El Parasol

1. The hours are NOT for the restaurant, but for the food-truck. The restaurant was closed when we went by at 3 pm on a Thursday. They seem to intentionally misrepresent this and don't post the restaurant hours on line. Why let people inside when you can charge the same amount and provide no service? 2. The window where you order has papers on the upper part of it hiding whoever is taking your order, who is also to the side, so it is just a voice, and impatient even though no one else there. Very unfriendly. DO NOT tip these people as they do nothing but take your order. 3. The two tacos I ordered had almost zero taste to the meat or anything. They also were very small, maybe 4-inches wide - I wa shocked. Then just a lot of tasteless lettuce. They only have hard-shell and no option for soft-shell. These were THE WORST TACOS and most forgettable I Have ever had. 4. These cost about $4.50 each, which with tax is $10 for two, and each costs them probably 30 cents worth of ingredients. 5. I was still hungry, having eaten almost nothing, but didn't want to give them any more business. We live in Dallas, stayed at Ojo Caliente spa, and were excited to try this and it was a huge disappointment. The reviews are not believable. From the rude, faceless order taking, to the small size, no taste, high price, and you sit at a metal picnic table outside and clear your own plate. Total BS. Skip this and go anywhere else and you will be happier.

Nothing fancy, but the best taqueria in Northern NM! The Northern NM style tacos are incredible! Super tender meat and very flavorful potatoes are exactly what we grew up with in Northern NM, but so hard to find these days. True old school inexpensive New Mexican food

Born and raised in Espanola, now live out of state. This place used to be a regular stop. When visiting it was the first place to stop. That is until this last experience. I could not believe the prices. If you want just beans alone $12. If you want a double meat chili cheese burger about $16. We ordered the typical for 3 people...tacos, burritos, posole. The price was high, but 3 things that were worse than the price (1) it took 30 minutes to get our order, (2) so stingy with the red hot sauce, we got 1 with the entire order and if you want more it's $2 for the rinky dink 2 oz, (3) bad attitude and bad service. If you go to almost any taco burrito place salsa is free and some have open salsa bars with 4-5 different salsas, grilled onions, jalapenos, radishes, the works. Sorry to say I will have a new 1st, 2nd, and 3rd stop when in town. Too bad things are going in the wrong direction...price, service, etc.

After seeing how highly this place was rated, I'm rather disappointed with my experience. My partner and I ordered two tacos and a burrito. It took them 25 minutes to get our food to us. Then my tacos were not very good, the crispy shell tasted stale and the overall flavor of the meat was lackluster. My partner's burrito also lacked flavor and was far more spicy than expected. Update: last night was when my partner and I ate from El Parasol, this morning we both feel rather sick.

Always good tacos. Haven't been here in a long time. So the price shock!! Over 4.00 for 1 taco!!! No sides included. I was disappointed my taco had more potato than shredded beef in it. For that reason I gave 3 stars. The staff was friendly and helpful. And it is an outside only spot now. Not sure if you can go inside for dinner but lunch time is definitely outside only. Spent 40.00 on 5 tacos and a side of chips and tip

Mmmm use to be good. Quality and service has declined. Don’t eat Pojoaque Eat Espanola instead. My husbands ground beef taco was Taco Bell quality.

Recommended by my host as the best place to eat. Always busy with locals and visitors. Affordable, high-quality food. Take out only, order, quick wait, eat by shaded picnic table. Ample parking. Calabacita burrito special means super hot chillies FYI. I loved their vegetable taco, no cheese, add guacamole. Delish. Must must have their fresh made watermelon juice. So yum! Went back again. Next to their restaurant which I never tried.

Great shack not far off the main road where Long John Silver used to be, LOL. Crunchy veggie "tacos dorados" with avocado. Simple but amazing. Always stop here whenever possible. The salsas are amazing.

The food is here is freaking amazing. I used to come here all the time.When I was younger, so now when I get bit into town, this is one of the places that I always stop at. Services, quick, they cook good.And this is a very casual ambiance as it's outside seating or eating in your car.There's nowhere to sit inside.So you pull up order.And then have nice seating outside.Under trees. Highly recommend anyHighly recommend anybody to stop here and get their beef tacos

BEST BURRITOS EVER. I absolutely love you el parasol. This place is an every time visit when i go up to ojo caliente, because when else would i ever be in Española? Literally just a shack on the side of the road with some picnic tables nothing fancy, but it is absolutely perfect in its own way. The workers arent nice either but that is also perfect in its own way You HAVE to try this place if you come through Española, and on my next visit i will be having dinner at the restaurant next door- el paraguay.

The OG of Espanola. The temp of the taco de pollo con guacamole could have been a little hotter and taco crispier, but the guac is still delicious. The carne asada has a nice heat level.

best food in espanola hands down. Service was amazing, chili hot how we like it. We will definitely be back!

How many times I've driven through Española and never stopped at El Parasol? Too many to count! But there was something special about this trip... it included a breakfast burrito with green chili and sausage. One of my favorites and always a great go to during Balloon Fiesta and just about any time that I want some NM goodness. Based on the busy sound of the phone ringing, it is best to call ahead (give them about 20 minutes). This was a walk up order. The weather was nice so I didn't mind the wait. There are benches to rest on and a loud speaker to announce order numbers.

This place charges 12 dollars for nachos with NO MEAT ON THEM. They must be insane people to think that's a fair deal. I ordered the regular nachos at 12 dollars assuming some carne asada would come on it, as is standard. However I was greeted with a few chips with subpar beans all over the place. Do better.

Here is pretty much the ultimate small northern New Mexican food experience. El Parasol has locations in Española, Pojoaque, and Santa Fe. This location is the smallest of the three and maybe the most unique. Located in the parking lot of another restaurant, and being g very small, it can be a bit hard to spot. This is an "order at the window" joint with picnic tables spread around the outskirts of the lot. It has a limited menu, mostly burritos and tacos, but boy, it's good! I have not had a bad burrito there yet, but both the breakfast burrito and the chicharron burrito stand out. These are really good chicharrones, crispy, meaty ,and salty. And both the red and green chili are exceptional. You're probably going to wait a while because, like I said, it's small and the locals like it. A lot. So give yourself some time and enjoy being outside under the cottonwoods.

So disappointed by El parasol that claims to be "New Mexico True," yet can't even give their customers a styrofoam bowl? Spent $60 including a quart of posole to share with 4 people outside on the benches and they said they don't give customers bowls.... Not even a styrofoam pint cup... and they made a BIG deal about giving us 4 spoons. Very baffled by their lack of customer service. Guac and chips was $7 and was truly the saddest guacamole I've ever seen. It was literally just an unripe avocado. That was t even mashed properly. Burritos are decent but again, the pork and guacamole burrito was dry and flavorless. I would not recommend El Parasol to anyone passing through Española nor will I be returning.

In all fairness, I haven't been here in years so I had high expectations via memories of the past. I ordered food for myself, my family, and traveling companion, and was extremely disappointed with the quality and taste of their local fare. I ordered two red bean and cheese burritos, a red chile frito pie, a carne asada burrito, a pint of green chile stew, chips and salsa, a chicharron burrito, and two medium soft drinks and all of that came to 57 bucks! I had the frito pie and the red chile was very bland + the size was very small for the price (over 7 bucks). I had the bean and cheese burrito the next day for a late breakfast and it also had no flavor and no kick to it. My nephew had both a bean and cheese burrito as well as a chicharron burrito and although he lives in town and eats there frequently he seemed to like them both. My sister had the green chile stew and said it was delicious but too spicy for her liking. My bestie had the carne adovada burrito and he said it was good but not the best he has ever eaten. Finally, the chips and salsa were way overpriced at 5.85 and barely any salsa was given. Salsa was hot but had no flavor.

Stopped by on our way to Taos. Took a bit of time for them to make the food but it was worth the wait. Hubby got the pork and guac burrito, I got the pork tamale and beef and guac crispy taco. Delicious food - made to order. I would say the star was the beef taco with guac. Seriously one of the best beef tacos I've had in years. Pork tamale was really yummy and had a nice e spicy kick to it. Highly recommend!

Yum! Those Tacos tho!!! Meat , chrese and avocado!! Hit the spot!! Will definitely return!!

Enjoyed breakfast burritos. Note that burritos are large, we could have split one for breakfast.

Informal family owned restaurant where you can have a great meal while on the way to Santa Fe. Order yourself a custom burrito with a side of fries and enjoy.

Delish! Best tacos in a minute and the watermelon Agua Fresca was so refreshing. Highly recommend

We waited in line to order, then waited 20 minutes for our food, so it definitely wasn't fast food :) Our crew was happy with our breakfast burritos, and the price was right. We sat in the shade at one of the picnic tables to eat. Pleasant.

Food was great but it takes a while. It's a very small trailer. I had the tacos and the salsa was spicy and tasty. The fries unfortunately were not worth the wait. They were soggy and a bit too greasy.

Oh how I love a divey, little drive in slinging killer food. And why did it take me so long to find this place?!?! Let's start with the chicken and guac tacos... soooooooo delicous. I recommend the insanely, delicious green salsa. The red salsa was lava hot and painful to eat. And then there was the bean and red chile burrito and tamales I got to go to enjoy while camping over the weekend. They were awesome and reheated so well on the camp stove. This place has found a spot on my short list, whenever I'm in the area. This location has no indoor seating. Order at the window and enjoy your meal at the picnic tables.

Stuffed sopa, green chile stew, and biscochitos. Wife got a bean burrito and she said it was the best she'd ever had. I was not thrilled with their red chile, but it was overall fantastic. So this is a food stand with some picnic tables. It seems like everything indoor but the casino is shut down right now, so we at least found something. And it turned out really good.

Ordered a super simple green chile & cheese burrito and it did not disappoint. While it's not much to look at, and kind of a divey vibe the food is legit fire if you're like me and can appreciate a little food shack situation. I wish we had one in the Bay Area for sure.

This place is very good. They're one of the best tacos in the city, especially the chicken taco . Usually it's fast service if you call in your order.

Amazing New Mexican food. Really good veggie tacos and fresh af agua Fresca. Waited around 15 mins for food but it was sooo worth it, wish they would've told me there are diff sizes for agua Fresca, charged me $6 for one haha which is quite pricey

Love coming here when I am headed up north or coming back south. The Beef tacos are delicious!!! The salsa they have is soooooo good, it's actually spicy and I love it. Might take precautions if you do not like spicy salsas. I tried the menudo and it was okay.

Always good, got a chicharoni burrito and a bacon red with red. Awesome as always pricey a little, the tortilla slightly burnt, just the way i like it!!

Pricey but delicious food. Add on for each extra item veggie menu for those who require a special diet.

Best vegetarian Mexican food around. We love the guacamole tostadas and the bean green Chile and guacamole burrito.

Delicious food, fast service for a busy Sunday, and got the order correct! I try to hit this spot several times a year because I'm never disappointed. For great New Mexican food, stop in...they have great burritos, tacos, burgers, and a nice, but small selection of veg food for our vegetarian friends. El Parasol never disappoints!

Love the tacos and my fave is chicken tostada w guacamole. Beware, it's big and messy! The burrito my son got didn't look as good. I think we'll call ahead next time, it takes awhile. I would make this a regular stop on my way through town but I'm usually on a time limit and don't want to make separate stops for food & potty! Ha! But for a food truck it's excellent food.

I suppose I can only speak for the tacos but these themselves were so delicious. The shell is fried for extra flavor and all the meat fillings won us over. I recommend adding guacamole and red sauce!

Yea we made the drive from ABQ past Santa Fe (which has an El Parasol) to go to the OG location. We're extra like that. Was it worth it? I dunno for sure, but I do know the drive was really cool (New Mexico feels like the perfect state for road trips) and the food was delicious. This particular location is kinda rad too because it's very lowkey and authentic--it's basically a shack plus a few outside tables. Walk up, order, and wait to eat your food there or take it to go. We ordered chips w/red salsa, a shredded beef & bean burrito, & a green chile cheeseburger. I had the burger, and it was big and meaty and cheesy and I just wish there was more green chile in it. That's my only complaint. Everything tho was packed with flavor and the right amount of heat. Definitely a very filling meal!

This little shack is a hidden gem in Espanola,NM. My favorite spot to get carne asada tacos with guacamole. The food is always fresh and made to order and always worth the wait, even if you're just passing through. Also if you are feeling a little fancier the restaurant El Paragua is also right next to it and has great New Mexican/Mexican dishes but the red and green chili is extremely hot!!! However, the margaritas are strong and delicious. Also the history on this place is pretty cool, which was started by a hard working woman who became a local entrepreneur..

I had high hopes because I had heard great things about this place. I went to the Espanola location to try it for myself on 10/23/22. I ordered three chicken tacos with guacamole and my husband ordered a chicken burrito with green chili. I am a native New Mexican and this food was horrible. First, the tacos were greasy and in both my order of tacos and my husbands burrito, the chicken was flavorless. Then to top it off, the employees are super chintzy with the salsa. They gave me one small thing of salsa for three flavorless tacos. When I went up to ask for one more, the teenage girl said, "I'm gonna have to charge you." I'm not cheap but I was not about to give this place one more penny. When most other places have "salsa bars" where it's unlimited amount of free salsa. I'm very disappointed. Will never go back.

Casual roadside counter service. Really excellent tacos guacamole chili etc. Eat outside on the picnic benches under the sun. Couldn't be any better!

This used to be on of our favorites. Hadn't been there in years. Apparently the actual restaurant is closed and they have a taco stand in its place. The food was decent but it took forever to get it (not helped by the incompressible loudspeaker system). And they don't have anything like the former selection.

I went to El Parasol North in Ohkay Owingeh. The problem was with the staff, who are young women who apparently know nothing about the restaurant and service industry. They are clueless, self-absorbed, and rude. It took several attempts for the cashier to understand what I was ordering even though the menu was right in front of us. No greeting, no smile, and it felt as though it bothered them to take our order, displaying a very "I could care less attitude." Of course, our order was wrong, but decided to eat what I was given rather than deal with their attitude. However, there was no salsa with our order, so I had to ask them for some. The girl looked at our table as if we did have some and wanted more, but when she saw there was none she reluctantly gave me some. When I got back to our table, my dining companions said we also needed salt, plastic-ware and napkins. So, I went back to ask for some and this time another girl was there. I told her what I needed and she gave me everything except salt because they ran out--imagine that! Then suddenly the previous girl goes running up from the back to ask the girl what I wanted. I'm sure she thought I was asking for more salsa by the look on her face. The girl told her, and she whispered to her not to give me more salsa because she had already given me some. She told her I didn't ask for salsa and she hadn't given me any. We spent close to $100 and they were so concerned that I asked for the salsa, salt, plastic-ware, and napkins that they hadn't provided in the first place. The manager here needs to check on the employees and check their attitudes if they want to keep their customers. They lost my business. Needless to say, I won't be back again.

I love this place. Standouts are the Burrito De Carne Guisada, chilaquiles, and the chicken tacos.

This is my family go to when we are hungry. The tacos are the best as is all other items on the menu. Lines can get long, but worth the wait. Locals usually call in. The lunch is worth it!!

Best chicken guac tacos! Their salsa is spicy and delicious too. This is always a must when passing through Española. The other locations are good, but the original will always be the best one out of them all.

The food was amazing. I got a pork and guac burrito, it was amazing, they didn't add any unnecessary items too it just guac, chili and pork, and I loved it! My wife got a chicken burrito and added rice and beans, also amazing. The watermelon agua fresca alone is a reason to come out here. I highly recommend eating here! Estuvo todo riquísimo, sugiero que vengan!!

This road-side type food cart has great tacos and hamburgers. I recommend calling ahead so your food is ready for pickup when you get there. Wait times can get a little long when they're busy.

This small ,clean busy place is near the Cities of Gold casino in Pojoaque, NM. The hard shell tacos beef are authentic and not "Taco Bell" shells that many places in NM use(ugh). They give you alot of meat! Very tasty! I like their green chile stew mixed with bits of potatoes. There is no drive thru but there is take out. Can't wait to go back to NM!

Food was delicious! I just wish they could have asked me how i wanted my tortilla since im not a fried tortilla fan, but food was still delicious and mango juice too :)

So so good! We couldn't eat at El Paragua because one of our gentlemen had a sleeveless shirt on (I mean it's HOT!) so we came here instead. Best decision we made all day because the food was delicious, fast, and cheap. Service was also kind and patient. Great outside picnic tables and cool breezes. Food was delicious and everyone loved their tacos and burritos. I had a tostada and it was really big and filling. Medium chips order was massive. Please note the salsa here is HOT!!! Not for the faint of tongue ;) Great option on the way back to Santa Fe from Ojo Caliente for good Mexican food!

The food was really good and the green sauce was great! The red sauce was not a pleasant taste for me personally (vinegar?) and the waiting time with no communication of HOW LONG the wait would be was why I took off a star.

LOCAL FAVE, get the beef tacos or tostada with salsa. The salsa is hot-- it's a good tasty burn though. You can't pass through Española without stopping here! This small hole in the wall is located next door to the sit-down restaurant, El Paragua, same owners and also delicious.

Northern NM classic. What a treat. Recommend a visit. I love the vegetarian taco with guacamole.

This place is the greatest unexpected delight! The food is the bomb!!! The staff is super fun and helpful when ordering! The woman (owner?) described the heat levels of the salsas with "and this is melt your face off hot" ! It's a great roadside experience and the tacos make me wish I lived there because my tummy dreams about them. I'm salivating writing this!

A great Mexican food stand on a highway. Their burrito was good and affordable, watermelon juice was great too.

Amazing shredded beef tacos. Its a walk up window with a few picnic tables you can sit at but the food is awesome. Also, I can tell the place gets busy and a lot of people seem to order ahead of time so if you show up, order, and wait it may take a little extra time.

Great food and good service. My only complaint is the prices are high compared to other places.