Chicken quesadilla plato from Franko’s. Photo by Allie Appel
Hidden in a tiny shopping strip on Perkins Road, Franko’s Antojitos Mexicanos has a small and quaint atmosphere, but its menu is packed with big flavor.
In a city dotted with Tex-Mex restaurants, Franko’s is a gem of a taqueria.
Though the menu is fairly small, it boasts authenticity—you’ll find items like Aguas Jamaica (a fruity, subtly-flavored water) and horchatas (cinnamon, vanilla and milk drink) and tacos lengua (beef tongue) and chorizo. Franko’s also offers Americanized dishes like quesadillas, enchiladas and burritos but keeps the fresh flavors you’d get from a home-cooked meal.
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The chicken quesadilla came on a soft flour tortilla accompanied by refried beans, rice, avocado and queso fresco, a crumbly white cheese. It was stuffed to the brim with shredded chicken, so there was no need to worry about skimpy portions.
My guest had three tacos, trying the chicarron (fried pork, almost like a cracklin), lengua and shredded chicken. While the chicarron taco was too heavy, the lengua and shredded chicken tacos were juicy, filling and not overseasoned. Each taco came topped with a bit of fresh onion and cilantro. With a bit of mild salsa verde, he said the tacos hit the spot.
Next to the register are shelves full of Spanish snacks and candies and a cooler full of bottled drinks like Jarritos, Topo Chico and Sangria.
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Almost everything on the menu is under $10, and the wait time is about 10 minutes. Franko’s is a good option if you’re looking for quick, authentic eats that won’t drain your wallet or find you rushing back to the office late.
Franko’s is located at 13265 Perkins Road, open from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Get more information.
—Amanda Capritto