West Coast Tacos in the Midwest

(Credit: Jennifer Cecil / Metromix)

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It’s only been three weeks since the West Coast Tacos truck first parked in Broad Ripple, but customers are lining up like they’re waiting for critically acclaimed food. “We came back three times in one night,” said 25-year-old Dale Richards, who discovered the truck in the Cardinal Fitness parking lot while biking with a friend. “The salsa is delicious. It’s real, real spicy. It’s like instant, as soon as it hits your tongue.”

John “DJ Sonic” Ban, an Indianapolis native who spent three years in Los Angeles, keeps it simple and spicy with his West Coast-style tacos — two layers of four-inch corn tortillas filled with Korean marinated steak or herbed-and-spiced chicken. They easily fit in the palm of your hand, but this little taco packs a big punch. On a recent night, I ordered one steak and one chicken taco. Both were layered with spicy onion, cilantro, and the sinus-clearing sauce. The steak has a slight hint of sweetness from the marinade, and the chicken was so tender.

In 2007, Ban left Indy to give Los Angeles a try, and fell in love with the tacos served at trucks all over the city.

“First of all, I was stunned: This is a taco?” he said. “I was used to Midwest-style tacos, like Taco Bell tacos — tomatoes, lettuce, hard shells,” he said. “I was blown away by all the flavors involved and thought, ‘If I took this to Indy, it would be crazy.’”

Along with local foodies, late-night bar hoppers have quickly grown attached to the tacos. Besides the great taste, they’re cheap. Each taco goes for $2, and you can get three for $5. Needless to say, there’s a lengthy line as the night lurches on.

The handmade tortillas are made fresh a local source, Ban says. His partner, chef Arnold Park created the hot sauce that has everyone talking — a special blend of spices and peppers.

The menu might be expanded to include fish and shrimp; Ban also hopes to set up Downtown for lunch. For now, you can find them at 831 Broad Ripple Ave., from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday through Tuesday and 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Follow them at @WestCoastTacos.