It’s hard to go into Taco Cecy without thinking of the building’s last incarnation, the Anytime Tavern and Grill. Open anytime, the place was stormed by hungry, grateful drunks when the bars closed. Dozens of Garfields kept watch under a ceiling stained yellow by decades of cigarette smoke. The fare was fried and served with Smoky Sauce, a special blend of liquid smoke and mayo.
Taco Cecy moved from a food van into the brick-and-mortar building last summer. The vestiges of the Anytime’s greasy past are scrubbed away and painted over with the bright colors of Mexico. English is a distant second language at the restaurant, which serves up authentic Mexican food, including savory street tacos with a variety of sweet, spicy and hot sauces in green and red. The music of Mexico fills the air.
Breakfast starts the day here with eggs Mexican style in tacos ($1.50) and burritos ($4). Popular for eating in or a takeout lunch or dinner are tacos ($1.75 each) in a variety of meats, including unbreaded fish, marinated pork, Mexican sausage, chicken, tongue, and shredded beef. The Walla Walla taco features the famous sweet onion in homemade corn tortillas. Other small orders include tamales ($2) and tostadas ($3) or a basket of chips ($3). Larger entrees like the Wet Burrito ($7) and super nachos ($7) are also served. For dessert there are traditional sopapillas ($3) and flan vanilla custard ($3).
Taco Cecy’s menu, covered in handwritten notations and highlights, is a territory that will take some exploring.
Taco Cecy, 1350 Main St., Lewiston, (208) 553-2600.
