Fairfield, IA: Jefferson County (Our 38th County!)

One of Iowa’s most unique communities gives its locals and visitors one of Iowa’s most unique food scenes. Restaurant after restaurant, Fairfield has its own flavor, experience, and blend of variety. If you’re looking to spend a weekend, or week, or month, gastro-touring in one Iowa town, you may want to head to the Jefferson County seat. Team Goodvin made the autumn journey to Fairfield and pulled up a chair for tacos. I think you may know where this is going.

I ordered three of my closest hombres. One Pork al Pastor, one Carna Asada, and one fried tilapia taco ordered traditional Mexican style with chopped onion, plenty of fresh cilantro, and rolled in beautiful soft corn tortillas. All were very good, but the tenderness of the Carne Asada is what stuck out and left me wishing I had room for 30 more. Tacos weren’t the only thing we smashed at Arandas…

Quite possibly our all around favorite choice was Leah’s veggie burrito. Loaded with grilled zucchini, yellow squash, peppers, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, and more! We also scored some righteous chips and queso, a ranchero and cheese sauce smothered burrito, steak quesadillas, nachos, and a giant bowl of re-fried beans. You made us wanting more, Arandas, which puts you in the running for the championship!

Be sure to read about our other taco discoveries in the communities of  Albia, Bettendorf, Columbus Junction, Coralville, Davenport, Fairfield, Fort Madison, Iowa City, Kalona, Knoxville, Lamoni, Muscatine, North Liberty, Ottumwa, Solon, Storm Lake, Tama, Tipton, Toledo, Wapello, Washington, Waterloo, West Branch, West Liberty, and Winfield. One of these towns will be awarded Best Hometown Tacos in December of 2016!

Thanks for reading! -Team Goodvin