This spot has the best fish tacos and I stumbled upon it. I'm psych!!! I will be back!!!

Sometimes it takes going through hell to know who your friends really are. Such was my experience at Chilo's last night as I undertook the XXX challenge (eat 2 tacos covered in XXX sauce and receive a gift card, a "painkiller cocktail" and your photo added to the Wall of Flame). The prize pack is compelling. Too compelling to ignore when "Challenge" is part of the title. And after all it's only spice, which I love. Yet, only about 20 faces grimace down from the Wall. I accepted along with my friends, Alex and Philip. Our other three friends watched from the sidelines. The guys who run the taco truck seemed worried and were rather unsupportive of the undertaking though they maintained absolute professionalism. This is not a criticism, especially in retrospect. One of the kitchen staff went to print more waivers - there was only one in the drawer. They giggled to each other like schoolchildren as they prepared our tacos. I rolled my eyes. The tacos arrived. They were small, bright red minced chicken with a sprinkling of onion, like any other tacos you might eat. I realized the guys at the truck had closed it down so they could gather round to witness our meal. They stood in a semicircle a few steps away, cameras ready. I looked down at my unassuming set of tacos. I took a deep breath and stuffed as much of it as I could into my mouth. It burned, so I swallowed it without really taking time to chew. Besides tasting kind of bitter and salty I don't remember what the actual taste was. I took another giant bite so that it was two thirds gone. Tears streamed out of my eyes. I swallowed again and the pain set in. "Pain is only a state of mind," I told myself as I took my third bite, which was mostly tortilla, since my nerves had caused me to squeeze the filling toward the middle. I stuffed it in my mouth and swallowed, and waves of horror rolled through me. I had never heard of a Scoville units, the units used to measure spiciness, until last night. Thus, the fact that there are between 1 million and 3 million Scoville units per taco did nothing to dissuade me. To give a sense, a jalepeño pepper has about 2500k Scoville units. When I heard that the sauce was made with a pepper called "Carolina Reaper" I had laughed. Now I felt dizzy. I looked up and couldn't see anything except the blinding lights from the phones of Chilo's staff and patrons. Philip had dropped out after half of one taco. "I think I'm done," Alex said, pushing one taco away from her. For me, the whole challenge hinged on this moment: drop out, or suffer the 3-bite-road to victory alone. I was counting my breaths 1,2,3,4; 1,2,3,4 like they teach you in meditation classes, and as I do in marathons at the 22 mile marker. Only this was much worse. "Pain is only a state on mind." Amidst a cheer from the bar I took out half of my taco at once and continued focusing on my breathing. I closed my eyes and chewed. I took another bite so that only one remained "She's gonna do it!" yelled the guy next to me. I had to smile through my tears. Camera flashes erupted around me. I was sweating, crying, and I felt like I had swallowed a cup of bleach. As I mustered the strength to raise my arms in victory, I finally occurred to me that this pain might not have been worth it. This is the part where I want to talk about how gracious and wonderful the crew at Chilo's are. Three hipsters walk into a bar. We think we're so tough and we think their challenge is funny (afterward we were all clutching our stomachs and staring at the Hall of Flame without seeing it, as we took turns using their bathroom). The staff at Chilo's would have been justified in overtly mocking us, but they took the trouble of doing so out of earshot (I'm assuming, since it'd be a loss not to). They took great care of us, going above and beyond to help a trio of undeserving idiots. The bartender there is one of the friendliest I've encountered in Brooklyn, but also anywhere. Regardless of circumstances, Chilo's is a really nice ambiance with great challenge-free-tacos and a good selection of draft beer. "I puked in three different tree planters" Philip announced after the short walk home, as we reconvened in my apartment. "This is worse than food poisoning," I agreed. The three of us lay horizontal on the floor as our more-sensible and highly-supportive friends fed us plain buttered noodles and ice-cream and watched the episode of The Simpsons where Homer eats a Guatemalan Insanity Pepper. Despite everything, we all had a great time. This is something we will talk about for years, and we're looking forward to returning to Chilo's as uncompetive diners. read more

The strawberry slushee margaritas rule- they are strong af and the tacos are delicious. The group of people are diverse / interesting and an overall great vibe. Haven't been to a place this great in a long time! I will return -- probably next week read more

Cool, laid back bar with great tacos. I love its outside vibe with the food truck and picnic tables. I've tried the pork, chorizo, shrimp, fish and duck tacos. All are tasty but the seafood ones stand out to me. The shrimp has a slightly sweet, pineapple tasting topping, and the fish is lightly fried and very flavorful. Bartender and food truck staff are friendly. Reasonably priced. What's not to like? read more

Really bad service from the bartenders on Saturday night on 12/23. If you're looking for a good time.m, this is not the place unfortunately.

Yum. Yum. Yum. Frozen drinks and tacos? Yes please. Nothing bad to say. Just wish they were closer to my apartment. Oh, and their avocado salsa verde is what dreams are made of. read more

Awesome to have these guys a block away. Been here twice now. First time was opening night and again tonight for tacos. Dive bar vibe inside with good music and outdoor space that is very cool with good music. From the Mayfield team though the food is certainly not on par with that spot. But that's not the point. Go for the music and drinks. read more

Chip and his tacos are AMAZING! We Yelped this lil gem..especially to try these tacos ... We are from Cali but these are by far better, healthier.. SUPERB! Great quality of meats and combinations. They were all delicious! In fact , we went back two nights in a row. Chip even gave us complimentary sopes that were off the hook! Most def give this place 5 stars. Cannot wait to go back !!! read more

This is a very nice place. AND THEY HAVE OUTDOOR SEATING! The bartender is nice and attentive. She is personable. The atmosphere is cool and casual. It's also good if you want to bring your kids. I would recommend this place in a heartbeat. Come, you won't be disappointed. read more

I've been there twice since they've opened. Really cool and knowledgeable bar staff. Second time I went in the afternoon and tried four of their tacos. They were really good - especially the fish and cochinitos which were a bit larger than the chicken and chorizo. Really filling a void of bars on Franklin. I have high hopes for these guys. read more

Came here for the Margaritas and Tacos....Both were good...The Tacos were filling, reasonably priced and brought out within a timely manner. The place is casual with a good ambiance. The bartenders were cool and attentive. Would re-visit read more

These guys do tacos really well. I've been there twice both times they were really busy putting out excellent tacos. Very friendly staff front and back. read more

Definitely have to hit up the taco truck in the back. My chicken taco was delicious. My boyfriend had a pork belly taco that he said was amazing. I also had a Frozen Mezcal with watermelon and mint that was yummy. The bartender that served us was super nice. I will definitely be back!! read more

Nice bar, was very busy when I got there, wasn't up for food,but drinks were good and pricing is decent. I think in the summer I will be back for some food. read more

The frozen "Painkillers" at this place are my new favorite-- also, the fresh grated nutmeg on top really made this drink pop! I also love the tacos (mmmm and the selection of hot sauce). Bonus: You can pay for your tacos with a card. When I want to sit outside and unwind with friends, this is an easy pick. read more

The cat fish taco is tasty. I don't like the fact the food is separated from the bar and that you have to walk to back to order. It messes up the mood for me. I also get a bit claustrophobic in the front area due to the chair and bar stools being so close. The drinks are okay. Price point of the food is fair, and the tacos are big which is good. read more

I want to like this place, food truck outside, laid back atmosphere, not a hipster heaven. That being said, every time I've been there service at bar has been slow and terrible. Tacos are good, a but little greasy. Margaritas are a little weak and expensive. read more

Be warned, if you drive, there is no parking in the area. I had to park is a tow zone to run in. I stopped in here late one Saturday night because there was nothing else open. This space is pretty small inside and there was a good handful of people there taking up more room. I ordered a chicken, shrimp and fish taco. Once my food arrived, I had to rush back to the car and I didnt get the chance to snap a decent picture. The chicken taco was good, the fish amazing, but the shrimp taco was disgusting. I am not sure if its my taste buds or it was bad. I wish I ordered all fish. It's still worth a trip. I would like to go back in order to get a drink and a fish taco. read more

Best shrimp tacos I've ever had !!! Super fresh super tasty and the toppings are bomb

Greg at chilo's is the best bartender. He has international experience and pours the BEST drinks :))) excellent time on nye.

Such good Mexican food. Such good margaritas. Such good seating. This place is basically our go-to watering hole after a long week.

The bartender working last night (9/12/2019) was a hot mess. He was in an extremely bad mood, slamming things down and having an attitude with pretty much everyone. I ordered a drink, told him my tab name and sat down. Next thing I know he is in my face yelling that there is "no name like that behind the bar." Next, he losses my friend's card for a solid 20 mins. This morning I wake up, check my account and see an additional $30 charge which he added AFTER I left the bar....get rid of him. He has an attitude problem and is shady. read more

This is a great spot for tacos and margaritas. Their salsas are all really good. Some might scoff at the price of the tacos... I think $4 to $6.50 each... but they're big and you can usually make two tacos out of each one since they come with two corn tortillas. They usually have two frozen drink options at all times. It can get quite crowded, especially in their outdoor space with the taco truck. No pets are allowed inside. read more

The tacos! Amazing! I had the carnitas and the cactus. Delicious. Yes. Cactus is delicious - it's consistency is similar to a roasted pepper. Cool spot too - they have neon sugar skulls as part of the decor. Plenty of seating (outdoors! As mentioned by others). Notice that I'm not discussing the bar aspect of this joint? You'd be correct. The bartenders seemed to be very overwhelmed by a Monday crowd of 7 at the bar. No acknowledgement of "hey, be right with you while I finish making this margarita". Instead was ignored and opted not to have a drink with the deliciousness of the taco variety. So all in all, would be back, but hoping the bar experience improves. read more

Best tacos in Brooklyn! I'm a California native and have high standards but this place is legit! Great and friendly staff to make it even better! read more

Chilos is an amazing summer hang. From the taco truck to the alcohol flooded frozen drinks! I had a lot of fun here during the warmer days. I'm not sure how it is during the winter.. read more

Went to Chilo's for a friends graduation party. Super chill place. I didn't go inside to the actual bar but I stayed in the backyard with the awesome taco truck. Had a chicken, shrimp (sooo good) and fish taco (amaze!) for about $12. Not too bad. Everyone there was cool and laid back. Semi-hipstery, but not annoyingly so (no shade to hipsters...I love y'all, but sometimes....) anyway, I digress. Chilo's is def a nice summer hangout that I will come back to. read more

Intially came here for the bar but then the taco truck became the best part about it. Amazing food. A little pricey but who cares. Take all their sauces and just pour it alllllllll over your food. read more

Amazing tacos, spare yourself of the XXX sauce... I stopped @ the chipotle which had me sweatin! read more

Chilo's - Tacos!!!!! - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This place has a unique vibe to say the least. Great concept of connecting a bar with a taco truck! You do have to order food at the truck, but that's not really a big deal since you can go back and forth between the two (within mere feet). Tried the pork belly taco and found it to be on point! The bar itself has ample seating and doesn't really get too crowded early on. Happy hour specials make for decent deals as well. Service is friendly, but can seem aloof at times; my only suggestion for improvement would be for the bartenders (at times up to 3 behind the bar) to pay a little more attention to patrons and not just the TV or music. read more

Best tacos in Brooklyn, casual bar and backyard scene. Next to C'mon Everybody, a cool spot for live music.

My favorite place on earth!! TACOS ARE MY RELIGION AND CHIP IS GOD. You literally can not pick a bad taco, the bartenders are chill as fuck, and the atmosphere is mad cool. read more

The bartender didn't serve me tonight. I just left. I was waiting at the bar two times. I'm 5'11. It's pretty hard to miss me. He kept serving people ahead of me. I actually left once and had to go back to the bar later so that I could eat my food because it was getting cold. He completely neglected me at the bar for absolutely NO reason. I didn't even say anything. I was waiting patiently. A guy next to me was appalled by his behavior and said "is he really not seeing you? Seriously?" And then went on to try to get the bar tenders attention which still did not work. The chicken was dry and they were out of shrimp which is the only reason I ever go there anyway. The bar tender may need some help. He doesn't seem to be able to handle the bar alone. Maybe hire more bartenders or bar backs? He needs some support. read more

The bartenders here are extremely rude and unhelpful. Was really excited for the opening but what a disappointment.

This place is great to have in the neighborhood. Nice atmosphere, mid-priced drinks, delicious tacos (they have nopales!). Going to be a big summer hangout for sure. read more

I go here a little too often but its so close to my place! There's always a diff vibe when I go, which I like, bc it keeps it interesting. Bartenders are always great, taco truck food is delicious, and the guys are entertaining and come up with tasty specials all the time. I'm not going to lie, I love their Pico Back Shot for $7. read more

Arrived around 11:30 on a Wednesday night. It was dark, chilly inside and loud. The music was excellent and the food was surprisingly delicious. It arrived packaged to go but despite the way it looked it was very enjoyable. I would definitely go back for lunch or dinner. read more

Delicious tacos. Super friendly vibe and good drinks! Chorizo and smoked beef were the best. Duck as well!

I absolutely adore this place!!!! I always come here with my friends and they agree. Soshana is amaze balls and makes really good cocktails with a smile. :) read more

The tacos are at the right price. I'd go back for $2.50 a toaco but there not much better than that. Excited to have it close to home but I'll probably go out of my way to my favorite taco haunts most of the time. They have a nice backyard but beware they don't let dogs in. read more