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El Indio Mexicano Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
17019 Roscoe BlvdNorthridge, CA 91325
Neighborhood: Lake Balboa
(818) 705-9259
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12 am - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Healthful, Traditional, and Mindful Mexican Cuisine
82 reviews for El Indio Mexicano Restaurant
Review Highlights
"The carne asada burrito was great."
(in 10 reviews)
"And it would be great to be able to get fish tacos here."
(in 24 reviews)
"...to the western Mexican bar next door can sometimes seem..."
(in 4 reviews)
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82 reviews in English
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Review from James H.
Chatsworth, CA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Cash only.
Open 24 hours and the only place you can go on a Saturday night while there are cops in the parking lot writing a police report after hearing someone got shot 30 feet away from the place.
The asada is a bit salty but the carnitas is very good here. The burritos are quite massive so I wouldn't recommend getting a burrito and taco combination unless you want to fall into a food coma afterwards. -
Review from M W.
Los Angeles, CA
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
OK I give this place 4 stars because the food tastes awesome. BUT let me tell you what I had and my experience.
I had a few drinks on Friday night and was hungry around 130am. This was the closest place that was open so I took a drive.
It is located next to a seedy bar and there were questionable people smoking outside. I drove up, parked out front and got out in my pajamas and slippers (and it was even raining a little). Figured someone looking this strange wouldnt get any flack.
Anyways, I really wanted a burrito but was tempted to try the buche (pig stomach). I have recently been on a bizarre food binge and anytime I can get something off-putting I will give it a try (had cabeza taco a few weeks ago).
For the main course I had a #9 (burrito with meat, beans, cheese & guac) with carnitas served wet (melted cheese and salsa on top). I must say you can skip the guac (didnt taste it at all) and maybe they forgot the beans?
Summary:
Buche taco was AMAZING. I wish I had just gotten 2-3 of them. The buche meat is really really tasty.
Burrito was really good too.
Also, the green salsa they give you is good and fresh.
The only thing.... the next day I had the shits really bad. I mean I made 4-5 deposits and my asshole was sore from the clean up.
IF I go back (and probably only if I'm drunk, we all make bad decisions when we've had a few) I would probably skip the burritos and stick with the tacos. -
Review from Luke W.
How have I never reviewed this place!?
Open 24-hours, and now accepts credit cards!!!
Be it super nachos, burritos, enchiladas, tacos, I love all of this food.
Super quick, super cheap.
They have amazing milenesa, and pretty darn good cane asada too.
I usually come here way late at night and get a burrito or nachos. The other day I got a cheese enchilada, and holy cow. It was the most amazing thing ever. For like $2 you basically get this long tub of gooey, salty, delicious cheese with red sauce, and it is amazing. There is the tiniest enchilada buried in the bottom but you have to eat through maybe twelve pounds of cheese first...love it!
When the guy who takes your order glares at you despite how often you go, just shrug it off. They still make great food. Even for a white guy like me. -
Review from Andy E.
North Hills, CA
1/18/2012 1 photo
This place is awesome. The hidden taco establishment of the valley. If you haven't come here yet your missing out. Best part of it is that they are ope 24/7 every day!!! Try the tacos and burritos and the agua frescas are so good. I been coming for years and it's always good.
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Review from Eric M.
Reseda, CA
12/24/2011
This place is NOT cash only.
They give you tons of meat in every dish. The price is right and if anything feels expensive remember the food is enough for two. If you watch them make their carne asada, you will see the meat Is beautiful.
Unfortunately, I have a complaint from a recent visit. We ordered for 6 people. Two of our burritos were cold inside. The dude offered to reheat but we were packed up to leave. Then, they didn't have water to offer or sell to us.
Our left overs fed us twice over the following couple days.
Please try it and make your own decision. It's worth it! -
Review from Patrick M.
Tarzana, CA
12/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place is has great food when your drunk but has very average food when your sober.
Figure that one out.
I remember getting hammered and eating at this place. Loved getting a spicy burrito. It burned going in as much as it did coming out. -
Review from Victor L.
9/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is cash only so make sure you bring some. Usually I would like some kind of sauce to go with my taco or burrito but they don't seem to offer any unless you ask. Even then they only give you I tiny little cup. Don't be so greedy with your sauce boss!
Got a Carne Asada Burrito and the meat was dry and really really really really really really really really really really really really really SALTY!!! I needed a gallon of water after every bite.
Place is ghetto and there is a creepy lounge next to this place that I would probably never step into. -
Review from Jeremy A.
Toluca Lake, CA
11/23/2011
One of my fave hole in the wall mexican joints in the valley. Milanesa burrito and Milanesa nachos are the best! Get extra cheese on the nachos! Sketchy neighborhood but worth it.
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Review from christy m.
San Gabriel, CA
8/9/2011
Let's just say... totally calms my crazy urges late at night.
I'm wid it. -
Review from Angela A.
Los Angeles, CA
5/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Dude I forgot about this place. Thank goodness for being drunk or else I would not have stumbled here last night!
All you need to know....MILANESA NACHOS!!!! Whhaaaaaat?! YEA! Bomb! Forget about the tacos, and burritos...they good too, yes, get those for lunch, dinner, on a weekday, but your cheesy nachos have never tasted better with chunks of milanesa. -
Review from Julian l.
Los Angeles, CA
7/16/2011
As a taco person who grew up eating the real deal authentic dishes, I can't really say anything nice about El Indio Mexicano. I had a carne asada taco and a carne asada quesadilla to keep things simple. The salsa at this spot really fails to please. My two-star rating is a comparison against the perfect taco and quesadilla rather than a comparison against food or restaurants in general.
However, my girlfriend is not as well-exposed to authentic Mexican food and she enjoyed her chicken taco. So, there may be other things here that are worth trying, but in my view a Mexican restaurant/stand can (and should) be judged by its salsa and then by its carne asada. A distant third would be its guacamole. But if the salsa and beef can't come out right, then something's amiss.
I have lived in several parts of the SF Valley -- but never in Northridge -- and I'm guessing that because of the demographics and the area, there are probably much better places within a five minute's drive of El Indio. -
Review from kimberly b.
Alhambra, CA
2/22/2011
I left the bar next door and got some tacos to go.
My experience with the carne asada wasn't that good. If I was drunk and needed something in my tummy right there and then, then that will do but when I drove home and ate the beef taco, I took a bite of it and oil starts dripping from the tortilla. Too much oil for me and flavor wasn't there.
I do like the bar next door and most likely be back so next time I will try their nachos that my fellow yelpers raved about. -
Review from Karthik S.
Los Angeles, CA
El Indio, is one of the greatest marvels of the Northridge. It seems the best food in this city always comes from the jankiest, somewhat diritiest looking places but I don't think anyone has been considered having their first date or one-year wedding anniversary celebrated here. With quick, fast, no-nonsense service, El Indio is probably the best take-out place in Northridge but there are a few benches spread out outside the booth. Slightly greasy, extremely filling, dirt, dirt cheap, but absolutely delicious authentic Mexican food. Come cure your hangovers here.
I've only been here during my one-year vegetarian stint so this review is speaking strictly about their vegetarians options so for the meat-eaters, take my review with a grain of salt until I post my update. Everything here is under $8-9, even combo plates. It's all so cheap. My pick is always the bean and cheese burrito, sometimes with sour cream and sometimes with guacamole, or the wet burrito. Both are pretty damn delicious. But there's one small thing that keeps me coming back here --- THE GREEN SALSA. They sometimes give you one or two small containers and sometimes none if you don't ask for them. I usually say "Can I get some more, please?" about a couple of times before I have enough.Listed in: Now That's Good Eatin'! The…
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Review from joy h.
Reseda, CA
10/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not much for dining in but the best bean/cheese burrito deal in town!! Foods pretty decent and real so why not give it shot!
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Review from Raymond L.
Northridge, CA
2/25/2011 13 Check-ins Here
First off, been coming here for years.
Customer Service is Acceptable for a Taco Stand.
Their food is awesome, always get the Vegi Burrito for $4. They don't accept credit card or debt. Gotta have cash!
24 hours always. Awesome! -
Review from Carla B.
2/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
***24-hour Mexican hole in the wall***
As I've stated before, I'm a night owl. If it's edible and it's 24 hours, I will like it, and if it's not a vanilla diner, I'll be a solid customer.
This could've been a 4-stars for me, if it weren't for the fact that my flautas (rolled fried tacos) were not as moist and fresh as I would've liked. The chips that came in the combination plate were very fresh, though. And my bf's carne asada burrito was great!
The bill:
1 beef flautas combination plate @ $6.50
1 carne asada burrito @ $4.80
1 extra special spicy sauce for burrito @ $1.50
1 extra chips order @ $1.35
+ 2 sodas @ $1.50 each
__________________________________________________ _____
= $17.15 plus tax (not detailed here, since they don't give you a receipt)
This place is next to a bar (shockingly!) called Lounge, I believe. I don't like the area, but at 3 or 4AM, you can't ask for much. On an unexpected note, many cops were eating there... not bad-looking, fat cops, btw...
Ooh, I almost forgot: CASH ONLY!!! However, there's a 7-Eleven with an ATM machine a block away. -
Review from Olivier A.
Lake Balboa, CA
3/27/2011
I have been coming here for a Decade.
My personal favorite Hole in the Wall.
Their dishes are SO good and I always get Pina mixed with lemonade ( A little secret for some of you) The only thing is they wont accept Credit or Debt. If you dont mind getting messy , Get your Burrito in a combination plate and ask for it " Wet" . Enjoy! -
Review from Kislev A.
9/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
Carne Asada Burrito: 5 Stars
Open 24 Hours: 5 Stars
Hole in the Wall: 5 Stars
Price: 5 Stars
No Fish Burrito or Fish Taco: 1 Star. Booo
Seating Area: Indoor seating area is under construction so they currently have 3 tables outside. 3 Stars for now... soon to be 5 Stars.
My hunt for a good Molcasalsa Fish Burrito substitute in the Valley continues... -
Review from Zan O.
9/1/2010
Open 24 Hours - Cash Only
This place used to be titled Best Burrito in the valley and with a title like that and recommendations from my friends I just had to come check it out. It is a small little place next to a club but the parking is great. It is however alittle far from anywhere so as much as a I love this place it is hard to get here.
I had their Carne Asada Burrito with guacamole in it. The Works. So after hearing all the reviews I was trying to figure out how to judge this place. After a couple of bites i was able to figure out why this place was so great. Its their meat that makes this place taste so amazing. I mean I don't know if its marinated or what they did to it but it doesn't taste the same. You gotta try this place out at least once.
God I gotta go back. -
Review from Sara L.
1/1/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This place is pretty decent. It gains an extra thumbs up from me since they are open 24 hours a day. Since I work nights it is helpful when I have a late night burrito craving.
Their enchiladas are nothing to write home about but they are pile high with lots of cheese (or meat) and a spicy but flavorful red sauce. Their burritos are a pretty good size and the can make just about any kind you want.
I am a big lover of nachos and I will say that theirs are a bit disappointing. They use nacho cheese sauce on it. Bleh! That stuff if reserved for the movie theaters and for the 7-11 across the street. Ask for Queso Blanco and the'll put on shredded jack cheese. They charge extra but it is worth it if you are in a gotta have nachos mood. -
Review from Jillian F.
Van Nuys, CA
10/24/2010
Love how this place is within walking distance. The prices are relatively inexpensive. By the way, they only accept cash.
I love the enchiladas from this place...Especially with a lot of Tapatio. What can I say? I like it spicy ;)
Over the years, I've tried some of the burritos, tacos, and and nachos. They are okay. Out of the menu, the tacos are the best.
Their horchata is amazing! I love horchata and I always come here whenever I'm craving for some.
The only downside is that the food here is REALLY greasy compared to other Mexican restaurants. :( That is why I rarely come by nowadays.
Its not the best and it definitely isn't the worse. I will always come back for the horchata, though :D -
Review from nicole r.
Granada Hills, CA
7/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I can never leave L.A. because if i did, where would I get my bomb ass dirty shack food? I dont think I would. El Indio, You greatly satisfy my drunken hunger needs. Best chicken and carne asada burrito I'd had in forever. Definitely gunna last you 2 meals. .................................................. ........MUST STOP TYPING, CRAVINGS BECOMING UNBARABLE.
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Review from Via C.
Northridge, CA
1/1/2011 17 Check-ins Here
This place is the only reason I like living in Northridge. Love how it is literally a block from my apartment and open 24/7!
The food is okay. Don't really dig their carne asada, however I am a fan of their carnitas and al pastor. Tacos are super cheap (under $2) and they give a lot of meat. I get full off just 2.
I wish they accepted credit/debit cards. If they did, I'd probably eat here more often. -
Review from Andy P.
North Hills, CA
12/14/2010 4 Check-ins Here
I used to live walking distance from here. It's probably good for my waistline that I've moved a couple miles away and it's just not as convenient anymore.
El Indio Mexicano serves absolute crap. Tasty, delicious, yummy, irresistible crap. I know that everything is so saturated in lard that I'm going to die a premature death.
But I don't care. It's addictive. And tasty.
I've always been partial to their asada or carnitas tacos...but I usually get a burrito, because they absolutely stuff them with cheese. And then...for a little extra, I can order it with cheese ON TOP too. (insert Homer Simpson-esque drooling-with-mouth-wide-open noise)
I'm not a huge fan of their nachos. And it would be great to be able to get fish tacos here. But life isn't always fair.
But no worries. I still leave full, my stomach entirely satisfied and my arteries just a tiny bit closer to being completely clogged... -
Review from Tim H.
PORTER RANCH, CA
2/14/2011
Awesome Mexican food. Try the taquitos! If you live in the valley, please go.
Pricewise, I'm a full-sized guy and I think I'd be full after about $6-7 worth of food.
-1 Star for non-existent service, but it's a small sacrifice for the awesome food. -
Review from Anthony F.
Santa Clarita, CA
8/21/2011
Greatest Mexican food in the universe, I dunno what happened but I ordered the shredded beef burrito and now I am with child :-)
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Review from Sonny S.
Sepulveda, CA
6/27/2011
El Indio is your hole in the wall Mexican stand that is completely unhealthy, but absolutely satiating. I've had most of what's on the menu, but my two staples are the pastor burrito and the nachos with carnitas.
The pastor is not the traditional turn-style pastor that you would see in other Mexican stands; but it has a unique flavor that I do enjoy. The burrito is thick with cheese, guacamole, meat and salsa; and it has a perfect blend of meat to cheese ratio.
The nachos aren't you're high end nachos that you would find at Grill or a sit down Mexican joint; rather, they are the kinds you remember eating when you were in middle school where they get a can of liquid cheese and put it all over your nachos. The liquid cheese with deep fried pork over nachos is just irresistible. The chips can get real soggy with the cheese, you so should eat it quick, or ask to separate the chips from the deliciousness.
Now, the 4 stars doesn't mean it is a gourmet type Mexican place. Rather, you take into account the price, quantity, taste, variety and late night closing, and you have yourself a winner. -
Review from El C.
Ferndale, MI
1/6/2011
I know this place doesn't appeal to all people because of the area it's in, or the seating,or the way the food is served, but to me that IS part of it's appeal !
I admit part of my love for El Indio is nostalgically sentimental (I left the Valley many years ago and am now a couple thousand miles away) but it was the great tasting food that first got me to come back after my first visit oh so many years ago. I can't even give you an extensive review of the menu, because I usually only had either a carne asada burrito, or the carnitas tacos during my 500 or so visits. But those two items were some of the best food have ever been addicted to !
Like so many other yelpers, this was almost always the last stop of the night before going home and passing out, or if we failed to stop, it was the first place we went to when we woke the next day to make up for it. (Sometimes we even did both!)
Drunk or not, we never would have frequented it if the food wasn't so gd good. And yes, I've ate there sober plenty of times and it tastes even better!
So I'd tell you to try El Indio despite the look of the place or the area it inhabits, but if those things matter that much to you, you really don't deserve to eat here in the first place; go back over the hill and pay $12 for your tacos !
I miss you El Indio; hope to be back soon! -
Review from Mike F.
Long Beach, CA
1/8/2008
Tacos in the valley at 2:00am.....
Where to go?! Cant get pulled over by the po-poez.....
Who ya gonna call?!!!
Boracho Wes to the rescue...
Ordered me some carne asada and mama got a asada burrito with rice.
Quick service, but its freaking far......overall a decent place if youre craving tacos and dont want to drive all over the place after having a few at the Little Rock. I think Ive been here before after playing a sport called Golf.....ahhhh, beer-fogged memories.....
Small seating is available outside and if the table is soaked in rain water, let good 'ol Wes arm-squeegee it all off for you....
Im not knocking this place, just thankful it was there and open past 2am....!!!!! -
Review from Bucky M.
Granada Hills, CA
3/12/2008
When I was 15 my first employer was next door to El Indio (Granada Hills location) and I ate there several times per week. Every Saturday I ate menudo to cure my hangover. The meat/bean/cheese/guacamole burrito is the best.
My only complaint is that at the Roscoe location instead of guacamole in my burrito I received an avocado pit instead. Well it was covered with beans and carnitas juice so I started sucking the goodness off when accidently I swallowed the whole thing. Ever since then I have been crapping avocados so I came out ahead in the end. -
Review from Marvin S.
11/24/2007
It was my first time trying this place this past thursday night and man was i impressed.
I had the regular Carne Asada burrito with no beans and extra sour cream. It was sooooo good. First due to the size, it looked like a little baby bunny wrapped in white and yellow paper. And when i bit the litte baby bunny, it was filled with Meat, cheese, sour cream and salsa, that was all i needed to end my night. All this with a Fat Coke and i was done.
Thank you meat Gods. -
Review from Kevin K.
Chatsworth, CA
3/3/2011
This is the real deal. Late hours/good food. 'Nough said.
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Review from George D.
Los Angeles, CA
7/28/2009 4 Check-ins Here
This place is so good I might have to start coming back even when I'm not hammered or suffering from insomnia.
It's open 24 hours and in a fairly sketch location, but that only adds to the fun!
One of the best burritos I have ever consumed. Carne asada, cheese, beans, guac, goodness.
And don't forget to pile on their hot salsa. You'll hate yourself in the morning for that last bit, but it's totally worth it. A word of caution though, it is fairly hot. The first time I got food from here, I was bathing my burrito in the hot salsa, only to eventually start choking, having my eyes water, throat shut, trying to chug Dos Equis to soothe the burn. What a way to go out, I though. Middle of the night, choking to death on salsa, not even being able to call for help from my own room in my own house.
Anecdotes aside, come prepared to pay cash only. And perhaps wade through various mariachi band members hanging out in the parking lot from the club next door. -
Review from Toribio T.
Los Angeles, CA
12/4/2009
What else could I say other than AJUA!!!
I tried tacos de buche, lengua and al pastor before and they were spectacular. All on different occasions of course as these tacos are humungous!!! A steal for $2!!! The corn tortillas are a bit larger than the ones you see in the supermarket and they are packed with juicy meat and topped with pico de gallo. Some tacos I can eat within three bites. One from this place equals a meal.
My homie tried the carne asada. He said it was dry yet very juicy! Let me explain: carne asada has to have a dry exterior in order to hold in the juices. I have been to tacos places where the GREASE is ruining the tortilla coz it is GREASY!!! not juicy. Personally, i prefer to use my napkins sparingly but if I use a lot, then it had better be sauces, not grease!
The final verdict came when i ordered a burrito. I could not finish the thang!!! So now i must bow to the best in town!!!
What also helps this place is it has an A rating. The location is pretty cool as i have friends that live nearby. Next door is El Jardin night club and I would NOT RECOMMEND that place!!! :)
THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO!!! -
Review from Johnny N.
Northridge, CA
3/20/2007
Excellent food. One of the original and more popular 24/7 mexican food joints in the valley. They've won all sorts of awards and stuff. They don't seem to follow a set recipe, the burritos taste a tiny bit different every night so if you liked it a certain way, try to remember the name of the cook and the night that you went. Overall, great food at a great price. Excellent option if you're hungry in the middle of the night and don't want denny's. A liquor store is also across the street in case you're looking for alcohol, too.
EXPERT TIP: Be careful of parking your car in the lot during late nights. The guys coming out from the ghetto dance club right next over might accidentally bump your car as they backout of the parking lot wrecklessly!Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from axid b.
Sherman Oaks, CA
2/14/2009
I'm Mexican-American, born in Los Angeles, and must say this is my favorite Mexican eatery and the best!. been coming here regularly for almost a decade. found it by accident, passing by on the way towards my friends house in reseda. only place open at 2am.
my usual is the machaca burrito. you MUST try it. its shredded beef cooked with peppers, wrapped in a large tortilla, and is the greatest burrito I've ever eaten in my entire life (except my mom's, of course). it has flavor and life, like a party in my mouth. never over cooked and never disappoints. its so large, you may eat this dish with a fork and knife. not your typical tiny burrito you get at a local drive thru. no other mexican chain restaurant comes close. best of all, this place is open 24 hours. so if you have a craving for some authentic mexican food, this is the spot.
my other favorites are the shrimp and pastor tacos., and machaca burrito in WET style (just a regular burrito covered in melted cheese and hot sauce}). getting hungry just writing this review.
Ive deducting one star since this joint does get somewhat ghetto, since there is a night club next door. it has inside seating, but never seen anyone in it. has few outdoor seatings, but best to pickup and take home. regardless, its a great joint with great food and is easy on your wallet. -
Review from Beto A.
Los Angeles, CA
4/9/2009
I remember on the way home from a wedding or quinceanera with my drunk driving dad behind the wheel stopping at this place so many times as a kid. We'd order the food and remember how good it was. Now, im the one showing up drunk as hell, with a designated driver, of course......... and still love this place. Yes, there's a mexican cantina/bar next door with hookers for rent, but i think it adds to this place's authenticity.
You cant go wrong with the Burritos, tacos and especially the SOPE de carnitas, my favorite.
Good eatings and enjoy the grease. -
Review from ricky g.
Torrance, CA
2/16/2009
This place will shatter my world if it ever goes away!!! Not exactly... but I will be quite disappointed. This place is amazing for tacos and burritos and nachos and... everything - drinks too! Pina!!! The lengua tacos are like no other you can find and I have tried beyond dozens of locations. The heaping amount of meat in your tacos is a steal(good for you-bad for them :P) compared to other locations. The nachos in the posted picture dont do justice, the serving is like 2/3rd's bigger than pictured. The meat here is the dominant flavor and the complimentary items, guacamole, onions, rice, beans, etc do their part - they compliment!! Wow I wish I lived at Canoga Park again so I can go here every other night like I use to, now I can only go once a month since I am in Torrance... My taste buds are in mourning.....
BTW- Dont expect good service (smiles and "how are you") Food is awesome though so they did their job! -
Review from Travis C.
Malibu, CA
5/10/2011
Solid Mexican walk up with tons of valley history. This place has been serving up fantastic burritos for my entire life and then some. I didn't frequent this place much as a kid but when I started going out this became the late night spot for sure. I have gone here many many times after leaving the bar and their food always hits the spot. I had one unfortunate incident with a pastor burrito one night after drinking heavily and didn't order it again for a long time, but that was my own fault. The guac here is tasty and if you are short on cash you can get a bean and cheese burrito for practically nothing.
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Review from James L.
12/22/2007
Great-tasting, authentic, great value for your money, and hearty. What could be better?
Both their vegetarian and shrimp tacos are amazing - the shrimp taco in particular features a really flavorful sauce. I don't eat any of the meaty offerings here but my relatives have tried the various chicken/carne/etc. tacos and loved them all. Know that sometimes they'll give you salsa and jalapenos/radishes with your order; other times you'll have to ask.
This is without a doubt one of the Valley's best casual/fast joints.
