Tortas Ahogadas El Gallito

This is the best torta ahogadas i have ever tried. This is a must go try out! I also tried the cocktail

Great Torta! We saw a piece about this place of Bizarre Foods Andrew Zimmern about 2 years ago and jotted down the name. We live a ways north, but were in the area today so we found it. It's a food truck right beside Toys R Us. Believe it or not it was great. We got a #1 and a #2 and shared them. Plenty filling and good. Don't come in your Sunday clothes. They will give you a couple of paper towels to clean your hands and they have a couple of picnic tables, but there is no way to be neat about eating one of these. Go for it

Didn't hate it. Saw it on Andrew Zimmerman and took the trolley from downtown just for this. Arrived at 10:30, the posted opening time. Waited until 11 then called the number. Not opening because they have an event. It would have been nice to have s sign, or something on the website. Ate at s nearby taco truck instead.

My bro, Justin, told me that I had to try it since it was featured on Bizarre Food show. So I had #2 Le Famous "Gemma" which was d@mn good. Be sure to bring your own roll of paper towel. Trust me, you'll need it unless you bring a spork or even fork and knife if you don't want to get your hands dirty :D But what the hey, it's a sandwich which means use your hands. I'll go back there again when I visit my brother's family.

The tortas here are the best I've tried bar none. And I have been to Jalisco and tried some down there, very good! But these are better! 5 Star Establishment no doubt..

Talk about a good "hole in the wall". This little truck may look like nothing much but they specialize in a very particular specialty. The "Torta Aboada". You can probably think of it as one of those French Dip sandwiches in Au Jus sauce, but Mexican style! Surely a unique experience worth a shot. If you didn't know Andrew Zimmern from Bizzare Foods actually stopped by this little joint for one as a featured place in one of his shows. It's one of those you have to at least try it shops. Enjoy!

exelent tortas . only one problem ,today. the servers was tooooo busy on the phone,took him 20 minutes to make 2 tortas , only one customer me

Have been to this place several times and every single time the quality is impeccable and the flavor is just like it is in Guadalajara!

This use to be the spot for tortas ahogadas they were delicious , and spicy where are they now ?need them back in my life! does anyone know where they moved too ?

Used to be a food truck, now a restaurant. Their sandwiches consist of pulled pork drowned in what appears to be modified costco tomato soup, with the option of "special" sauce... Mayonnaise. Aside from that, the tortas are pretty darn tasty and cheap. Most people love the tortas here and say they are the best tortas ahogadas, perhaps. Not everything has to be a homerun. You get what you pay for and this is no exception to that saying, not my first choice but would definitely satisfy a craving for a torta ahogada.

I used to love this place back when it was a food truck in a Toys R Us parking lot, then they moved to a nail salon parking lot, then during covid they closed down and I was disappointed to see them go. I got excited when by chance I saw that they were back in business at a new location, apparently in a mariscos place that was serving it. I've visited the new address 3 times and none of the times did they have the tortas available. It's incredibly disappointing and I've given up trying. I hope to see the truck come back some day, or some indication that it's available every day at the posted location.

Hands down best Tortas Ahogadas! Just wished they opened late and Monday thru Sunday! Gives me a taste of my Moms hometown Guadalajara Jalisco Mexico! One of the best street foods in Mexico now in San Diego! Love it.

I was intrigued the moment I read, "I can't stop thinking about this sandwich." Did not disappoint! The first thing I noticed upon walking up to the truck is the smell. It was amazing and made me all the more excited to try it out. There was a slight wait because they had to crisp the bread, but I didn't mind. That meant it was made fresh!! It was the most flavorful shredded pork I've had in all of San Diego. It needs no sauce, it comes in a puddle of it! Warning: it gets messy! If you're visiting San Diego, skip downtown and go directly here for the best sandwich you've ever put in your mouth!

Stopped by this truck based on a reference from a girl who grew up in Guadalajara. She says this is the most authentic Tortas Ahogadas in CA. I ordered a #1 at a level 4. It was awesome! So, simple but delicious. The 4 was not very spicy maybe a medium taco Bell hot? I enjoy jalepeno hot so I got more sauce to heat it up to my taste. The torta was made quickly and smothered in red sauce. Very tasty and I will be back to try the tostadas and #2! If you are in the area this is worth a check-in. If you have had Guadalajaran tortas then try this place. It's worth a try.

Best tortas Aogadas en todo California!!!! By far the best tortas Aogadas in the universe Been coming here for 5/6 years. I've been following them since they were outside the toys R us parking lot

If you want an authentic Guadalajara torta ahoga this is the place I've tried everything on the menu and everything is soo GOOD!! Very friendly service !! Family style location. Spice level altered to your taste and very reasonable price. 1. Tostada de Pierna 10/10 2. Torta Ahogada 10/10 3. Torta la campechana 10/10

I can't stop thinking about this place!! I've never tried a torta ahogada and my bf, has family from Guadalajara, would always talk about them and how amazing they are! Well one day I saw this business on Yelp and I yelled of excitement!! Finally found a spot here in Chula Vista! We arrived here pretty early and they were starting to open. I ordered the #1, torta with pork, pickled onions and drenched in salsa. You can also choose how spicy you'll like it from 1-10, I did 8. I love spicy so I was really excited to see if it's spicy enough for me! When I got my torta, WOW!! It was hot & crispy even after being smothered in sauce, it held up nicely and it wasn't soggy at all! And it was definitely spicy enough for me! Omg it was so delicious, pork was nice & tender & I loved how every bite would be crunchy! Ahhhh man I'm craving another one already. Do yourself a favor and come try this place out!

Best tortas ahogadas and tostadas de pierna I've had besides the ones from Guadalajara hands down! Every bite has a crunch and spice level to your taste. Flavor is delicious!!!! And best service that makes you want to come back. 10/10

I really have.. NO WORDS!! I live in Fl and I'm drooling writing this review!! On my last day I wanted to try this place and we found them! Got the "Gemma" torta and OH MY GOD! It did not disappoint!! I have crohns so anything greasy and too spicy/oily bothers me. It is true they don't fry or use bad oil bc I did not have an upset stomach nada!! The bread is amazing and crispy, the meat is soo flavorful and the sauce is just over the top amazing! I asked for the pickled onions on the side for the Gemma and it took it over the top! I have no words on how good and delicious and AUTHENTIC this food truck is! DO NOT PASS UP ON THIS PLACE! Amazing!!

100% life changer! By far the best Tortas Ahogadas I have ever had. I saw this place on Bazaar Foods years ago and hadn't been up until now. The lady behind the counter was amazing to talk to, she told me about the options in detail and I stuck to her recommendation of the #1. The bread was crispy and although it was soaking up the sauce it stayed crisp to the end. The meat was full of flavor and was dripping in juice. Will be back on Monday for more!

D-FUCKING-LICIOUS! I will drive from Oceanside to Chula Vista because that's how delicious the food is ! Unfortunately, they are currently having Renovations to the truck and won't be back on Broadway until late January. I contacted the owners to see if they had relocated because in their usual parking lot there was a bright yellow truck of can you guess? Tortas Ahogadas, anyways different owners and they taste like shit. These guys are the bomb they get the bread imported from Mexico and they guarantee their meal or your money back if unsatisfied, because that's how good THEIR tortas are!! You won't regret!

Pretty sure I have reviewed the Tortas before especially the #1. It is simply perfect, the pork, the sauce, and star of the show the BREAD. Wifey and I regularly drive 1.5 hours to Chula Vista from Riverside simply for these. Spending a day in SD is secondary to getting the torta. I wanted to give credit to my new love the Birria. We got their version of the beef stew to go and ate the next day. It was AMAZING. The beef melted in the fatty broth and again in my mouth. The onions, cilantro, and limes all added the perfect freshness. The hot sauce added flavor but it was perfectly fine without it too. Dipping the tortillas made it complete. I had no idea they were now serving Birria. Now I know and will always take one to go. This little food trailer (not even a truck) brings me such joy it's unbelievable. Go support their business TODAY!

Such a nice guy with amazing food. My daughter and I give 5 stars also there is lots of parking and clean eating area.

Absolutely delicious! Great customer service from the owner. She's super sweet and came out to chat with my mom since she's from Guadalajara. Fast service! We ordered a 2 aguas de fruta, one Clasica and one Gemma; level 5 to enjoy. I added extra hot sauce from table to mine because I love spice. The pork was tender the bread was crusty and slightly soft with sauce. The tortas were flavorful and filling. The fruit waters were perfect to quench our thirst from the heat outside. I don't know why it took me so long to come here, but I finally made it and I will definitely be coming back. Perfect new location on Broadway. Plenty of parking. They have a seating area with shade and a flat screen. They are open every day until 6pm unless they run out of food, since everything is fresh and made to order. Bookmark it and stop by!

Best tortas ahogadas ever. My first time trying tortas ahogadas and it was delicious!!!

OMG! Went with some friends to eat there and AMAZING! The torta was out of this world, best I have ever had! My friends loved it as well. Not only was the food delicious, but Matthew and Karina gave the best service ever! What a go getter and great personality! We will definitely be back! Thank you for an awesome experience! You guys ROCK!!!

This place is amazing truly recommend ! Profesional service with great tortas! 5 star

Place was good! Tried it back in the day when they were in front of Tpys R Us!! Still good but messy! Eat it there or take it to-go!! Sauce condiments are the bomb.com!! Enjoy!! Yummy

Zimmern hit the nail on the head with this recommendation. The lady behind the counter was super friendly and helpful. The tortas were unbelievable. We had a number 1 and a number 2 and shared. The crusty bread held its own against the abundant of sauce. The flavors were out of this world. This is definitely a must stop here after shopping at the border outlet malls.

I have eaten here many times, the food is great, remember to bring a metal fork from home as the food is messy as the bread and all is dipped in a sauce, tasted delicious just messy... I always eat mine at the location of the food truck because if I take it to go, it gets really mushy and is not desirable anymore I recommend this lunch truck

Average at best. Came here for lunch. After seeing this Food truck on the Food network and on Bizarre Food I was expecting more. Ordered the #2 with a soda. Came out to 9 bucks. After getting my sandwich I wondered how come there weren't any onions? I guess that one doesn't come w onions. So I ordered some. They charged me .50 for a spoonful. Another thing about the sandwich is that I didn't get any of the spicy picante sauce that was supposed to come inside of it. I was pretty disappointed with the food. Sadly I do not think I will return. Maybe if I am in the area. I mean the food was not gross, it just wasn't as good as I expected. My friends mother is from Guadalajara and she makes a much better version of the tortas ahogadas. Maybe I came on an off day? Who knows.

Tasted like lemon and the bread is too soggy .. but w out the sauce bread taste old! Ty ok a long drive for this and it ended in the trash.

Loved these torta aoghadas. They taste just like the ones in Guadalajara, Mexico. They were so wonderful I would definitely be coming back. I recommend to everyone.

This place is no longer on Industrial Blvd... its 975 Broadway Ave CV on the parking lot of nail shop. The tortas are Very Good! Authentic Tortas! The benches to sit at are clean and in good shape. The guy that serves food is friendly . I recommend the tortas make sure you are ready to get spiced up!

MY FAVORITE. These tortas ahogadas originate in Guadalajara, and it is very difficult to find a good stand. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

Tortas are very good but I waited 40 minutes for 4 tortas,I came all the way from city heights. Really made me upset

I'm surprised this location only has 45 reviews because it's been around for years! It is definitely one of the authentic Chula Vista food locations and the best tortas ahogadas I've ever had! Since it is in the parking lot at toys r us, parking is plentiful. Once there you can order to go or eat on one of the bench tables they offer outside the cart. Customer service is wonderful and pricing is great! You get a big authentic torta for a really good price. They also give you the option of how spicy you want it on a scale of 1-10. The 6 is my favorite level of spiciness, but the price is so right you can definitely come back and try out the different levels to see what works best for your taste buds. Overall it's a great place to grab a bite to eat and something different from what is offered nearby. They were also featured on food network so that's gotta say something about the level of quality you're going to get.

Amazing food with a simple menu. I've been here twice and have eaten the classic #1 and asked for it extra spicy and it was great! The bread was crunchy & the sauce was awesome. The fresh pickled onions on top were a nice touch. This time, I opted for the #2 Gemma and it was amazing ! This time there was no spice level & they topped it with mayo. The service was great and food was ready in about 3 minutes. Definitely recommend trying this place out as they do one thing and they do it VERY well.

Okay, seeing that this place was plucked from obscurity and landed a little bit of airtime on a big-time TV show, I'm surprised that there are still under 50 reviews thus far. Selfishly I am kind of glad that there is not a line around Toys 'R' Us, but in the same breath I want them to have more business than they can handle... I'll rewind a little bit and bring up Toys 'R' Us again. Yes, this place is a small little trailer serving up plates of pure awesome in a toy store parking lot, friends. Beware though, there is another food truck as you drive into the parking lot, which is not El Gallito and is simply a hurdle that you need to recognize, dismiss, and speed past on your way to a unique and delicious sandwich experience. The menu is limited - two or maybe three options at the absolute most. I told the friendly man running the show to serve me anything seeing that I am not picky and I often like to put my trust in the artists working in the kitchen... err, trailer. What I ended up with was the "original" completely covered and smothered in sauce. You have no choice but to pick it up with both hands and let the sauce dictate where your napkin makes its next move. It's messy, a touch spicy, nicely textured with contrast between the dry bread and wet sauce, loaded with flavor and a real bargain at about $6.00. I loved every bite but can totally understand if this is not for everyone - certainly not a first date spot. You should have heard the guy next to me moaning and groaning with pleasure after every bite. "bro, best sandwich ever, bro. Ohhhhh, mmmmmm, uhhhhh! Seriously, bro!" Yeah, went something like that...

It is a food truck. It was on travel channel. So, yes, of course, I had to try it. Very barebones menu - I am sure you can find a picture of it in the yelp list with their 3 options. The sandwich was delicious. The bread withstood the generous pouring of the sauce to drown the sandwich - hence 'ahogado', meaning 'drowned' in Spanish. Generous serving of meat inside, and onions on top. You get to pick the picante level from 1 to 10, and 6 was plenty spicy. The lady at the counter confirmed that I like spicy food. I have to admit, 6 was probably as high as I can handle if I am not doing it as a dare! Small concrete benches outside for you to sit and enjoy the view of the Toys'R'Us parking lot, and the highway noise, while you partake in the food. Have to go back to try the other options on the menu. Good novelty to try out, if you are in the neighborhood.

Wow these tortas were totally worth the drive down to Chula Vista! We're very picky about our mexican food, especially tortas, being that my fiance has had the ones in Guadalajara and loves them. He said that these tortas taste just like the ones he had there. Very authentic, and the bread is amazing. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. The sauce that the torta is submerged in is so flavorful! I like spicy food, but not super spicy, so I made it a level 2. It was perfect! The customer service is awesome as well! Do yourself a favor and head down to this spot! You'll be so glad you did!

I had wanted to try this place for along time, and was not disappointed. I ordered my #1 with a spicy level of 10. Great seasoning. Very spicy. Very tasty. Yes, it was messy. It is supposed to be messy. Looking forward to trying the other items on the limited menu.

"This is the messiest Mexican meal ever," exclaimed our hero as he chowed down El Gallito tortas ahogadas. The two sheets of paper towels he was given were stained thoroughly by the end of his meal by sauce marks from the #1 "original" ahogada. These bad boys are meant to be eaten by hand and it can get quite messy. This torta truck doesn't even have plastic knives available, and the owner had to give our hero a huge metal knife when he asked for one to cut his torta apart. PROS: - One of the only places to get Guadalajara style "wet tortas" in San Diego. - Customizable level of spiciness for the original (#1) torta ahogada, and a lighter version (#2) available for those with a milder palate. CONS: - Forget about dinner because they close at 3PM. - The bread was not very good. It tasted stale and rubbery. - The truck didn't seem to have much cash on hand and couldn't even make change for a $20 bill. You better bring exactly $6 in cash.

Hands down the best!!! My husbands friend is the owner of this spot & gawdd I've ever had anything like these ! Trust me ! The best in town !

Great, unique food experience. My wife and I tried both sandwiches and loved them both. The sauce is very different between the two types they offer. The spicy one wasn't too hot, although the owner made it medium hot for me... perfect. We actually preferred the milder version (can't remember the name) but would order it next time without the mustard sauce. The spicy sandwich sauce is very red with a great oregano flavor and the other is lighter red and more of a tomato base flavor. They're messy, but oh so good. And the owners were great and friendly. You've got to give it a try. They have about 5 TV trays scattered about that you can eat on. Four weeks later: Okay... the sign of a good eatery is a wonderful food experience, the sign of a great eatery is doing it over and over. I just took my dad there for lunch today and once again, amazing. After cutting the sandwich I asked if half could have the lighter red sauce and the other the darker and they did.... the blend is the way to go for me. Add lot's of chipoltle hot sauce and life it good.

Reminded me of Guadalajara. It was soooo good and the service was great definitely will be coming back for more

If you want the BEST Tortas Ahogadas this is the place to go. I've been to Mexico and it tastes exactly like this, so if you want great food,amazing service,and astounding salsa you need to go here!

Hands down the best torta ahogada here in the US I have tasted a couple of tortas ahogadas but this one does not compare to any other. The bread oh my god the bread it's just amazing so much flavor best torta Hands down

While visiting family in san Diego I was told I had to try tortas ahogadas el gallito. I decided to give it a try and it did not disappoint. Definitely the best torta ahogada I have tried and there agua fresca de frutas. Highly recommend this place. Will definitely be back.

Not to bash any other places, but these are the best tortas ahogadas I've had here in SD! The hype is real guys!! I had half of La Gemma and half of the Original spice level 6 ( per my boyfriends request). Personally, I would've preferred spice level 4 or 5. But im not gonna lie, the spice level 6 had a kick to it that made me keep coming back for more bites. For both tortas the bread is very crunchy, meat is super juicy and tender, not dry at all! The sauce is very creamy and leaves you with a very satisfying taste. My mouth is salivating as I type!

I believe this is a duplicate record of the El Gallito Tortas Ahogadas parked outside the Toys 'R Us on Industrial. In any case...\\At last! I have finally discovered an authentic torta ahogada truck! After studying abroad in Guadalajara for five months, I was desperate to locate any shop in San Diego that sells these spicy, saucy treats. Tortas ahogadas are a staple in Guadalajara, but you'll encounter difficulty locating them outside of the city, state of Jalisco, and certainly outside of Mexico. I can assure you that these tortas are legit. Karina Reed, the better-half of the husband-wife ownership, was genuinely excited to serve me, a once upon a time Guadalajaran, to a scrumptious, nostalgic meal. Tortas Ahogadas are pork sandwiches doused in a spicy tomato/chile sauce. It literally translates to "drowned sandwich." The bread is birote or bolillo, a hard-crusted, shorter French loaf. The pork is pierna (leg), but to the Mexican food amateur, essentially like carnitas. Some versions of a torta ahogada features refried beans spread on the insides of the loaves, but this one forgoes the beans. It's messy enough. These tortas are topped with marinated red onions that lend an extra kick to the dish, which is already spicy and flavorful enough. And, of course, the tortas are then drowned in a spicy chile de arból/tomato sauce. They provide you with a small plastic spoon. "How do you eat a sandwich with a spoon," you ask? You don't. Pick it up! Eat it with your hands! Lick your fingers! The spoon is there so you can lap up the spicy, saucy goodness afterwards. Embrace the messiness! The menu is simple. #1 Original Torta Ahogada. #2 Gemma Torta Ahogada. #3 Tostadas. They offer canned sodas, bottled water, and aguas frescos. You order at the truck's counter, and loiter until it's ready, which only takes a couple minutes. The original is spicier and authentic. The #2 Gemma incorporates a creamy chipotle sauce that takes some of the heat away. They accept major credit cards, but I would bring cash in small bills. I don't think Karina had a lot of small bills in her drawer, because she was unable to make change for a $20 so I could tip her! In any case, I bought a diet coke while I was waiting for my friend, so I attained a few singles for the tip jar.

It's my first time going and I'm truly amazed by the Flavor it's a must try and a True Hidden Gem in Chula Vista!

Just like Guadalajara! These tortas ahogadas are the best! I've had tortas ahogadas in Guadalajara and these are exactly the same. The bread is crunchy even with all the salsa on top. They have spicy levels that go from 1 to 10. I asked for level 5 and it was spicy! Spicy but delicious. Next time I will get a level 2. Lol. This is like the only place in San Diego with tortas ahogadas. Definitely worth the 20 minute drive to Chula Vista. We will be back!

The torta had a savory taste !! It was good but not great like they say . Probably won't be back here . But always wanted to try it !!

Honestly their is nothing similar around southbay like these tortas. The chef usually only makes between 80-120 of them per day so if you wanna score one you should get there early and claim yours. It's nothing fancy just simple good cooking that she is passionate about. For spicy level it ranges from 1-10. If you want, start off at 5 and add on as you please. I usually start at 8 but then again I like my food really spicy personally. Most definitely a place to check out at least once and you be the judge.

Amazing sandwiches. Some of the most unique I have ever seen. Special bread that never gets soggy no matter how much sauce there is on it.

I think the classic torta has a nice flavor and the bread is the right texture. You can chose the spice level from 1-10. For me $8 is pretty steep for this sandwich. My husband on the other hand thinks it is amazing. He is from Guadalajara and says it is the closest thing he's had to it is the U.S., aside from his mom's house. One difference though is that they cook their carnitas in the oven instead of deep frying it in lard. It's healthier but let's be honest, pork deep fried in its own fat tastier.

This place may not be open all the time but it's worth going to when it is open. It's a small menu but each item have their own unique flavors. The food is delicious and filling! Also, the customer service is A1 and good pricing! I recommend going to, and I will be back!!!