A Gwanghwamun Office Worker's Recommended Lunch Spot: Taqueria Villagerrero Near Samsung Jungang Station
A Place to Enjoy Daytime Drinks After a COEX Event
After finishing an event at COEX, I visited 'Taqueria Villagerrero' near Samsung Jungang Station to have a light daytime drink before it got too dark. Since I usually like tacos, I went there with high expectations, and as a result, it was a very satisfying experience. It reminded me of the tacos I had while traveling in the United States, and the restaurant's cheerful atmosphere lifted my spirits.
Location and Visiting Tips
Villagerrero is closer to Exit 7 of Samsung Jungang Station than it is to COEX at Samsung Station (although it is within walking distance). It’s about a 5-minute walk, but since it’s in an alleyway, you might get slightly confused if it’s your first time. However, the colorful sign and the Mexican-style pig painting on the exterior of the store make it easy to recognize. Parking is difficult, so it's better to use public transportation.
Atmosphere of the Restaurant
The restaurant is decorated with yellow walls and Mexican-style props, exuding an exotic atmosphere. There were Mexican-style writings and drawings on the tables, and there were cute decorations everywhere, which was interesting to look at. During the day, it was relatively quiet, so I was able to enjoy my tacos and beer at a relaxed pace. In particular, the lighting was warm and cozy, creating a comfortable atmosphere for both solo visits and visits with friends.
Menu and Taste
I ordered the most popular items, Carnitas Tacos and Chorizo Tacos . The Carnitas Tacos used softly cooked pork, which was savory and flavorful, and the cilantro, onions, and salsa combined to fill my mouth with flavor. The Chorizo Tacos had spicy Mexican sausage, boasting a salty yet intense flavor. With a sip of beer, it was a perfect experience.
The tortillas were made in-house with corn tortillas, which added a chewy and savory taste. When eaten with a squeeze of lime, the added zest made it a truly pleasant meal. Especially, the texture of the tortillas had a distinct feeling compared to other taco places. They also sold Corona beer, which is my favorite and goes well with tacos, creating a fantastic combination. This combination was a light meal yet felt very satisfying.
The Joy of Daytime Drinking
I chose Corona , a representative Mexican beer, and a sip of the cool beer with a lime wedge was a perfect match for the tacos. Thanks to the special situation of drinking during the day, the alcohol went down so smoothly. We ordered and drank tequila shots to declare the beginning of daytime drinking, which was really satisfying. If you want a unique experience, try it as your first drink.
Reactions of My Colleagues
Even my colleagues who didn't particularly like tacos gave a positive response, saying, "This is pretty good!" In particular, they were impressed with the flavor of the meat and the texture of the tortillas, and there was talk of visiting again next time, so I can say that it was quite a success. It was a place where everyone had a satisfying time.
Why I Recommend It
Villagerrero is a great place to enjoy different food while having a light drink after finishing an event at COEX. With reasonable prices, and carefully prepared tacos and cold beer, I highly recommend that you visit without hesitation. It's a place where you can truly experience the joy of daytime drinking.