As crowds of students leave the night-life scene of Madison search for late-night dining, the Sabor Queretano Food Cart, more commonly known as “the taco truck,” is a frontrunner.
In 2016, owner Francisco Armeta decided to invest his fortune in his brother's food truck. Armeta works alongside partner Meribel Perez, with whom he shares two children. Their children, both fluent in English, often assist Perez who works the window, while he cooks on the grill. Both Armeta and Perez are from Querétaro, Mexico — hence the name Sabor Queretano which translates to Queretano Flavor.
The taco truck makes its appearance on State Street three times a week. Beginning at 9 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday the cart is parked next to Potbelly’s ready to cater to the late-night crowd until 3 a.m.
The restaurant Taqueria Sabor Queretano, located on East Washington Avenue, offers a more expansive menu while the food cart offers a simple menu of tacos, burritos and quesadillas. All menu items come with a choice of chicken, beef, pork or the vegetarian option of rice and beans. Their traditional tacos come with cilantro and onion, but they are more than willing to add classic American toppings like cheese, sour cream, tomato, and lettuce.
While there are an array of options for students to choose from when craving a late-night snack, many are loyal customers to the taco truck. Student, Isabella Dobbs, 19, commented on the truck saying, “My mom called me to yell at me for spending my entire paycheck at the taco truck. It’s my go-to late-night spot — every night.”
Armeta used to work the truck alone, but its popularity has risen so much that they often need three people working. Lines hit their peak at around 1:30 a.m. when the late-night crowd is making its strongest appearance.
Armeta and Perez have seen it all while working on State Street late at night. People have even tried to pay for their food at the taco truck with fake money. However, the main focus of the owners is not the conflict that could potentially occur at 11 p.m. on a Thursday night at this popular spot. Their main concern is providing the best service and care to those who stop in and want to enjoy a hot quesadilla as a late-night snack.
