This place is just a couple of minutes from my dad's office. I've seen this before whenever I'm across the street at the carwash, but I always wrote it off before. But yesterday when I was at my dad's office, I was still hungry after a small lunch. I hopped on Yelp and looked for places that were really close by, had 1 "$", and took credit cards because I didn't have any cash on me. This was one of the few places that came up and I was kind of in the mood for a burrito, so I clicked on it and read a few of the reviews. I noticed several people mentioned the fish tacos, so I decided to get those too. I drive over there and it's in a really small strip mall with a Kotai Realty that is easily seen from the street. Remember, this is on Mission right across from the carwash. I walk in and it's a typical Mexican hole in the wall kind of place. The dining area is to the left and to the right is the counter and a couple of chairs. They offer the usual Mexican fare: combination plates, platters, burritos, tacos, and other items such as tortas and enchiladas. I look over the menu at the burritos and I decided on a macho ___ burrito with asada and 2 fish tacos. The fish tacos are $1.45 and are battered and deep fried like Rubios, but instead of a shitload of cabbage, they just put some salsa and a litlte bit some some other sauce. The burrito came filled with beans, rice, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and.... the meat of course. I didn't realize it is served enchilada style until I saw the guy pour red sauce all over it and top it with cheese. Holy moly... I'm gonna need to eat that with a fork and knife!! I brought it back to the office and dug in. The fish taco was really good and it blows Rubio's out of the water. The burrito was pretty good too, and it was huge!!! (that's what she said) It took up the entire 3rd compartment of those 3 compartment styrofoam to-go containers. And I was just curious because it was really heavy.... it came in at a whopping 1 1/2 pounds!!!! Granted I was yelping while eating it, but it took me like 20 minutes to eat that burrito!!! Oh, what I liked it is as I was eating it, the tortilla obviously got wet from all the filling and the enchilada sauce, but it wasn't soaked and falling apart. I hate burritos that are just filled with liquid when you eat it (WAHOO'S!!!) I'm defnitely coming back here, especially for it's proximity to my dad's office. read more

Macho Cafe - Macho Combination Burrito with Carne Asada - Mexican Near Me - San Gabriel, California

They really need to hide that gawdamn microwave or at least not use it while you're watching them mercilessly nuke your chile relleno or burrito..... A wise investment would also be in an industrial sized fan or maybe central air conditioning.... I think I found out why this place is called Macho cafe http://static.px.yelp.com/bphoto/4vIBoz5LDAmfIqeVDIhAMQ/l .....if you can withstand the unbearable sweaty HEAT inside this place AND finish all your microwaved "Mexican" food.....you're a REAL "MACHO" man....or woman. Sadly I have never been.....nor will be....macho....I am a disgrace to my Mexican roots...there. I said it. I got a chile relleno http://static.px.yelp.com/bphoto/-KZo-0PJwqqyft01fyOJvQ/l that was as lackluster as a playboy playmate's wit... (that's a bad thing) The chips and salsa were standard. The wife had a wet carne asada burrito http://static.px.yelp.com/bphoto/Ma14otU2xl6uqgTFp4e-uA/l that looked awesome but was so damn flavorless I felt like drinking hot salsa just to wash it down and to inform my tastebuds that actual food had just been introduced into my mouth. The cool thing is you'll sweat off about a pound of the junk you just ingested if you sit in this sweltering microwaving mexican meat oven long enough to swallow a morsel of halfway decent food.... And if you still think I'm an over exaggerating asshole and feel two stars is not generous enough...my daughter had the caldo de pollo (chicken soup)...had one spoonful...spit it out and stuck her tongue out at me. really. read more

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Decent Mexican food. Let me make this easy. Order fish tacos or menudo. Better carne asada, al pastor, and pollo elsewhere. The place is a dump, but a lovely dump at that. Soft tacos .99 Crab enchiladas 5.99 Menudo 5.99 Bacon breakfast Burrito 4.99 Enjoy y'all! A-town down this was my first meal of 2010 and a bit of a let down at that. Should have ordered the menudo. read more

Macho Cafe - Good morning - Mexican Near Me - San Gabriel, California

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I had the chili verde burrito, it was so delicious. The pork was so tender and the green chili flavor just melted in my mouth. The side salsa had just the right heat in it to make my burrito taste fantastic. My husband had the cheese enchiladas with rice and beans, he said it was so good and delicious. My husband also wanted to try the Macho Grande Burrito Al Pastor, which he could only eat half but the flavor of the meat had that smoky flavor that was perfect for that kind of meat. As I waited for my food to take home i had a ice cold Coors Light. We will definitely be back.. read more

Great service. Great food. People who work there are very friendly. You can order in advanced and they are pretty quick.

Tacos are not the best I've ever had, but they're satisfying & cheap! I love fish tacos so I'm just happy to be able to get some for so cheap & so conveniently located to my work. 3 Tacos + a small Horchata = $5.39 Not sure how that adds up since tacos are .99c each and a small horchata should be $1.25 according to their menu. *shrugs* They'll serve your drink in a plastic restaurant cup if you're eating in, so if you wanna take it home, ask for a to-go cup. read more

Macho Cafe - Two fish, one shrimp. & horchata. - Mexican Near Me - San Gabriel, California

I'm updating my review because they no longer have 99 cent tacos :( Tacos are now around 1.79, but you can still get combos for 6.99+. Still a good place to eat though since you get some legit Mexican food, but not exactly the cheapest anymore. Very sad that they removed the 99 cent tacos. read more

Ordered the chicken salad. Chicken was very bland on top of some romaine and guac. Wasn't really something I enjoyed . No flavor But their fish taco was really good:) order what they specialize in I would say . Employees were nice read more

Macho Cafe - Chicken salad and fish and shrimp racos - Mexican Near Me - San Gabriel, California

Oh man, what can I say? Food is delicious. Fish tacos are one of the best tasting around. The chorizo con papa burritos are our go-to meal. Definitely recommend the Aguas frescas the horchata is my favorite. read more

Not a bad little hole in the wall for Mexican food, though I am sure there are plenty of restaurants around this area to compete with. The inside isn't anything too fancy but nothing to be afraid of, they do have an 'A' rating posted outside of their window. You order at the counter and find yourself a seat, they do have a bench table located outside as well if you'd like to enjoy the weather. I ordered a fish taco plate which consisted of two fish tacos (Lightly Battered Tilapia), beans and rice. The tacos were pretty delicious, beans and rice well not so much but not horrible either. The service was fairly good and the price was definitely right. If I were in the area again and was in need of a quick bite I'd probably stop by again. read more

Macho Cafe - Fish Taco Plate... delicious! - Mexican Near Me - San Gabriel, California

My friend told me about this place for their fish tacos except I had selective listening that day and rode by here and ordered a wet pastor burrito. I'm not really into wet burritos but my hands were dirty so it was perfect. It turned out to be pretty good and my other friend who was with me also thought his asada burrito was good. It reminded him of his mom's cooking. The pastor was nice and juicy and finger licking good. read more

I'm not a fish taco person. I'm used to the heavily battered, firm, and dry fish tacos that made me not want to try them again in the first place. I just tried the fish tacos and I must say that these are the best fish tacos I've ever had! The fish is light and even fluffy; it melts away in your mouth. The batter is crisp-not-crunchy! (Think English Fish-&-Chips style-fried) $1.45 a fish taco. And the rest is history. Service always gets an A here. They smile when you nod when they ask if you liked it. And they ask every time. And I love it, every time. Try the fish tacos :) read more

Today is my last time visiting Macho Cafe. I had been a consistent customer for years, but after this last encounter, they do not deserve my money. I stopped for lunch with my brother and ordered four fish tacos with clear instructions to the cashier to leave the sauce on the side. I arrived home with the cream sauce doused all over the tacos, so decided to call and let them know. Below is a transcript of our conversation: Me: Hello, I came in a little while ago and ordered fish tacos. I asked for the sauce on the side, but it's all over my fish tacos. Macho Cafe: You didn't specify which sauce. But the green sauce should be on the side. Me: Regardless, I don't see any green sauce anywhere. I asked for the sauce on the side and it's on the tacos. I'm just letting you know. Macho Cafe did offer to re-make the tacos, but I was already home and did not feel like driving back to have my lunch re-done. Everything that is wrong with their customer service lies in the response: "You didn't specify which sauce." So my thought is: You're just going to arbitrarily choose the green or white sauce and put one on the side and one on the actual taco. Does that make any sense? Only after the entire dialogue did they say: "Well I'm sorry." Well, I also am sorry because I am no longer supporting Macho Cafe. I can go find fish tacos elsewhere in the SGV with better customer service. read more

5 stars--costilla de puerco en salsa verde 4 stars--shrimp taco for only $1.00 every day 4 stars--fish taco for only $1.00 every day read more

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i came here because i wanted to use my entertainment book coupon. since i decided to buy that book, i wanted to make sure i put it into good use. and for a bogo free it was worth a try. i got the all meat carne asada burrito. my boyfriend got the 2 sopes meal with beans and rice. one sope was lengua and one was carne. the all meat carne asada burrito was good. once i added a grip load of salsa on top. my boyfriend also liked his choice. all except the rice which he said had no flavor or taste. and according to him mexican rice has favor. so that was the only true thing that was disappointing. now to the part where i really want to emphasis why i thought this place was decent. the salsa. rarely do you find places that provide the authentic salsa. now by authentic im saying sliced up tomatoes with onions and some cilantro. that was yummy! no complaints there. it made everything taste more heavenly! i could see the staff preparing the food since everything was eye level and the see through glass made me see how they made it. i would probably come back if i was craving mexican food again! read more

whenever i want some good enchilada style burrito i will come here. I normally get the Macho Burrito. The burrito is huge.. it fits in one of those To Go container, the burrito is stuffed w/ rice, beans, lettuce, carne asada, cheese, guac. after that they pour that enchilada sauce on top of the burrito, sprinkle some cheese on top of that and microwaves it!!! ughh. i wish they didnt do that.. why? oh well nonetheless it's still good. that burrito is good for lunch and dinner for me. I actually like eating the left over of the burrito cuz the burrito soaks up all the flavor - better tasting. read more

I had cocido and caldo de pollo, it comes with a homemade tortilla, side of rice and limes/cilantro for 11.99. The soups were a good amount and fresh. read more

Macho Cafe is a great place to have breakfast,lunch and dinner Chris always takes good care of me and the other employees are really nice Try their breakfast burritos really bomb,they also have good fish tacos Good street parking and they have good salsa read more

My go-to spot for great Mexican food in San Gabriel. They are affordable and the food is always good.

Hi guys, yes, the cooks are good guys and I respect them. But, be careful with the cashier practices, they usually sneak in a charge here and there and it's very random. I have a Mechanical Engineering degree but I look like just another Hispanic guy. They don't realize that I catch their practices. I don't make a big deal of the sneaky accounting practices so I support this restaurant only as a last resort. Watch the numbers carefully! read more

Macho Cafe has been my family's go-to restaurant for more than 8 years now. We love their shrimp tacos the most! The Carne Asada & Mojarra Frita (w/ garlic) combination plates are our two favorites. Definitely a must try in the SGV! read more

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I've been coming to here for well over 20 years. Even though I don't live in the area anymore. I frequent Macho when on the area. I get a Macho Grande burrito with no sour cream and two shrimp tacos. It's the best and fat boy approved! read more

Finally on this trip to California I put some excellent Mexican food in my belly. The chilliquelles with chorizo was frickin awesome. The rice and beans were on point made me feel like I was in someone's house and getting breakfast read more

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I used to walk by this place when walking home from school but i never went in until I saw the reviews on yelp earlier. I decided to stop by for some $1 tacos as mentioned by many yelpers. Indeed, you get to choose shrimps, carne asada, fish, and blah blah blah for $1. However, the only one that I thought was good was the SHRIMP taco...carne asada was very dry like it had no flavor and the fish in the tacos didn't seem that fresh. NOW, DON'T GO TELLING ME HEY ITS ONLY $1 SO YOU DO GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR...with other foods, I might agree to this statement but for tacos there are other places that you can get it for $1. Honestly, the $1 tacos at the festivals were more tasteful (carne asada) and other places down LA got more flavor than here... Drinks: they got different choices (not that I don't want to list but i don't remember the names)...i ordered horchata and liked it...Horchata is not really my kind of drink but for some reason I liked it Place is pretty clean & great to step in a clean restroom at a restaurant. lol I only went in to wash my hands but was happy to see that there were soap =) some places only have soap dispenser for display...lol its often empty Parking: average...kind of small if you can't park at the laundry lot Will come back for shrimp tacos =) read more

I have been coming here for YEARS . When ever I am in SGV I have to stop in and get something to eat. I just love this little place and the owner is the best., Judy and Gordo read more

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When I receive my burrito it was not wrapped right I did not receive any sauce on the side none of my Continents This was my first time and last time being there read more

Came here twice after searching for a place with good fish taco. I read the reviews and for $1 soft taco anytime? Win! I only do carry out here so I am not rating the aesthetics of the location. The inside is a bit run down and might lose another star but sometimes that is an indication of the food's authenticity ;) Anyways, the fish soft taco is really the real deal. It is deep fried just right and the tarter sauce they use is ridiculous! I'm going to be a regular after this. read more

I've been eating at this hidden gem for 10 years which means I'm actually surprised I haven't reviewed it sooner . So I'm gonna go back to how I found it. I was eating across the street at a seemingly "fancier" spot. And the friend that I met up with to eat told me " why are we eating here when macho cafe is right across the street !?" And I was like "what's that ? " And he was like @omg the fish tacos are so good and they are only $1.00!!! " So we left the indoor restaurant & walked s Ross the street . It was luv at first bite. Lol. Don't let the place fool you they take pride in all their food! Angel the owner is always so courteous and friendly !!! He checks on you and asks if you need anything while u are eating ! The chili / salsa selection is bomb!!! My favorite dish to order is the caldo . (Chicken soup . ) Caldo de pollo . I also love the rice and beans with chili relleno. I lived here when I was pregnant . And when I'm sick I always order their caldo. If you are in a hurry they will walk it out to you . They are almost like a drive thru! Happy eating! Provecho!!!! read more

First timers. Just made a new friend not so long ago and we both came to this establishment right after work for breakfast. Small but cozy and clean place. I had huevos rancheros and my friend had chilaquiles. Not only did it look delicious but it was. There's also little sides set at a table Incase you're in the mood for extra salas and lemon. Will definitely be going there again.... like my friend says "The food was good but the company was better " ..Ditto. By the way the plates normally come with french fries but we decided to not add more carbs and keep it healthy jk. read more

Macho Cafe - Mine... I forgot an after picture, but believe me I cleaned the plate ! - Mexican Near Me - San Gabriel, California

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I've been here a few times, and the food has always been very good, especially for their prices! Have gotten the fish and shrimp tacos, super yum. They are fast and friendly. read more

I've tried a variety of their dishes over several years, but I think what Macho Cafe does best is their fish and shrimp tacos! They're crunchy and flavorful (definitely don't need additional salsa or sauce), and they're reasonably priced (about $1.60 per taco). Macho Cafe always hits the spot whenever I'm craving fish tacos! read more

More than just a hole in the wall the menu is big and all the plates I've had are good . The salsa bar they have also offers a lot !! Get the machaca and eggs plate with rice and beans . The son and dad are both really nice also read more

This Mom and pop taco shop is located at a corner of a plaza on mission road. The menu is located behind the register. The list is long! There are a couple tables for dining in. Food & price: fried fish taco ($1) - it's so amazing! I think it's one of the best fish taco for such a great deal! The fried fish is huge. Fried shrimp taco ($1) - good! Offers complimentary chips and salsa for dining in. Service: okay Parking: street or plaza lot read more

Macho Cafe - Mexican Near Me - San Gabriel, California

Been coming here at least 30 years all I can say is when ever I go it's sooo good I wish I could eat there daily

Feeling fish tacos but on a budget? This is the spot. $1.25 fish or shrimp tacos that taste good. Wait time is minimal. read more

Macho Cafe - Fish/shrimp tacos - Mexican Near Me - San Gabriel, California

What an awesome find! I am glad I found this location on my way to the office. They have good breakfast options with a daily special for fish and shrimp. Would be coming back again next time for some lunch and dinner options. read more

My boss and I came to this little place for lunch last week. I was really pretty hungry so I ordered the fajitas. The man who took the order assured me that the meat they used (for the fajitas) was very good. The chips were free, and they were pretty good. The salsa bar only had about 4 or 5 types of salsa but they were good. Spicy and flavorful. The food was made fairly fast and the service was good. Now, my actual plate came and I was disappointed right off the bat. I don't understand why any Mexican restaurant would offer any kind of fajitas without serving them on a sizzling hot comal. This place just puts it on the plate with the rice and beans. Once I got over that issue I focused on the meal itself and realized that it was in fact pretty damn good. I don't want to over-sell this but the meat is very good and I do recommend the fajitas. I will be back because after ordering I noticed that they have a meal where you get albondigas and a taco! I may have to update my review. read more

Been living around this area for 20 years and this was my first time here. Maybe I came 30 min before they closed but the tacos were awful. Pretty disappointed. Not a drop of moisture or juiciness. It was extremely dried. The meat was cooked hours ago. No sauce or moisture from the tomatoes. It wasn't even hot. It was room temperature I ordered 5 tacos and all of them were not good at al. That gives 5 chances of at least one tasting "not bad" Read other reviews and most are right about it being dry. Rule of thumb: Go where the crowds are next time. Wont let me down. read more

Macho Cafe - Lack flavor - Mexican Near Me - San Gabriel, California

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Love coming to this place never fails to provide great service and great food! Thank you macho cafe!

Great place with great service!!! Always stop by when I am out in the LA area. I love their shrimp tacos.