Popular food truck’s one-year-old restaurant has a loyal fan base. We gave it a try
Bicycle enthusiasts mourn, but birria taco enjoyers rejoice.
It’s been right at a year since Los Sarapes Tacos y Mas moved into the building in downtown Gulfport formerly occupied by a bike shop.
Los Sarapes started as a widely popular food truck that traveled across the Mississippi Coast serving street-style tacos. The company still has those food trucks, but expanded the empire with a brick-and-mortar venue for casual Mexican cuisine in January of 2024.
Since then, the restaurant has earned a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Doordash and a 4.9 on Google. The menu features all-day breakfast, Mexican plates and, of course, a whole lot of tacos.
Vibe — 3 out of 5
Their side of the building has a fresh splash of orange paint that draws the eye along the corridor of Highway 49.
Red and blue walls within the interior have neon signage, LED lights and tapestry that blends with the Latin music floating through the multi-colored picado banners hanging from the ceiling.
The first thing that greets is the customer service, which will walk you through the menu if it’s your first time.
The dining room is slim, but still spacious with booth, bar and table seating. You don’t have much time to get comfortable, though, as the food comes out quick.
Food — 5 out of 5
Booth No. 8 witnessed a massacre beneath the neon blue glow of the Corona sign.
Four corn tortilla tacos were laid out before me. Two were carne asada and two were pastor. I made them gone.
Quick confession: the Americanized flour tortillas are typically my preference (throw your stones). But one of the best things that can happen to me during a food review is to have my tastes challenged.
That’s what these tacos did. The tortilla wasn’t at all overly thick — which is my primary issue with the corn variety — and the combination of smoky char from the grilled meat and added green sauce was heavenly.
Los Sarapes’ ability to bring the food truck taste to a diner is more than commendable. Suddenly it wasn’t so cold and gloomy outside, but rather it felt like I was a little closer to summer.
The cheese dip was excellent and the chips get an A from me. And it was all partnered with a Mandarin Jarritos, which is a top-tier soda. Argue with a wall, not with me.
Value — 4.5 out of 5
You can’t go wrong with four specialty tacos for $14.75. The menu has a variety of ways to get a good meal for under $15.
This includes a 12” birria quesadilla and the mulitas and taco combo, which comes with a double serving of birria meat.
Tacos are served a la carte, as well, allowing you to build your meal how you please. Two birria tacos and cheese dip will run you less than $14.
Breakfast includes meals as low as $8.75 and there are daily specials that add more value to your visit.
Address: 1927 25th Ave. in Gulfport
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
