Where do you go for real mexican food in Jacksonville? I'd rather go to Taco Bell than most of the places I've tried in town.
Where do you go fore real Mexican food in Jax? You don't.
Although, and this is going to sound crazy, but if you order the 3 tacos al pastor at La Nop (I know, I know, stop laughing), it's actually legit. Soft corn tortillas, and served with cilantro, onion and lime wedges on the side. It's all I order.
And Burrito Gallery has the best carnitas in town....fwiw.
On the other hand, Southwest has some pretty mean deals to LA....how hungry are you?! ;D
La Nop's al pastor is so good.
Pepes Hacienda is the most legit I've found. It's also a tienda and tortillaria. Their chips are in house flour tortillas fried up all fluffy. mmm I want to go to there.
Anyone who says there isn't "real Mexican" in Jacksonville hasn't been to Pepe's Hacienda. They are the real deal. Fresh tamales, corn tortillas, delicious and authentic Mexican...as in, the Mexican food you'll find in the interior of Mexico. You won't find shredded cheese and sour cream here. They use real, homemade, Mexican farmers cheese. What's extra cool about Pepe's is that the restaurant is inside a Latin American grocery store. So, not only can you eat authentic food, but you can find authentic Mexican/Latin American products.
Pepe's is the best I have found since living in San Jose... 8)
If you're looking for tacos, burritos, and tortas - consider El Tacotorro - it's a taco truck on the north side of Beach Blvd between Hodges and San Pablo. It's easy to miss if you haven't been before - look for the 'Internet cafe' next to the Sun Tire. They're set up in the parking lot. They have the best tacos and tortas al pastor that I've ever had, by far.
Senor Taco
Pepe's:
Yelp.com : 23 reviews; 4 out of 5 stars
Their Food Pictures:
(http://s3-media2.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/9DhyBSek_vBTvblzUo61eQ/l.jpg)
(http://s3-media3.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/rDV1bVW9OBj30IjcyxMBzg/l.jpg)
El TaCotorro
Yelp.com: 5 reviews; 4 out of 5 stars
Their Pictures:
(http://s3-media4.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/GZKbN_FTjERfSOinK9rrcw/l.jpg)
(http://s3-media2.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/LxAw0mrvCBsw9oVarLqfFw/l.jpg)
Bill, where is senor taco? I can't find it online?
Rockstar, I forgot that I did find the tacos at La Nop pretty good. It's been two years since I've had it though.
Thanks TheCat. I skipped lunch and now you post those pictures....
TheLakelander, I didn't skip lunch and I wish I hadn't seen those pictures. Although, I won't try those restaurants out tonight I will be making soft tacos for dinner. Yes, on corn tortillas. With Guacamole. No cheese. Splash of lime.
I like Mr. Taco on Bowden. Seems authentic to me, but I'm not claiming to be a mexican aficionado.
Another vote for Pepe's. Plus I love their market.
Mr. Taco is at 6426 Bowden Road, Jacksonville, FL. (Is this the place you're referring to, Bill. If not let us know where Señor Taco is. I'd love to try a new place!) There is usual a fake deer in the back of a green (camo?) truck by the entrance to the Mr. Taco strip mall. I'm not kidding. (It's for the Hunt Club Subs and Grill a few doors down)
Mr. Taco...I guess the name "Senor Taco" was taken.
Mr. Taco:
On Yelp: 29 reviews; 4 out of 5 stars
(http://s3-media3.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/8-aKgoAzeUN_NQ4dDcmrYg/l.jpg)
(http://s3-media1.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/xQGb_j_JAu5OAAAeAmGVHg/l.jpg)
(http://s3-media1.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/i8zgSeGMwQCvQGMskLg8Pw/l.jpg)
Quote from: TheCat on March 09, 2012, 02:47:50 PM
Bill, where is senor taco? I can't find it online?
Rockstar, I forgot that I did find the tacos at La Nop pretty good. It's been two years since I've had it though.
Sorry Mr. Taco in southpoint. Very good but it has been "found"
I'm responsible for a few of those Yelp pictures... ;)
Actually going to Pepe's tonight. Delicious.
I look forward to checking out Pepe's and standing corrected....will update opinion following visit. Pictures look legit...can't wait. ;)
Quote from: RockStar on March 09, 2012, 06:02:38 PM
I look forward to checking out Pepe's and standing corrected....will update opinion following visit. Pictures look legit...can't wait. ;)
I always judge a Mexican place on the quality and style of their taco and tamale. Both are $1.50 at Pepe's. I'd try both.
I'll admit I was holding my tongue about Pepe's...Been going there at least once every two weeks (record is 4 days in a row when I was working nearby) for at least 5 years now.
Ahh..tres taco Pepe's..harina..Bistec?Pollo? carnitas? pastor? side of beans and rice?
I gotta get a whole roasted Talapia one day. And show up early for Bistec heuvos rancheros!
Your chips and salsa were made in the morning.
Tamales both Pollo and Beef are on weekends only... $1 If I remember..soup specials are written on the board.
There is NO.. GROUND BEEF OR HAMBURGER on the menu.. ::)
The Real Deal.
Yeah, another vote for Pepe's. God, if I didn't need this job, I'd leave right now and go there. It's the kind of food that once you start thinking about it, it's all you can think about until you get some. Guess I'll be hitting it up Sunday when I get off work. Checked my bank records from 2011- looks like we went almost 30 times. Good lord.
On Spring Park Rd., just north of Emerson is La Guadalupana. It's a little store and bus stop that serves tacos, soup, and meals on weekends. Tortillas are hand made (not out of the package and not from a machine) and warm! ;D
This post makes my mouth water
+1 for Pepe's...I had no idea.
I will be at Pepe's by the end of the week, I can't take all of this talk without trying it.
On Friday night I went to a place called Tequila's on Baymeadows at 9A. I love Mexican food, but I'm not a very good critic of it. Any combination of tortilla with cheese, meat, and vegetables hits the spot for me. This place was tasty, but I don't know how it ranks among the better informed. If you have been there, feel free to weigh in.
I have been going to Mr Taco for 2 years and I really enjoy it. Their fish tacos and carnitas tacos are great. I used to get burritos, but now I don't really get them unless I get the veggie. Quesadillas are good, but tons of cheese! Tough to do on a work day.
Coincidentally, a new venue (Taco Del Mar) is breaking into the market:
Seattle-based Mexican chain plans first Florida restaurant in JacksonvilleQuoteA Seattle, Washington-based Mexican fast-food chain plans to open its first Florida restaurant on Jacksonville’s Southside.
Taco del Mar â€" known for its hand-rolled Mission-style burritos and fish tacos â€" will take over the recently vacated Quiznos Subs location at 7159 Philips Highway.Quote
*** I HONESTLY HAVE NO IDEA HOW ANYONE WILL BE ABLE TO PARK @ THIS LOCATION NOW***
QuoteIn a 1400-plus-square-foot storefront, Taco del Mar will join Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches, the recently-opened Sushi Factory, Spice-To-Go and Tropical Smoothie Café in a small retail strip near the intersection with Butler Boulevard.
After opening its first restaurant 20 years ago in Seattle’s historic waterfront district, the chain quickly grew in the mid-2000s, boasting 270 locations in 2008, according to a report in the Seattle Times. Between 2005-2009, however, more than 200 of its restaurants closed.
Following a bankruptcy sale in October 2010, Taco del Mar now has 132 restaurants open across 15 states with several more planned to open soon, according to the company’s website.
The Jacksonville location would be the first in Florida and among the first in the Southeastern U.S.
No building permits have been issued for the site.
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/423471/gary-mills/2012-03-13/seattle-based-mexican-chain-plans-first-florida-restaurant
http://www.tacodelmar.com/food/
Quote from: blizz01 on March 13, 2012, 11:44:11 PM
Coincidentally, a new venue (Taco Del Mar) is breaking into the market:
Seattle-based Mexican chain plans first Florida restaurant in Jacksonville
QuoteA Seattle, Washington-based Mexican fast-food chain plans to open its first Florida restaurant on Jacksonville’s Southside.
Taco del Mar â€" known for its hand-rolled Mission-style burritos and fish tacos â€" will take over the recently vacated Quiznos Subs location at 7159 Philips Highway.Quote
*** I HONESTLY HAVE NO IDEA HOW ANYONE WILL BE ABLE TO PARK @ THIS LOCATION NOW***
QuoteIn a 1400-plus-square-foot storefront, Taco del Mar will join Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches, the recently-opened Sushi Factory, Spice-To-Go and Tropical Smoothie Café in a small retail strip near the intersection with Butler Boulevard.
After opening its first restaurant 20 years ago in Seattle’s historic waterfront district, the chain quickly grew in the mid-2000s, boasting 270 locations in 2008, according to a report in the Seattle Times. Between 2005-2009, however, more than 200 of its restaurants closed.
Following a bankruptcy sale in October 2010, Taco del Mar now has 132 restaurants open across 15 states with several more planned to open soon, according to the company’s website.
The Jacksonville location would be the first in Florida and among the first in the Southeastern U.S.
No building permits have been issued for the site.
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/423471/gary-mills/2012-03-13/seattle-based-mexican-chain-plans-first-florida-restaurant
http://www.tacodelmar.com/food/
Has to be the worst designed plazas of all times. Traffic flow in there is a nightmare.
I've been to Mr. Taco twice in the last month. It's okay. The flavors don't pop and though it was fairly fresh I left feeling a little unsure of the place. The queso was disgusting. It was cheese water with chips. It feels/taste like they cut corners. They mix their awesome elements with their terrible elements and end up serving a mediocre "ensemble."
Try Pepe's?
Mr. Taco is hit or miss. I generally like them, but I kinda see where you're coming from. I think it's all about what you order there. Their asada & pollo stuff is great. Chorizo and carnitas are hit/miss. Etc
Quote from: TheCat on April 23, 2013, 12:23:02 PM
I've been to Mr. Taco twice in the last month. It's okay. The flavors don't pop and though it was fairly fresh I left feeling a little unsure of the place. The queso was disgusting. It was cheese water with chips. It feels/taste like they cut corners. They mix their awesome elements with their terrible elements serving a mediocre "ensemble."
I agree with you on Mr. Taco. My coworkers and I have been going there for the past 3 years and the last couple of visits have felt off. Skimpier portions, dryed out meats. The sauces arent as good as they usually are. Seemed dead too, not as busy as usual. Maybe it's just a rough patch. I hope so, because they were serving up some of the best tacos in town.
The girlfriend says this place is now her favorite. http://www.yelp.com/biz/si-senor-fresh-mex-jacksonville#query:senor%20taco Will be trying it real soon. Kinda hard to see from St Johns Bluff.
Couple of others worth trying, El Ranchito(a?), La Tapitias and Lupitas
I'm at Pepe's way too often, my kids love looking at the pinatas and dancing to the music videos.
I'm not saying this is the best, but it's really good: Mi Pueblo Meat Market #2 on Beach Blvd, about midway between Southside and St. Johns Bluff. It's a little Mexican store with a meat market in back. But they have a few tables and make a few items. Tamales, tacos. I'd go with the carne asada taco.
Hate to mention this place but I always enjoy Chipotle, although it clearly is not a 'Mexican Restaurant.'
I'll be at Pepe's as soon as I can. Where is it?
Just found it:
3615 Dupont Ave, not that far from The French Pantry, looks like.
Quote from: river4340 on April 23, 2013, 03:50:24 PM
I'm not saying this is the best, but it's really good: Mi Pueblo Meat Market #2 on Beach Blvd, about midway between Southside and St. Johns Bluff. It's a little Mexican store with a meat market in back. But they have a few tables and make a few items. Tamales, tacos. I'd go with the carne asada taco.
Wanted to weigh in on this since my husband is from Mexico. If you want the real deal, this little market has it and is really much like you would see if you were in Mexico. The taco's and tamales may be different than some are used to because they are authentic. My husband has a couple of other favorite haunts for good Mexican food when he isn't cooking it at home, which of course is the best. I will ask him the names of the others and post them later. :)
Quote from: MusicMan on April 23, 2013, 03:54:28 PM
Hate to mention this place but I always enjoy Chipotle, although it clearly is not a 'Mexican Restaurant.'
I'll be at Pepe's as soon as I can. Where is it?
Just found it:
3615 Dupont Ave, not that far from The French Pantry, looks like.
That's the address. Right off Dupont. Near Athen's Cafe.
The best Mexican in town is Si Senor on St. John's Bluff Road near Beach Blvd. Absolutely the Best I have had anywhere!
This is the place my husband says is the best and it has been mentioned before. Born and raised in Mexico he says that "For real food "PEPES " hacienda @ DuPont plaza st Augustine road south of university". :)
Quote from: Cheshire Cat on April 24, 2013, 09:38:52 AM
This is the place my husband says is the best and it has been mentioned before. Born and raised in Mexico he says that "For real food "PEPES " hacienda @ DuPont plaza st Augustine road south of university". :)
well there you go.
Quote from: bill on April 23, 2013, 02:16:20 PM
Couple of others worth trying, El Ranchito(a?), La Tapitias and Lupitas
The wife and I enjoy going to Lupitas.
Quote from: Cheshire Cat on April 23, 2013, 04:10:09 PM
Quote from: river4340 on April 23, 2013, 03:50:24 PM
I'm not saying this is the best, but it's really good: Mi Pueblo Meat Market #2 on Beach Blvd, about midway between Southside and St. Johns Bluff. It's a little Mexican store with a meat market in back. But they have a few tables and make a few items. Tamales, tacos. I'd go with the carne asada taco.
Wanted to weigh in on this since my husband is from Mexico. If you want the real deal, this little market has it and is really much like you would see if you were in Mexico. The taco's and tamales may be different than some are used to because they are authentic. My husband has a couple of other favorite haunts for good Mexican food when he isn't cooking it at home, which of course is the best. I will ask him the names of the others and post them later. :)
This is the other "favorite" for authentic and good Mexican food. Los Portales Mexican Restaurant , 4100 Belford Rs #4 Jax Fl
Went to Pepe's Hacienda today for lunch. Had two Tacos al Pepe, one with the marinated pork and one with chicken.
They were huge, and really good. Half of an avocado served on them, they were the size of small burritos. Less than $5.00 Hard to beat for value and taste, a taco platter would probably be enough for two people.
Service was fine, it took a while to get the food but was worth the wait. Noticed a gringo came in and sat down near me at the counter. He was completely ignored by the wait staff and walked out after 5 minutes. Two minutes later a young latino man walked in, sat in the same place, and his order was taken within 30 seconds. Found that a bit odd. But i will go back, and take my wife, I think she will love it.
I've never once spent over $10 there on food....for 2 people!
Quote from: ben says on May 03, 2013, 05:07:54 PM
I've never once spent over $10 there on food....for 2 people!
Oh Yea..I even stopped there on a Friday evening and finally had the whole Pescado with a friend.
The two tables around us found the smell so intoxicating we soon had 3 tables and 6 orders down!
I still have to get one of their HUGE soups in a salad bowl that come with a covered platter of tortillas .
You should be there around world cup soccer time..great fun.
Don't forget the grocery store before you leave!
I'm not trying to say it's fine dining or whatever, but do anyone know about the Taco Del Mar (no drive thru) out Orange Park right by the Kangaroo? It's on the corner of Wells Rd, and DeBarry Ave (1690 Wells Rd) across the street (DeBarry) from the Rowes Supermarket. I'm not sure how long it been there. Ironically, it's not listed on the website. I'm chomping on it right now, good stuff LOL.
www.tacodelmar.com
Never been, but there used to be one on Philips near JTB. It closed either early this year or some time last year. Knowing that they're owned by Subway never made me eager to check them out.
Quote from: Jaxterp on April 24, 2013, 08:25:26 AM
The best Mexican in town is Si Senor on St. John's Bluff Road near Beach Blvd. Absolutely the Best I have had anywhere!
I agree, love that place!!
The wife and I tried Pepe's a month or so ago and we were a bit disappointed. The food was rather bland outside of the red sauce that my wife got on her food that was too spicy for her. I didn't mind it so much, but I eat much spicier food than she does. We have no complaints about the service though, it was very good.
I love the taco stand at the beach blvd flea market..