Taco House Co: Taste of [Downtown] St. Thomas

Taco House Co: Where Every Bite Tells a Story

If you've ever sat down at Taco House Co. in St. Thomas and taken that first bite of a soft corn tortilla, warm and fragrant, you've tasted more than food—you've tasted memory.

For owner Aurora Alcocer, food has always been more than a meal. It's a link to home. A rhythm. A ritual.

She grew up in Mexico eating tortillas with every meal, sometimes freshly made, sometimes wrapped around slow-cooked meats like barbacoa. Her dad would wake up before sunrise on Sundays, head out to a local street stand, and return with bags of barbacoa and warm tortillas. That smell would pull everyone from their bed to the kitchen table. It's those kinds of memories that shaped her menu—and her mission

Bringing Her Roots to St. Thomas

Aurora didn't just choose St. Thomas. She became part of it.

Since moving here in 2008, she's built a life—family, friendships, and now a business. When she opened Taco House Co., she wasn't sure what to expect. But the support was there. It came in smiles, return visits, and stories swapped over traditional flavours.

"I feel the encouragement," she says. "Not just from community leaders—but from every family and person who walks through our doors."

Old Traditions, New Energy

At Taco House Co., authenticity starts with the corn tortilla. The process is intentional. The ingredients are fresh. But beyond the tortilla press, Aurora is also thinking about modern expression—what it means to be a Mexican-Canadian in today's world.

That's why the branding is bold, including a bright mural to test your hunger while you order. Tradition and modernity don't compete here. They work together.

Photos from ​Latin Passion Dance Academy

Salsa Nights and Soul Connection

Have you heard of Salsa in the City at Railway City Brewing?

They've taken off—and it's easy to see why. With music from Latin Passion Dance Academy and food from Taco House Co., they've become a space where people connect without needing words.


"Salsa doesn't discriminate," Aurora says. "It's joyful. It brings people in."

Those monthly events have built their own little following. There's dancing. Laughing. A lot of smiling. And the sense that even just for one night, people get to feel like they're part of something.


It's not just about selling food. It's about sharing culture. Making connections that last longer than a meal.

Lessons from the Kitchen

Running a restaurant? It's intense.

Every day is different. Plans shift. Problems show up when you least expect them.

But for Aurora, one thing has stayed true: "Follow the vision. Keep working toward the goal."

That focus—mixed with a deep sense of purpose—is what keeps the momentum going.


Why Authenticity Matters

If you've ever ordered a so-called "authentic" taco only to be disappointed by a crunchy shell and bland filling, you're not alone. Aurora's been there too.

That's why she made it her mission to do things differently. The tacos at Taco House Co. are soft. Fresh. Real.

For newcomers to Canada who crave a taste of home—or for locals wanting to understand another culture more deeply—authenticity matters. And it's something you can feel in every bite.

What's on the Plate

Aurora's go-to? Steak tacos with onion, cilantro, lime, and a hit of hot salsa.

Crowd favourite? Barbacoa tacos with cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream, and a mellow salsa.

And about those crunchy tacos? Not a thing in Mexico.

That version came from Texas in the 1880s—part of the Tex-Mex evolution. In Mexico, street tacos are soft, handheld, and eaten on the go. They're simple, fast, and full of flavour. That's what you'll find here.


Why It Works

Taco House Co. is more than a restaurant. It's a conversation. A bridge.

Between cultures. Between memories. Between people.

You're not just ordering tacos. You're stepping into Aurora's story and maybe finding a bit of your own there, too.

Taco House Co. participating in Light Up Talbot 2024

If you go...

Taco House Co - St. Thomas, ON

📍546 Talbot Street
🌐www.tacohousecompany.com
🕓Hours: Monday- Saturday 11am-8pm
🍴Takeout, and catering available.