Food & Drink

Cleveland Taco Guide: Tacologist's Teriyaki Tacos Is The Result Of Creative Chemistry

Pineapple, cilantro and Sriracha work perfectly with teriyaki-marinated grilled chicken in this Japanese and Mexican mashup.

by Aidan Coyne | Jul. 26, 2021 | 11:00 AM

Kalman & Pabst Photo Group

Kalman & Pabst Photo Group

Type: Modern American
Price: $10.50-$14.50

The best tacos rely on the right kind of chemistry between ingredients. Luckily, Tacologist has tacos down to a science. Opting for creativity over authenticity, the teriyaki tacos pair teriyaki-marinated grilled chicken with succulent pineapple, cilantro and Sriracha for a full-blown experience that’s bound to make your mouth water. The sweetness of the pineapple works beautifully with the teriyaki flavor, as teriyaki sauce is often made with pineapple juice. With lime rice served on the side, there’s more than enough balance between sweet and acidic flavors creating a seamless cross between a classic Japanese dish and an iconic Mexican staple. Even the restaurant’s location, so close to University Circle and several area hospitals, inspired chefs to replace the tortilla with a lettuce wrap for an experimental finish. “Because of the lettuce wrap it is more on the healthy side,” says manager Owaldi De La Rosa. “The area is so diverse which is why we decided to be experimental with the menu.” 11409 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-400-7242, tacologist.net

Click here to order up 30 of Cleveland’s best tacos. Plus, meet the Northeast Ohio restauranteurs mastering Cleveland’s new favorite dish. 

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