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Los Pinos Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
319 Baden AveSouth San Francisco, CA 94080
(650) 871-8757
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
82 reviews for Los Pinos Restaurant
Review Highlights
"The fish tacos, wow muy delicioso."
(in 18 reviews)
"This place has the best fresh corn tortillas around."
(in 7 reviews)
"La Morena is hit or miss where this place is consistently..."
(in 7 reviews)
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82 reviews in English
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Review from keri k.
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yum! Great tacos. I ordered the chicken tacos with beans and rice. The tacos are served w fresh guac and sour cream along with toms, and crisp lettuce. Simply delicious. The salsa and chips came first and that salsa has some kick. That's the way is should be......This place is a solid 4 stars on taste, fast service, and overall goodness.
Great stop before heading to SFO. My thought is get over the bridges and make sure there is no traffic on your way to the airport.....if you have time for a bite stop in here. -
Review from Miss Cristina O.
Pacifica, CA
11/6/2011 2 photos
My first time was when my friend raved about the good food here. The food was great, and meant to go again, but I crave for mexican/hispanic food about 5 to 6 times a year.
So finally when I craved my daughter and I went there. She loved her Veggie Burito and mine was the Tostada which was really good too.
The waitress was nice and attentive. I will go back again. -
Review from Julia K.
9/30/2011
Came here for lunch with coworkers to celebrate one of their birthdays. I ordered two fish tacos which came with rice and black beans. SO SO GOOD. I haven't had good fish tacos like that in a while.
The service was really friendly here and I would definitely come back here for fish tacos any day. -
Review from Eme L.
Mountain View, CA
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Although pricier than the Mexican place just next door, they do have a bit more finesse from an execution perspective. The tortillas (thicker than usual and clearly homemade) are fantastic, as are all of their meats - well cooked and very flavorful. Got 3 tacos: al pastor (delicious), carnitas (very, very tasty) and fish (a bit bland). $10+, but still not bad based on the quality of the food.
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Review from Mimi W.
South San Francisco, CA
1/17/2012
They catered my wedding 5 years ago and my guest are still talking about how great the food was. My husband and I stop in occasionally and have their camarone plate with fries (to die for!!!). Their prices are a little higher than usual for a small Latin restaurant but your paying for quality because that's what they serve :)
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Review from Tania a.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2011
Definitely a fan of Los Pinos. Use them a lot for catered lunches at work and they never let me down. The food is always fresh and delicious. Their prices always reasonable.
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Review from Pam S.
7/28/2011
This place Is okay. The chips were freshly cooked, still warm from the pan.
For $10 you can get an Horchata in a giant beer mug and a combination. I got the Tamales (pork and chicken) with rice, beans and salad. So full...
Super burrito is a SUPER indeed. One of the guys commented how there's tomatoes in it which is not usual.
I hear the fish tacos are great here. I'll get that next time.
Friendly server. Food came at a decent amount of time. Cheap prices. -
Review from Neil A.
Montara, CA
Updated - 10/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Still a great place to go for lunch in South City. Food is good but unfortunately on my last visit I had to sit and endure a bunch of douche-bag colleagues diss everyone else at work.... Can't blame LP for the lame company though.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/14/2010
I've only ever been to Los Pinos for lunch. I work in the area so I've been there several times. I… Read more »
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Review from Genaro R.
San Francisco, CA
9/20/2011
I tried the carintas burrito and it was tasty. The flautas that my friend had were not all that great especially for $10+ Overall a mediocre lunch experience.
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Review from Janet O.
1/27/2011
As my Yelp counterpart Hanna Y. said the fish tacos are fantastic.
This rating is by no means an exaggeration. The fish is lightly battered and fried, it comes on a bed of cabbage that is marinated similar to cole slaw, yet without the extra sour.
It tastes fresh and and has the right combination of spices.
A huge plus, are the non-greasy, over fried tortilla chips. -
Review from Mary-Anne C.
Daly City, CA
3/6/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Definitely a fan of this place!
My friend and I were on a hunt for Mexican food but didn't want to go down to the Mission since it was cold and raining. So, we opted to stay in the area and remembered Grand Ave! I whipped out my hand dandy yelp app on my iPhone and discovered Los Pinos! Thank you Yelp for being in existence!!!! Best fish tacos-hands down! The tortillas...are they homemade?? They are sooooo fresh and so so soooo good!
On another night I took 2 other friends here and they both loved the food and are now loyal fans too! So glad that delicious Mexican restaurants are not too far away from me! Can't wait to go back! -
Review from Elo N.
Pinole, CA
11/29/2010
My family came here a late breakfast yesterday. We were a party of 14. They were very nice and accommodated right away. I agree with the reviews about the chips and salsa. The chips do taste like they are from the bag and just warmed up. The salsa tasted a little like Pace but it worked for me. I wasn't in a breakfast mood so I ordered the Milanesa. It was very good! It came with rice and beans, french fries and a little salad. The corn tortillas are hand made. Reminded me of Mexico. I enjoyed it. Everyone else also enjoyed their food except for my brother who ordered the shrimp cocktail. He orders that everywhere and he said the one here was very fishy.
I would come back for the Milanesa! -
Review from Kenneth Y.
San Francisco, CA
12/25/2010
I've been going this place for a while, before it was even called Los Pinoss. The place has new management for 5 or more years now and they are excellent! The place has several big screen LCDs for you to watch while you enjoy your food.
I usually order the Super Burrito with Carne Asada. They grill fresh raw meat in every burrito unlike some places where it is made and left in a warmer. You can see the chief make your burrito on the side. They have a wide variety of sodas like the sugar cane colas of Coca-Cola and Pepsi to Jarritos.
Overall this place serves great burritos and other dinner entrées. They are very quick and have your order ready in no time. They even take phone orders so you can pick it up and not waste any time for your meal to be made.
-Parking-
Parking is available on the streets, but it can be pack if you go lunch times. There are also parking lots across the street with limited meter spots as some are reserved or what not. -
Review from Johnathan L.
San Jose, CA
10/2/2010
I was thrilled I didn't projectile vomit my inner stomach lining after eating half a beef torta.
Although I've had the privilege of eating lunch in the Holy Mecca of Mexican food in the Bay for years while I was working in Mission, I by no stretch of the imagination ask for much. For my tortas, give me bread, edible meat, some avocados and I'm about as happy as a hipster with the latest pair of gonad-defiling jeans. I know you can't possibly top El Metate, Pancho Villa, La Taqueria, or countless other institutions self-selected by those who know better than myself, nor do I expect it. So when I say the beef tortas here are about as good to eat as mushrooms growing out of sun-caked urine stains, that badge of honor rings true.
Five stars for the friendly service though, there was absolutely nothing wrong with that. -
Review from Nam P.
Sunnyvale, CA
11/19/2011
Had the super veggie burrito- quite dry and chewy taco. Even Taco Bell is better! Would not recommend this place.
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Review from Sandra S.
9/21/2010
Man...Mexican food is going to be the death of me and the button of my jeans.
The food in here was GREAT!!!
The minute my sister and I sat down we couldn't stop w/the chips and salsa.
Plus they have flat screen tv's. Man...ESPN & Chips...who could ask for anything more.
By the time my shrimp taco salad came out I could hard eat.
The taco salad was just the right size. Normally when I go to places the taco salad is huge. This was kinda on the small side but it was all that I needed.
The staff here was great and very helpful.
Since this place is close to work, I was hoping that it would be horrible so I don't have to drive here and get fat.
Looks like I'm gonna die fat :) -
Review from Matthew D.
Tempe, AZ
Another update so soon? Yup, and I've got a good reason why.
I heard through my brother that this places RECYCLES their chips and salsa--that is, taking the chips and salsa left over from one table and serving as new to other customers.
Nope, no more. Good bye.3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/8/2010
Um, what happened?
This used to be our default Mexican restaurant in South City, but the quality of… Read more »
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Review from viv k.
San Bruno, CA
8/18/2011
I really like this place the super burritos are so good and the waiter are really nice.
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Review from Alba H.
San Francisco, CA
11/9/2011
First time today, all I have to say is excellent....Treat yourself, very tasty .
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Review from Tadaa L.
San Francisco, CA
6/6/2010
Super burito under $7. With all the avocados, meat, salsa, beans and rice packed in the thin tortilla, it's one juicy yummy burito, enough to fill up any hungry soul. Free chips but only gave one pack of salsa. Would've been nice if they have more than one kind of salsa to go with the chips. I guess I am too use to the salsa bar at Taqueria Guadalajara.
I got my burito for to-go, and I saw the restaurant was clean and spacious. Plenty of street parking and metered lot across the street. Convenience is always a plus. -
Review from Daddy F.
San Francisco, CA
3/28/2010
I don't know what you people are talking about but this has got to be the worst tasting Mexican food I've ever had.
The chips were not made at the restaurant...they tasted like they were store bought from a bag...the salsa tasted like it was from a can.
We initially wanted to try out Don Pico in San Bruno but they were closed on Sunday so we Yelp'd and found this place. What a huge disappointment!
There was a group of 9 of us...nothing had flavor! The meat was was bland...the sauce on the enchiladas tasted like ketchup.
We like to try new restaurants and give them a chance but this place is a joke! -
Review from Brian C.
Cupertino, CA
1/15/2009
Came here with my team. It's cold in the winter because there's a backdoor draft and front door draft. The only thing missing is some soccer on the big screen TV, instead of the usual ESPN.
1) They give chips and salsa. Their salsa: finely ground tomatoes, mixed with cilantro, japalenos, and pepper, to a fine grainy texture (unlike pico de gallo).
2)Camarones al Mojo de Ajo: "Prawns Sauteed in Garlic Butter & French Fries" $13.95
This comes with rice, beans, tortillas, tomatoes, onions, and avocado for you to wrap. The vegetables are a bit small in quantity. However, the rice is not too dry and the beans have a nice finely mushed quality. The fries were surprisingly dainty, with crunchy exterior and soft hot interior. Onto the main ingredient, the prawns. I was surprised at how many prawns I received, I think I got 10. Apart from that, they were not over cooked or undercooked. They were perfectly fried to a crunchy fresh texture and the garlic was not overwhelming.
However, if you're Asian, it'll taste like the garlic shrimp dishes in Chinese cuisines. Therefore, I recommend the camarones a la Diabla for the same price. "Prawns Sauteed in Red Hot Sauce." The hot sauce was nothing I've ever tasted before. It was thick, pungent, yet not too spicy.
Bri. -
Review from Mandi W.
South San Francisco, CA
3/28/2009
This place so far is ok... for me.
Beef Taco is good.
Fish Taco good.
Supreme Fajita plate was salty and watery for my taste. I felt like the meat was overcooked.
However the sides and corn tortillas were good.
wutever u do DO NOT GET THE FLAN. it wuz TOTALLY overcooked, chewy, eggy, rubbery and disgusting. I can't believe they even gave us that.
I guess I need to come back try some other of their dishes. I don't think i would get the fajita dish again though on account of their meat being way too salty, soupy, and overdone.
Anyone have recommendations on what else I can try?
So our bill ended up being around $30 for one supreme fajita dinner, 2 tacos, 1 flan, 1 drink.
Expensive -
Review from Jonathan L.
New York, NY
11/11/2009
My buddy who has lived in SF for years insisted we come here for their Mexican breakfast action. We called in the order to pickup and eat back at his pad. 2 Breakfast burritos with chorizo, 1 order of Huevos Ranchero's, and a side of fresh handmade corn tortilla's to share. Also a nice size cup of fresh well pureed red salsa. No tomato chunks, but great flavor of fresh white onion and cilantro.
The burritos were of a nice size, prob 8-10 inches long and the circumference of a can of soda. Inside eggs, chorizo, refried beans, cheese, and sour cream married like a polygamist union in Utah. I ate that wedding and the reception was a joyous one in me tummy. The huevos ranchero's both looked and smelled great, but I didn't partake. The corn tortillas really were delicious. I'm more of a flour tortilla guy, but these were so good you could just eat them plain. Once dunked in the salsa, it was over the top deliciousness. I highly suggest asking for a side of extra corn tortillas if you go to "The Pines"! -
Review from Jenny V.
San Mateo, CA
2/10/2011
I really like thier burritos! They make them so good. Best spot in South City to get a burrito by far, I always come back when I'm in the mood for a carne asada burrito.
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Review from Earl G.
6/13/2007
I'm kinda reluctant to write this review, since this just happens to be my coworkers and I Grand Ave. Mexican lunch safehaven. However, Yelp has given me so much that I can't hold back any of my favorite hole in the walls.
Given my criteria of value, wait, cleanliness, and taste; the Pinos beats out La Morena and La Perla hands down. If you want to wait in long lines and see everyone you know in the bio-tech ind. Morena is for you. If you want a heart attack from eating the trans fat laden margarine tortillas at Perla please feel free.
My dish is the Thursday special, the chili verde pork ribs. They'll also make it for you other days but the lunch plate for $7 bucks including fresh tortillas and the fixin's is a steal.
Plus, if you are a soccer fan, it's almost always playing on their TVs so you can definitely catch up on some Goooaaaaaaaallsss.
ps. don't come here for the burritos your best bet is still the taquerias either Tapatio or Farrolito if you want to sit. -
Review from Stephanie L.
San Francisco, CA
3/18/2009
Coming from Arizona and living in SF, you wouldn't think an awesome Mexican restaurant would reside in the suburbs of South San Francisco, tucked off on a small street.
While visiting my friend who lives in the area, the hour of dinner came upon us. We weren't very hungry but we wanted to look for something "healthy." She was craving a burrito, but we decided that we'd obtain portion control and share a dish. The burrito place she wanted to go to was closed (our luck in the end) and we headed to a place she wanted to try: Los Pinos.
I had the Agua de Jamica and two fish tacos (with sea bass as the fish) and she had the chicken enchiladas with green sauce. My plate was cleaned off after several minutes. My belly was happy. We were both happy. The food is amazing here when you're craving quality Mexican dishes in the heart of the South San Francisco Mexican town. It's worth the trip, because it's much closer than Mexico. -
Review from Rebecca B.
New Hartford, NY
5/15/2011
Great down-home Mexican food. Carnitas are excellent, as are the fajitas. Tortillas are delicious, really fresh. Service is also really good and they remembered me the 2nd time I went in.
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Review from Serena M.
South San Francisco, CA
12/4/2009
I came here for dinner on a Wednesday night and we were the only ones dining in at the time. It made me question whether the food here was any good. It's usually not a good sign when the restaurant is completely empty. However I thoroughly enjoyed my dish which was their Wednesday special of beef tongue in salsa with all the trimmings: spanish rice, refried beans with melted cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, a slice of avocado and corn tortillas ($10.95). It's basically slices of beef tongue simmered in a red sauce with tomatoes, jalapenos, carrots, potatoes and onions. There is a slight tanginess or tartness to the sauce which is probably why they call it "salsa" on the menu.
The service here is great as our waiter was very helpful and attentive.
The decor is more functional than aesthetically appealing as they had waterproof table covers with golf players on them. But with this place it doesn't matter what's printed on the tablecloths the food is good and decent priced. I would pay them another visit besides who doesn't like free chips and salsa. -
Review from Sravanthi D.
Daly City, CA
6/5/2011
The boyfriend and I were on the quest for an authentic Mexican place close to Daly City, one that serves down home Mexican food. And, am happy to report that we discovered Los Pinos!!
We've been here three times, and each visit we savored fresh and delicious Mexican fare!!
The tacos are excellent especially the fish tacos and carnitas!! The chicken was a bit dry, but still very hearty with the salsa. The tortillas are homemade, and taste awesome. Definitely, get some of them.
Today, we went there for lunch to try some of their soups as recommended by their friendly waiter, Jesus? He was very attentive, and brought me some extra hot sauce, basically dried red chillies as I had asked for spicy food!!
We ordered the goat and sheep stews only available during weekends. The sheep soup was spicier than the goat soup, but both soups were hearty, and tasted great with minced onions, cilantro and limes!! The soup portions were huge, we'll have the leftovers for dinner tonight. Cannot wait!!
Go here for real Mexican food offered by friendly waitstaff!! -
Review from sl c.
Burlingame, CA
7/23/2010
Despite other reviews, I have always had great food at Los Pinos. My favorites are the sopes (chicken or veggie) and the beef fajitas (a plate big enough for two!). If you are going to eat here, be sure that you have the Mexican Hot Chocolate. It is the best around! I like the pico de gallo - they don't always bring it out. Since I have a young daughter, they bring us a bowl every time we visit.
The wait staff are super friendly, always smiling. I usually get out of here for about $20, including drinks and plenty of food.
I really like Los Pinos! -
Review from rorenzo y.
San Francisco, CA
5/5/2008
This place has the best fresh corn tortillas around. Every time I go there, I usually order a dinner plate of carnitas for about 13$ and ask them for 10 pieces of tortillas. Use a slice of tortilla and make your own tacos or just use it like naan and scoop up some meat, and salsa to your tasting and you have a great lunch. The staff is attentive, the place looks to be health code compliant and they have a few TVs located through the establishment with Futbol or Spanish news/novelas playing, depending on the time that you go. The place can get semi-crowded during lunch, and you see a lot of locals that order here and take out to go.
Best, once you finish eating here, you can always walk across the st at Grand and Linden and have a cup of coffee at Starbucks or to the bakery across them, which makes a great Tres Leches cake. -
Review from jon L.
San Francisco, CA
6/16/2011
The fish taco was good but everything else was ok. The flan was the worst ever so had to sent it back to the kitchen.
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Review from Roni L.
South San Francisco, CA
6/7/2009
I really enjoy LP... free chips and salsa to munch on, good service from the bald dude. Tasty food.
I have yet to be disappointed with the crunchy taco combo, every meat item I've gotten was prepared nicely with HUGE portions to boot.
The fish tacos- supremely solid, for $3 each, TREMENDOUS value.
My boss always gets the wet veggie burrito, and the thing is the size of his head. How he's able to pound it down over a lunch hour is a bit disturbing... but you get what I mean about the serving sizes.
I haven't tried their breakfasty stuff- I go to a mexi joint for the mexiness, not for bacon and eggs... and their mexiness is sexiness. -
Review from Glenn H.
6/22/2007
We will be back. The restaurant is clean and the prices are reasonable. The steak fajitas were good but needed some help from the salsa that the excelente chips came with. My Carne Adobado (simmered pork in something) came out good but more grilled than anything--quite tastey.
Breakfast is served all day and there are some that look good. Service was quick and friendly.
I was recommended this place by a friend that was from Juarez as really authentic, so I'll be back to update this review this after a few more dishes.
Ahora esta bueno pero no esta muy bueno o excellente. -
Review from Kurt H.
Littleton, CO
5/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great grub, mellow atmosphere.
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Review from David P.
Hayward, CA
7/12/2007 2 photos
Update 07/24/07
OK today I had the ceviche tostada, I thought since I liked the fish taco so much lets another sea food item. I was very disappointed, for $4.75 you get a tostada with very little fish and lots of chopped up white onion and tomato and no cilantro. Basically it was a salsa tostada. It did have good flavor and did remind me of Puerto Vallarta style ceviche. But dint be skimpy with the fish. I would still stick to the fish tacos. Picture of Tostada posted for your viewing pleasure. I will still keep the 4 stars.
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I agree with Earl G, in that this place is much better then La Morena. I have been going to La Morena forever and today decide to go into Los Pinos. I have been here once before, I walked in looked at the menu ,and walked out. Big mistake, I should have tried the food because today I did and I was hooked.
For lunch I ordered 3 tacos.
The first one was carne asada($1.95). Usually I do not order carne asada tacos because the meat is usually under seasoned and bland as can be. So by me ordering a carne asada taco im putting this place to the test. I was not disappointed with the results. The meat was seasoned just right, and not to much salsa on top that would hide the taste of the meat. One thing that put me off though was that the tortilla was to greasy. But it did take me back to those vacation days in Guadalajara.
The Second taco was a taco dorado (hard shell)($2.95). Nicely deep fried shell with choice of meat, lettuce, guacamole, salsa, sour cream and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. My choice of meat for this one was desebrada (shredded beef). I tend to always get shredded beef tacos when it comes to the crunchy shells. This meat is much more flavorful because its braised for hours.
My last taco was a Fish Taco ($2.75). I was so impressed. This is a battered white fish placed on a fresh home made tortilla with shredded cabbage, salsa, and a delicate light mayo sauce. This was freakin awesome! The fish was moist and hot. The batter was light and not at all oily. The mayo just gave it a hint of creaminess but not over powering.
This complete lunch was washed down with there water of the day, Hibiscus water. Served in a huge cold mug for $1.95 its the perfect drink to wash down this grubbing food. The waiters are very pleasant and quick to attend any needs. The dinning area looks clean and modern. I will be back for the fish tacos. -
Review from Shana W.
South San Francisco, CA
1/5/2010
Came here the other night for dinner with my bf and daughter for the first time. We passed by Los Pinos mulitple times and didn't bother to dine here. But I'm so glad we did the other night. I had the steak with onions, my daughter had the regular carne asada burrito and my bf had the enchiladas. We all left happy and full. The service was awesome.
Defintely will be back to try the other stuff they have to offer. -
Review from Natasha C.
South San Francisco, CA
12/27/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Soup is on, and this place does not displease. I always order their caldo del res (beef shank soup with rice) or the caldo del pollo (with chicken). Delicious and filling, perfect for a cold winters day or simply a great hang over remedy. Their corn tortillas are the best I've had and they come out fresh and hot! My friends always tell me that their pork is the best, I'll just have to get that next time :)
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Review from Mrs N N.
South San Francisco, CA
2/28/2010
First time here. Will be back for sure. Came here on a Suday for dinner - place was pretty empty. The waitress was very sweet and very professional. The place itself has a -- I don't know -- garage sale/high tech decor? -- four huge TV's throughout the two dining rooms. The tables have plastic golf-scene covers and big golden framed classic art pieces hang next to mexican beer posters.
Now to the food - the chips and salsa were -- OK. I had two shrimp tacos -- very good. Hubby had the fish tacos with rice and beans -- also very good. The only draw back was the tacos only had one tortilla and they fell apart. We ended up eating them with a fork -- made for weird taco eating technique. The orchata came in a HUGE glass and I could only drink half - but taste was right on the money.
Yeah - will be back soon.
