we met up at this Paradise Hills taco shop after having had coffee next door...
The taco shop had been there for years but only recently changed management. Depending on whose reviews you read, the change has been for the better. The name "Tapatio" (yes, the same as the sauce) is the term given to people from Guadalara, Jalisco, hence the "Yo (heart) Jalisco" sign.
I really liked the food paintings on the windows. Ubiquitous San Diego sign and window painter Dano doesn't paint those, ha ha.
Damn, a jalapeno burrito. I don't know if I could handle that to be honest but I'm sure it has its fans.
Los Tapatios has two locations; the first one is on Main St. in Barrio Logan; this is the second one.
You can park on the street. No shortage of spaces unless there is a community event going on. Reo Drive in Paradise Hills is an older neighborhood that is in the process of revitalization.
Menu board:
This carved wooden Last Supper reminded me of the velvet Last Supper painting we used to have when we were growing up because Filipino Catholics. In this case, Mexican Catholics. We share the same colonizer. Not by choice.
Dining space to your left. We ate in the area to the right, by the windows.
But first, not one, but TWO figurines of San Martin Caballero (aka St. Martin of Tours). He is the patron saint of those in need or those seeking financial success or a better business. He is also the patron saint of horsemen and long haul truck drivers. "Caballero" means "horse rider" in Spanish. He is depicted on horseback offering his cloak to a nearly naked beggar. Because of this, he is called on for those in need of assistance or the kindness of strangers.
This is the 2nd taco shops I've seen this at.
Here is another taco shop that has the prayer for San Martin Caballero - If you look closely, you can also see the figurine on the kitche window ledge. HE is there!
As seen at El Amigo taco shop on Palm Avenue in Imperial Beach earlier this year.
Across the street was the Paradise Hills Post Office.
Our breakfast:
My caldo de res (the other soup choices were birria de res AND chivo, aka goat, as well as menudo). I opted for the beef soup with vegetables which came with rice and corn tortillas. Unfortunately, the tortillas were storebought and were not tasty at all. It was rubbery and practically inedible.
Cathy had the machaca torta which came with a side of jalapenos. Her sandwich was quite packed and meaty.
My soup also came with chopped onion, cilantro, a lime wedge and two dried red chilies to customize your soup's flavor.
The beef chunks were thick and meaty; not that much fat either. This was a flavorful soup chock full of vegetables (zucchini, carrots, potatoes and a few slices of corn on the cob). Leftovers were taken home since the portions were so generous.
I recently returned with Bert and TC on the morning of the 4th of July. After coffee next door, we went here for breakfast.
Bert and I shared the Breakfast Burrito especial - filled with ham, chorizo, bacon, potatoes, eggs, cheese, sour cream. TC had the cheese enchilada combo with rice and beans and artfully arranged chip, although I would prefer more than a mere four chips shoved to the side.
Both meals were great. Sharing the breakfast burrito was a smart choice portionwise although Bert said he could have eaten the whole thing, ha ha.
Los Tapatios #2
2335 Reo Drive
San Diego, CA 92139
(6190 434-6836
no website but here are the reviews from yelp
It was funny when we walked in...we still had our coffees in our hands and asked the guy if it was okay that we had them. You know how most places don't want outside food or drink. He also lifted up his own coffee cup (from the same place) and gave his approval. I think it's great that the businesses here benefit from each other too. Lots of locals here and nice friendly service. It may not be gourmet or whatever, but every neighborhood has to have its own taco shop in my opinion.
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