The Taco Libre Truck Showdown Hits the ID May 2

For the third year running, Mobile Food Rodeo will host their Taco Libre Truck Showdown Saturday, May 2, from 5 to 11 p.m., along 5th Avenue near Union Station. As always, access to the over 30 food trucks is free—each offering at least one taco for $5 or less, even those not typically Mexican leaning—and 20 of these trucks will compete for $1,000 cash and the Golden Taco Award. The last two years, Off the Rez and Marination took the prize, but organizers expect stiff competition this year, especially from Woodshop BBQ, who is going off their Kansas City BBQ grid to serve up a Texas brisket taco with chimichurri, and more.

Other event highlights include two beer gardens, mariachi music, a DJed dance party, Mexican Luchador wrestling, and new this year: A "FOMG" all-you-can-eat taco bar from 5 to 8 p.m. by the Matador (oh yes they did). Space is limited and tickets are $25 ahead (reserve here) or $35 at the door.

Check out some of the trucks participating below and their menu offerings:

Bread and Circuses – 1. Octotaco - Asian style grilled baby octopus, miso aioli, kimichi, green onions, and lime, served on a wonton tortilla. 2. Sri Lankan Taco - Lamb curry, habanero coleslaw, and cilantro oil, served on fried puri. 3. Mushroom Al Pastor - Al Pastor style variety of mushrooms, grilled pineapple, orange crema, onions, and cilantro. 4. Dessert Taco - Truck-made chocolate tortilla, nougat, macerated strawberries, whipped cream, nuts.

Buddha Bruddah – Asian Tacos, 2 for $5: Flour tortillas with choice of meat (Huli Huli ginger chicken, sweet & spicy pork, Hawaiian grilled beef), with Asian slaw and Bruddah sauce. Served with our signature chili sauces.

Falafel Salaam – Pescadillas: authentic Oaxacan deep-fried fish tacos. Wild Alaskan cod, tomatoes, onions and spices wrapped in a corn tortilla and deep fried to a sexy crisp. Topped with cabbage, fresh pico de gallo and crema Mexicana.

Fishbasket – Cod Taco: Crispy Japanese panko breaded cod fillet placed on homemade tartar slaw and topped with pico de gallo, chipotle ranch, and a lime wedge.

No Bones About It – Beer Battered Avocado Taco: chipotle aioli, tomato, slaw, and charred tomato salsa.

Papa Bois – 1. Jerk Chicken Tacos: Dry rubbed jerk chicken topped with spicy green papaya salad, Caribbean slaw, tamarind sauce, Papa Mayo, Oh Boi sauce, and dusted with pistachio nuts served on top of corn tortillas. 2. Orient Pork Tacos: Pork marinated in coconut milk and lemongrass topped with spicy green papaya salad, Caribbean slaw, tamarind sauce, Papa Mayo, Oh Boi sauce, and dusted with pistachio nuts served on top of corn tortillas.

Wicked Pies – The Wicked Libre Taco Pizza: Black bean base, cheddar & jack cheese blend, house-made chorizo sausage, black Olives, fresh tomatoes & cilantro, drizzled with house-made Mexican crema & guacamole.

Woodshop BBQ – 1. Argentinian In Texas: Texas Brisket Taco with Chimichurri. 2. Hickory Pork Belly Taco 3. Smoked Frijoles Taco