Tacos Pihuamo is a Mexican food truck situated off of southeast Third Street, just north of Reed Market Road. While the location is somewhat obscure, the food and the service offered at the truck has earned it a reputation as the best food truck in Bend and, according to many, the best tacos in Bend.
Miguel Lara opened the food truck back in 2012. Prior to that, he worked in construction. However, during the recession, when the construction industry was struggling, he decided to try something new: food.
According to Lara’s daughter, Angelica Veliz, she and her siblings’ mom have always been good cooks. Their dad, Miguel, also had what the girls called a, “buena mano para cocinar,” or in English, a good hand for cooking. She also described him as having good, “sazón,” or a good sense of flavor.
The business is completely family-owned and operated. While Miguel Lara and Magdalena Mendoza are the main bosses, their daughters, Elizabeth Lara, Angelica Veliz and Miriam Lara, and son Miguel Angel Lara, are also a part of the business, along with extended family members.
The food cart offers a series of traditional Mexican classics, including tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tortas and more. People have the choice of getting chicken, steak, pork or shredded beef, also known as birria.
Most of the meals come with a side of beans and rice that accompany each meal perfectly. Just last year, the cart started adding desserts, such as tres leches cake, baked by Angelica. For the recipes, the family likes to keep them simple and authentic.
“My parents have always said that the simpler the food is, the better,” Angelica told the Source.
While the food truck has been running for over 10 years, the family is still shocked by the community’s support and love for their food.
“We didn’t really realize, and honestly, we still don’t really realize, how much people really enjoy our food,” said Elizabeth. “We’re beyond blessed to hear every single comment, where people really do enjoy and love our food.”
While the success is apparent now, with consistent customers and long lines throughout the day, the family said it took hard work to get there.
According to Angelica, it took years and a lot of work from the whole family. With the truck being completely family-run and operated, there’s a particular attention to detail that everyone follows. Angelica called it a team effort.
“My dad had always taught us to work hard for what you want. He really instilled that in us,” Angelica told the Source. “I feel like the reason it’s successful is because it’s always been the family running it. We were always there,” she said.
Elizabeth attributed it to their family dynamic – always pushing each other to improve and get better. They always show up, Elizabeth said, rain or shine. And the customers do, too.
“It’s just such an unbelievable feeling of appreciation towards the community that has always been there for us since we started,” she said. “I’m not sure if people know how grateful we are to be in the Bend community.”
This article appears in Restaurant Guide 2025.
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