Ever wondered what that sleek, metallic spaceship parked on 14th Street is dishing out? Let me spill the beans — it’s tacos. Mod Pod, a “dining” offshoot of the Little Mod Hotel that opened just last year, is more than the reflective trailer it seems. It offers a range of delicious, Mexican-inspired dishes that cater to anyone passing by. And let me tell you, it’s worth the stop.
I know that many students who live behind the Corner, myself included, are puzzled by the bizarre eatery on every walk down 14th Street. Therefore, I felt a sense of duty as a food writer to investigate the trailer and its menu. This week, I stopped by Mod Pod to sample a few of their signature food and drink offerings.
When I arrived at the truck, I learned that Mod Pod opened in October 2023 as a dining option for guests staying at the Little Mod Hotel, but the truck is open to all customers. Their menu is centered around a variety of taco options, but they serve a handful of other items as well, from breakfast plates to smoothies.
Parked just a few steps away from Grounds, the truck is in a great spot for students to refuel between classes or unwind with friends. Nestled next to the silver truck is a charming little outdoor seating area, complete with cheerful umbrellas that provide shade for diners who want to savor their meal on the spot. Perfectly tucked into the rhythm of everyone's daily route to class, it's an ideal spot for people-watching, yet simultaneously private and serene.
Choosing from their all-day breakfast menu, I opted for the breakfast taco, featuring a fried egg, chimichurri, avocado, pico de gallo and pickled onions, as well as a $2 addition of chorizo. The first thing that struck me was the tortilla, which was griddled to perfection. Unlike some tacos that fall apart in your hands, this one had just the right amount of crispiness, holding everything together beautifully. The chorizo added a smoky kick and was balanced by the freshness of the chimichurri and the tang of pickled onions. The fried egg gave it a solid structure — though I must admit, I did find myself wishing for a sprinkle of cheese to round out the flavors. Still, it was a steal at $7.
Next up was the $12 Tex-Mex Torta, a heartier option with chicken tinga, smoked cheddar, avocado, salsa picante, cilantro and pickled onions all tucked inside a soft roll. The chicken tinga stole the show here — it was tender, well-spiced and smoky, and it perfectly complemented the fresh salsa and avocado. The smoked cheddar added the exact kind of warm depth that I was missing in the breakfast taco, while the cilantro and pickled onions brought brightness to every bite. That said, while the roll was light and fluffy, it was so thick that I found that it inadvertently overpowered some of the filling, disrupting the ratio of components in each bite. Still, the vibrant flavors made the dish worth trying.
To round out my meal, I went for something refreshing and sweet — the Açai Smoothie. Made with açai purée, oat milk, strawberry, banana and blueberry, this smoothie was a standout. It was thick and creamy with just the right amount of natural sweetness. The blend of berries was perfectly balanced, and the oat milk gave it a smooth, rich texture without making it too heavy. It’s the kind of drink that felt almost like a meal in itself — it was absolutely packed with flavor. At $9, it’s on the pricier side, but after a taco and a torta, it made for a light, revitalizing finish.
The Mod Pod offers a mix of casual dining with bold, vibrant flavors that make each dish worth trying. While the menu features plenty of Mexican favorites, the truck isn’t afraid to experiment, offering fresh takes on classics and blending breakfast with lunch in the most satisfying way. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between classes or settling in at their cute outdoor seating area, this local food truck promises to be an experience that is as delicious as it is convenient.
The Mod Pod is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Read More
Breaking my routine to fix my perspective
By Mai Hukuoka | YesterdayI realized that my firm “control” over life was preventing me from enjoying the beauty of banal, everyday things.
A guide to the weekly farmers market at Ix Art Park
By Miriella Jiffar | 2 days agoHere are my suggestions to make the most of your shopping experience.
Top 10 excuses for being late to class
By Elizabeth Parsons | October 1, 2024Here are some oh-so-convincing excuses for you to use if you find yourself on a late streak.
