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Taqueria Moran
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
2226 N California Ave(between Lyndale St & Milwaukee Ave)
Chicago, IL 60647
Neighborhood: Logan Square
(773) 235-2663
- Nearest Transit:
-
California-O'Hare (Blue Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 6 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 6 am - 11 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
185 reviews for Taqueria Moran
Review Highlights
"The cafe con leche is spectacular."
(in 11 reviews)
"I also love their complimentary homemade Pico De Gallo."
(in 9 reviews)
"I love pickled carrots."
(in 12 reviews)
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185 reviews in English
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Review from Carmen G.
Chicago, IL
1/25/2012
Fancy place this is not. It is your regular neighborhood taco joint. Honestly i would've never even been here had it not been for (a) the insistence of my boyfriend. (b) I don't live nearby and (c) I don't usually try random taco places unless I'm really drunk (but those days are long gone now since I can handle my liquor).
But alas, you see my boyfriend has this never ending love affair with the swine; I, do not. Insistent he was to try this place because he said the Al Pastor tacos were one of, if not, the best in the city.
1st Visit: Perused the menu and saw they had chicken in mole sauce. SWEEEEET!! Chicken in mole is my favorite Mexican dish EVER so i went for it. The mole was "OK" nothing fantastic. The rice was tasty though (some Mexican places have rice that tastes like they used generic Mexican flavoring). I tried my boyfriend's Al Pastor, which oddly enough are NOT on the menu. Mmm yummy!
2nd Visit: Like i said, I'm not big on pork so i ordered carne asada tacos with cilantro and onions. They were definitely tasty. The chips that they bring to the table are very good as well. Some Mexi joints fail on the chips but these were good. Not too greasy, nice crunch and not stale. Again i have a bite or two off of my bf's tacos. Yeah.. i think i do like these...
3rd Visit: I'm craving Mexican food. Something quick to eat... and we come here again. This time i get one al pastor and one carne asada. Yep, I'm sold.! These ARE good. So good.. my next visit i bring my mom. She loved them too!
So, yes.. this place is not fancy. It's a regular taco joint. But the meat is definitely tasty, whether is the steak or the al pastor. A must if you are in the area and a plus the prices are extremely budget friendly. I'm sold! -
Review from Nicole K.
Chicago, IL
12/19/2011
Never had anything here that wasn't delicious! Everything is very well priced and they serve you pretty fast.
The fish taco's are my favorite! -
Review from Michael N.
Chicago, IL
12/4/2011
I think it's safe to say Moran has Logan Square's carnitas tacos on lock. I eat here probably once a week, if not more, and I'm usually satisfied. The carnitas can be insanely greasy - and they're not really into trimming its fat - but that's okay in my book. Keep it real and just do cilantro and onion.
My only reservation is the guacamole is inconsistent - and it's not even that great to begin with. They're not afraid to use avocados that have already turned. Sometimes it's obvious - like it's all disgusting brown all over (and they try their best to hide it by mixing it up). But you'll know the avocados are bad because they try to over-salt it to hide the taste. The result is just really gross.
But yes, if you dig tacos - you should hit up Moran. -
Review from Jena K.
Chicago, IL
1/27/2012
I live nearby and went here for the first time last night. I had tacos: carnitas and chile relleno. Both were amazing, and this place is ridiculously inexpensive... I'll definitely be back.
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Review from Elisabeth C.
Chicago, IL
1/17/2012
Seriously good Mexican food. We had 3 steak tacos and the chicken fajitas. The tacos came with tomatoes even though we had asked for none. But, the food was still delicious. They have a great location near the blue line, too.
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Review from Keziah C.
Chicago, IL
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
BEST MEXICAN FOOD in Chicago in my opinion! I've been going to this place since high school. I love it here! The tacos are EXCELLENT both beef & steak, the tortilla soup is delicious and filling. The staff is great, the service is fast, and the food is excellent. Always a crowd, and obviously a crowd pleaser. You can't beat the prices either. Love it!
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Review from Cara T.
Chicago, IL
12/4/2011
Taqueria Moran is a great bang for your buck. I mix the tacos...getting pollo, Carne asses, and pescado tacos. I always get cilantro and onions to top, but I love to add cheese and sour cream. The prices to add those are ridiculous, especially with the per taco charge. Even though the tacos are awesome, I feel like I can't get exactly what I want.
However, the Carne asses meat is delicious and the fish is good as well. I love their pico de gallo but be careful, it can vary on the spice level. I like it hot, but often there is only one waitress for the whole place and it take a while to get your water. -
Review from Dustin R.
Chicago, IL
1/8/2012
Neighborhood feel Tacqueria, the people working here are friendly. It's everything you'd expect from a Tacqueria, with a large menu with things like cactus tacos, at least I don't normally see these on a menu. The food is good and cheap. If you are in the area its a good place to stop in.
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Review from Harvey H.
Chicago, IL
9/19/2011
Taqueria Moran,
Mexican heaven. This is some of the best Mexican I've ever had and I'm from the state that used to be Mexico. Seriously, this is the real deal guys.
Al Pastor, award winning. As good as it gets in the city, maybe anywhere.
Here's a little secret, get nachos. We are talking about all the same stuff that goes in a burrito, PLUS sour cream and guac, for less money. A half order of nachos will keep you going all day if you know what I mean.
Also, the murals on the wall feel really authentic. I walk in there and feel like I'm at a real Mexican place. The woman with the pot on the right wall I think is especially engaging.
Harvey out! -
Review from James C.
Urbana, IL
9/30/2011
The taco gods have blessed me greatly. Perhaps there's a reason that I came here as opposed to the combination Pizza Hut/KFC down the street when I took a trip to Chicago for the Beirut show at the Congress.
Of course there was a reason. It's queso fundido. After learning of this heavenly invention from the Food Network, I knew that the next place I went that had it would be where I tried it. For the love of the taco gods. If you don't order it, you should slap yourself. Despite containing what probably amounts to 492,045 calories it is the most delicious application of cheese I have ever known. On the other hand, my friend and dining companion noted that her guacamole was top notch (full disclosure: I don't like guacamole).
In addition to the first-rate appetizers, our burritos were tasty as well. I ordered the carne asada burrito, which in less capable hands turns into a tortilla filled with bland chunks of flavorless meat and other toppings. At Taqueria Moran, a fresh, hot tortilla surrounded salty beans, flavorful, charred carne asada, cool lettuce and creamy cheese. In short, one could say it was as close to the Platonic ideal of burritos as one could hope for in this life.
Upon walking out, I very distinctly felt that I had just eaten my favorite restaurant Mexican food ever. -
Review from Juka A.
Chicago, IL
1/19/2012
These guys makes some consistently delicious al pastor tacos. Also, I've tried both caldos and the chilaquiles which were far better than your average taqueria. If you're feeling a little adventurous try the lengua (beef tongue) tacos which are also far better than mediocre.
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Review from Esther Y.
9/3/2011
I'm always on a quest for good Mex and just when I feel like I found it, I get a little disappointed. Now, some may say that I'm hard to please, but I just like to think that there is something better out there Chicago has to offer.
On an random night after Home Depot, the Hubs and I were stuck. What do we eat that isn't fast food? After looking on our Yelp app, we were directed here. Per usual, the yelpers came through. This is a solid place to eat, flautas, enchiladas, burritos and tacos are great and the service is always friendly, nice, and fast. I love this place, and have gone back 5 or 6 times already! -
Review from Amanda R.
7/20/2011
I love everything about this place. The food. The drinks. The staff. The little tiki bar in the corner. The fact that it is directly across from the California blue line stop.
The chicken burrito is my favorite in town. It's awesome. Huge, delicious and you need to order one. The chicken is really juicy and flavorful instead of dry, and there is plenty of lettuce, tomato, cheese and rice to accompany it. You never end up with that giant hunk of nothing but tortilla with a Moran burrito, which always drives me crazy at other places.
The cafe con leche is spectacular. Again, my favorite in Chicago.
Free chips and salsa with all eat in orders. This is pretty standard, yeah, but it's still nice when it happens.
The absolute best thing about Moran though? The chilaquiles. Hands down, these are the most amazing chilaquiles you will ever eat. Red or green, doesn't matter. Either way they're awesome. The tortilla bits are still crispy, plenty of sauce and egg to go with, and the rice and beans on the side are delicious as well. To really make them out of this world though, ask for both pork and egg instead of just one or the other. It will blow your mind. -
Review from Mike B.
Chicago, IL
8/15/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Best mole in the city of Chicago....hands down.
Seriously, have you had their mole? No? Ha! I am laughing at your misfortune at this very moment.
Give Moran a shot. And while you're there, try their mole, eh? -
Review from Pris K.
Miami, FL
9/7/2011
I've been living/staying on North California Avenue a little over 2 weeks now and Taqueria Moran has been my go-to joint for good food on the cheap multiple times! Being broke in Chicago is definitely not easy, so I was happy when my friend introduced me to this quaint little corner taqueria.
Upon entering, I always find some readily available seats, and they are always, always clean. Then, prompt service, complete with complimentary pico de gallo, chips, and pickled veggies. Coming from Miami, where we tend to opt more for sofrito than pico de gallo (sofrito, for those not in the know, is similar to pico de gallo but instead of jalapenos, green bell peppers are used, causing it to be savory without all the spice), I was a little taken aback at the spiciness, but that's just because I'm a wimp - my friend took it just fine.
Looking over the menu, there's definitely some vegetarian options but when it comes down to ordering, I have a weakness for breakfast foods so the only two meals I've had here (multiple times) are the Huevos a la Mexicana and the Huevos Rancheros. I won't complain about the Huevos Rancheros, they were quite good, but they just don't stand up to the Huevos a la Mexicana in my book. The Huevos Rancheros are essentially sunny side up eggs with red sauce over them. They were a bit runny, as sunny side eggs tend to be (I let my yolks set when making my huevos rancheros at home, but this is a matter of preference), and the red sauce wasn't as flavorful as I would've preferred. But again, they were still good!
The Huevos a la Mexicana, which I special requested with minimal amounts of jalapeno, were insanely good! This is actually my favorite way to make eggs, though I usually add cheese on top (which I'm sure can be requested for a small fee). The eggs get scrambled constantly when cooked this way, so while somewhat fluffy, they gain a whole new consistency that I love. I added some of the table pico de gallo to it which ends up perfecting the flavor of the dish.
Each of these meals brings a side of mexican rice and refried beans with a little cheese melted on top, as well as a side of tortillas (your choice of corn or flour). I chose the corn tortillas the first time around and the flour tortillas each time afterward, but both are quite tasty and warm; just depends on your personal preference. Today, I also ordered a side of sour cream to accompany the meal (to dollop over my beans and to dip my tortilla in - so good!) These meals are pretty massive and I think I was only able to finish it all the first time I went, but I do try to engorge myself ever time i've gone since.
They also make a fairly tasty cafe con leche that'll hit the spot without hurting the wallet too badly. I have yet to spend more than $7-8 at the joint per meal, INCLUDING tax and tip. And considering I usually have this as two meals (hello brunch!), it's really quite worth it.
Get yerself to the Taqueria Moran quick! Or i'll just keep eating there and smile, thinking of all the folks that are missing out. Either way, i'll still be full! -
Review from Justin J.
Chicago, IL
7/8/2011
Two Words: Chicken Burrito...now two more words.
Suizo Style.
This review is over. Five Stars...Period. -
Review from Justin W.
Westminster, MD
12/30/2011
Ate there for the first time on Thursday, and the second time on Friday. I'm not going to claim that I'm an expert when it comes to authentic Mexican food. However, this was just plain great food! Plus: the pico de gallo was pleasantly spicy. Bonus points (from 4 to 5.)
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Review from Jeanne H.
Chicago, IL
8/26/2011
I love Taqueria Moran! They're al pastor tacos are amazing--savory, ever so slightly sweet, and dare I say complicated in flavor--and are significantly better than Big Star's and less expensive. Other favorite food items include the chicken soup, which contains two pieces of chicken and comes with tortillas, and the delicious burritos. The complimentary chips, salsa, and spicy pickled vegetables are also big winners.
In terms of ambiance and decor, it's a brightly lit, very clean, small restaurant that should be enjoyed for the impossible Escher-like quality of the murals (how is that water pouring into that barrel?) and the brightly colored walls. The wait staff is always nice and polite and the white-haired gentlemen, who I believe is the owner, is almost always there and is an absolute delight.
A great, low-key place! Check it out! -
Review from Jonathan W.
Chicago, IL
7/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is one of the best taco joints in the hood and I've tried them all. The chicken is easily in the sixth-sigma. Also, I always get a side of the mole to dip the tacos in along with extra avocado.
This place mostly caters to hipster kids from the hood. The slight language barrier adds little spritz of authenticity to the relatively pedestrian menu if you're into that kinda stuff. -
Review from Elyse G.
Chicago, IL
11/11/2011
I went here on an early Sunday afternoon with some friends after a long night of drinking. We all had breakfast and coffee and it was superb. I had the huevos rancheros and it was very delicious. It was definitely a great cure for a hangover. The coffee was great too. Way better the Cozy Corner's coffee. I can't wait to go here for dinner and a margarita soon!
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Review from jasmine p.
Chicago, IL
4/16/2011
My dining experience at Taqueria Moran was a pleasant one. They serve three things with the chips that come before the food: two salsas and some pickled carrots. I didn't care for the pickled carrots, but my boyfriend did. However, I was PLENTY satisfied with the salsas. mmmm sooooo good! It's one of the reasons why I "dine in" at Mexican restaurants. One of the salsas had a substantial amount of cilantro though. This didn't bother me since I don't mind cilantro, but if you are sensitive to the taste of cilantro, you probably won't like it.
My boyfriend has a burrito while I had two steak tacos. YUM! I was super full by the time we left the restaurant. We also ordered horchata, which came in a huge drink container ready to take out of the restaurant. I'm so glad because that is exactly what I did. I sipped on my horchata on my way home. Horchata is my favorite so I'm glad they were very generous with their portions.
Another thing: Taqueria Moran is pretty clean. There is no old smell and the seats and tables are not sticky. It is well lit and there is an adequate amount of seating for a small place.
Great portions. Great value. Clean. -
Review from Danielle G.
Issaquah, WA
10/4/2011
Can you say "Margarita es muy bien!" I can! While visiting a friend in Chicago, she said I had to try this place and it was awesome. Food was good, portion sizes fair and prices excellent! Not to forget, the margaritas. They were huge and quite delicious. This is a little hole in the wall place, but don't be deceived. If I'm ever back in Chicago, I'll be back here.
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Review from Janine G.
Chicago, IL
3/29/2011
Went on a weekday and the place was packed. Unlike most casual Mexican joints, Moran provided a generous bowl of fresh salsa and addictive tortilla chips. I had some enchiladas al pastor. I originally ordered steak enchiladas, but did not complain when the (apparently not on the menu option) moist, absolutely delicious al pastor enchiladas arrived. The rice was actually flavorful, the corn tortillas tasted fresh, and the refried beans were close to perfect
Only complaint was the service. The single waitress for about 10 tables was rushed and seemed a little annoyed when my friend and I ordered flan for desert (which was a massive, delicious slice). -
Review from Carrie S.
1/14/2011
Moving back into the neigbhorhoods of Chicago from the West Loop meant real tacquerias nearby. I really missed these from our downtown living days. I was happy to see that Tacqueria Moran was in our neighborhood. Our first visit there didn't wow me like it did my husband. I got the more Americanized version of tacos by mistake instead of my favorite cilantro and onions I've grown to appreciate over the years of living in Chicago. It turns out that they offer both types of tacos instead of just cilantro and onions.
After getting over the first weak visit, I've grown to love this tacqueria. My husband and I often get salsa and chips on the way home or grab carryout too. I often get the carnitas taco because it's really good. Yeah for super tender meat! My husband prefers the chorizo tacos. Their enchilada dinners are also delicious and filling with beans and rice on the side.
Despite my rocky start with Tacqueria Moran, I've grown to see this as my neighborhood tacqueria. Nothing's better than yummy Mexican food quick and close to home.Listed in: Logan Square
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Review from Tiffany k.
Chicago, IL
1/10/2011
After months of wanting to try this place out, I finally got my butt off the couch and made my way to this taqueria. And, really, I hate myself for waiting this long.
I ordered a chicken burrito. It was the size of my head. The meat was really juicy, and everything else inside the burrito tasted delicious. Also, their burritos are like $5, so it's a lot of food without having to worry about what to eat the next day.
Their homemade salsa is also something to write home about, and they give you SO MUCH of it, it's hard not to salivate at the thought of it.
Also, their margaritas are expensive, but you will regret not ordering one. I promise you. -
Review from Patrick C.
Chicago, IL
5/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
3 tacos with complimentary chips and salsa and pickled carrots = $6.50. I especially enjoyed the Lengua taco. You can choose between tomato and lettuce or cilantro and onions. I chose the latter.
They have a full bar, but it doesn't seem to have much choice. Just the basics. I'll definitely be back. -
Review from Joan L.
Chicago, IL
2/22/2011
Okay, let me preface my review with these three facts:
1. I've only eaten here once
2. I love pickled carrots
3. The one time I ate here I was still a bit drunk from the previous night...
Now that we've gotten that out of the way...I've got to say that I would definitely eat here again. I got the mole steak enchiladas and omigod it was DELICIOUS! Also, how can you hate a place that serves spicy pickled carrots with the chips? -
Review from ron h.
Chicago, IL
6/1/2011 2 photos
By far my favorite Mexican restaurant in Chicago.
The pricing is wonderfully refreshing and the food is delicious. -
Review from Mel B.
Chicago, IL
12/2/2011
Absolutely LOVE this place and I have been to many. This place never disappoints with food or service. It's all freshly prepared and delightful. Don't waste your time going to Pilsen. This Logan Square restaurant is extremely convenient.
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Review from Thom H.
Chicago, IL
11/29/2011
Awesome place! Never had bad service here. The chips and salsa are always awesome and the staff is always quick. Can't beat the prices.
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Review from steve R.
Chicago, IL
9/7/2011
Nursing a hangover here seems perfect. Tacos were great (chorizo and chicarron); the tortilla soup was very good and in the traditional style (like nachos dumped in soup ).
Slightly disappointed that I didn't get a glass bottle of coke. I didn't care enough to ask about it though. -
Review from Samantha L.
Chicago, IL
2/21/2011
I've experience better sums it up for me. This place just didn't blow my hair back. There was nothing wrong with the food, I just didn't think it was that great. The service was polite and pretty non-existent at the same time if that makes any sense. Not much going for the place in terms of atmosphere, I was shocked when they brought us real forks, seems more like a plasticware type establishment. This is Chicago, there are a million Mexican places, no need to go here again.
P.S. the horchata tasted funny, not haha funny, weird funny -
Review from Timothy M.
Chicago, IL
4/19/2011
I don't know how I lived in Logan Square since 1997 without patronizing Taqueria Moran until 2009. Twelve years missing some of the best Mexican food in the neighborhood.
Since that time my wife and I have been making up for lost time with a once or twice a month visit. The food is delicious and hearty. Creature of habit that I am I tend to always get the fish tacos, that are top notch. On occasion when I am feeling decadent I'll get the adobado tacos. My oh my what Taqueria Moran can do to pork. Don't even get me started on how sumptuously pleasing the guacamole is.
Beyond the taste of the food is the welcoming atmosphere. The place is small and cozy. Almost feels like you have been invited into someone's home kitchen. Everyone is so kind and helpful. -
Review from nohemy m.
Chicago, IL
2/6/2011
Remember when they used to deliver?
Anyways, the al pastor is SO good. I always enjoy their delicious avocado torta sandwiches (no crema no mayonesa no queso) avacado and a dash of salt is all you will need. -
Review from Jim Z.
Watertown, MA
7/31/2011
Sassy owner good food
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Review from Jimmy M.
Chicago, IL
8/30/2011
Delicious cheap Mexican food. They give you plenty of free chips, salsa, and gardiniera as well.
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Review from Brian M.
Chicago, IL
11/17/2011
REALLY good food at a REALLY good price.
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Review from Logan S.
Chicago, IL
1/1/2011
So what is a person to do after 4 hours of sleep and various amounts of Powerade to battle the dehydration from the previous nights festivities...Tacos ? Si !
First of all, this place is small; maybe 6 tables. Parking is difficult too.
The food is decent. The chicken soup is good with fresh veggies and the typical sides. The carnitas tacos are worthy of the 4 star rating.
However, the steak tacos were a huge miss. The meat was tuff and at times non eatable. This was a big knock on the rating for me. It is shame because I hoped to add this as a go to place or steak tacos.
I will give it another try, and suggest anyone to check this place out. Without or without a hangover. -
Review from Dylan G.
Chicago, IL
8/7/2011
Alright, this is my first review. Luckily it's easy to give Taqueria Moran five stars.
I started coming here a couple years ago for carry out which was, of course, great. But it wasn't until this year that I started dining in and realized how awesome this place is. The dining area is well lit and clean and the wait staff is friendly, and super-efficient. Anyway, on to the food:
My usual is a burrito and at least one taco, on account of my inability to commit to just one of this place's excellent preparations of animal parts. The al pastor is wonderfully tangy and definitely the best I've had in Logan Square and the carnitas put Big Star's pork belly whatever tacos to shame, and at half the price no less. Another star is the fish taco which features a generous filet of crispy fried tilapia with just the right amount of lime flavored mayo. The house made chips and salsas (verde and pico de gallo) are good too, though the chips may be a little less than fresh towards the end of the night. But that's to be expected. Be sure to take a peek at the carry out menu taped to the counter by the register before you order, as this one has items that aren't on the menus handed to you when you sit down. I guess printing/laminating gets expensive. A "fancy drink" list has also recently appeared containing the usual pina coladas and martinis, though I can't imagine eating my tacos with anything but a tecate with lime. The horchata's pretty excellent too.
Get some. -
Review from Kirk s.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 8/31/2010
Time for an update and yes, I will bestow the illustrious 5 stars (that I never give out). I have finally found my favorite Taqueria in the city.
Whats the item that threw me over the top into non stop, all out, food coma, mexican bliss? THE burrito Al Pastor (marinated pork). This is the perfect burrito. MASSIVE flavor and the perfect mix of ingredients. Not to mention both of their sauces (green and red) are top notch.
They will toss in the hot carrots if you ask and the chips w/ pico de gallo are awesome (though I usually get my food to go so I dont ever get these). I love this damn place. truly. so much. forever. deeply. eternally. I gotta hit this place at least every 2 weeks now.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/3/2010
Total flippin' paradise.
This is possibly my new favorite Taqueria in the city, but until I have a… Read more »
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