I've seen this place open at night a few times and finally had the opportunity to try it…read more
I had 6 of the street style tacos - 4 al pastor (from the trompo with a small piece of pineapple), 1 with suadero (brisket), and 1 with tripas (small intestine I think).
First off, the smell from this place is INSANE. You can smell grilling meat from a block away and it's absolutely mouthwatering.
Second, the ordering process is a bit confusing especially if your español is not muy bueno. Basically, you enter in line on the left, tell the trompero/cook what you want (ideally in Spanish), and then slowly make your way down to the cashier. There's no signs so I lined up in front of the cashier first, who looked at me confused, and then I just went to the other side and it sort of worked.
The issue is that either they asked me if I wanted to add salsas/onions/cilantro and I said no when I meant yes, or they didn't ask at all and assumed I didn't want any. But I really, really did. That ended up being annoying because I had to individually package salsas (wasting plastic) rather than just dolloping salsa on the tacos directly, which I would have preferred. They have a red, verde, and what I think is an avocado salsa. All are good, none are particularly spicy, so douse your tacos to your heart's content. They also have cilantro and onion to customize your food as you like.
Eventually the tacos met the salsa, though, so this is just a learning not an issue.
I started with the tripa and this was just perfect. No off flavor, smokey, crispy, not too fatty, like a perfect little street style taco - 2 small tortillas, the chopped little circles of intestine, and then what you add.
The suadero was next, and this was meltingly tender braised brisket, Meaty and rich but without extra flavor, perfect for whatever salsa you want.
Then on to the star of the show - pastor fresh off the trompo. Great flavor from the marinade, the pineapple was nicely roasted, a few slightly dry pieces but nothing some salsa doesn't cure.
Overall - these might be the best tacos I've had in San Jose, perhaps in the South Bay. It just seems like they take care and make everything exactly right.
To set some expectations - they take Zelle and cash, and the tacos are $3.50 each. No prices listed for the burritos, mulitas, papas rellenas (stuffed potatoes), or quesadillas.
There is nowhere to sit, at all, unless you're good with the curb. And the bright lights attract an insane amount and variety of insects which I found on myself 30 minutes after leaving. They might want to reinvest some profits into a mosquito trap or offer bug spray. Also, while I personally think it's fine, if you're obsessed with hygiene you should know that they are cooking everything outside, right where people are standing, things are open to the elements - it's basically a street-side kitchen.
Parking depends. There's a gas station nearby, there's street parking, and there's a lot across the street. You can always find something.
I didn't see hours listed but I only ever see them out when it's dark, so I guess evenings are a safe bet, not sure on the days though. But until they add some details, if you're in the area it's absolutely worth checking out.
