Honest question: Is Bossier City home to more really outstanding taquerias than anywhere else you’ve been in Louisiana? For me, at least, I think the answer is “yes.” Los Potrillos is outstanding, Taqueria San Miquel is outstanding, Taqueria Sin Fronteras #2 in Haughton can be great, and Taqueria La Reyna del Sur (3820 Industrial Drive, Bossier City) – the newest of the bunch – is definitely outstanding.
Sure, it’s located inside of a Valero station, but that’s never stopped a true taco enthusiast, and I hope that you won’t let it deter you. Were you to be put off by the bare bones dining room or the roadside location, you’d be missing out on what I honestly think are the best barbacoa tacos in Shreveport-Bossier. At La Reyna del Sur (“Queen of the South”), barbacoa means beef cheek, which is slow-steamed, tender and rich from melted fat. I tried the tacos campechanos (carne asada and chorizo), al pastor, and barbacoa. All three were good, but the barbacoa was outrageously good. Try it with the red salsa that you’ll find in a salad bar-style cooler against the wall.
La Reyna del Sur also serves several types of tortas – oversized Mexican sandwiches – including four that are designated “mega tortas.” If anyone reading this tries the $12 Torta Cubana, please post a photo in the comments; Tortas Cubanas are usually piled high with all kinds of meat, including several hot dogs that have been split and griddled. They are sort of the “Man vs. Food” dish of Mexican street fare.
Most interesting among the several house specialties at La Reyna del Sur are the guisados – home-style stews like chicharron in salsa verde. I stuck to the tacos during my visit, but can’t wait to return and try some other things. They also offer breakfast tacos beginning at 7 a.m., which is not something that you see too often among local taquerias.
Last, but not least, you may notice some plastic containers stuffed with homemade sweet treats on the counter at check-out. If you’re wondering whether or not the bite-sized dessert empanadas are as tasty as they look, the answer is yes. I bought a carton with every intention of sharing them with my coworkers. It’s the thought that counts.
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Like this kind of local food coverage? Check out Eat Here: A Food Lover’s Guide to Shreveport-Bossier.
