Ixtapa Taqueria

 

2

82

Chris K.

Santa Clara, CA

Uh oh, I must have jinxed this place by giving it a 5-star rating...

Went there with family from out of town on Friday and they had a note on the door saying they're wanting to hire a cook. The salsa was not the same as past times, previously it was a salsa fresca that had a bit of a sweet overtone, this time it seemed more pedestrian. My enchiladas had that Mexican cheese that reminds one of processed "white cheese food" (I believe it's actually traditional, having bought some from the market, but rarely used in restaurants.) My wife's quesadilla had that same cheese and we didn't remember the quesadillas having that before. The verde sauce on my enchiladas seemed familiar, I think I had it before out of a can. I hope it is simply a hiccup or a poor choice of menu item (it was a special for Thursday that they forgot to take the sign down for on Friday, so perhaps they "whipped something up".)

Needless to say, I am concerned this place may have lost its position on the top of the heap if they did indeed lose a critical cook (wonder where [s]he went?) I'll certainly give them a couple more tries in the hopes that it's a hiccup. But Yelpers should use caution...

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

1

31

Derek C.

Santa Clara, CA

Just got back from this surprise thanks to 2 great reviews from Yelp! Both the wife and I enjoyed the food and the food crew. As Chris K and Kerry K (no relation, I assume) said, the service is really above average for a taqueria.

My wife had a veggie burrito and was going to be a "we'll be back" staple. I had the Camerones Al Mojo (Garlic Shrimp) plate -- very flavorful. The ingredients seem fresh. They also have Mexican coke in the fridge in glass bottles (definitely tastes unique).

On a hot day like today, this small taqueria has a homey, villagey quality. Nothing fancy, but somehow like home (if I were Mexican).

The credit card signs are up, but they aren't taking payment yet.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

2

Kristin B.

Santa Clara, CA

I moved to Santa Clara 2 months ago and have been looking for my new local neighborhood taqueria ever since.  For a while I thought my search was hopeless, but then I came accross this place on yelp and decided to try it.  I am so glad I did!  I ordered the super burritto and was able to have enough for dinner & lunch!  Not only was the burritto huge, but is was very inexpensive, and extremely tasty.  I plan to visit this place often.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

19

108

Kerry K.

Santa Clara, CA

I've been driving past this place and wanted to try it.  It's brand new, just opening up around a month ago.  We stopped by at 10 am this morning for breakfast.  Inside are three small plastic covered tables and the most uncomfortable chairs I've ever eaten in.  There is also a small counter running by the windows.
When we showed up, it looked closed.  I knocked and the cook came out of the TINY kitchen and let us in.  We both ordered Chorizo and Eggs (6.50) which came out STEAMING hot and very very fresh.  Our dish came with refried beans and rice, with a choice of corn or flour tortillas.  They also brought some yummy toasted bread with butter.  This place has tapatio for it's hot sauce, so that was a good sign too!
They don't have a liquor license yet, so they are waiting until they can offer beer.  The owner said they were in the process.  Also did not accept credit cards yet, but we were told it would happen very very soon.  For a new business, I can understand these types of things.  Hopefully they will be fixed next time we come!  Very friendly people working there!
The food was very very good.  It was too much for us and we left stuffed.  The tortillas were store bought, and I always prefer homemade, but that's also very hard to find!
I am taking one star off for the chairs.  Good god they were uncomfortable.  They also have some outdoor seating.
I think this is a great place for some cheap and yummy Mexican take out.  Or a good and cheap breakfast in a weird chair.
UPDATE:
I got the carne asada super burrito last night and was not impressed.  The carne here is tough....I'd go back to the chorizo next time.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review