We are solidly on team goat. More and more local eateries are happily hopping on the birria trend, but using savory shredded beef inside crispy tacos instead of the traditional goat. And we’re fine with that … though we prefer the goat.

But if you’re going to choose beef, you need to check out recent Honolulu transplant Aloha Mamacita, stirring things up in the restaurant-rich Grand Canyon Parkway center off West Flamingo. These tacos ($15 for three) are spicy and saucy, absolutely stuffed with melty mozzarella and rich beef, and served with smoky consomme for dipping. And you don’t have to take the taco route; there’s fluffy bao filled with meat, cheese, onions and cilantro ($16 for three) or Bomb Bites ($9), essentially birria poppers with a crispy panko coating. All these dishes are hearty and filling, so take care not to overdo it.

Then again, you must eat Mamacita’s fried chicken ($14), the hidden gem on the menu at this super-casual, takeout-focused spot. Golden-fried thigh pieces are served with house-made salsa or sweet chili sauce, something of a hybrid between Hawaiian-style mochiko chicken and Japanese karaage. Pleasantly crunchy and perfectly seasoned, it becomes more addictive with each bite, a dangerous place when you’re see-sawing between this and juicy taco chomps. Plan on leftovers.

ALOHA MAMACITA 4195 S. Grand Canyon Drive, 702-906-6888. Daily, noon-8 p.m.

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