad Taco Comes to Essex

When I saw the news that The Mad Taco was opening up a third location (the second is in our capital city of Montpelier), I was stunned to read it was moving in only two miles from where I currently live in Colchester. For about three days, I told everyone I saw about the good news. “The Taco is coming to Chittenden County!” “Did you hear? Mad Taco in Essex?” “Yasssss – Mad Taco close to home!”

Located next to the Essex Cinemas in the Essex Outlets, the restaurant directly connects to the movie theater. The space is being branded as the Double E, or the Essex Experience, as seen on the sign above The Mad Taco’s door. This re-branding is part of an overhaul of the Essex Shoppes and Cinema. Experiential shopping is the goal for the new Essex community, which will also boast green space outdoors, more restaurants, and live music. Picnic tables with bright green umbrellas at the Taco are contributing to the push toward more al fresco dining as well. Bringing The Mad Taco to this location was the first step is making the Essex Shoppes a destination once again—and a destination in and of itself for the deliciousness inside.

Step Inside The Mad Taco Essex

When you walk into The Mad Taco in Essex, you might not recognize it at first. I sure didn’t. I didn’t immediately feel at home either, like I always do at the Waitsfield location. My initial thought was that it’s too clean, too shiny and new. As I headed to the bar to order, I actually had a momentary thought that I should turn around and drive to Waitsfield. I didn’t want to ruin the perfect image of the Mad Taco in my mind. Admittedly, I missed the character and the divey-ness that I love about the Taco’s brand in the new space. But, as soon as a I saw the familiar menu offerings, the tall bottles of homemade hot sauce, and a few recognizable faces, I knew I had to stick around. It was time to give it a try and hope for the best.

The Mad Taco’s new space is square with a bar in the far back and a bar counter lining the right side of the restaurant. Ample seating is in the middle of the—what feels grandiose—restaurant. The ceilings must be 20-feet tall. The walls are painted a cool baby blue. Modern abstract art is married with black-and-white, unframed prints. I personally didn’t mind sitting down for a taco with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders…

The Food at the Mad Taco Essex

As I bellied up to the bar to order, I couldn’t help but land on a favorite of mine: Carnitas Tostadas. Two crispy tortillas are topped with ample smoked pork, refried beans, onion, guacamole, and cilantro. This dish is the perfect balance of smoke, grease, and crunch. Although slightly different in preparation than at the Waitsfield location, the tostadas delivered the deliciousness I used to road trip through the Mad River Valley specifically for. The menu is a bit more limited than the other locations, but there are ample tacos, enchiladas, burritos and other Mexican food favorites.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite for a movie or making The Mad Taco Essex your destination for well-crafted Mexican food, the new location brings to Essex a much-needed Vermont favorite. Despite the lack of the hole-in-the-wall feel that I so love about the original location, I’ll be a frequent diner at The Mad Taco Essex for my Mexican fix. We’re so lucky to now have the Mad Taco closer to home and part of our community.

The Mad Taco Essex
21 Essex Way in the Essex Shoppes
Open daily, 11AM-9PM