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Antojeria Mexicana El Chilar
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
365 17th St(between Webster St & Franklin St)
Oakland, CA 94612
Neighborhood: Uptown
(510) 835-0746
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10:30 am - 7:30 pm
Sat 11 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
124 reviews for Antojeria Mexicana El Chilar
Review Highlights
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"and i love a salsa bar with limes and pickled jalapenos." In 17 reviews -
"Some of the best tacos I've ever had." In 51 reviews -
"And the fresa agua fresca was perfect." In 7 reviews
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123 reviews in English
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Review from Marie B.
Oakland, CA
4/4/2012
Probably the best carnitas, pastor and lengua in Oakland, possibly the Bay! I usually get the tacos, but the super burrito is good too - about the size of my thigh. I understand the nachos are pretty stellar, and the plates are beautiful. If you eat there, they serve your food on real plates my friends! Try the agua fresca too!
They just started opening late on Thursdays thru Saturdays which is pretty dope. -
Review from Rebecca G.
Walnut Creek, CA
5/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is very unremarkable! Highly un-recommended!
We wanted to pick up a quick dinner before a concert at The Fox, but there's not much open in this neighborhood at dinner time. We ordered a Super Burrito Al Pastor and a Regular Burrito Al Pastor (both w/o beans).
Both burritos were incredibly small! It was was incredibly bland and tasteless. I could barely taste ANY meat in mine (the regular). In fact, all I could taste was tortilla!! Seriously, it was so small, and rolled so tight, that looking at the cross-section, you could see that more than half of the burrito was tortilla. It was pretty disgusting. And it was rolled so tightly, that there wasn't even any room to add any salsa or condiments, in hopes of improving the taste! HORRIBLE! Also, it was pretty pricey! About a dollar more than I am used to for a burrito!
Also, we got bags of chips with our burritos, but each bag only had about 5 chips in there!! The small bag was about 1/10 full. What the...?!
I asked the one man behind the counter if the large bowl of salsa displayed at the counter was the same as one of the ones in the salsa bar, and he said he didn't know! Really? You're the only person working! Who would know then?
There was one table in the window, and his 3 loud children were playing there. It's not bring your children to work today! Okay, this didn't bother me so much, but they were playing a bit loudly, but worse yet, was that he kept loudly disciplining them, which made us feel uncomfortable when we were waiting for our order. Awkward!
The only redeeming quality about this place was the salsa bar. There was a decent selection of salsas, so what absolutely should be a 1 Star Review, will be bumped to a 2 Star Review. But I absolutely would never go here again, and I highly regret coming here.
Review: 1.5 Stars
1 redeeming quality: OK Salsa Bar -
Review from Navid N.
3/28/2012
It's a good spot, but everything looks way better than it tastes. The Al-Pastor was just simply a bit bland and over done.
Most interesting, however, was the cheese on the nachos. They use this melted queso asadero/quesadilla mix that ends up tasting like a fancy version of movie-theater/7-11 nachos. It's not that it's bad, but just that it's different than the grated jack cheese that most places uses, or the crumbled Panela like other spots.
It's still my one of two go to spots in downtown for Mexican, but it looks way better than it tastes for some reason :/ -
Review from Jason B.
Alameda, CA
5/8/2012
I always get excited about Mexican dining options around downtown Oakland, particularly the ones that look authentic, so I decided to try this place out. I had the chicken tacos and fish tacos. For a hole in the wall type place, the prices were slightly higher than I expected. Chicken tacos - probably the worst I've ever had. It's not bad, edible even, but it was very dry and no juice at all. How hard is it to grill decent chicken? The dry meat was just very off-putting. Veggie toppings were okay but not that fresh. Fish tacos - definitely better and would not mind eating these again. Service was quick and the staff was friendly. I will give the place one more try, I'm just hoping it was one subpar experience based on all the other more favorable reviews.
Edit: Click on the rating trend for this place. Notice how it seems to have taken a nose-dive since December? What's going on here?? -
Review from Allie M.
3/22/2012 5 Check-ins Here
It appears that this wonderful spot is open Friday and Saturday late nights :) :) :) I was so thrilled when I discovered this out walking home after a night out. The late night menu is a bit limited - only tacos and burritos, but that is fine by me!
The quality of the food here is excellent and the prices reasonable! -
Review from Markito M.
Oakland, CA
3/16/2012
I'm being generous with the stars - perhaps I ordered wrong.
It really is a hole in the wall. I went on a chilly day and didn't want to sit on the sidewalk. The other choice is tall stools at a very narrow counter - definitely no encouragement of lingering here.
I saw a sign about Niman ranch meat - I would have like a better description on the wall menu perhaps of which items were Niman. And who knows what the chicken is, or the chorizo...
I got the super nachos with chicken. I was hoping for grilled chicken but it was more stewed and only OK tasting. Portion in general was on the small side. Plus for "cheese sauce" plus freshly grated cheese.
All in all disappointing compared to the rave reviews - it ain't Cancun in Berkeley - still one of my favorite places to get a nice plate of inexpensive and more healthy Mexican food. -
Review from Nicole A.
Uptown, Oakland, CA
2/23/2012
First off, the pictures posted for this restaurant have got to be fake. And most are posted by the same user with one review and it's only for this place. I had cheese enchiladas and they were mediocre at best. Looked nothing like the picture. Salsa bar? OK, if a little metal table with 3 salsas is considered a "salsa bar" ok, then they have one. I wouldn't waste my money again. I'm truly confused as to how this place had so many rave reviews which led me here. Honestly, I'm wondering if I went to the wrong place, it was so drastically different than the reviews.
Yuck, never again! -
Review from Sparkle B.
Oakland, CA
1/23/2012
I think this is the best hole-in-the-wall Mexican joint in downtown Oakland. Everything here is good, priced reasonably and they pay close attention to the order you place.
The al pastor super burrito is huge (enough for two lunches) and amazingly delicious. The huge chucks of pineapple put it over the top for me, compared with other al pastors I've tried.
One tiny point off for not using lard in their re-fried beans, but I suppose lots of people want a "healthier" version. I go with the black bean option and it is quite yummy. -
Review from andrew w.
Oakland, CA
5/8/2012
I had only half my meal, and I regret it. All processed ingredients like the pinto bean mush, and the cheese was very cheap. My body began to shut down a bit so I know I'm eating healthy of late, and my body no longer considers this type of slop actual food. I think this is a step up from Taco Bell, but that is about it.
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Review from Carlos C.
San Francisco, CA
3/25/2012
First off, as others have noted the photos for this place have to be fake. The food that came out looked nothing like the photos.
I came on a Saturday around noon and they were out of 3 meats already, ok... So I order the carne asada. The meat came out of a metal tray and looked like it had been cooked the day before, it was gray and lifeless. All suspicions were confirmed when I actually tasted the meat and it was overcooked, rubbery, and poorly seasoned.
Seriously, anyone who is giving this place 5 stars either doesn't know shit about Mexican food or just walked out of the marijuana coffee shop 3 doors down. -
Review from Vincent K.
San Francisco, CA
10/25/2011
It's slowly becoming apparent. Downtown Oakland is full of great food places, especially for lunch. And Antojeria just helps prove that point.
And its not like their isn't a diversity around this area of Harrison and 17th-ish. They've got good Japanese, good diner, good chinese, god thai, good soul, good sandwiches, good philly cheese steaks, and now....great tacos and burritos.
I came here one lunchtime after craving for some Mexican food for a some tacos. The burrito only came after I saw someone else order and it just made total sense. However, as is my usual flaw, my eyes are always bigger than my stomach. I had the pineapple spiced al pastor and a super Lengua burrito. Obviously I engulfed that taco which ended up feeling like 2 tacos in one. And that super burrito, needless to say owned me. I was only able to finish half of that with the sauce that they provide, but every bite was just joyous. The meat was perfectly marinated and tender and the rice to salsa/bean/sauce ratio was perfect.
Will be turning to this place, but with all these gems revealing themselves in the Oakland area, I must make my rounds first. -
Review from Amul G.
San Jose, CA
10/18/2011
I made a request for a vegetarian dish without tortilla or rice and they succeeded.
I asked for beans with vegetables, guac and the raw vegetable toppings and it was a hearty meal presented very nicely. -
Review from J C.
Oakland, CA
3/2/2012
My go to taco joint in Uptown. Around $5ish for 2 tacos. Variety of tasty meats (including lengua, for you hard core taco fanatics) for your taco, burrito, salad. Chips and salsa comes with your meal if you dine in.
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Review from Briget P.
1/25/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Hell yeah, there you go, authentic Mexican food in Oakland. I can trust it to be authentic when the shop looks like its a taco cart converted into a shop. Comparable to tacos in Mexico! Their tacos de al pastor were okay....could be better. The pork wasn't charred. Carne asada tacos were bomb, their tortillas are excellent and don't rip. Tortilla chips were perfecttt.
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Review from Jason W.
Berkeley, CA
Some of the best Mexican food I've had in the Bay Area, and I grew up here.
The taco salad was an amazingly large portion. The carnitas was delicious, tender and had a spice combination that I've never experienced before.
Fish taco plate was excellent. Soft lightly fried fish that was fresh and flaky. Sour cream, grilled onions and chilies, romane lettuce covered in avocado salsa cilantro and lime. The rice and black beans were also really good.
Eating outside on 17th - Large trees, great shops, street full of life. Enjoy! -
Review from Max P.
Oakland, CA
1/2/2012
This is definitely my new favorite Mexican place.The flavors are amazing and never bland, the portions are large, and the prices could be a lot worse (especially since their ingredients are always fresh and they use Niman Ranch meat). They have an awesome salsa bar - there always seems to be something fresh and different featured, including these unbelievably delicious pickled peppers - but practice moderation, they are like weapons-grade plutonium for the digestive system. Seriously, do not visit a home for the elderly or an aviary or something after you eat a lot of these: you will kill other living things.
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Review from Daniel E.
San Jose, CA
4/8/2012
a talented chef and a great location make this place a wonder. it's a little pricey, but you're not paying for some clever typeface or the interior decor - just a culinary experience. The food is always fresh and the daily specials are always something new and interesting.
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Review from Joe K.
Oakland, CA
7/9/2011
So far this is the best taqueria I've found in this neighborhood. VERY GENEROUS servings and very inexpensive prices. I paid under $7 (with tax) for a burrito which could have filled my girlfriend and I.
I haven't tried all their meats, but so far the ground beef was delicious, and the chorizo with potato was off the hook!
I totally recommend this place!Listed in: Best Food on a Regular Basis
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Review from Brian H.
San Francisco, CA
12/17/2011
This is my go-to taqueria in downtown Oakland. Its a hole in the wall, with only a few counter seats and a couple of tables outside on the sidewalk, but the quality is top notch. Niman ranch meats, cooked to perfection, in a wide variety of styles. A little pricier than your typical taqueria but well worth it. My usual order is 3 tacos- at $2.25 each plus tax, it comes to about $7.50 with tax. If you're really hungry, order a burrito or one of their specialty plates for the same price. My favorite meats include the tinga, cili verde, al pastor, and carnitas. Free chips, the salsa bar is great, and they rotate daily special salsas. Everything I've had here is on point. It does get busy after 12:15 or so weekdays so be prepared to wait a few minutes and check your order before you leave.
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Review from d p.
Oakland, CA
6/21/2011
I love this place. The food has not only raised the roof, it raised my expectation of NorCal Mexican food. Get there early for lunch, though, because it is frickin' tiny. There's a counter that seats maybe 8 normal size people and two outdoor tables when it's nice out.
The food is phenomenal and they serve it on real plates and dishes. The salsa bar has at least 3 salsas and I always try all three. If oyu ask, they'll give you free chips. Prices are reasonable, eight bucks'll get you a decent lunch.
I challenge Uptown to serve me better Mexican than this place. -
Review from Travis S.
San Francisco, CA
8/14/2011
REVIEW #100!
Good taco place in downtown. No burritos on menu, though they'll make one if you ask. Several larger plates are also available plus a rotating daily special. Large variety of meats (try the tinga) and homemade aguas frescas. Usually full of people, but it doesn't take too long to get service.
Most take out, but there are a few tables if you'd prefer to sit there.
Bottom line: check this place out if in the area. -
Review from Joshua C.
6/6/2011
Big portions, fair prices and open until 7:30pm on weekdays? All good in my book.
My chicken burrito was a little too salty. There was only one guy working when I went here so service was slow. $0.50 charge to pay with debit/credit? That should be illegal. I was short on cash and hungry so I had no choice.
I'll probably be back.Listed in: Uptown, baby!
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Review from Jen M.
3/11/2011
The torta ahogada mentioned by some other reviewers is a randomly-featured special that was not happening the day I went. *sad trombone* I went with the special of the day, cochinita pibil, instead. I'm lazy today, so it's +/- review time.
+ good free chips
- okay salsa in the salsa bar
+ but...salsa bar!!!
+ whole pickled serranos were LIKE BUTTAH (if you're me)
+ the cochinita pibil was bomb-ass! My husband's version is still slightly better, but that's hardly a fair comparison
+ pork + tortillas + rice + beans + salad + drink = good value for $8.25
- That was actually too much food, but I'm in the minority on portion sizes in this country, so enjoy
- The papaya agua fresca that came with it wasn't to my liking, but I'm not a huge agua fresca fan (except for horchata) so don't go by me.
+ nice staff
+/- 50 cent fee for ATM/credit, which is preferable to cash-only for most people, so whatever. Accepting cards does cost businesses money so I'm okay with this.
+ good location near BART. It's also in the heart of Oaksterdam, and I imagine this food is extra tasty after your "medicine" ;)
So, no experience with the regular menu items yet, but this place holds a lot of promise. I'll be back for tacos. -
Review from Ryan C.
11/26/2011
The biggest veggie burrito ever! It was 6.50 and I could barely finish half of it. The veggie burrito has real veggies and what-not and is definitely worth it. My wife got a meat burrito here and it seemed pretty tasty the next day. A nice cozy place.
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Review from Constance C.
East Bay, CA
2/13/2011
Felt like getting Mexican so we decided to give this place a try.
Carne Asada (Left) and Al Pastor (Right) Tacos. It was pretty decent I think. The seasoning on the carne asada was pretty alright. The al pastor was supposedly a spicy pineapple sauce but I didn't find it spicy at all, not even a little kick, so me no likey. The al pastor was definitely more sweet to me than it was spicy. The pork in it was alright, but nothing special. The tacos were pretty small though, thank goodness I wasn't too hungry.
Jarritos Tamarindo. First time I've had tamarind flavored soda before but it was delish! NOMS!
See photos of food, http://potbellypanda.t... -
Review from Derya A.
Oakland, CA
10/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Delicious pastor super burrito under $7. The gentleman working was really nice and served us even though the place was about to close (which we didnt't know). Good chips too!
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Review from Ryan B.
5/19/2011 11 Check-ins Here
I think this place is more known for their tacos, but I ended up ordering a burrito because that is what I wanted all morning.
They had wheat tortillas which I'm a fan of. The burrito I ordered for takeout was huge. Unfortunately, my huge burrito started to fall apart as soon as I bit into it. It quickly became a sloppy burrito and I could have used some more cheese.
It wasn't a bad burrito, but it just wasn't what I was joping for. The meat was pretty good though I must say. I'll have to come back and check out the tacos sometime. -
Review from happy t.
Oakland, CA
12/6/2011
The food is good for the most part...the salt level on the meat is a bit aggressive for my tastes. I usually get the plates or the burritos. The burritos are so large, they are a two-day affair for me. Their vegetarian nachos are yummy as well. The chips are yummy and you don't have to pay extra for them...decent salsa selection. Very clean and great place to get your food to-go. They also do larger catering orders for local offices. One star docked for the people that work there--not the friendliest bunch... I have yet to see a smile behind the counter.
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Review from Michelle M.
San Francisco, CA
12/12/2010
I was looking forward to this place since it had great reviews, the women at the store a couple stores down said that it was really good (maybe I should have gone for their suggestion of nachos), and a friend recommended it.
I got a burrito that just had carne asada, refried beans, and sour cream and it was really really really really really salty. I couldn't even eat more than 2 bites of it because it was so salty. I ended up eating just the tortilla. I hate ordering a 7 dollar tortilla! Maybe I will try this place again and try the nachos or ask to try the meat before ordering something with meat.
The presentation was really nice. The service was excellent. The food was gross.Listed in: Food, Food, Food Bay Area
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Review from Mari T.
Hayward, CA
3/7/2012
Love this place! I could eat it everyday except I can never finish my burrito in one lunch and always end up saving the rest for the following days lunch. If I ever have ANY left over it's only because the burritos are HUGE! I agree with other reviewers that the salsa should not be right by the cash register and where you order (i've been tempted to tell them that they would be better off moving it). BUT aside from that their food is delicious, service is fast, credit cards accepted, burritos are huge and for $7.40 a burrito you just cant go wrong! I preferred the chicken but the steak is also yummy!
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Review from Kristine W.
Oakland, CA
11/3/2010
This place is like Tacos Mi Rancho's square-ass (non-greasy/ healthier), politically correct (Niman Ranch beef) cousin. Not a bad thing, unless you're into "traditional" (a.k.a. greasy) Mexican food. A good thing if you're trying to eat healthy.
Tacos ($2.25/ ea):
* Pollo-- BIG, dry chunks of meat.
* Pastor--mouth watering deliciousness! The meat was grilled with pineapple chunks! Sweet+savory=heaven in my mouth. (EXTRA STAR for this alone!)
* Carne asada--definitely on the dry side, but not bad.
Super burrito w/ carnitas ($6.75): Yummy! Definitely not dry or healthy tasting.
Service: Pretty slow for a Mexican joint, but you can tell they make their food with love, or at least that's what I was telling my cellulite-dimpled ass to calm down. And the guys are super friendly!
Sanitation: Hands down, the cleanest little hole in the wall...and I do mean little. Salsa bar was spotless like it was set up just for my greedy fat fingers!
So don't come here if you're looking for a heart-clogging meal that will put you one year closer to that bypass surgery--you WILL be PISSED.
Notes: They charge you a small fee (maybe 50¢?) for using a card to pay and do not bring groups of people here--there's only a few seats. -
Review from Shafaq C.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2011
Had my second lunch here today! Reasonably priced, fresh ingredients,and yes everyone is right -- super clean! I really enjoyed my fish tacos and salsa w/chips. Definitely one of my new spots when I'm working in the Oakland office, and the owners are clearly good people.
Help out this small business and at least give it a try! Like me, you'll be back :)Listed in: Food Near Oakland City Hall!
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Review from Gary C.
San Francisco, CA
12/21/2010 1 photo
A small place with awesome authentic Mexican food. I had the chili verde - fabulously tender meat swimming in a mildly spicy sauce. The chips must be fried in something unhealthy - they tast too good not to be.
I know my Mexican food because I grew up eating Mexican food five days a week. The other two? Those were the days when bland food made it into our house on the wings of lame ass pressure to socially assimilate. But I digress...
The place is small, really small. The people are nice, really nice. The food is perfect if you seek that which is authentic. If you want micro biotic, vegan, non-gluten... you get it, go somewhere else.
Enjoy! -
Review from A S.
Oakland, CA
10/23/2011
First time, two tacos: pastor & green chile. Not used to pastor with so much pineapple, but very good w/lots of jalapeños added to balance. The green chile was FAB. Sadly, they were out of habanero salsa, but the regular red one was tasty. Tasted homemade. Yes, I want more!!
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Review from Lisa H.
Oakland, CA
9/6/2010 1 Check-in Here
I was thrilled to find a Mexican food restaurant open on a Holiday in downtown Oakland. My puppy and I walked the 5 blocks from our apartment to the restaurant and I was pleased to find that they were fine with me carrying my puppy in and out while I placed my order and picked up my food. (I'm currently working on my first yelp list-@ dog friendly places, so although not thrilled with my overall experience they will make that coming soon list)
It was lunch time so there was a few people waiting on orders but no one ahead of me in line. I found it rather odd that I told the cashier what and how I wanted my food and then he hollered it to the cook but no one wrote it down. I ordered 2 carnitas tacos, 2 carne asada tacos, and a carne asada burrito with no rice add guac and lettuce. I also wanted an order of guac and sour cream on the side. Well I paid for both gucamoles and the sour cream but there was none anywhere. And no lettuce in my burrito. Made for reheating it to be a breeze though. (Perhaps I should mention at this point I live for avocados and can not make it a day without one- until apparently today that is) Since I did not. Discover this issue until I got home (recall that 5 block walk) both my boyfriend and I were a bit disappointed.
The hot sauce, which I know is a biggie to most Mexican food lovers, was spicy but only rated about 3 stars. The carnitas was 5 stars and is the prinary reason both my boyfriend and I are still willing to try again in the future. Although I know in the future I will either have to stand and watch my food be prepared and packaged or unroll my burrito before we leave.Listed in: Dog Friendly Places- Places…
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Review from wanda d.
San Francisco, CA
7/20/2011
niman ranch rides again, but this time at a little spot in oaksterdam, with great prices! i'm tired of taquerias jacking up the price for using clean meat and then having blah flavors. not el chilar!
the food tastes like someone's mom or abuela was in the kitchen. but no kitchen in sight... just a warming table. but i couldn't tell the difference, it all tasted good. and i overheard that they have a restaurant in the works. ooo! (rubbing hands together in anticipation!)
i had the carnitas (typical pork lover that i am) and the flavor was unlike any carnitas i'd ever had. and i've been around the carnitas block, a few times! it was sweeter and not crispy fried, and still delicious. i got the plate for $8 and even had leftovers for a taco reunion tour for dinner. their avocado salsa verde was bomb. and i love a salsa bar with limes and pickled jalapenos. and why did the chips taste like candy? cuz i skipped bfast? or cuz they were fried deliciousness? you tell me. they were out of cochinita pibil, but i'll be back, cochinita, don't worry! i won't forget you!
the presentation was a lovely surprise too. hefty white rectangular plates, and salsa presented in a similarly fancy rectangular sectional dish. at a tiny taqueria? with only two tables on the sidewalk and counter seating? yes, you can have fancy lunch at the taqueria. just like eating on 17th street in the shade of its glorious liquid amber maple trees and being transported to a lovely european city, like say, amsterdam!Listed in: grass fed!
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Review from Jared M.
9/1/2011
I've seen numerous reviewers claim that a taco place had the "best taco ever." Which gets me thinking: what makes a taco the best? I mean, tacos are, by their very nature, delicious. And there certainly are plenty of great places to get tacos, each one a little different from the last, like little meaty snowflakes. Who can really pick a favorite?
At El Chilar I ordered three tacos: a chile verde, a tinga de pollo and a carnitas (they weren't serving either the red or green chicharrones that day). I ordered the tinga because the woman in front of me was having a difficult time deciding and another woman, who was just leaving, jumped in front of her and insisted that she order the tinga. So I followed suit and I'm glad I did. The tinga had a distinct anise flavor that stood out among the rest of the stewy, savory goodness. The chile verde was equally compelling, with bold flavors and large chunks of soft fat (which, in my book, is a good thing). There was nothing that stood out about the carnitas, other than the fact that it was exceptionally well done, both crispy and soft with just the right amount of cilantro and onion. All of the tacos were served on excellent homemade tortillas and really had the feel of being in someone's home kitchen. Each taco was $2.25 and was made with Niman ranch meat.
I won't say El Chilar is my favorite taco, mostly because I don't trust myself to accurately rank the hundreds of amazing tacos I've eaten. But I will say that it's as good as I could possibly hope for. -
Review from Kevin C.
San Francisco Bay Area
7/1/2011
Very impressed with the offerings and the sophisticated clientele
Will be back -
Review from Garfield J.
Oakland, CA
10/18/2010
HOLY FOCKERS!
i just needed a headline here to grab attention----
Might I go so far that this place serves the BEST Mexican food i've tried?
I will admit, I am more of a dirty, hole in the wall, "authentic" mexican food place----mexican on 4 wheels? love it-----
So when I walked by here while picking up a hero across the street---it looked a bit too pretty, too organized, too clean----there was a small sticker saying they serve Niman Ranch beef-----not a big deal for me, cause I don't eat meat, but Niman Ranch at a mexican joint?? sounds pretty gringo friendlly-
with all my apprehensions, i still gave it a try-----to further fuel my concerns, their menu was hard to read----Tacos on both sides, Platos, with prices that did not match what I was charged, no explanation about what is included on a Platos---
I decide to order the fish taco Plate----
all of sudden, Mexican food heaven appeared-----everything, I am talking everything was perfect----
Efficient service, friendly empolyees, clean surroundings, ---chips--homemade, salsa bar perfect, they have a huge mortor of some red sauce in front of the register----I ordered to go, but looked around at the plates given to the in-house diners-----tamale plate looked outstanding-
my plate, everything was perfect, the whole pinto beans, were full of flavor---they added a perfect sprinkle of cheese---good quality cheese, not flavorless oily, crappy stuff most other places use----
the mexican rice---full of flavor, some mexican rice can look the part, but also be plain and flavorless---not here, --i'd be happy with an entire place of it with some salsa on top---
the tacos, huge --! 2 huge tacos, loads of breaded fish, perfectly cooked---2 corn tortillas per taco----a melange (wait is this a word?)--of onions, cremas, lettuce, --just an explosions of creamy flavors--the tacos were toppped off with a fancily designed sour cream drixzzle---
I swear, I just finished my lunch and am stuffed, I have a HUGE appetite and was stuffed from this plate--------again, I swear, right after finishing, I went to Google to find out what their hours of operation are, to see if they are open for dinner tonight ---I want to go back that much--------I spent 10 mins frantically trying to remember what this place was called----Google kept coming up with Tamorindo on 8th--------finally with a little web inginuity and Yelps, ability to search for nearby establishments, I found the name of this place -
Review from Egan B.
1/3/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I have been here twice now and unfortunately I don't have a lot of good news to report.
The tacos are all around $2.25, which is a dollar more than the holy grail of taco trucks (Tacos Sinaloa), charges.
There is a microwave sitting in plain site (not sure if this was for tortillas or what but this was a huge turn-off).
All the salsas are bland and flavorless (Try the guacamole one to see what I mean).
I ordered the tacos chile verde, and while the portion size was decent, the tacos were way too sloppy and broke apart as I tried to eat them. The taste of the pork was alright though.
Also they take credit/ATM but pass on the 50 cent charge to you the customer. I can't stand it when places do this.
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