Chiva Torta
Mexican restaurant · Santa Ana ·

Chiva Torta

Mexican restaurant · Santa Ana ·

Authentic tortas ahogadas and tacos dorados with spicy salsa

torta ahogada
tacos dorados
carnitas
spicy salsa
pickled onions
food truck
guadalajara style
authentic mexican
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null
Chiva Torta by null

Information

514 N Spurgeon St, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Get directions

$10–20

No restroom
Accepts reservations
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Trendy

Information

Static Map

514 N Spurgeon St, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Get directions

+1 657 682 4920
@chivatorta

$10–20

Features

•No restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for lunch
•Popular for dinner
•Trendy
•Good for groups
•Good for solo dining
•Touristy

Last updated

Jan 14, 2026

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Inside Mercado González, a Mexican Food Wonderland in Costa Mesa | Eater LA

"I enjoyed Chiva Torta by the Albarran family for its spicy tortas ahogadas, a standout comedora stall within Mercado González." - Bill Esparza

https://la.eater.com/2023/11/17/23965588/mercado-gonzalez-costa-mesa-food-hall-marketplace-mexican-grocery
Chiva Torta
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,992 Cities

A Gigantic New Mexican Food Hall and Marketplace Is Opening in Costa Mesa | Eater LA

"Chiva Torta will be serving tortas within Mercado Gonzalez, contributing to the market’s range of traditional Mexican street-food options available throughout the day." - Matthew Kang

https://la.eater.com/2023/10/27/23934057/northgate-market-costa-mesa-mexican-market
Chiva Torta

Maisune A

Google
the amount of times i have made the drive out just to get the tacos and go home is not even funny. when i think of santa ana, i think of this truck and i get very happy. the meat is just so tender and yummy, you’ll inhale these and if you can normally eat 2-3 tacos you’ll be eating 5+ just because they’re good not even because you’re hungry.

Rachel L.

Google
First time trying a torta ahogada and it did not disappoint! My hands smelled like tomato for the next couple of hours but it was so worth it. Spice levels were great, and the onions were delicious. The bread soaked up the soup perfectly. This place is cash only and there’s space to eat along the truck (standing), but no tables.

Michael T.

Google
Still the best Tacos Dorados con Carne out of all the food trucks I have tried in Orange County. I like to order mine with both carne and cueritos.

Maria E

Google
Chiva Torta is a staple of downtown Santa Ana. Whether you like tortas, tacos or quesadillas... Chiva Torta has an array of different delicious Mexican food and drinks. There's no other place I'll go for tortas ahogadas. I highly recommend them!

Zulma R.

Google
I asked for tacos dorados preparados, and they delivered! Four potato fried tacos topped with refried beans, crispy pork carnitas, pickled onions, and spicy salsa (same as the one they used for the torta ahogada). We also tried the torta ahogada with carnitas and with barbacoa. The bread is really authentic, and the salsa is spicy as hell. Be mindful when you ask for the spiciest. Agua de horchata really helps to ease the burnt sensation in your mouth. FYI.

Adam G.

Google
Horrible food and horrible service. The chicken and meat are overcooked. The owner and staff don't know what they are doing. Don't come here!

Nito's T.

Google
When we are in Santa Ana this is the place to go we come from 2 hours away sometimes just for their tortas!

hugo aventures en LaS V.

Google
Was a nice place to go. Eat. But put some little chairs for people to eat there. Bur good place
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Brian L.

Yelp
Chiva Torta is a spot that I've always passed by while in DTSA but never tried, so I knew I had to give it a shot one day when the line was not as long. This seems to be the place that those in the know go, so at all times of the day, the line can be long, but they're quick in preparing their food. It's a food truck, and one that's more about the food that keeps things simple with your choice of various menu options and meat selections. I went with the Tacos Dorados with lengua and cabeza, and I was served with a plate with plenty of food and sauce. There's also more sauce and other goodies you can add at the truck as well to suit your taste. I can't tell exactly what I was eating, but it was delicious. There aren't prices, but prices are very fair for the quality and amount of food. It's a cash only joint but they do accept Zelle as well. I look forward to trying out more options here, since they are a really good, fast option with admittedly plenty of choices but sometimes you just want something simple and you're tired of eating pizza and fast food. TIP: Go wild and explore.
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Frank S.

Yelp
I'm so glad I came back to try Chiva Torta after my first visit years ago when I had the torta ahogada. I wasn't crazy about the wet soggy torta. Coming back, I realized it's all about the tacos dorados here! Tacos dorados are filled with potato and fried, then topped off with the hot sauce and onions, plus your choice of meat. I usually ask for mild because that's all I can handle. Amazingly, the tacos dorados stay hard and crispy somehow and this is important because I tried another place and the tacos turned soggy very quickly. At first, I didn't know you can choose any meat so it was always the default which was carnitas. More recently, I learned you can choose any of their listed meats! I tried their lengua, cabeza, and asada and they were all pretty good but my favorite is cabeza. If you come here, you must try the tacos dorados, not the torta! One thing to know is that they're not always there, even on their scheduled days. And sometimes they sell out early so they will pack up and leave before 5pm.

Gloria H.

Yelp
Horrible food and horrible service. The owner and the staff don't know what they are doing. Don't come here!
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Marty M.

Yelp
Tacos dorados were amazing with hot red sauce with the cabbage onions and carnitas on top
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Em B.

Yelp
Best TACOS DORADOS in the Heart of Santa Ana. Service is great but long line just waiting for food. It was worth the wait. It's outdoor so if it's hot - it's hot! I ate in my car. I wanted Al PASTOR but they ran out so ended up with Carne Asada! Still YUMMY! My co-worker introduced me to tacos dorados in 2017 when Chiva Torta was still at North Gate on 4th Street and I've been hooked ever since. They moved to 5th St/Spurgeon St. and I also moved to another city so I was afraid to go for years because I do not like SA streets/parking. However, I found out that the parking across the street is free with limited time and it was just quick crossing the street so here I am. Don't waste time and risk your car over street parking. Just park in the structure across the street and you're good to go. Just watch your time limit/parking instruction when you enter the parking structure. Remember to ask for a little plastic bag to pack all the side condiments (onions, cilantro, pico de callo, pickled jalapenos, limes, raddish, green sauce, red sauce. HOT SAUCE - make sure you ask for them because they don't put it out. Two types - one spicy and other super spicy. Be careful of what you ask for because it'll burn your bootie. PICKLED ONIONS - drooling here. You can ask for them even if it's to-go. The girls at my previous job/office usually order 10-20 tacos darados at lunch among a few of us and got everything for to-go back to the office. We picked them up of course. Go early when they open or the line is ALWAYS long. 15-20-30 minutes wait at least! Yep! I'm coming back!
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Maisune E.

Yelp
the amount of times i have made the drive out just to get the tacos and go home is not even funny. when i think of santa ana, i think of this truck and i get very happy. the meat is just so tender and yummy, you'll inhale these and if you can normally eat 2-3 tacos you'll be eating 5+ just because they're good not even because you're hungry.
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Frank E.

Yelp
The best Tortas Ahogadas in Orange County. It's a lunch truck but give them a chance if you like Tortas ahogadas, also grab some tacos dorados with carnitas. Don't for get both the spicy and regular salsa. Your lips will burn but your taste buds will thank you. Enjoy.
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Yvette S.

Yelp
It's been 10 YEARS since I last reviewed Chiva Torta! I'm still a regular and they are very much still a 5-star worthy spot. The food truck was previously located at 514 N Spurgeon Street in Santa Ana right across the Northgate. Since all of the construction for the OC Streetcar, the food truck has now moved about a block or two over to French and Fifth Street. If you ask me, this is a much better spot because the parking structure is right next to it and you get an hour grace period, which is plenty of time to order and eat. Their popular items are the torta ahogada and tacos dorados de papa con carne. They hit the spot EVERY TIME. I've never once had a visit where it didn't come out right, so their consistency is unmatched. I love eating very spicy food, so I ask for my torta to be BIEN ahogada...pretty much dip it in that bucket of chile not once, but twice. It's crazy spicy but it's delicious. You can order your torta as a "media" which means half the spiciness. The torta ahogada comes with refried beans on the bread, carnitas, and topped with pickled onions. I ask for extra beans and onions because they're so good. The tacos dorados de papa con carne are also a must try but you might feel overly full if you want to try both the torta and tacos. I usually split a torta ahogada with my husband and we each order two tacos dorados on the side for us. These are also spicy but not nearly as much as the torta. If you want to finish off strong with something sweet, their jericalla is perfect. It's a custard dessert that helps cool your mouth from the spiciness. Lunch hours and weekend mornings are very busy for this place (it's a great hangover cure) so expect a bit of a wait. Since it's a food truck, there is obviously nowhere to sit. Near the parking structure, there are a few high-cement areas where you can sit and enjoy your food. My husband and I take our folding chairs and we set up next to the truck to eat our food once it's ready. At some point, they started taking card payments, but it's back to cash only. I don't mind this bit, because there is a Chase and a School's First nearby. Chiva Torta has many regular customers, and they're still thriving years later. They really are the s*** and you won't have a better torta ahogada anywhere else in California.
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George R.

Yelp
Been going to this place for 15 years, it the closest food taste to Guadalajara Mexico, Tortas are crispy even though it's drowned in a delicious sauce, the different textures and flavors of each ingredient come together perfectly, the crunchy bread with the tasty sauce, the refried beans, the carnitas meat, along with the pickled onions will have you upset that you can't eat anymore once you've had your fill. The crunchy tacos compliment the torta, with similar flavors, but stand on their own as one of my favorite items, I order my food medium spicy and it's very spicy, Wash everything down with an ice cold Mexican glass bottle coke and it's a perfect mea!! There is always a long line, signs of a great place for food, but they've been doing it long enough to move the line fast, always friendly, and they work to give you a great experience, the food flavor has been consistent from when I first tried it!!! And how they opened a restaurant at the Costa Mesa north gate!!, next to the mariachi stage.

Silvia B.

Yelp
I went there with my family at 4:30 and they did not want to take our order because they close at 5:00 pm There were other people as well arriving at 4::30 and they were turning g them away and laughing. I found that very disrespectful, the girl inside was looking out through their truck window and laughing at the people the were being turned away. I will never go there again. You should not advertise that you close at 5 pm when you are not going to abide and laugh at your customers.
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Alexander H.

Yelp
Great quality, friendly service. The best part, the food is amazing. So much so, I've been back three days in a row.
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Gaby R.

Yelp
We've been coming here for years and it's as close as you can get to the delicious tortas ahogadas from Mexico. They can be pretty stingy with the salsa and today we ordered some tacos and we got basically fried tortillas with cabbage, they ended up in the trash... super disappointing! Today's visit was definitely a one star visit but the other times it has been good. Increase your prices if you have to, don't lower the quality of the food you're serving...
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Tony M.

Yelp
Authentic wet tortas! The food is 10/10 you can't order anything that is not amazing. Get the tacos con carne. And be careful with the sauce
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Anthony N.

Yelp
This is my spot!!!! My secret spot!!! If you are looking for the real deal Holyfield Torta Ahogada this is the place. I have been eating here for years since there spot next to Northgate supermarket on 4th street!!! You can choose your spicy level and the pickled onions. OMG it's just so fresh and delicious with the bread. The bread is a sourdough piece of goodness that just soaks up the great spicy tomato sauce!! The refried beans and con carne in between the bread is heaven!! The flavors just punch you in the face as you begin to figure out where to start!! Don't even get me started with the taco dorados papas con carne and if you are adventurous add the cuerito (pickled pig skin) Bomb.COM!!! But on the serious if you want to eat something other than your normal tacos and meat with onions and cilantro which they also sell you gotta hit up this place!!! There is also a delicious dish which I forgot to take a picture of and it's their tacos de birria a La plancha!!! Holy smokes it's a whole new ball game with that!!! Santa Ana food at its finest!!!!
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Sarah B.

Yelp
Honestly, the best tortas ahogadas in Santa Ana. I have tried multiple other places, but nothing compares. I can handle a lot of spice, but I get medium & it's perfect. Still pretty spicy but not unbearable. You can always ask for/add more spicy salsa or mild salsa to adjust it to your preference. The tacos dorados are good as well. My kids like their chorizo tacos & green salsa. It's also more affordable than some of the other food trucks with tortas ahogadas & they move quickly. It does get crowded on weekends, so be prepared to wait 30+ minutes sometimes, but well worth it.

Julio M.

Yelp
Las peores tortas ahogadas que he probado también los tacos dorados malisicimos las salsas nada buenas no las recomiendo para tortas las de chavo bigote original salado

Mauricio V.

Yelp
Best tortas. Takes me back to Guadalajara. They never disappoint always satisfies the craving.
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Camila R.

Yelp
I'll never get tired of this place and their tortas. I recommend getting their tacos dorados as well. I've been coming to this place for years now and never disappoints.
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Julissa A.

Yelp
The best!!! Son las mejores que he probado , nada que ver con La Minerva en Pico Rivera o la chiva loca en Downey .. estas son las mejores sin duda alguna todo sabe delicioso con excepción del Tejuino le pondría un 7-8. No se, tal vez le falte la nieve de limón , no lo sé pero algo le falta .
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Nemo A.

Yelp
Simply the best torta - Chiva GDL Guanatos style FULL AHOGADA BB! Or the tacos. Really can't go wrong here. Flavor and spice and everything nice. Gracias Fam! Saludos a mis tapatíos!
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Efrain H.

Yelp
I was passing back on my way back to Escondido and im glad I stopped. The food and service was really something most other food trucks can only strive for. I had the much recommended Torta Ahogada and would myself recommend it to anyone who will listen. Due to time constraints and COVID I had to order it to go and build it myself. The concept seem simple enough, a Carnitas Torta dipped (or bathed) in a kind of salsa. This placed helped me see the hype behind this Guadalajara speciality, with crispy carnitas, flavorful salsa, fresh veggies and pickled onions to cut down the heaviness and spice. I also had some agua de Horchata that helped me survive after putting a little too much sauce on the torta. Being my first time ordering a torta ahogada i was a little worried i would choke up the line or mess up somehow, but the staff was friendly and helpful in guiding me to one of my favorite culinary experiences of 2021. If you've been wanting to try a torta ahogada makes sure to try this place out.
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M M.

Yelp
Always has the great quality n customer service. Every time I'm in town I make sure I stop by.
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Hugo S.

Yelp
Las mejores y originales tortas ahogadas estilo Guadalajara en El sur de California Buena comida buen servicio 100% recomendadas mas de 15 años viniendo a comer una deliciosa torta ahogada
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Natali R.

Yelp
Always amazing food and service. Super nice family owned taco truck. Clean as well! Their tacos dorados are absolutely amazing - mouth watering tacos. Crunchy potatoe tacos, topped with beans, choice of meat, cabbage, onions, and red sauce (spicy or non spicy). You can get them without meat as well. Their chicken street tacos are very yummy too. They have many more delicious choices to choose from!

Christian P.

Yelp
The best place to relax and enjoy your time with family and friends. I recommend this place to everyone.
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Carmen R.

Yelp
Best tacos dorados in town. So flavorful and great quality ingredients. Everything is good on the menu

Lo L.

Yelp
Food is always great even though prices are going a little high. Love their tortas and crispy tacos.
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Yesenia R.

Yelp
Bumped into this little gem on my way to Northgate Supermarket. I couldn't make my mind on what to order as everything looked delicious as orders came out. I asked the guy taking orders to give me his recommendations and he recommended the tacos dorados and torta ahogada de carnitas. The tacos where my favorite. Delicious and crunchy. Cash only!
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Rosie J.

Yelp
I've been coming here for almost 20 yrs and I love their tortas ahogadas and tacos dorados. My dad brought me here and now I bring my kids. They love it just as much as I do. The quality is great and the prices are resonable. The staff is friendly and efficient.
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Ana M.

Yelp
Good food never disappoints, service is great it's cash only so take cash , also no siting area so be prepared to stand or bring your own chairs it's worth it
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Nick B.

Yelp
Hands down the best around.. gone as far as the eye could see in search for a better torta ahogada. Top 2 and it's not 2.. tacos dorados with carnitas on top smack harder then a broke pimp. Love this place #1 in my book, Hands down!!

Marley ..

Yelp
One word: FIRE! I've tried the tacos dorados con carne and the tortas ahogadas and they were both A1. This place never disappoints!
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Nayeli C.

Yelp
Best torras ahogadas y tacos dorados con carne! Good customer service! Sometimes there's a wait but only because they're food is so good! Definitely recommend them!
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Markeise G.

Yelp
Best Jalisco style Mexican food spot in Santa Ana.. Naww actually Orange County. My go to the barbacoa tacos authentic to Jalisco. Horchata is 10/10 they also have rejoining which my girl loves .. try it out
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Kayenne P.

Yelp
The tacos are really good. The torta ahogada and the carnitas are great. Downside is they don't take debit card and parking is hard to find. Specifically now that they are around in a construction zone. I will probably come back in a day that I'm ready not to get bothered with the parking situation.
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Maria G.

Yelp
Best Tortas Ahogadas ever! Their carnitas are delish! The salsa is spicy good! Call ahead if you can! There's never parking! And it's cash only so be prepared!!!! Very popular but worth the wait for the perfect comfort food! Always hits the spot! Their bread is like a French baguette and it's crispy so the point is you drench it in sauce! Yummmm
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J A.

Yelp
4.5. There is a review on here that explains to you exactly how to order. Very helpful. Ordering "media" was probably the best advice. Its hot, but not earth shattering. Also there's no need to choose a meat for either the torta ahogada or the tacos dorados......it comes w pork. Torta was very good. Loved the bread and the meat was tender. Tacos dorados were awesome. Great crunch and stands up to all the sauce, onion and pork that pile on. Came right at 11 and there were only a few people in line. I've seen this line get long during peak times.

Tony O.

Yelp
Best Torta Ahogada in OC and LA. Counties dare I say I've tried some in Guadalajara and this one is still best. Torta ahogada and tacos Dorados con carne are my go to here. If you take them to go, get it all separate and re-heat at home. :My way. Put torta in toater oven. A few minutes and sauces in small pots on stove to get them nice and warm/hot. Plate, add pickled onions, and pour sauce on top. Bomb Also try the Jericalla pronounced Heri-caya. Its a creme brûlée like desert. Also very good here. They dont make it but Ive tried others and these are some of the better ones.
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Elena V.

Yelp
This place is sooo good, my husband and I drive from El Monte to here because the food is worth the drive! I recommend tacos dorados con carne and the tortas ahogadas. Definitely authentic like the food in Guadalajara
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Elvia L.

Yelp
They never answer they're phone to place a phone order like some of is want to have your food for lunch and can't wait that long!!

Ricardo R.

Yelp
Hi, I live in Rancho Cucamonga and i was driving by Anaheim and I was craving a Torta so I look it up on Yelp and now I wish that they were closer to me, the torta was delicious and I will definitely go back. Thanks
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Fany F.

Yelp
This troquita has the best tacos in town! Well there are a lot of good places but their tacos are bomb. You need to try them.
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Venus P.

Yelp
This is now my new favorite place to get a torta ahogada from in Orange County! The bread was amazing with it being toasted ever so perfectly. They ask you how spicy you'd like your torta and I asked for it mild. I found it just right for enjoyment and taste. I had onions with it as well and it only added to the flavor. Additonally, I ordered tacos de barbacoa a la plancha and those were absolutely delicious. The meat was well marinated, juicy, and mouth watering. The food truck area is maintained clean and has some limited seating area. Which I felt wasn't a problem because I was too busy enjoying my food regardless.
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Maria R.

Yelp
I order hard tacos and they were delicious and I also order burritos for my kids and they were really greasy ..they ended throwing away the burritos.

Juan Daniel R.

Yelp
Me siento como en Guadalajara cuando voy a comer Tortas ahogadas, son las mejores tortas que he probado, un buen servicio al cliente muy buena personas y con un buen ambiente de lugar
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Bryan L.

Yelp
This truck has the best tortas ahogadas I've ever had. Carnitas with a tangy, spicy Chile sauce on a crispy yet soft roll. Yum!
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Alondra C.

Yelp
Taste just like a torta ahogada from Guadalajara. One bite into the torta and it was flash back to walking down the pebbled streets of Mexico. The bread taste just like the Mexican bolillo. They only accept cash, and have maybe 3 chairs which are always occupied, so be prepared to eat standing or in your car. So worth it!!

Michael R.

Yelp
AMAZING! Love the tacos, tortas, the crunch, the spice be patient and stand in the line. There's always a line cause they are FIRE!
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Enrique N.

Yelp
It's this food truck closed for good?. I've been to its location on two different days this last week and both times it was not there. Or are they taking time off foe the Holidays?.