TUESDAY, MARCH 30: SPICY 16 >>>

More people than we anticipated voted in the Weekly Volcano's Tournament of Tacos Readers' Poll so far and - although we might have disagreed with a couple of your picks - most of you have shown remarkable taste. Most of the competitions were no surprise - like Vuelve a la Vida, Tacos Guaymas, Los Tres Hermanos, Taqueria La Fondita and Masa moving on thanks to their hordes of loyal fans - but a few dark horse taco joints managed to buck the pundits and turn out the vote.

Really? Matador is out? Have you people tasted their tacos?

Anyway, the Spicy 16 begins today. Here are four tough battles:

GAME 1: Los Reyes Del Taco (6308 McKinley Ave., Tacoma) vs. Vuelve A La Vida (5312 Pacific Ave., Tacoma)

Vuelve A La Vida started up in 1995. Six months after its inception, the owner sold it to the mysteriously named Senor Douglas, who's owned it ever since. Most people know the joint for its authentic Mexican food, featuring prizes such as tongue and goat and featuring banners boasting "no chips & salsa." You get a real feeling that you're being taken care of by real artisans who know just what they're doing. Vuelve takes on another sit-down restaurant Los Reyes Del Taco that serves authentic, tasty tacos. This one should be close.

>>> CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

GAME 2: Masa (2811 6th Ave., Tacoma vs. El Toro (various locations)

Both of these entities crushed the shells of all their competitors. El Toro has the numbers. Masa has the creativity. Let's get ready to rumble.

>>> CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

GAME 3: Taqueria La Fondita (South 38th and South G streets, Tacoma) vs. Los Tres Hermanos (2728 S 12th St., Tacoma)

You're looking at two of the most popular taco trucks in Tacoma. Do you drive past one and cross Interstate 5 to grab the goods from the other? Is one that good? Vote for your favorite.

>>> CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

GAME 4: Top of Tacoma Bar and Cafe (3529 McKinley Ave., Tacoma) vs. Hell's Kitchen (928 Pacific Ave., Tacoma)

The first three taco battles will be fierce. Top of Tacoma Bar and Café vs. Hell's Kitchen could end relationships, cause car title exchanges, fill the tattoo shops with sad faces.    

>>> CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Tomorrow's Spicy 16 Taco Battles

Game 1: El Rinconsito vs. Hidalgo Mexican Restaurant

Game 2: Moctezuma's vs. Tacos Guaymas

Game 3: Los Tres Hermanos vs. Taqueria Burrito Loco

Game 4: Tijuana Taco vs. Powerhouse Restaurant and Brewery

Confused? Read our Tournament of Tacos introduction here.