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Aqui es Texcoco
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
1043 BroadwaySte 108
(at Crested Butte St)
Chula Vista, CA 91911
Neighborhood: Chula Vista
(619) 427-4045
Announcement
Coming on August 2012: Andrew Zimmern and Travel Channel show came to Aqui es Texcoco. Stay tunned!
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 8 am - 9 pm
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
109 reviews for Aqui es Texcoco
Review Highlights
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"I was really impressed with the lamb tacos." In 13 reviews -
"The Best God Damned Barbacoa in San Diego period." In 32 reviews -
"I also got the flor de calabaza quesadilla in other words..." In 4 reviews
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109 reviews in English
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Review from Charlton C.
San Diego, CA
5/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
* Finally, Something Different *
Told the wife: "I want sit-down Mexican that isn't a chain and is good."
This is what she came up with. Lamb tacos?! Yes!
We had lamb tacos, cactus salad, and lamb soup. I've never tried any of this before and was exceptionally pleased.
Service was nice and the wait on a Sunday afternoon wasn't too long.
I will go back. -
Review from Jefe P.
San Diego, CA
5/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love this place. It's one of my all-time favorites in San Diego and one of the few that I go out of my way whenever I crave good Mexican tacos.
I'm a big fan of barbacoa, especially when it's done right, and this place gets it just right. It's always packed (with Mexicans nonetheless) which is a sign of freshness and attests to it's deliciousness.
The salsas, the limes, the onion and cilantro topping, make for one great taco. But don't leave without having one of their quesadillas. Just like in Mexico. Now if I could only convince them to make their own tortillas and add fresh avocado to my tacos..... -
Review from John G.
Ramona, CA
2/27/2012
One of my favorite Mexican restaurants in all of San Diego County. This is a very authentic Mexican restaurant serving primarily lamb dishes. It's menu is based on a famous restaurant near Mexico City called Arroyo.
I usually get a number of items, the lamb rolled tacos and the lamb broth, and an order of barbecued lamb.
The broth is rich and has garbanzo beans, lamb pieces and rice. The rolled tacos are like no other I've had, almost like flautas. Served with shredded lettuce, some Crema Agria and Cotija cheese on top.
Service is always very friendly and helpful. The clientele is primarily Mexican families and couples. Never had to wait and it's always busy. -
Review from Erik P.
San Diego, CA
5/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is really good. I got there and had to wait in line for about 15 minutes but it was worth it. The lamb tacos are delicious especially with the green salsa. I tried the blue corn quesadilla too and it was the ish! I tried the lamb broth and it was alright, it has garbanzos and rice. If you add some salsa to the broth it's really good. I would definitely go back to this place. It's not fancy but it's authentic Mexican food.
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Review from Liz A.
San Diego, CA
5/20/2012
Pro: immediate greeting from employees/owner.
Server was knowledgeable of everything and explained it well enough for me and my mom to feel adventurous
I tried the huitlecoche (Mexican truffle) quesadilla, lamb tacos, Pulque and flan
Everything was delicious
Con: I was too chicken to practice my Spanish...next time!
Totally recommend this restaurant to my friends and family...watch the travel channel in Aug2012...Andrew Zimmern is goin to put this restaurant on the MAP -
Review from Vm C.
Chula Vista, San Diego, CA
3/23/2012
I've been eating at Aqui Es Texcoco since it was a tiny spot in the corner of the building. I keep coming back because the Mexican barbecued lamb is excellent in rolled tacos & quesadillas. I like to get a side of consome, too. I had a sangria (prepared fresh) and it was so tasty.
I'm so happy to know the restaurant is getting recognition: Andrew Zimmern (Travel Channel), Bill Esparza (Street Gourmet LA), and Rachael Ray (Every Day with Rachael Ray) have all extolled the wonderful food. Amazaing! -
Review from Stephanie L.
San Diego, CA
1/12/2012
I can still smell the deliciousness of this place wafting through my car. Aqui es Texcoco is pretty close to the South Bay Drive-In and you would think that we wouldn't bring this kind of food to eat in a car because it's kind of messy and doesn't smell like pines cones but, we have no shame..we are piggies..and we totally chowed down at the drive in..and it was totally worth it.
Between the two of us, we got the combo plate (~$7) that consisted of: Lamb Taco, Lamb Rolled Taco and, Lamb Enchilada. The Lamb Pita (~$5) and the Huitlacoche Quesadilla. The combo plate came with Lamb Broth but, the awesome owners threw in another one since there was two of us!
Lamb broth: My favorite. The broth was clear and the flavor of the lamb with bits of rice and chickpeas gave this simple dish so much depth.
Lamb Pita, Lamb Taco, Rolled Taco, Enchilada: Every item on this combo was served with generous portions of lamb. The rolled taco was my favorite.
Huitlacoche: When this was first described to me and upon seeing it made, it didn't sound appetizing but, to my surprise, the flavors were actually very mellow in this quesadilla. It was good but, mild.
I love lamb and rarely see it being used so amply in a menu which, gives Aqui es Texcoco a fresh take on Mexican food. Having my car smell like rolled tacos for a week was totally worth it, I would come back! -
Review from Mark L.
La Mesa, CA
4/9/2012
Wow!! went there today with the wife and the babies, friends and cunados have been telling us to go, we finally were over near there so in we went. This was first and foremost, great service. The service was absolutely perfect. Secondly, the food was great. We ordered tacos de cabeza, tacos de maciza, quesadilla de huitlachoche (corn truffle), and rabbit cooked in parchment paper and chiles and maguey. For dessert, housemade flan, arroz con leche and Jamiaca sorbet. Everything was very good, well spiced and seasoned, the desserts were just like my suegra makes them!!!! This is a place I would highly reccomend!
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Review from Frank R.
Imperial Beach, CA
1/4/2012
This place gets a 4 simply because of the Barbacoa. The stuff was delecious and well prepared. A little pricier than your average taco shop but worth it.
The Enchiladas were amazing and so were the Sopes. -
Review from Natalie S.
San Diego, CA
11/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
The food was delicious but overpriced (in comparison to other borrego serving spots in San Diego) and the portions were small. For the price that I paid to have a snack for 2 I normally get a filling lunch with leftovers for the next day.
I would go back if I'm in the area but won't drive back down there especially for it again. -
Review from Impala S.
El Cajon, CA
3/2/2012
Great service, and some of the best barbacoa de borrego that I have ever had. Love this place.
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Review from Adolfo M.
San Diego, CA
2/21/2012 5 Check-ins Here
My family has been talking about this place for some time now and while I wondered the streets like a character out of the walking dead with an empty stomach and no brain activity it just so happened to be right down the street from where I was about to do the usual fast food run. Upon entering I was immediately impressed with the cleanliness and wonderful smell. Never thought those little fluffy creatures could be so tasty! I swear to god I got superpowers after eating here too! Maybe cause lamb isnt a part of my daily diet, my body seems to be happy with my decision! My recommendation is the sopes.
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Review from Ivan R.
Chula Vista, CA
3/2/2012
The flavor and taste of the tacos was very good... and also affordable prices. Thank you
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Review from Maribel F.
San Diego, CA
8/18/2011
We worked up an appetite after doing some outlet shopping at Las Americas, so we headed to Aqui es Texcoco (translation: here is Texcoco which is the name of a pre-Columbian city in central Mexico) for some barbacoa (which is slow cooked sheep, usually over an open fire).
We ordered the large lamb plate (1/2 lb.of lamb meat with corn tortillas and lamb broth). This was enough for about 6 tacos which can be shared between 2-3 people depending on how hungry you are. The broth is served separately but I think it would be best if served with the lamb meat. I felt most of the flavor was in the broth and I really enjoyed the garbanzos in it. You are also given limes, chopped onion & cilantro, tomatillo, and chile pasilla salsas. To my surprise, although flavorful, the salsas were lacking in spice. I think all of these dressings made a good lamb taco, but I found the lamb meat to be lacking in flavor on it's own.
We also ordered a Huitlacoche (corn smut, AKA Mexican corn truffle) quesadilla which was a small amount amount of cheese, some corn & Huitlacoche oozing out of a small corn tortilla. If you've ever had Huitlacoche, you know that it's black, runny and unappealing visually but it can be delicious in empanadas, tacos, and other things. This was meh. It wasn't flavored and over-priced at $2.50.
The service is excellent. You are greeted right away and seated. Service is also prompt. The place is also nicer than your usual taco shops. And this isn't your usual taco shop. As the logo suggests, they specialize in lamb (authentic Mexican barbacoa to be exact) and that's what you mostly find on the menu (from brains to tripe). So no, this place isn't vegetarian friendly.
So if you are looking for a different experience from your usual taco shop, head to Texcoco. -
Review from LaLa H.
San Diego, CA
11/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Love this place!
It's like a lamb (borrego) version of carnitas.....tender, delicious, and juicy.
Try the taquitos, you will not be disappointed..except you may want to place another order :)
Also, the borrego (lamb) enchiladas are DELICIOUS!!!! OMG!!! Love! Love! Love them!
Do yourself a favor...be adventurous and try Aqui es Texcoco!
P.S. Pass on the complimentary lamb broth...very odd tasting & WAY too salty (hence the minus 1 star). -
Review from Fredd S.
9/2/2011 3 Check-ins Here
So you love Greek food and you love Mexican but you don't really want to eat either? Then have I got a solution for you.
Go to Aqui es Texcoco and order a pound of borrego mixto. It's mixed lamb meat slowly cooked in Mexican spices and then served in either tacos, by the pound or in tacoa dorados (fried hard shelled tacos) or sopes.
Don't forget to drown your tacos in the green salsa, which is gringo level mild, and if you can get a guacamole. They are ridiculous tasty.
Don't forget to order a consome, which is the broth that goes with the meat.
Eat, smile and enjoy. You are now in a little piece of Mexican/Greek heaven.
PS. Greeks eat lamb. That is the only connection I can make to the first sentence. Now stop bitching about semantics and go eat. -
Review from Christine E.
San Diego, CA
10/28/2011
After watching Bizarre Foods, I seriously went onto yelp and searched up "brain" out of curiosity and was surprised to find that Aqui es Texcoco served lamb brain tacos.
My boyfriend and I came here for the thrill of trying something out of the norm. The first time we came here we wanted to try the lamb brain tacos, but they were out and we settled for rib meat, stomach, and cabeza. Their meats are nicely seasoned and their soup is great. Lamb has that gamey taste, which can be off putting to some, but I didn't think the gaminess was too bad.
The third time we went here we were feeling even more courageous, so we ordered the whole lamb head. We invited another friend along to share with us, because we thought it would be enough meat to fill us up, but my guy friends were still a little hungry afterwards. I think the lamb head is just enough to serve two people.
Anyways, this lamb head thing came out and we heard people Ooh-ing and aah-ing. lol. I guess they don't do this too often? I'm not sure. But it definitely was an experience eating that thing. I felt like a caveman or something. It's definitely not for the squeamish. But the meat again was nicely seasoned and tasted great with our tacos. The brains tasted kind of like liver, btw. I personally enjoy liver and that kind of stuff so it wasn't too bad.
The food here was pretty good. To top it off, their service was great. -
Review from Burger K.
Los Angeles, CA
9/3/2011
Not bad if you have never been to texcoco. if you have, don't come here, you will be terribly disappointed. Especially when you see their prices!!!
Just bland lamb, and a greasy, flavorless consume. The quesadillas is made with some really low grade cheese. Sauces you can see in the pictures here, pretty cheap, water down salsas. This place leaves a lot to be desired. The cleanliness was acceptable, the service was good, but the food was not! -
Review from Denise M.
San Diego, CA
8/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you're looking for top quality flavorful Lamb, this is NOT the place. The food isn't bad. But the meat's dry. The tacos are small and look like something I would have whipped up in my kitchen in 5 minutes. I'm sorry to say, but just because a place specializes in something doesn't make that something good.
The service was great. Really clean location. Not too sure about the crowd since I went early in the morning and ordered take out. The place was empty. Maybe it gets busier throughout the day? I'd understand why if it didn't.
Now, if you want REAL high quality Lamb tacos or broth (sorry, you can't get enchiladas here. But that wont matter once you try the food), check out Factory El Ranchero. AMAZING Lamb tacos!!! Its more of a taco shop feel, though.
Anyways, I'm sorry to say I wont be coming here again. . . I was ready to be blown away but instead I will be walking away =( -
Review from Chris M.
Chula Vista, CA
1/30/2012
The food is excellent. The meat is always tender and tasty and always a great experience.
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Review from Stella L.
San Gabriel, CA
2/9/2012
I visited Aqui es with a friend and order the taquiqos, shrimp that's cooked with pepper (I forgot what it's called).. OMG!! I was so surprised. Their food was so fresh and the meat was so tender. The green salsa is also great and very tasty.
Overall, it's a great visit and I'll definitely comeback.... :)
Great place, AWESOME food,great service, good price. What else can you ask for?? :D -
Review from Desi N.
San Diego, CA
1/7/2012
The taste of lamb just grew on me! I crave it more than any other meat on a daily basis so when I saw the commercials I was quickly driven into the hype of this amazing unique restaurant. One day I found myself driving along Broadway and I kept seeing the bright yellow-red signs reading "AQUI ES TEXCOCO!" I had to stop in! Right away I was greeted, seated, and given a menu. First timers are usually unsure of what to order. The lamb enchiladas was my first plate! You can't go wrong there! This is definitely one of my favorite places to eat!
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Review from Gerry H.
12/14/2011
What inspired me to go here was the cactus guacamole salad. It looked better than it tasted. Apart from that, the lamb was quite good, and the combo-included soup / broth they bring out in styrofoam cups was also memorable.
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Review from Alexis D.
6/16/2011
I've heard so much hype about this place and I got tired of driving by almost daily that I finally had to give a try.
To be honest, my gf and I were about to walk away when we noticed that this place revolves around, lamb. If you don't include desserts and drinks, 95% of their menu consists of lamb meat and different combination plates with, of course, lamb.
I must admit, the service is great with friendly employees who greet you with a passion and make you feel at home. The prices are reasonable. The prices seemed fair on all of their items.
Since I don't eat meat, that was one of the reasons why I wanted to leave but I ended finding a quesadilla plate and potato flautas. The quesadillas were made of huitlachoche, which basically is Mexican corn truffle. I ordered one of each kind. Inside, one quesadilla had mushrooms, the other had, zucchini, and the last one had, poblano pepper. They were all tasty, except for the mushroom. And, they were really small. The flautas were really good but it was missing guacamole, which they don't sell. They also don't sell rice. So dumb.
Maybe next time I'll order the potato flautas and bring my own guacamole.
Overall, its an OK spot with great service. I'm sure the lamb is amazing. -
Review from Birget B.
San Diego, CA
12/31/2011
Delicious. We had the lamb mixto. It came with fresh corn tortillas, onions and cilantro and a lamb broth that was good. We decided to try something that we had never had before especially since we love our native mexican food. So lamb was the next choice. I have to say it was scrumptious. We had learned about this place from Noah Tafolla's show and I have to say it did not disappoint. We also decided to try the nopales salad, refresing, and a huitlacoche quesadilla which was also suprisingly delicious, considering we had never had it. It is served with a green salsa or chipoltle salsa. We really loved the green.
All in all a good experience. Would go again. -
Review from Patricia G.
San Diego, CA
6/16/2011
Yummy. Lamb Barbacoa Style.....moist and delicious. You can make your own tacos, order them already made, have Lamb Sopes, etc. If you don't like lamb you will be hard pressed to find something here but if you like lamb....you will have come to the right place.
Friendly service, they serve beer, good salsas. Can't find much to not like. They even have a kids menu. -
Review from Conrad R.
Aqui es Texcoco is a fine establishment. The dining area is brightly lit and clean, and the folks working at the restaurant are warm and hospitable. The plain decor is sterile, but it doesn't distract from the quality of the food or wait service.
I had dinner with some friends, and right off the bat I'm liking the $2.00 draft beer for happy hour [http://www.yelp.com/bi.... My Dos Equis lager was served in a familiar red Solo plastic cup. The potato tacos are popular, so we shared an order [http://www.yelp.com/bi.... It's a good vegetarian option, but bland [imo] without some salsa kick.
Our group of hungry diners were interested in trying some lamb barbacoa, so we shared a Kilo [http://www.yelp.com/bi..., which came with all the traditional accoutrements: warm corn tortillas, freshly diced onion, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and a variety of salsas [http://www.yelp.com/bi.... For an additional charge, they offer a lamb consomme: a mildly salty broth with garbanzo beans. A small one is enough to share, and I used it as an au jus [http://www.yelp.com/bi... because I love a juicy taco.
It was soo much delicious food [http://www.yelp.com/bi..., and among three guys, we probably had maybe 3 or 4 tacos each [http://www.yelp.com/bi..., but there were still leftovers to be brought home.
I've never had lamb barbacoa before tonight's dinner, but I've had some excellent carnitas. The lamb barbacoa is relatively denser in comparison, which is why I used a little bit of broth, but it is just as succulent, shreds easily like pulled pork, and doesn't taste gamey.
If you're in the South Bay area or looking to cross off *lamb* from the things-to-try from your yelper list, then consider checking out Aqui es Texcoco. I'm glad I did, and you might too.
/cue drooling Homer Simpson: "Mmmmm...laaammb...taaahh...coesss"Listed in: Rizzle's Five Star Faves, Muy Sabroso
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Review from Dakasky X.
Carlsbad, CA
When I lived in Houston there was a small hole-in-wall place that would roast a whole lamb and serve barbacoa tacos on Sundays only. We would go there for breakfast and get the lamb and usually watermelon agua frescas. I used to refer to this meal as what God eats for breakfast and have often dreamed of returning there someday, although Houston does indeed suck.
Well, Aqui es Texcoco must be where God has lunch and dinner (although they are open for breakfast). I was so happy to find this place on Yelp and came to try it.
It was quite crowded and the guy in their video from the website was at the counter when we walked in. There are a couple of TVs with soccer going and music playing. I got the full order of lamb and immediately they brought onions and cilantro with limes and 2 kinds of salsa (there are 4 kinds - so ask for them all). I also ordered mexican coffee (yum) and one of the huitlacoche quesadillas, which was heavenly. I found the lamb broth with chickpeas and rice to be good, but a little too salty for my taste.
But what got me a straight up FOOD HIGH was the lamb and zingy zangy salsas. Sent me into orbit and I kind of melted into another world. Later, while visiting Mom, when asked, I did not run out to the car and "share" with her. Rather, I said, "Naaaawww - It's gone." So good you won't share with your Mama!!
Took leftovers to go. Got out for about $20 with tax and tip. The waiter hooked me up with plenty of the salsas I asked for.
The only way this place could be better is to have watermelon aquas frescas, use a little less salt in the broth, lower the volume on the music some, and serve lobster at a reasonable price, in a similar style to their lamb. Hee hee. I will be back. Worth the drive from N. County. Umm -Totally!!
They even have franchise opportunities. Hmmmm...wheels in head spinning....
They even have franchise opportunities. Hmmmm...wheels in head spinning.... -
Review from logovo l.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 1/20/2011
A few more visits have taken the shine off this place, specially when El Borrego makes their own tortillas and Aqui es Texcoco doesn't.
Still good, will keep coming here and hoping their University Ave. location opens soon and is as good.Listed in: Good Mexican Food
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/3/2009
Hole-in-the-wall kind of place, with excellent, friendly service and good borrego and tortillas.… Read more »
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Review from Eva J.
El Cajon, CA
4/11/2011
The food is beyond delicious. . .hot, fresh, tender barbacoa. Conejo. . . I could go on. Washed back with a beer on a sunny Sunday, it's really one of life's pleasures. Were it for the food, I would give Texcoco 5 stars.
The service, however, was subpar. The waitress kept glaring at me and stomping past. It took forever to get service. My fiance and I ordered drinks, a coffee and a Pacifica draw. The beer sat at the tap for a good 20 minutes before my fiance asked about it, and it was brought over.
I'm not sure what was up with the scowly, sulky waitress. It was unfortunate, but not so much that I let it take away from my gluttony.
We finished off with arroz con leche which was delicious. Like I said, the food is 5 stars.
I'm going to give it another try, and may update this, depending on the service. -
Review from David W.
San Diego, CA
6/24/2011
No Mames!!
With that I say it all, if you like REAL mexican food this is the place!
real quesadillas and real Barbacoa! yeah meat that cooks for days!! This is not a formal place its just to come eat and leave with a huge belly.
Did I mention its super cheap.... -
Review from jeff l.
Updated - 2/18/2011
I came here today since I bought a Sign On San Diego 50% off deal.
I ordered the Mixiote and also the Orden which is .55 lb. of head or rib meat, we chose head.
I have tried the Mixiote at El Borrego on El Cajon Blvd. so I thought it would be similar.
It came and it was about a half to a third of the size of El Borrego.
Really a small size.
However the sauce inside was really fantastic. I think it was a combination of guajillo and arbol chiles in the sauce.
Really a great sauce.
The orden of .55 lbs. of head meat did not look that appetizing since it had some fat in there and some yellow bits that I couldn't discern what they were.
I liked the mixiote a lot better by far.
By accident I spilled my jamaica drink all over the table and the server told me that he would refill it for me.
When the bill arrived, they charged me for the refill and we asked about it but they wouldn't take it off.
We just let it go.
If not for the strange Orden dish and the small mixiote portion it would deserve 4 stars this time.
Overall this is still a good place.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/14/2010
When I first came here it was a very tiny place. They have expanded it and it is a much nicer place… Read more »
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Review from Theo B.
9/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
First time here but I drive by everyday. Finally decided to sit down and have lunch here. Pretty glad i finally gave this place a shot. Other than gyro's and kabob's I am pretty new to lamb. I was a bit hesitant because I don't know if I would like a gamey taste to the meat but it doesn't seem to be too overpowering. I will say that next time i will look over the menu a bit more because I wanted to try a little of everything I ordered a taco, rolled tacos and a quesadilla. I could have went with the combo plate had I been paying attention. Lesson learned on my part. I will am glad to have stopped by here because I've seen so many reviews about this place but I'm not sure if this is something I would get a craving for.
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Review from Prestige L.
San Diego, CA
11/27/2011
Great service excellent food thank you.
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Review from Nance B.
San Diego, CA
11/20/2011
Finally, a place that has lamb everything. Whatever part of the lamb you want, they have it. The taquitos were wonderful, crispy, and large. The broth was delicious. I want to try everything, but the taquito plate filled me up. The service was very good and the place smelled heavenly. I wish it were closer to where I live or closer to a trolley stop, but I can't wait to go back.
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Review from Bert K.
El Cajon, CA
11/24/2011
BOMB ASS SHIT. I was all hungover one sunday mornin' and peepin' on some PBS on the basic ass cable and there was some show showin' some shit 'bout some place called AQUI ES TEXCOCO.
Well cuz, next week I rolled down to this place and SHIT it was THE BOMB! I eated the shit outta some LAMB RIB TACOS. LAMB RIB TACOS BRO YOU CRAY CRAY!
CRAY CRAY! HOW CAN I STRESS THE SWEET BABY RAYS STYLE GOODNESS OF LAMB RIB TACOS.
LAMBS ARE CUTE TACOS ARE GREAT RIBS ARE THE FRUIT OF THE DEVIL.
I AM SERIOUS LIKE RAY LIOTA.
But seriously I am serious, this place is insane.
If you live in San Diego and like mexican food but are tired of the California Burrito and other normal shit give this place a try, you can even get a huitalacoche quesadilla... I probably didn't spell that right, but go try one and then look up huitalacoche when you are half way through with it. Pretty good stuff. -
Review from Mikey P.
San Diego, CA
5/26/2008 9 photos
Gas $4.00 a gallon
Mileage from 56 Corridor to Chula Vista roundtrip 52 miles
Barbacoa de Borrego Priceless
I found out about this gem from a friend on CH. If your idea of Mexican food is your local Bertos skip this. If you're looking for some Regional Specialties and love lamb read on.
Aqui es Texcoco (Here is Texcoco) Texcoco is a municipality of Mexico State, located in the Valley of Mexico to the east of the national capital, Mexico City. Aqui es Texcoco joins Tacos El Gordo, Maricos Goday, Negro Durazo and many other Tijuana based businesses that have branched out and found a second home in Chula Vista, CA. Aqui Es Texcoco has been around in Tijuana since 1990. The US operation has only been opened for 2 months, and it was definitely worth the drive for me.
First off I would like to start with the service, it's exceptional. The owner Paco Perez was very generous. He took time to chat with me a bit about his restaurant. Theirs something I've always loved about an owner working side by side with everyone in their own establishment. Paco definitely takes pride in his product..
Texcoco specializes in Barbacoa de Borrego. Lamb wrapped in Maguey leaves slowly cooked.
http://img.photobucket...
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I will start with the Flautas (Rolled Tacos). I pretty much sampled the entire menu with exception of the whole lamb head. 24hrs later what do I remember most. The Flautas baby! I'm not usually a fan of Flautas but these are some of the best I've had in San Diego. What can I say they are perfection? Crisp tortilla filled with juicy meat, and topped with crema and cotija cheese.
http://img.photobucket...
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I never had Guacamole mixed with my Nopales (Cactus), so when I saw it on the menu I knew I had to have it. It was fantastic! Very fresh, very spicy, all the flavors work perfect together. The minced Serrano chilies added a perfect blend of spice.
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It would be a sin for me to leave with out sampling the tacos. I ordered (to share) 1 taco de costilla (Rib), 1 taco de cabeza (head), and 1 taco de pancita (stomach). The Costilla and Cabeza were outstanding. Pancita takes on a different texture and taste, I enjoyed trying something different but I prefer the rib and head. These Tacos are only 1.69
Rib
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Head
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Stomach
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The Huitlacoche Quesadilla what can I say. Definitely one of the better ones I've had. http://img.photobucket...
They also have Flor de Calabasa (Squash Blossom) Quesadillas. Sorry no pic.
On top of all this the salsas here are amazing. They have 4 types.
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Great Lamb, Great service, Great prices, Very Clean my only complaint is their tortillas are not handmade in house. Dont get me wrong they are good, I just prefer handmade.
Word has it they are in the process of expanding the dining area, but for now the place is very small, only about 6 tables. Word must be out amongst the locals, I could not believe the traffic this place was getting. I got their on a Sunday at 1045 and by 1130 the line was out the door. I must have seen about 3 different families leave because their was no room inside. I would advise getting their early if you want to dine in. I noticed many of the locals order to-go.
Those of you who enjoy El Borrego on El Cajon Blvd should also add this place to your rotation. Here is a pic of outside and in. Nothing charming but its all about the food here.
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Got Lamb???? Aqui Es Texcoco sure does and its damn good.Listed in: San Diegos Real Tacos !, Got Lamb?
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Review from Rianne D.
6/30/2009 ROTD 9/19/2009
First impressions are soooo important. And, in this case, Aqui es Texcoco's hit the roof!
With raised eyebrows, I was pretty surprised when my brother wanted to try 'something new'. Usually, it's me dragging him around. But, this time he was interested in trying some lamb tacos and potato rolled tacos.
Ooookay. Rolled potato tacos, I get. But, lamb tacos? Really, now! I don't think I got this excited, since I wanted to try guinea pig in Peru. Heck, my brother was doing the flying and buying. I'm so there. Sweeeet!
Between the two of us, we ordered both the lamb and potato rolled tacos, 2 lamb rib meat tacos, a small order of lamb broth, 2 horchatas and flan. Though the lamb rolled tacos were good, everything else was seriously delicious. I really liked the potato rolled tacos more than the lamb ones. But, my lamb rib meat taco was awesome! The meat alone, unseason, was greasy, flavorful, tender and tasty. Some people don't care for greasy meat, but I loved it! Squeeze some extra limes and add onions on top...SCORE! For my Filipino folks out there, the lamb broth reminded me of a lightly seasoned, unbitter, milder tasting version of pinapaitan, which is made with goat meat. Still yummy. The horchata was made fresh and not from a packet. The flan...rich, creamy and divine! It was to drool over, for sure.
Our total was $22 and some change.
The owner was super, duper friendly. He answered all our questions, about the different cuts of lamb. He was also so nice to offer to save us a lambs head, the next time we roll down with our parents.
If I could have eaten more, I would have. I definitely look forward to going to this place again. I highly recommend it. It's good to know that Mexcian food is not just carne or pollo asada, anymore. Helllooooooooooooooo, LAMB! -
Review from Teresita C.
Seattle, WA
6/26/2009
"Well, Clarice - have the lambs stopped screaming?"
Yes, they have.
They have stopped screaming because they have been made into barbacoa at this quirky little strip joint in Chula Vista.
I don't eat lamb but I do partake of potato rolled tacos, hefty logs stuffed with fluffy potato goodness and drenched in the crema that dreams are made of, light and breezy, a perfect accompaniment to the crispiness of the flauta.
Three of them cost $5 but they are bigger than the average rollie, and super filling. I couldn't quite finish the order, which is a milestone in itself.
The restaurant is spotless, service is straightforward and quick but the menu is limited.
It would seem that they do a few things and do them well, and for that my tummy is pleased. -
Review from Albert W.
First off, the owner of Aqui es Texcoco is a very friendly man. When he saw our hero and a friend outside, he greeted them in Spanish and asked if he could get them a seat. He even held their table for them while they waited for the third musketeer to arrive. Him and his daughter that served our hero's party showed great customer service and checked up on their party often. They even showed him what the lamb's head looked like when he was curious about it. They have lamb heads precooked with the skull and teeth visible as well... yikes!
Our hero tried the huitlacoche quesadilla, lamb rolled tacos, lamb head tacos, and lamb broth.
Huitlacoche: Never has diseased corn been more interesting. It looks like vomit, but tastes okay!
Lamb rolled tacos: Wow, these things are quite big and the meat inside is flavorful. Other rolled tacos taste like cardboard in comparison to Aqui es Texcoco's.
Lamb head tacos: The texture is interesting and the lamb tastes great. The mix of meats from different parts of the head in it is pretty random though.
Lamb broth: Light, hot, and not oily at all.
Overall, the food was good and the service was as if our hero was a long time customer. He is already looking forward to a return visit! With this little Chula Vista gem endorsed by the Yelp hunter trifecta of the taco hunter, cougar hunter, and torta hunter, it's hard to go wrong!
PROS:
- Nice selection of lamb items.
- Excellent service.
CONS:
- The tortillas here are a bit bland.
- Parking and dining space around here is a bit cramped.
