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El Cuervo Taco Shop
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
110 W Washington St(between 1st Ave & 3rd Ave)
San Diego, CA 92103
Neighborhood: Hillcrest
(619) 295-9713
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 7 am - 10 pm
Sun 7 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Ragzz D. said: "the atmosphere is great, so is the mariachi band. The margaritas are good. The chips and salsa another plus. The wait ...a minus... The food- i had the tostada and it was pretty good. my parents had the rajas poblanas and didn't like…" read more »
187 reviews for El Cuervo Taco Shop
Review Highlights
"The Carne asada Torta's incredible."
(in 41 reviews)
"I now travel across town for their Tacos al pastor."
(in 13 reviews)
"This place has great potato rolled tacos."
(in 8 reviews)
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187 reviews in English
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Review from Leah B.
San Diego, CA
12/30/2011 1 photo
Can I be so boring as to just say YUM!?!?
You MUST try the carnitas tacos (mini street tacos "TJ style") here... they are unreal good. They have little bits of carrots and tomato in the mix, with a huge dollup of guac on top. The staff is also very friendly and El Cuervo is now my husband and my favorite place for carnitas tacos.
We've tried a few of the other menu items and they were pretty average, but those tacos alone warrant the 4 stars! -
Review from Allen C.
San Diego, CA
2/1/2012
A little pricey for my liking but the way the food was set out was fun. The flour tortilla was wrapped in some paper and I got to add what I wanted... I added everything - did I mention that I don't know how to wrap a burrito. Lol. The taste was okay, but definitely have had better.
Not my favv place. I probably won't go back, but everyone has their own preferences. -
Review from Christopher D.
La Jolla, CA
1/28/2012
Bang for Buck: * * * * *
Tastiness: * * *
Interior: * * *
Most notable is the amount of food you get for your buck.
(out of five *) -
Review from Alyssa M.
San Diego, CA
2/9/2012
Great food, great service, nice people, very reasonable prices, and an amazing salsa bar! The Cuervo burrito is to die for!
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Review from Mike A.
12/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is becoming my first stop when arriving in San Diego, due to the quality of the fish tacos! Last year we tried a fancier place nearby in Hillcrest, but I'm back to El Cuervo, and it didn't disappoint. There are aguas frescas, and all the other types of meat available, as well as good Mexican beers. And the owner is very, very nice and welcoming; she even remembered us from a couple years ago.
But back to the fish tacos - they are made with nice chunks of real fish (snapper?), and I've never tasted one better! -
Review from Ian R.
San Diego, CA
12/30/2011
Very friendly family-owned Mexican taco shop. Excellent salsa bar, nice ingredients and their tortillas are perfectly toasted.
Camarones a la Diabla plate (spicy shrimp) is to die for... We're addicted.
Really great mexican food, and has wifi too! -
Review from Molly S.
San Diego, CA
1/16/2012
Almost want to give this place five stars, I really can't think of anything wrong with it.
- awesome tacos with perfectly cooked meat, onions, cilantro and fresh lime
- awesome salsa bar
- good chips, horchata, fresh tortillas
- affordable
- laid-back atmosphere, great for families, never too crowded
- friendly service
- private parking (although you should probably walk or bike the meal off afterwards)
(And personally, it's right down the street from me, too!)
Go here if you want good mexican food, straight up. -
Review from Llew Q.
Chula Vista, CA
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Tried their Machaca Burrito for breakfast. Disappointed. Not as tasty, not as big and not as friendly as Bahia.
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Review from Steven M.
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
This taco shop is "above the rest of them", seriously.
Mrs. Steve M. brought us here many-many moons ago. She's been eating here for about 30 years, yes 30 years. The quality of the food here is exceptional and they do a really decent job on many of their items.
The only problem with coming here is that its so close to Bronx Pizza that I often have to hold back my craving for a slice and remember why I am in this hood in the first place, for El Cuervo.
I usually opt for the Carne Asada Plate (#9) which is just delicious. Their carne asada is extremely tasty, tender and delicious and seriously much better tasting than what many other taco shops offer.
Inside dining here (none outside) and a decent selection of salsa's, cucumbers and peppers but....what?...no hot carrots? Yep, no carrots!
They also offer beer so long as you are dining on the premises. Overall, its a great place for fast food Mexican. -
Review from carolyn g.
San Diego, CA
11/2/2011
I am shocked I've never been here before today! In my pursuit of "good" fish tacos after 9 p.m., yelp reviews sent me here. The fish tacos were awesome!!! Really nice chunks of crispy fish. Not those gross fish sticks that most taco shops use. Also, the guy taking orders is really accommodating. I was able to get everything I wanted without cilantro!
We also got a chimichanga. This dish took thought; they served it with one side of the chimichanga open. It was a crispy piece of the shell laid out flat like a chip. It was topped with lettuce, tomato, gauc and cheese.
Prices are unbeatable and it's open until 10 p.m.!!!
Plus the inside is very warm and welcoming. I've walked by this place hundreds of times and you really can't see inside until you walk in. They have these awesome big wood table and chairs. And there's probably 10 or more tables. Much more relaxing than it looks from outside! -
Review from Amanda H.
Oklahoma City, OK
1/11/2012
We are from out of town and were looking for an authentic Mexican food place. After reading some reviews on a few restaurants, we decided this was our best option.
We walk in and the place is quaint. Wooden tables and chairs and a spot to walk up to the counter.
Since we knew we would not be able to return, and wanted to try so many things on the menu, we ordered a ground beef taco, bean and cheese burrito, chicken enchilada, fish taco, and a side of rice.
Ground beef taco- not great. Loaded with lettuce, cheese and tomato, the taco looks appealing. The taste not so much. To quote my travel partner, "It tastes like a Christmas tree."
Bean and Cheese burrito- O.K. This thing was huge. If you are looking for plenty of protein from beans, this is the way to go. Way too much bean for my taste. Since this burrito comes dry, I decided to try all of the different salsa flavors with this. I found one I liked but cannot tell you which one since they were not labeled. The other 3 were no good. The salsa verde may have been good but was overwhelming with cilantro.
Chicken Enchilada- good. This is also served with lettuce, tomato, and melted cheese (not queso). The seasoning was good. I could definitely eat one of these again, but will not find myself craving one.
Fish Taco- excellent (IMO). I am not a fan of fish tacos, but decided to try it anyway. It is served with 2 tortillas. The fish was cooked perfectly. Perhaps too much sauce but that could be adjusted upon request. Since I am not a fan of the fish taco, the fact that I was able to take 3 bites of it makes it a winner.
Rice- good. Not the best I have ever had but definitely one of the better ones.
Overall I expected more. -
Review from VictorAngelo C.
Country Club, CA
1/23/2012
machaca plate
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Review from Don N.
11/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
This review is mainly for their large carne asada fries.
-DELICIOUS - even good as reheated leftovers
-Pricey but good portion
-good quality carne asada
-fries could have been crispier but were doable
-EXCELLENT salsa bar - but could have used free carrots
-Horchata was not bad -
Review from Eva H.
Updated - 8/28/2011
I've given up.
The man and I strolled in on a Saturday afternoon ravenous. I ordered some TJ tacos (lengua and carne asada, in case you're wondering) and the boy got some enchiladas with rice and beans.
We came away unimpressed.
Now, granted, the boy inhaled everything on his plate, but he's known to eat everything within striking distance of his fork when hungry. He said it was alright.
My tacos, though, just didn't impress, and required a monstrous amount of spicy salsa to salvage the mere one I managed to eat out of the four.
The asada was tough. Not "oh, it's carne asada" tough. No, this had been left out of its liquid to become cardboard and hard. The guac and salsa couldn't save it.
The lengua was...meh. Though somewhat properly cooked and tender, the flavor was nonexistent. This. Should. Not. Happen.
We gave up and left. For good, I think, this time.Listed in: Hillcrest Hits, San Diego Sucks
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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8/1/2011
Awww, I was all excited about my lunch there today (chicken flying saucer, in case you were… Read more »
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Review from Robert C.
12/11/2011
This is my new go-to taco shop because it's within walking distance of my house. Convenience trumps most things. That being said, I have been quite satisfied with my meals thus far, and I find myself going back often. It can be hard to admit that your old taco shop is no longer your go-to, but that is quickly becoming the case here. This place doesn't disappoint and I'm anxious to try the rest of the menu. Try the fish tacos.
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Review from Kevin L.
Los Angeles, CA
12/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
This may be controversial, but east la mexican food is better than san diego mexican food. El Cuervo showed a great effort in trying to prove me wrong. My buddy and I ordered a carne asada burrito, a california burrito, al pastor tacos, carne asada fries, and hot carrots. The asada was ok, but not seasoned enough. The carrots were not hot and the al pastor seemed decent. The whole while, the joint was bustling and packed with hungry locals who seemed very familiar with the staff. It wasn't quite the flavor profile for me, but I think it's a matter of personal preference. I give 3 stars for food plus 1 start for friendly service and effort.
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Review from Craig W.
8/29/2011
Delicious and reasonably priced. A carne asada burrito and 5 rolled tacos with chicken were about 8 bucks. I can live with that.
While I normally don't eat red meat, in my humble opinion, carne asada is the gold standard by which all or most taco shops must be judged. El Cuervo's carne asada burrito did not disappoint. It was large, but not massive, and it was filled with tons of meat, guac and pico de gallo and was plenty moist.
I appreciate the fact that they have several seafood selections, another mark of a taco shop that is a step above your normal dive.
Friendly folks work there and they serve Mexi drinks and cerveza, too. I took my food to go but next time, I'll stay and eat my chow there. The place had a friendly vibe and made me want to stay. I liked the side parking lot, too, a good benefit in an area with not a lot of parking to go around.
I'll be back... -
Review from Kevin K.
San Clemente, CA
1/20/2012
Oh my god. The carnitas burrito is a slice of heaven. The carnitas has a unique taste that is sooooo good. Now I will stop here every time I am intown
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Review from Alton D.
Santa Maria, CA
10/27/2011
The vast majority of the 'professional" food reviewers all seem to have an infatuation with a certain 70-year-old establishment just down Washington Street from this place, but I'm here to say: El Cuervo Taco Shop is hands-down the best Mexican Restaurant in San Diego.
You might be shocked by this assessment: "What do you mean; it's just a run-of-the-mill hole-in-the-wall taco shop!"
Incorrect. There is no running, no mill, and no hole. Only culinary perfection.
Allow me to elaborate. El Cuervo Taco Shop does appear to be a standard San Diego-style taco shop at first glance. It offers the standard heavenly menu of San Diego specialties, including the ubiquitous Carne Asada Fries and their tortilla-encased cousin, the California Burrito. They've got fish tacos that allow one to reminisce about what Rubio's was like before they sold out. But I'm here to tell you in detail about one thing, and one thing only:
El Burrito a la Diabla.
Let's say it again, but this time with a touch more gravitas. Perhaps the Billy Mays key can assist us.
EL BURRITO...a la DIABLA!
Better.
It's a rather simple concoction, made truly complete with one minor adjustment that you absolutely MUST specify when ordering. Twelve or thirteen plump and juicy shrimp, Mexican rice, shredded Cheddar cheese, and (here it comes) the most amazing spicy-sweet-savory-tongue-orgasm-inducing sauce known to mankind. The aforementioned adjustment is that you MUST add refried beans to the burrito. (Trust me, their beans are, in a word, peristerionic. (Just kidding; they have nothing to do with pigeons. I just wanted to use another big word. But yeah, they're really really really good.))
That's it. Five ingredients. Shrimp, rice, cheese, sauce, and beans. And yet somehow, this humble assemblage of traditional Mexican foodstuffs is, in my opinion, the single greatest food item available for purchase in the City of San Diego. Did I mention it costs less than five dollars?
I could go on, mentioning other notable menu items, such as their Camarones al Mojo de Ajo, their excellent Carnitas, their amazing Burrito al Pastor...even their COKE MACHINE is great. (I don't know what it is, but that is some damn good dispenser soda.)
No, it's not a fancy place. No, it's not a great location for a romantic dinner, unless you're really into Mexican telenovelas being displayed on a 24" standard-definition TV. No, they don't have foie gras or caviar or any of those other ridiculous Richie Rich foods. It is, of course, a taco shop. But it is THE taco shop to end all taco shops. It is the Alpha, the Omega, heck, it can be the other letters too, just pick your favorite fraternity. It is El Cuervo Taco Shop.
Go there. Now.
Or you'll regret it forever. -
Review from Louis C.
San Diego, CA
10/16/2011
When I see all the high ratings, I wonder if those folks get out to eat cheap Mexican much?
This place is good - and cheap - as good MEX. food at this level *should be*, IMO. Sadly, they enforce the CHEAP experience by providing absolutely weakest, cheapest plastic utensils ever, which does not exactly enhance the chowing down of the just OK rice & beans.
All this is not to complain, just to frame the experience. On the plus side, portions are good, they have a parking lot, real wooden tables & chairs vs. plastic, and Negro Modelo for $3.50 It is what it is - and may even be what you are looking for! -
Review from Kate M.
San Diego, CA
11/25/2011
Salsa+Carnitas+Carne+pollo+only four tacos for 4.50 = 5 stars all the way.These guys are doing everything right plus more. Although no complementary carrots you can get them cheap. Did I mention this place is cheap. Carnitas are to die for as well as like everything else.
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Review from Julian S.
Redondo Beach, CA
7/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is what So Cal is all about. I ate here with a party of five and the bill added up to less than $40 total. Plus the food is amazing!
Everything is great. I won't go into specifics, but if you like cheap mexican food, you need to eat here.
Just do it.
Seriously, this place is awesome.
Oh, and they have a salsa bar.
Why haven't you eaten here yet? -
Review from vanae t.
10/20/2011
how could you beat 4 delicious mini tacos for less than $5?!
you can't.
it's mui good.
i ordered the el pastor and carne asada. and now i want to go back for more! -
Review from Kari H.
San Diego, CA
5/15/2011
Ohh, El Cuervo. I love you with my whole heart. Whether I'm stumbling in, half-drunk, at 7 am on a Sunday for a carne asada breakfast burrito, or stopping by on the way home from a 12-hour work day, you never judge me. You don't care that I take more than my fair share of roasted jalepenos and radishes to munch while I wait for my order. You don't care how disheveled I look while I ask you to play the hockey game, and you always comply. You don't care how many free refills of soda I grab, and you look the other way while I fill my purse with tiny to-go containers of the best salsas EVER!
Seriously, guys. This is sublimely delicious, unpretentious, super-authentic Mexican food. Gringa or chola, you get service with a smile and not an ounce of judgment. The tacos al pastor are outstanding, the carnitas spectacular, and the carne asada delicious. Sadly, anything with chicken is just kind of boring and bland. The fish tacos aren't the best in SD, but they're solid. They have a number of vegetarian options, which friends have enjoyed--I always go straight for the mammals, however. Definitely the way to go here.
Others have mentioned this before, and it's true: the best deal is the 4 TJ mini tacos. Usually it's 2 and 2, but sometimes the guys'll let you order one of each. Less than $5 for a delicious meal with some variety! Give it a try. -
Review from SHOCK T.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2011
Pretty cracking, GARLIC BUTTER SHRIMP is good, but has rice, so you might want to add sour cream. Price is good too...still authentic but a step up from your hole in the wall joint.
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Review from Robert F.
10/12/2011
Your somewhat regular greasy Mex food shop. Good carne asada and carnitas. But I'm giving props today to the chilaquiles. Whenever I need a morning gut bomb, chilaquiles are it!
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Review from jessy s.
San Diego, CA
7/22/2011
oh my good...i can not go somewhere else for taco&burito after i found this perfect tacos joint!
They have very good food (everything i ordered) and best salsa bar.
You will never disappointed ...if you want the comfort mexican ,non fancy restaurant. -
Review from Ben B.
1/16/2011
Okay. So this place sort of looks like a dump from the outside if you don't know what you're looking for, but seriously? SERIOUSLY? The potato rolled tacos here make me believe that ooh heaven IS a place on earth - or at least in San Diego. I mean, deep-fried carbs smothered in guac, salsa, and other dressings that aren't even important because oh hi - deep-fired potato? YES YES YES.
I remember nothing else about my experiences here but I'm pretty sure I don't have to.Listed in: Summer Nights in San Diego
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Review from Amy D.
12/19/2010
Somehow this place gave me the warm and tingly feeling. Don't get dirty - I meant in the stomach.
My parents, who don't live here but somehow seem to know the city better than I do after visiting a bunch of times, think this place has the best fish tacos in the city.
I've been trying to change their minds. Not that I'd tried the ones from El Cuervo. Took them to my fave fish taco joints. Nope, they said... El Cuervo is still the best.
So I knew it had to be good.
And holy hell their fish tacos were BOMB! Smartly, they wrap the massive load of fish, cabbage, sauce, and toppings in 2 tortillas each. And you'll need it, cuz they really are huge. Crispy fried fish with creamy inside, crunchy cabbage, white sauce of heaven, fresh limes. Mmmmm
Just don't do what I did and take it home, where your cat will make it IMPOSSIBLE to eat without sharing. Best to probably eat alone in a corner, or someone will be trying to steal your food for sure. -
Review from Cynthia C.
San Marcos, CA
12/23/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Holy Moly Guacamole! This place has awesome food. I frequently come here for lunch or breakfast since it's not far from my office. The guys are super friendly and orders are always hot & fresh.
Prices are standard and parking is no problem. I love there tacos and breakfast burritos and fries....yes fries! I have this thing for Mexican shop french fires because they have this special flavor from being cooked in the same oil as the tacos and whatever :) I always get weird looks when ordering my classic combination of a shredded beef taco and papa fritas ( french fries) but I dont care, the combo is so satisfying! They serve the infamous California burrito and I think that's going to be my next victim when I visit. Great service, food, and prices! You wont be disappointed! -
Review from Mike H.
El Cajon, CA
Updated - 4/12/2011
Hit up El Cuervo today..and I gotta say the last couple three times I've been there its been a solid 3 star experience..today was no different.
Got a chicken burrito that was kinda whack..don't feel like going into detail, but lets just say I won't be going back anytime soon.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/10/2010
Finally found a good local mexican place :) I got the carne asada fries and a carne asada burrito… Read more »
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Review from Devon C.
10/18/2010
After having seen multiple "Bing" advertisements claiming that the best taco shop in SD was between this place and Lucha Libre, we had to come in to see for ourselves...at least we now know which is superior, and it's NOT El Cuervo!!!
I swear we haven't had a worse case of taco shits since eating at a rundown food cart in TJ...and I'm talking about incredibly painful tummy aching horrible long lasting misery...never again shall we go here!
Not only is the food just like every other Jilbertos, Albertos, Rigobertos, Gilbertos, Robertos, Humbertos, Nolbertos and any other kind of "Bertos" taco shop, but when we ate it, I can't say it was even all that enjoyable.
The "seafood ceviche" was nothing more than shrimp cocktail complete with your standard cocktail sauce and the tostadas were rock hard and tasteless. The carne asada burrito was incredibly gristly and did not contain the sour cream that we both requested and paid for. The pico de gallo and most of the other salsas had a sweet tinge to it which made them inedible, the beans are what you'd expect to get out of a can and the chorizo y juevos was nothing short of bland.
I don't understand how anyone can like this place, unless they've never been to any other taco shop and have never had Mexican food before... -
Review from Laura B.
San Diego, CA
10/5/2011
Great food and not expensive.
Try their breakfast, it's fantastic! -
Review from Annabelle T.
Banker's Hill, San Diego, CA
9/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Get the fish burritos!!!!! Been eating them since childhood. So delicious. Can't be the price either 3.25!
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Review from Seung L.
San Diego, CA
2/7/2011
Food: 4 stars
I ordered a pollo adobado burrito and it was tasty. It tasted a little like spicy bbq sauce. I really liked it. The salsa table had 5 selections and all pretty fresh. I ate a few pieces off of my friend's plate of pollo adado fries and the chicken was really delicious. The fries were pretty standard but overall it was good. Everything was made to order so it took about 10 minutes but I think the extra time was worth the extra quality. I think this place was as good as any hole in wall mexican restaurant that I've been to. I usually go to Santana's (Fresh MXN) across the street but I'm glad that I came here from a recommendation by a friend.
Decor: 3 stars
It's really your standard slightly crappy mexican hole in wall decor but it's clean and organized. The tables are good for moving into one big table for big groups (we were 12) and the chairs are traditional wooden ones. The main menu is pretty standard mexican restaurant selection with the usual paper handwritten additions taped all over the counter.
Service: 3 stars
No table service, just counter service. But the family that was working everything was very courteous and prompt.
Cost: 5 stars
Very inexpensive, especially for the flavor and taste.
Overall: 4 stars
I'll definitely come here again and try other items on the menu. -
Review from Tia G.
San Diego, CA
1/15/2011
This place might not look like much from the outside, but their food is way above usual "hole in the wall" Mexican joint standards.
The potato rolled tacos are wonderful, and the diablo shrimp burritos will burn your mouth in the best way.
Also, they have self-serve fountain soda. IMPERATIVE when you're eating Mexican food.
AND a parking lot! It's like all the stars aligned. -
Review from J X.
San Diego, CA
11/26/2011
Fabulous breakfasts burritos! I would give them 4 stars if not for the racist cashier who was super nice to the white people ahead of me and a total jerk to me... Expect crappy service and attitude if you're brown. Thankfully my breakfast burrito was delicious... I'm going to make my white dining partner pick up the food here from now on.
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Review from Lauren P.
San Diego, CA
4/5/2011
Best Mexican food I have found in San Diego!
I work right by El Cuervo so absolutely love the lunch specials.
It can be a little greasy, but it's worth the trip.
My favorites are the fish tacos and quesadillas! -
Review from Jeannie O.
Downers Grove, IL
11/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place is AMAZING. Omgosh give me a California Burrito with your Orange Agua Fresca all day and let me die a happy woman.
Its a hefty burrito that doesn't play around in oil and fat but all fries, meat, rice and guacamole (I ask for no sour cream). Give it to me and I will devour it whole (if I could)! -
Review from del r.
12/20/2010
If you can't get your salsas right, you can't cook! Do something else!
EVERY SINGLE SALSA here is nass-teeee!
I swear they put sugar in it..
Head somewhere else, guys, this joint is soo not worth it.
