5/5 stars
I finally made it to La Vic's! La Vic's is the kind of taqueria you hear about when first moving to the Bay Area. Their orange sauce is the stuff of legends and it certainly lived up to insanely high expectations. Seriously, what's in that stuff? Lard? It's the definition of mmm mmm mmm.
Instead of ordering mediocre, overpriced food at the Shark Tank, we got burritos to-go after our very first Sharks game. We somehow beat the late-night crowd and were in and out in 5 minutes. Score!
We came home happy with heavy carnitas and al pastor burritos. The al pastor was spicy! I didn't expect that. My favorite part was the flour tortilla that had been toasted on the flat top. I love it when taquerias do that. These are flour tortillas you can't get at the store!
Are flour tortillas greater than bread or vice versa?
(2015)
Showing posts with label taquerias. Show all posts
Showing posts with label taquerias. Show all posts
Monday, January 4, 2016
Viva Taqueria - Santa Clara
5/5 stars
I'm going to do something really BOLD. You ready?
I declare Viva Taqueria's al pastor burrito as the best in the South Bay. (Jury's still out on the carnitas burrito.)
I know that's saying A LOT. There are an incredible number of incredible taquerias in the area and I haven't tried them all, but of the ones I've tried, Viva just blew my burrito mind.
I judge a burrito by its tortilla and Viva's was NOT soggy, it didn't fall apart, it wasn't dry, and it was the perfect texture. It also didn't taste doughy and had the perfect hint of grease :)
The al pastor is incredibly flavorful. The pineapple really shines and the pork is just perfectly cooked and seasoned.
The burrito is perfectly assembled. The ingredients - rice, refried beans (you have to ask for refried, burritos usually come with pinto), cheese, sour cream, and guac - are all EVENLY distributed so you get a little bit of everything in one, delicious bite. No huge chunk of rice hiding in a corner (a con of mine).
Service is friendly and chips are plentiful. I love, love, love the avocado salsa. The red salsas are also really good. One is mild and the other, the deep red one, is spicy and smoky.
Yeah, Viva ftw.
(2015)
I'm going to do something really BOLD. You ready?
I declare Viva Taqueria's al pastor burrito as the best in the South Bay. (Jury's still out on the carnitas burrito.)
I know that's saying A LOT. There are an incredible number of incredible taquerias in the area and I haven't tried them all, but of the ones I've tried, Viva just blew my burrito mind.
I judge a burrito by its tortilla and Viva's was NOT soggy, it didn't fall apart, it wasn't dry, and it was the perfect texture. It also didn't taste doughy and had the perfect hint of grease :)
The al pastor is incredibly flavorful. The pineapple really shines and the pork is just perfectly cooked and seasoned.
The burrito is perfectly assembled. The ingredients - rice, refried beans (you have to ask for refried, burritos usually come with pinto), cheese, sour cream, and guac - are all EVENLY distributed so you get a little bit of everything in one, delicious bite. No huge chunk of rice hiding in a corner (a con of mine).
Service is friendly and chips are plentiful. I love, love, love the avocado salsa. The red salsas are also really good. One is mild and the other, the deep red one, is spicy and smoky.
Yeah, Viva ftw.
(2015)
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Jalisco Taqueria - San Jose
3/5 stars
Bookmarked this place awhile ago. Had no idea it was my hubby's favorite chicken burrito hole-in-the-wall. We stopped by on his birthday for a treat and he was happy as a clam with his burrito, the salsa, and a squeeze of lime. I ordered the quesadilla hoping it would be more like a giant, pillowy soft taco (a la La Costa), but it wasn't. Next time I'll stick to the chicken burrito (the chicken is really moist) or the nachos with fake cheese. Mmm. Fake cheese is the best.
They're open till 3am! Wowzers!
(2013)
Bookmarked this place awhile ago. Had no idea it was my hubby's favorite chicken burrito hole-in-the-wall. We stopped by on his birthday for a treat and he was happy as a clam with his burrito, the salsa, and a squeeze of lime. I ordered the quesadilla hoping it would be more like a giant, pillowy soft taco (a la La Costa), but it wasn't. Next time I'll stick to the chicken burrito (the chicken is really moist) or the nachos with fake cheese. Mmm. Fake cheese is the best.
They're open till 3am! Wowzers!
(2013)
Nick’s Crispy Tacos - San Francisco
5/5 stars
I dream about this place. If I was a person who walked in their sleep, you would probably find me here at weird hours.
I think it's the guacamole to taco ratio that makes my heart go pitter-patter and my mouth fill with drool. Oh, and the corn on the cob COVERED in cotija cheese is sinful. And spicy! I wish Nick's would open a place in the South Bay. Taco Bell just doesn't cut it even if they DO have the Doritos taco.
Margs are solid -- I once smiled at the bartender and he made mine extra strong. Ha!
(2012)
I dream about this place. If I was a person who walked in their sleep, you would probably find me here at weird hours.
I think it's the guacamole to taco ratio that makes my heart go pitter-patter and my mouth fill with drool. Oh, and the corn on the cob COVERED in cotija cheese is sinful. And spicy! I wish Nick's would open a place in the South Bay. Taco Bell just doesn't cut it even if they DO have the Doritos taco.
Margs are solid -- I once smiled at the bartender and he made mine extra strong. Ha!
(2012)
Monico’s Taqueria - Wailua, HI
5/5 stars
I kinda wish we had eaten here every single day of our Kauai honeymoon. Best fish tacos I've ever had in my life.
We found this place because of Sunset magazine. We sat at the bar and chatted it up with the owner's wife. She was an awesome, awesome woman and treated us so well. She even gave us a deck of playing cards as a small honeymoon gift.
IMO, there are two things that *make* a fish taco. Fresh fish is #1. If you screw that up, then there's no point. #2 is the sauce. Monico's white sauce is some super secret surprise. The fish tacos are drenched in it, but the fish still maintains its shape and crunchiness. Oh, and the pinto beans were homemade and silky. Darn! I wish we had eaten here more than once!
Maui may have the Four Seasons, but Kauai has Monico's.
(2012)
I kinda wish we had eaten here every single day of our Kauai honeymoon. Best fish tacos I've ever had in my life.
We found this place because of Sunset magazine. We sat at the bar and chatted it up with the owner's wife. She was an awesome, awesome woman and treated us so well. She even gave us a deck of playing cards as a small honeymoon gift.
IMO, there are two things that *make* a fish taco. Fresh fish is #1. If you screw that up, then there's no point. #2 is the sauce. Monico's white sauce is some super secret surprise. The fish tacos are drenched in it, but the fish still maintains its shape and crunchiness. Oh, and the pinto beans were homemade and silky. Darn! I wish we had eaten here more than once!
Maui may have the Four Seasons, but Kauai has Monico's.
(2012)
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
El Farolito - San Francisco
1/5 stars
I came here with some visiting New Yorkers who had heard about this place. I think El Farolito is supposed to be one of the Burrito Gods of San Francisco or something. And yes, the burritos are solid, but nothing special. I mean, you can get an extremely well-made burrito with delicious carne asada or carnitas in a ton of places in California (thank God for that). But what really stood out for me was the mighty quesadilla. I have learned, by dining in Mexican restaurants where actual Mexicans eat, that quesadillas are not just thin, lifeless flour tortillas with melting yellow cheese in the middle. Heck to the no. True quesadillas are more like monster soft tacos. The exterior (the flour tortilla) should display an array of beautiful, golden markings received from being pressed to a hot griddle while the interior should be filled to bursting with meat, cheese (usually white), and avocado. The carne asada really shone in the quesadilla.
My only problem is that this place is extremely filthy and they allow the homeless to come in and attack you while you eat. One star because the owner should probably do something about this. Oh, and there's powder in my horchata.
(2011)
I came here with some visiting New Yorkers who had heard about this place. I think El Farolito is supposed to be one of the Burrito Gods of San Francisco or something. And yes, the burritos are solid, but nothing special. I mean, you can get an extremely well-made burrito with delicious carne asada or carnitas in a ton of places in California (thank God for that). But what really stood out for me was the mighty quesadilla. I have learned, by dining in Mexican restaurants where actual Mexicans eat, that quesadillas are not just thin, lifeless flour tortillas with melting yellow cheese in the middle. Heck to the no. True quesadillas are more like monster soft tacos. The exterior (the flour tortilla) should display an array of beautiful, golden markings received from being pressed to a hot griddle while the interior should be filled to bursting with meat, cheese (usually white), and avocado. The carne asada really shone in the quesadilla.
My only problem is that this place is extremely filthy and they allow the homeless to come in and attack you while you eat. One star because the owner should probably do something about this. Oh, and there's powder in my horchata.
(2011)
Sancho’s Taqueria - Palo Alto
3/5 stars
This may be oversharing, but I'm the type of person who needs to eat spaghetti after watching Lady and the Tramp. I get this intense craving and it's all I think about.
So, when my mom texted me from San Diego gushing about fish tacos, all I wanted was a fish taco. Specifically, I wanted fish tacos from Nick's in San Francisco. But because I didn't feel like battling rush hour to SF, I looked on Yelp for some place closer. Btw, I gotta tell you, It is NOT easy to find a fish taco in this here town. Seriously, what did we do before Yelp?
After doing a quick search, I found Sancho's and headed over there even though I was due at Pampas for Happy Hour soon. But I figure I could put my body through just one lil' taco. The crazy things I do for food.
So I got my taco and ate it in my car and was blissfully happy :-)
It was lightly fried, which I liked, and Sancho's was really generous with the fish, but I kinda wish that the batter was seasoned. I guess that's where the sauce came in (which was good), but the pico de gallo wasn't anything to write home about. And I would've liked another flour tortilla (because there was so much fish!) and a lime wedge instead of lemon.
It definitely wasn't an exciting fish taco, but it satisfied my craving (for about $4).
(2011)
This may be oversharing, but I'm the type of person who needs to eat spaghetti after watching Lady and the Tramp. I get this intense craving and it's all I think about.
So, when my mom texted me from San Diego gushing about fish tacos, all I wanted was a fish taco. Specifically, I wanted fish tacos from Nick's in San Francisco. But because I didn't feel like battling rush hour to SF, I looked on Yelp for some place closer. Btw, I gotta tell you, It is NOT easy to find a fish taco in this here town. Seriously, what did we do before Yelp?
After doing a quick search, I found Sancho's and headed over there even though I was due at Pampas for Happy Hour soon. But I figure I could put my body through just one lil' taco. The crazy things I do for food.
So I got my taco and ate it in my car and was blissfully happy :-)
It was lightly fried, which I liked, and Sancho's was really generous with the fish, but I kinda wish that the batter was seasoned. I guess that's where the sauce came in (which was good), but the pico de gallo wasn't anything to write home about. And I would've liked another flour tortilla (because there was so much fish!) and a lime wedge instead of lemon.
It definitely wasn't an exciting fish taco, but it satisfied my craving (for about $4).
(2011)
La Costeña - Mountain View
4/5 stars
When I asked for a carne asada burrito, he took out a slab of raw steak and threw it on the hot grill. No re-heating pre-cooked meat here! The flour tortilla was placed on the grill, too. Way better than just being steamed.
I got refried beans (they're really good beans, btw), moist spanish rice, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, cilantro, extra onions, corn, pico de gallo, and shredded lettuce. All for under $8! They have more fixings than any other burrito place. There was also black beans, grilled peppers, olives, and lots more salsas.
I don't think they season the beans or steak, but combined with everything, they don't really need to It just all tastes really, really good and fresh.
I have to admit that the burrito wasn't as flavorful as the ones at Chavez supermarket (my favorite place for burritos and horchata), but it's a solid, heavy, non-greasy and definitely better than La Bamba's next door burrito.
La Costena is a hole-in-the-wall that doesn't have any character, so just grab and go.
(2011)
When I asked for a carne asada burrito, he took out a slab of raw steak and threw it on the hot grill. No re-heating pre-cooked meat here! The flour tortilla was placed on the grill, too. Way better than just being steamed.
I got refried beans (they're really good beans, btw), moist spanish rice, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, cilantro, extra onions, corn, pico de gallo, and shredded lettuce. All for under $8! They have more fixings than any other burrito place. There was also black beans, grilled peppers, olives, and lots more salsas.
I don't think they season the beans or steak, but combined with everything, they don't really need to It just all tastes really, really good and fresh.
I have to admit that the burrito wasn't as flavorful as the ones at Chavez supermarket (my favorite place for burritos and horchata), but it's a solid, heavy, non-greasy and definitely better than La Bamba's next door burrito.
La Costena is a hole-in-the-wall that doesn't have any character, so just grab and go.
(2011)
Taqueria La Bamba - Mountain View (closed)
3/5 stars
After 5 years of hardcore burrito devouring, I finally tried La Bamba and it was good, but ... what's the big deal?
I thought I heard something about the tortillas being "pancake-like," but maybe that was a thing of the past. The carne asada was tasty, but didn't blow me away. Beau's chicken was boring and on the dry side. Salsas weren't unique. Beans and rice didn't shout: Remember Me.
Yeah, they're kinda big, but I devoured mine in less than 20 mins while walking from La Bamba to St. Stephen's on the Green so ... they weren't that big. Honestly, I prefer Los Charros down the street. BUT! My favoritest of all burrito shops is in the back of Chavez Supermarket in Sunnyvale. Can't beat being RIGHT NEXT to a butcher (now THAT'S some special carne asada). Their tortillas are also better, IMO. Oh, and their horchata.
(2010)
After 5 years of hardcore burrito devouring, I finally tried La Bamba and it was good, but ... what's the big deal?
I thought I heard something about the tortillas being "pancake-like," but maybe that was a thing of the past. The carne asada was tasty, but didn't blow me away. Beau's chicken was boring and on the dry side. Salsas weren't unique. Beans and rice didn't shout: Remember Me.
Yeah, they're kinda big, but I devoured mine in less than 20 mins while walking from La Bamba to St. Stephen's on the Green so ... they weren't that big. Honestly, I prefer Los Charros down the street. BUT! My favoritest of all burrito shops is in the back of Chavez Supermarket in Sunnyvale. Can't beat being RIGHT NEXT to a butcher (now THAT'S some special carne asada). Their tortillas are also better, IMO. Oh, and their horchata.
(2010)
Monday, December 28, 2015
La Costa - San Jose
4/5 stars
UPDATE :)
Been back multiple times since my first visit ... I'm a huge fan of their quesadilla. Their quesadilla isn't flat, it's more like a gordita. The flour tortillas are pillowy, more like flatbread (my favorite part) and filled up nice and thick with cheese and your choice of meat (+ avocado, if you pay extra).
La Costa's quesadilla + sangria + tanning by the pool with a friend = awesome summer days.
***
Mexican. Check!
Fast. Check!
Authentic. Check!
Cheap. Check! Check! Check!
Taco Bell, it looks like you've got some competition. Actually, this is probably where Mexican people go when they want fast-food.
ATMOSPHERE: We parked, walked around the corner, and blinked. Where was the inside part? To my surprise, there is no inside. The colorful restaurant is outdoor dining only. They've got a good number of tables though - probably better in the summer. It was kinda cold, but oh well. When in Rome... The menu was hand-painted on the wall, nobody spoke English, and there was Mexican music blasting out of the speakers. I had a big silly grin on my face. This is gonna be fun!
FOOD: SO CHEAP! Dirt cheap. Almost everything is $5 or less. Score! I ordered the chili verde plate and the bf ordered the "talked about" shrimp ceviche and a carnitas burrito. Food came out nice and hot. My chili verde consisted of huge chunks of pork, rice, beans, tortillas, tomatoes, radishes, and lime wedges. I also got extra sliced fresh avocado for a dollar. Yum. The pork wasn't too fatty and very tender. The sauce wasn't as savory or as flavorful as I would have liked it, but hey, I got this whole package for 5 bucks so I can't really complain. Beans were really runny, but decent. Didn't like the rice at all - way too dry. The bf loved the shrimp ceviche, and for $3.50, they weren't skimpy on the shrimp! His burrito, for $3.75, was solid - more squat and wide than long. I took a bite and it was tasty - though way too spicy for me. If you don't like spicy, don't get the salsa added to it.
IN A MOUTHFUL: Cheap, super friendly, and good - I don't really see any problem with that!
(2008)
UPDATE :)
Been back multiple times since my first visit ... I'm a huge fan of their quesadilla. Their quesadilla isn't flat, it's more like a gordita. The flour tortillas are pillowy, more like flatbread (my favorite part) and filled up nice and thick with cheese and your choice of meat (+ avocado, if you pay extra).
La Costa's quesadilla + sangria + tanning by the pool with a friend = awesome summer days.
***
Mexican. Check!
Fast. Check!
Authentic. Check!
Cheap. Check! Check! Check!
Taco Bell, it looks like you've got some competition. Actually, this is probably where Mexican people go when they want fast-food.
ATMOSPHERE: We parked, walked around the corner, and blinked. Where was the inside part? To my surprise, there is no inside. The colorful restaurant is outdoor dining only. They've got a good number of tables though - probably better in the summer. It was kinda cold, but oh well. When in Rome... The menu was hand-painted on the wall, nobody spoke English, and there was Mexican music blasting out of the speakers. I had a big silly grin on my face. This is gonna be fun!
FOOD: SO CHEAP! Dirt cheap. Almost everything is $5 or less. Score! I ordered the chili verde plate and the bf ordered the "talked about" shrimp ceviche and a carnitas burrito. Food came out nice and hot. My chili verde consisted of huge chunks of pork, rice, beans, tortillas, tomatoes, radishes, and lime wedges. I also got extra sliced fresh avocado for a dollar. Yum. The pork wasn't too fatty and very tender. The sauce wasn't as savory or as flavorful as I would have liked it, but hey, I got this whole package for 5 bucks so I can't really complain. Beans were really runny, but decent. Didn't like the rice at all - way too dry. The bf loved the shrimp ceviche, and for $3.50, they weren't skimpy on the shrimp! His burrito, for $3.75, was solid - more squat and wide than long. I took a bite and it was tasty - though way too spicy for me. If you don't like spicy, don't get the salsa added to it.
IN A MOUTHFUL: Cheap, super friendly, and good - I don't really see any problem with that!
(2008)
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Los Dos Compadres #2 - San Jose
2.5/5 stars
A TAQUERIA NEAR CUPERTINO?!
GASP!!
Alas, it's true. I FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY have a place to go that's right by home when I'm craving a real Mexican burrito and A) don't feel like making the drive to Mountain View and B) don't want American, microwaved Mexican a la Taco Bell.
ATMOSPHERE: No wonder I never knew this place existed despite living in 'tino for more than 15 years! Los Dos Compadres is hidden behind the Bank of America in an Asian complex. The inside was run-down, but clean and the people were super friendly. Prices were decent - $5.75 for a Super Burrito which included meat, beans, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. It was around 3:30 when I stopped by, so the place was sorta quiet, but I was very happy to find that the 3 tables that were filled were occupied by Mexican people. Good sign!
BURRITO: Nothing exciting, but it was satisfyingly real. Flour tortilla wasn't dry - great! I was able to get refried beans instead of pintos, everything was spiced really well, there was a perfect amt of sour cream and guac in my burrito, and when I asked for a side of limes, I got what looked like the equivalent of 1 whole lime - super great! Unfortunately, my pollo asado was WAY TOO DRY. The quality of the meat wasn't high either and I didn't get a side of chips with my burrito to-go, but oh well. The next time, I ordered the pollo salsa en rojo and it was so much better than the asado. Juicy, tender chicken... mmm! I found a taqueria near Cupertino! Yay!
(2007)
A TAQUERIA NEAR CUPERTINO?!
GASP!!
Alas, it's true. I FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY have a place to go that's right by home when I'm craving a real Mexican burrito and A) don't feel like making the drive to Mountain View and B) don't want American, microwaved Mexican a la Taco Bell.
ATMOSPHERE: No wonder I never knew this place existed despite living in 'tino for more than 15 years! Los Dos Compadres is hidden behind the Bank of America in an Asian complex. The inside was run-down, but clean and the people were super friendly. Prices were decent - $5.75 for a Super Burrito which included meat, beans, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. It was around 3:30 when I stopped by, so the place was sorta quiet, but I was very happy to find that the 3 tables that were filled were occupied by Mexican people. Good sign!
BURRITO: Nothing exciting, but it was satisfyingly real. Flour tortilla wasn't dry - great! I was able to get refried beans instead of pintos, everything was spiced really well, there was a perfect amt of sour cream and guac in my burrito, and when I asked for a side of limes, I got what looked like the equivalent of 1 whole lime - super great! Unfortunately, my pollo asado was WAY TOO DRY. The quality of the meat wasn't high either and I didn't get a side of chips with my burrito to-go, but oh well. The next time, I ordered the pollo salsa en rojo and it was so much better than the asado. Juicy, tender chicken... mmm! I found a taqueria near Cupertino! Yay!
(2007)
Chavez Supermarket & Taqueria - Sunnyvale
5/5 stars
I'd totally shop here!! Everything looks so fresh and reasonably priced. The place's clean, too! But first, on to the amazing taqueria in the back corner of the supermarket!
BURRITO: was soo satisfying. It weighed like a whole pound and how could the meat be anything but fresh with the market's butcher a couple feet away? If you're a meat lover, this burrito is for you. The really friendly man behind the counter made me oh-so-gleeful when he unwrapped a whole new pan of fresh carnitas and chopped up a ginormous pile right before my eyes. The carnitas were melt-in-your-mouth tender and juicy, but a little on the salty side. Also, if you like fried, crunchy carnitas, these aren't the ones for you. Order the carne asada instead, I heard that it's a winner. My flour tortilla was steamed and not dry - a huuuge plus in my book. The super burrito comes with cool guacamole and sour cream, perfectly moist rice, a mixture of onions and cilantro, pico de gallo, mild green salsa, and jack cheese. I didn't know there was a refried beans choice, so my burrito was made with pintos. They weren't half bad though - not too dry, whole, wet beans. Ohh... and the horchata (Mexican drink made with almonds, rice, cinnamon, sugar and lime) here is the BEST I've ever had. Loaded with cinnamon... mmm!! For 7 bucks-ish, filled me up the whole day!
Chavez was the ONLY place opened New Year's day (I called 4 other Mexican restaurants). I tried the carne asada and chili verde burrito and they were both delicious. Carne asada was neither dry or fatty and the verde was soaked in a tantalizing, mild, tomatilla sauce. Rice was moist, refried beans were creamy, and service was sooo friendly and accomodating! This place rocks my burrito heart!
(2007)
I'd totally shop here!! Everything looks so fresh and reasonably priced. The place's clean, too! But first, on to the amazing taqueria in the back corner of the supermarket!
BURRITO: was soo satisfying. It weighed like a whole pound and how could the meat be anything but fresh with the market's butcher a couple feet away? If you're a meat lover, this burrito is for you. The really friendly man behind the counter made me oh-so-gleeful when he unwrapped a whole new pan of fresh carnitas and chopped up a ginormous pile right before my eyes. The carnitas were melt-in-your-mouth tender and juicy, but a little on the salty side. Also, if you like fried, crunchy carnitas, these aren't the ones for you. Order the carne asada instead, I heard that it's a winner. My flour tortilla was steamed and not dry - a huuuge plus in my book. The super burrito comes with cool guacamole and sour cream, perfectly moist rice, a mixture of onions and cilantro, pico de gallo, mild green salsa, and jack cheese. I didn't know there was a refried beans choice, so my burrito was made with pintos. They weren't half bad though - not too dry, whole, wet beans. Ohh... and the horchata (Mexican drink made with almonds, rice, cinnamon, sugar and lime) here is the BEST I've ever had. Loaded with cinnamon... mmm!! For 7 bucks-ish, filled me up the whole day!
Chavez was the ONLY place opened New Year's day (I called 4 other Mexican restaurants). I tried the carne asada and chili verde burrito and they were both delicious. Carne asada was neither dry or fatty and the verde was soaked in a tantalizing, mild, tomatilla sauce. Rice was moist, refried beans were creamy, and service was sooo friendly and accomodating! This place rocks my burrito heart!
(2007)
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Tres Potrillos - Sunnyvale
2/5 stars
HERE'S THE STORY: I have my favorite restaurants, I go to them often, and I'm a happy camper. Because of such, I'll only review restaurants once. Because if I kept updating, my favorites (like Uncle Frank's) would probably be 30 reviews long... and counting (if you haven't noticed, I adore Frank's). Now, if a restaurant gets 2 stars or less in my book, what's the point in going back? There are way too many good things out there to eat and not enough stomach room. Tres Potrillos Taqueria may be the lone exception...
PROS: My first experience there was probably not what it was supposed to be. The bf and his co-workers absolutely rave about this place. Maybe I should have gotten the much talked about carnitas bowl? Instead I got the green enchiladas w. carnitas. The carnitas were fantastic, no doubt. Tasty, full of flavor, fat, and juice. There was plenty of meat shoved into my three (not two!) enchiladas and I enjoyed every bit. My plate was huge, filled to the brim with real guacamole (meaning there were tomatoes and onions and stuff in it and it wasn't just avocado puree), sour cream (an enchilada must), lettuce, pico de gallo, rice, and refried beans. My favorite part of the meal were the chips and salsa bar at the front. Tres Portillos has this awesome verde salsa - we don't know what it is exactly, just that we could eat cups of it. It's probably made w. green tomatoes, lime, maybe avocado? Or perhaps there's sour cream mixed in. Well, whatever it is, you gotta try it. I've never had anything like it.
CONS: My enchiladas were dry. I hate that. It's a Mexican food pet peeve of mine. There was hardly any green sauce on my poor enchiladas. Also, everything was way, way too salty. Rice, refried beans... aw shucks.
BUT ALAS: I am determined to try this place again. Too many people like it. Correction - too many people like the carnitas bowl. Next time, I'm ordering that. I shall update then...
(2007)
HERE'S THE STORY: I have my favorite restaurants, I go to them often, and I'm a happy camper. Because of such, I'll only review restaurants once. Because if I kept updating, my favorites (like Uncle Frank's) would probably be 30 reviews long... and counting (if you haven't noticed, I adore Frank's). Now, if a restaurant gets 2 stars or less in my book, what's the point in going back? There are way too many good things out there to eat and not enough stomach room. Tres Potrillos Taqueria may be the lone exception...
PROS: My first experience there was probably not what it was supposed to be. The bf and his co-workers absolutely rave about this place. Maybe I should have gotten the much talked about carnitas bowl? Instead I got the green enchiladas w. carnitas. The carnitas were fantastic, no doubt. Tasty, full of flavor, fat, and juice. There was plenty of meat shoved into my three (not two!) enchiladas and I enjoyed every bit. My plate was huge, filled to the brim with real guacamole (meaning there were tomatoes and onions and stuff in it and it wasn't just avocado puree), sour cream (an enchilada must), lettuce, pico de gallo, rice, and refried beans. My favorite part of the meal were the chips and salsa bar at the front. Tres Portillos has this awesome verde salsa - we don't know what it is exactly, just that we could eat cups of it. It's probably made w. green tomatoes, lime, maybe avocado? Or perhaps there's sour cream mixed in. Well, whatever it is, you gotta try it. I've never had anything like it.
CONS: My enchiladas were dry. I hate that. It's a Mexican food pet peeve of mine. There was hardly any green sauce on my poor enchiladas. Also, everything was way, way too salty. Rice, refried beans... aw shucks.
BUT ALAS: I am determined to try this place again. Too many people like it. Correction - too many people like the carnitas bowl. Next time, I'm ordering that. I shall update then...
(2007)
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Taqueria Los Charros - Mountain View
5/5 stars
THE ATMOSPHERE: Small, unpretentious, busy, colorful, and it's a couple seconds walk from an aquarium that has the coolest looking turtle! Everytime I eat here (which is often since it's my favorite Mexican restaurant in the Bay Area), we ALWAYS have to stop by and visit Mr. South American Turtle. He likes me (and no, he's not trying to bite my fingers). Someday, when I have the money (say, two extra grand or so), I will buy him and set him free. For awhile he was living in a extremely sad-looking, absolutely pathetic kiddie pool. His "home" has now been upgraded to include an artifical waterfall-like structure. This makes me happy. Sorry. This was clearly a tangent.
THE FOOD: The carnitas are the best here - flavorful, tender, and (very important) not dry! The burritos are very tasty - expertly assembled, wrapped tightly in foil, and CHEAP!! I usually order the combination plate with an enchilada and a taco. My pick for the enchilada was carnitas (of course), and this time, I wanted to try the pollo asado for the taco. It was very small chunks of very tasty BBQ chicken - me like, yes. My Mexican-eating partner in crime almost always orders the shrimp with jalapenos and he almost always orders it because it's delicious (if you like it when your tongue is on fire).
IN A MOUTHFUL: Orange juice is freshly-squeezed and your chips, pico de gallo, and red salsa are replenished quicky by the efficient and friendly staff. Order the carnitas and welcome to a Mexican restaurant you'll be visiting very often. Maybe we'll run into each other. You'll find me visiting the turtle.
(2007)
THE ATMOSPHERE: Small, unpretentious, busy, colorful, and it's a couple seconds walk from an aquarium that has the coolest looking turtle! Everytime I eat here (which is often since it's my favorite Mexican restaurant in the Bay Area), we ALWAYS have to stop by and visit Mr. South American Turtle. He likes me (and no, he's not trying to bite my fingers). Someday, when I have the money (say, two extra grand or so), I will buy him and set him free. For awhile he was living in a extremely sad-looking, absolutely pathetic kiddie pool. His "home" has now been upgraded to include an artifical waterfall-like structure. This makes me happy. Sorry. This was clearly a tangent.
THE FOOD: The carnitas are the best here - flavorful, tender, and (very important) not dry! The burritos are very tasty - expertly assembled, wrapped tightly in foil, and CHEAP!! I usually order the combination plate with an enchilada and a taco. My pick for the enchilada was carnitas (of course), and this time, I wanted to try the pollo asado for the taco. It was very small chunks of very tasty BBQ chicken - me like, yes. My Mexican-eating partner in crime almost always orders the shrimp with jalapenos and he almost always orders it because it's delicious (if you like it when your tongue is on fire).
IN A MOUTHFUL: Orange juice is freshly-squeezed and your chips, pico de gallo, and red salsa are replenished quicky by the efficient and friendly staff. Order the carnitas and welcome to a Mexican restaurant you'll be visiting very often. Maybe we'll run into each other. You'll find me visiting the turtle.
(2007)
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