Matt C.
Yelp
This place is an anomaly. Really when you think about it, Torchy's is essentially gringo tacos. And I'm a sucker for traditional tacos.
BUT. I'LL. BE. FRIGGIN'. DAMNED.
Every time I come here, I'm blown away by the quality of the food and sheer amount of flavor packed into each item. I just don't get it. Especially for a chain with nearly 100 locations at this point. Nine times out of ten the quality suffers. Not here man, Torchy's is the exception to the rule.
Torchy's is one of my wife's favorite places to eat. And every time she wants it I roll my eyes. I think to myself, there are so many mom & pop taco trucks and restaurants we can support. Places that I really enjoy or want to try. But then I'm shown the light. Who the heck do they have cooking back there?!
The queso is spicy and chips are always spot on. Order them. For tacos, Baja Shrimp, Democrat, Trailer Park, Green Chile Pork, and Fried Avocado are winners. Damn, I'm starting to salivate on my keyboard.
As the Yelp community manager, people ask me for recommendations quite frequently. And more often than not, I'm going to tell you to go a small, local business because those places are the most rewarding to go to. It puts money in the local economy. But hell, if you want a reliable damn good gringo taco, Torchy's gets it done and gets it done right!