When I first bought my house on the Eastside of Tacoma five-plus years ago, so many people in this city told me that I was making a horrible mistake, a terrible investment, and that my life would be in jeopardy if I lived there.



Whatever.



I knew exactly what I was getting myself into, and I was also smart enough to know that well-calculated risks yield the highest returns.



Such was the case for my house that has MORE than doubled in price and now sits perched above stellar amenities old and new like Fergie’s, Neighborhood Coffee and Espresso, Hair Artz, Winners Gym and (of course) the Top of Tacoma Bar and Café.



But back when I first closed on the house, my best friend from high school, Ashley, was the first pal to visit my manor. She bragged to her parents about my dandy Craftsman home, and explained how it was situated on McKinley Hill.



Her father immediately responded with, “You idiot, there’s a piece of property on 38th and McKinley that we own, and that’s the property they I’ve been trying to get you guys to develop!”



After discovering this crazy coincidence, Ashley and her lovely husband Josh, started to create the cozy commercial property that sits across the street from the fire station, which is now home to a teriyaki joint that is most excellent, Enginehouse Coffee and Deli, and one of my favorite Tacoma establishments:

Tacqueria El Antojo.



This restaurant offers FAST Mexican food that is ridiculously affordable and so delicious. That really comes in handy when you’re a first-time home owner.



I love to stroll over there any day of the week for lunch or dinner, and I appreciate that they’re open until 10 p.m. seven days a week.



Even better, Tacqueria is a perfect compliment to our hood. One of the other things that I love about the Eastside is how multicultural it is (Wonderbread communities ain’t my thang), and several languages are always represented at Tacqueria (SO cool!). Let alone the fact that this well-lit establishment helps to rid our streets of hooligans.



As for food, I (and Ashley) will forever be addicted to their tasty little chicken tacos, their chips and salsa bar, and my guilty pleasure: french fries.



The yummy deals are endless, for example: Five tacos, including a soda, is just $6.29; a hearty burrito plate is $7.39, antojo carnitas is $8.39, enchiladas chipotle is $6.49 and shrimp tostadas are $5.29.



The Eastside and McKinely Hill are getting better as each week passes, and if you’ve never been there before, there’s no better time to head up the hill than now because of the amazing people, and wonderful establishments including mi amor, Tacqueria El Antojo.



[Tacqueria El Antojo, 3801 McKinley Ave., Tacoma, 253.475.0375]





Tell me where you like to party at sceneofthecrime@hotmail.com.