Bomba Tacos & Rum

by Jeeves · August 26, 2017

I’m always seeing Taco Tuesday posts on all the forms of social media that I use, of course always making me drool in wanting those delectable corn tortillas wrapped half-moons of goodness. My oldest daughter Sydney recently moved into a new apartment in Copley, Ohio – so she has been exploring her new neighborhood and she came across one of the most wonderful taquerias in the Akron area. She couldn’t wait for us to try it and recently we visited her to help her hang some curtains and of course first on the agenda was a visit to Bomba Tacos & Rum. Nestled in an end unit of the Montrose Center at the corner of Medina (W. Market Street) and Cleveland-Massillon Roads in Fairlawn, this taqueria is a must for any die-hard taco fan. It was a beautiful cool day in August so we decided to sit on the outdoor patio starting our meal with spicy Roasted Corn Dip made with roasted red peppers, pickled jicama, chihuahua cheese and cilantro and for free (we downloaded the Thanx app as we were waiting for our food and the reward was a free Guacamole) a traditional guacamole with candied pumpkin seeds added. The dips were served with a fresh made blend of warm corn chips, crispy plantain and Malanga (a brown tuber grown in tropical regions and closely related to the taro root – think potato chip). While we loved the corn dip the guacamole was just ok, tasted like not much more than smashed avocados and salt, we needed to have had additional ingredients added such as pickled jalapenos, Pico de Gallo and roasted garlic all of which are offered at fifty cents more per addition. Our server suggested and the menu recommended that we order three tacos ($3.50 each). There are 12 choices along with classics and three seasonal choices (Chipotle Mushroom, Jerk Chicken and Vietnamese Meatball were the summer choices). I opted for Rio-Style Chicken, Chorizo and Potato and the Carne Asada – all served on warm corn tortillas. Sydney ordered two of the Crispy Shrimp and a BBQ Pork one – and we all agreed the Crispy Shrimp taco was the best of the ones we tried. Crisp fried shrimp served with mango, jicama, pickled jalapenos and creamy garlic aioli – this taco is pure joy to the taste buds. The tacos are served on a metal pan and presented in a very appetizing manner. I also ordered a cup of the Chicken Tortilla Soup with poblano peppers, caramelized onions, hominy and topped with lime crema and tortilla strips and was one of, if not the best Tortilla Soups I’ve ever had. The menu also offers Rice Bowls which include Guajillo Chicken, Spicy Shrimp, Carne Asada, Wild Ahi Tuna and Grilled Zucchini all served on your choice of coconut-mango, cilantro or plain-style rice. Sandwiches such as Chorizo & Egg, a Havana and Chicken and Bacon all of which are served with seasoned adobo fries. There are numerous vegan and gluten free options on the menu as well. We ended the meal by sharing the BOMBA Churros which were indeed the bomb! Cinnamon-sugar coated crisp fried churros with warm marshmallow and Mexican chocolate dipping sauces that could easily be licked clean of the serving vessels they came in. If you like rum, Bomba offers Rum Flights of Spiced, Aged, Premium Aged, Super Aged and Presidential. The specialty cocktails all include rum and have names such as Plantation Mai Tai, Dark & Stormy, Painkiller and Jamaican Mule just to name a few. The dining room décor is filled with tropical colors and bright colored murals, accented with rum bottles and glassware. The patio was decorated in massive blooming flower baskets and colors accenting those of the indoor dining room. The staff was attentive, friendly and extremely knowledgeable of the menu. If you’re ever in the Fairlawn-Montrose area of Akron I highly recommend a visit to Bomba Tacos & Rum, you won’t be disappointed. There is also a location in Rocky River at 19880 Detroit Road – the GPS address for Fairlawn is 3900 Medina Road – Akron, Ohio. Check out the menu, galleries and Rum 101 at their website: www.bombatacos.com
So make any day a Taco Tuesday and try Bomba Tacos & Rum in Akron or Rocky River, that’s Ohio of course.