Blue Monkey Taco Lounge1 E. San Fernando St.

Thats right The Blue Monkey Lounge serves tacos and they are dam good tacos. I met up with TruthMHZ at the monkey. The tacos are Freshly prepared to order. Hot off the grill. $1.50 each on the small tortilla. I ordered up 1 Carne Asada, 1 Chicken, and 1 Al Pastor (the pork on the wheel). All were cooked on the spot as we ordered them, my favorite was the carne asada. The chicken was good not dry but not my favorite. The Al Pastor was good, taste was decent, they put a chunk of pineapple in the taco really didnt do much for me.
So after finishing up our tacos we grab our drinks and head upstairs. The place is nice, layout is kick back, we chilled till we finished our drinks and got ready to go. Walking downstairs TruthMHZ runs into one of the hot bartenders there and as he chopped it up with her, I noticed the taco cook was looking at us all crazy, I see him talking to a guy that works there and pointing at us. And thats when I remember WE NEVER PAID FOR THE TACOS, we paid for the drinks but never for the tacos. TruthMHZ paid for the tacos (thanks dude next ones are on me) and we took off. Another taco experience well done

Taqueria La Bamba2058 Old Middlefield Way

Located in Mountain View this taqueria joint is one of the best. Its actually Salvadorean meaning they have tacos but Salvadorean style. The difference to me between these and your regular Mexican tacos is the meat. The meat is marinated and has a taste on its own, i would not actually mind just getting a plate of meat it is so good. But also they sell Pupusas here which are kinda like quesadillas except WAYYYYYY better. They are like cheese filled pitas fried. I got 2 carne asada tacos and 2 pupusas TO GO

TACO TIP:
When ordering tacos to go make sure you get them without any salsa, doing so will definetly keep the tortilla from falling apart on you and making a big taco mess. And also when getting them to go you can ask for salsa, some spots give you a hand full of salsa so you can add as much as you want when you get to where your getting.

Naked Tacos
Back to the review:
I opened up my tacos when i got home, cracked open a Saporo i had chillin in the fridge and it was on. I poured the salsa over the tacos and dressed my pupusas with the pickled cabbage they gave me. So good this place definetly gets 2 thumbs up i recommend it to everyone if you are going to IKEA its close by also going to the city or coming back stop off and tell them Bistro Beef sent you...

Sexy Tacos

Super Taqueria 911 McLaughlin Ave. San Jose

OK, I dont know about you, but when I order a carne asada taco I excpect it to be loaded with meat, like half a cow or something. I dont know maybe its because the place was mad packed or something, but this spot didnt do much for me. I order my usaul carne asada plate, and headed for the cleanest seat in the house. Upon inspecting my meal I come to find out that the tortilla were not cooked to well. They added like a brick of jack cheese on top of it, with a GRIP of whole beans. It was like a super bean and jack cheese taco or something. They added a drop of pico and some massive slabs of avocado, with just a hit of carne asada, which was pretty good by the way. Nicely seasoned and grilled to perfection. What really got me though was the way these bad boys where wrapped. It was like a funnel.you start with filling nad end with tortilla and cheese. Damn! Whats that all about? you know i got a feeling the whole reason that I have to diss this joint is the fact that there were like 1,000 people in the place. Literally. Ive heard so many good things about this place, so I may give the place another shot. Pleas stand by. Oh yeah, Ive been getting some negative feed back about my spelling and such, I sucked at english class, shoot me.

Taqueria Tlaquepaque #2 721 Willow Street. San Jose

Alright...Ever since we started this blog ive been going off on how the best super tacos Ive had are either at El Buen gusto or Tlaque. People want me to choose between them. THATS LIKE ASKING ME TO CHOOSE BETWEEN JESSICA ALBA AND JESSICA BEIL!!!!!!!!!!Its just not going to happen!!!! So Stop. Please

Which reminds me...we havent done a a review on Tlaque yet. so here it is...

Tlaque has three locations I believe...the squad and i tend to stick to the one in the Willow Glen are...the place is mad spacious and dimly lit. The service is notoriously slow, but thats niether here nor there, beside at the end of the day youll praise us for recommending this joint.

2 super tacos at this place is like grubbing on a super buritto kid! I went for 2 carne asada and 1 chicken supers. Them bad boys come on 2 large tortillas with a combonation of jack and cheddar cheese, which is topped with whole beens and massive amounts of thinly sliced beef and large chunks of shredded chicken. All topped off with some Pico and large slices of avocado. they only have one type of hot sauce here...what?...why? Because when you have what is probably the best hot sause on earth, why the hell would you need more? Jesus. Oh Oh...dont forget to order yourself a Chavella...if the gods do drink nectar...these is probably what it tastes like. Oh yeah, you see how i ordered tres super tacos? I dare you, no I double dog dare you to do the same...may God be with you. Peace.


Chavellas!!!

You Can Make Another Taco Out Of The Crap that Falls Of your Other Tacos

Jack in the Box *UPDATE 9/21/06*

In case you forgot, it's Taco Tuesday! For today's post I'm going to review a Taco I know many of you are familiar with, Jack in the Box Tacos (2 for 99¢). You're proabably saying, "dude, that's not a Taco!", but it is a Taco. Saying this Taco isn't a Taco, is like saying a poodle isn't a dog. The Taco has a hard shell tortilla and a filling, qualifying this tasty piece of work as a Taco. The Taco filling seems to be some kind of meat stuff that somewhat resembles ground beef. It also has a nice helping of lettuce and tomato salsa. The shell is usually very crunchy around the edges and gooey in the middle (where the meat stuff is!). Jack in the Box also provides extra salsa in lil convenient packages. There's also a Monster Taco (99¢) for a seriousTaco fix! The over all taste of the Taco isn't too bad...In the wise words of Crocadile Dundee, "it tastes like shit, but you could live off it".

I know it's not the healthiest choice, but the food at JITB will satisfy my tummy in a pinch. I also know I'm not alone when I say it's the best stuff on earth after a night of hard partying/clubbing!! Jack in the Box, aka Jack in the Crack, has a pretty diverse menu. There isn't many places you can roll up to at 2a.m. and order a milkshake, jalapeno poppers, some eggrolls, and a hashbrown. So if you see me stuck in that long ass line of hungry nightowls...hoooollllleerrrr!!





**SPECIAL UPDATE submitted by DosEquis and his Bro**

The Jack Taco 411
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Jack in the Box tacos, a permanent menu item since the mid-1950s, have developed a loyal, almost cult following among guests. Consider these taco facts:
Jack in the Box is the first major hamburger fast-food chain to offer tacos in all its restaurants.
600 Jack in the Box tacos are eaten each minute, a total of 315,360,000 tacos each year.
Jack in the Box uses 16 million pounds of fresh, stone-ground, US-grown corn each year to make tortillas - that's approximately 2,500 acres of corn.
The pattern of brown flecks on the taco shell, a distinguishing characteristic of Jack in the Box tacos, are grill marks resulting from the chain-linked conveyor belt that moves the tortillas through a 700-degree oven.
Jack in the Box hands out 136 million packets of taco sauce each year.
Jack in the Box purchases 11 million pounds of beef each year just for tacos.
Placed end to end, the number of Jack in the Box tacos sold each year would reach a distance of approximately 28,500 miles, more than once around the earth.
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Thanks to my bro for the info..
Keep drinking the brew -XX-

*********

Thanks again guys! Taco Power!

Las Vegas Taqueria 1417 N. Milpitas BLVD.

After a long day of shopping at the Great Mall in Milpitas with my girls, the hunger pains started to kick in and the kids were complaining about being hungry. Mall food isnt all that great and i didnt want to spend too much money on a sit down restuarant. So whats the best next thing TACOS. Im familiar with a place in milpitas called Las Vegas Taqueria. We often go there on our lunch breaks so we headed on over there.

Now a little history on Las Vegas Taqueria. We started going there about 2 years ago when a friend of ours recommened it, it had just opened. Food was excellent, the cooks were on point things were good. He used to hit it up about 2 to 3 times a week. Then as business started booming, the owner decided to open up a sit down restuarant in Fremont and payed less attention to the taqueria. They fell off, tacos werent that good anymore it was sort of a let down for a while even though the locals around there still packed it in during lunch.

So I decided lets check it out for the sake of the blog. Today they were on point. I got 2 tacos Carne Asada and 2 tacos Carnitas. I get them without salsa because they have a salsa bar and i like to mix my own. They packed them with a mix of cilantro and onion and store bought tortillas. The meat was tender not too chared but still had some crunchy pieces that gave it flavor. The Carnitas also nicely grilled and not to greasy just the right consisantcy that it needs. I totally recommed this place to everyone the also have a vast selection of delicious plates and you gotta try the Carne Asada Fries, picture nachos supreme but instead of chips they have French Fries, so good. If you frequent there they hook you up with free refills on Horchata i got a large and between me and my girls we killed it quick and they gave us a free refill on it thats $2.69 they didnt charge us for. All in all we were satisfied and left with our bellys full and smiles on our faces.

Future Taco Bloggers

La Salsa (not the chain restaurant)California Ave. . Palo Alto

So I convince my co-workers to hit up a local taco joint for lunch. Being able to go eat out and review at the same time is the best thing ever, as the saying goes; it's like killing two birds with one stone.

Anyways, we head to La Salsa, not to be confused with the chain restaurant, on California Avenue in Palo Alto. This one is sort of a hole in the wall spot, sorta. As I walk in, a friend and I notice that the place is extremely clean and it looks very promising, but you can never judge the food by the appearance of the restaurant, especially taquerias.

So I scope the menu and you get 2 tacos for 4.99. You can't buy them separately you have to buy them in pairs, which I thought was odd. The choices of meat are steak and chicken, and that's it. No lengua, no carnitas, no al pastor just steak and chicken. I was starting to really doubt this. So I head to the counter, order my 2 steak tacos and an icy cold glass of Horchata. I get my food pretty quick, I say within a couple minutes of waiting. The taco plate contained my two tacos on flour tortillas which from the bland papery taste it probably was store bought. The cubed steak that was spread over them was pretty dry and the taste was very flat, it didn't seem like they added any spices to the meat or even marinated it, the cubes were a bit too large so when you bit into it you would always end up leaving portions of your taco empty. The cilantros, onions, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese bordered the plate. The ingredients looked very fresh and newly cut. The good thing about having the condiments to the side is that you get to regulate on how much you want on them.

Overall I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to go here. The flour tortillas were bland and they tasted like paper topped with dry flavorless meat for 4.99 a pair. That's almost the price of 5 tacos from recent reviews at other taquerias. Actually, I wouldn't even call this a taqueria, it was missing all the different types of meat you would find at the real deal spots. Especially with a small menu, a very clean place and a nice patio area you would think that the food would even taste half as good, too bad it doesn't.

Los 3 Reyes Taco Truck Old Oakland and Rogers . San Jose

On my way to work today i stopped off at a Taco truck by my work. It is located of Old Oakland Rd and Rogers, We always drive by it and always wonder how their tacos are so today i stopped and got 2 tacos to go. They cost $1.50 each. I only had 4 bucks on me cash so i got 2 carne asada tacos. I got them to go and while on my way to work i could smell the sweet smell of the tacos making hungry. I came up to my department and unwrapped them the aroma of the carne asada tantilized my co-workers sending them off on a taco run themselves. The carne asada was you regular chopped up meat, the sauce they use is an orange sauce i didnt care for it. They provided grilled onions and a jalapeno, radish and lemons. It was okay, looked better than they tasted.

Coronas 601 N 4th St. . San Jose

If you walk out of this place talking about how much it sucks, YOU SHOULD BE PUNCHED IN THE FACE! First off they make their tortillas in house, which as I mention in the past, is the way to go. They even have the masa flating machine thing there to prove it to you naysayers, which in the taqueria biz that counts as street cred kids.

I hit off this session with 3 carne asada and 1 chicken...each a buck 45. Damn this must be some small portions? Nope these bad boys are a pretty cool size for the price. The carne asada and chicken are seasoned, diced up, grilled just right. They top them off with the house sauce, cilantro, onions, and a hearty helping of guacamole. Or you can get them plain and grab your own blend of toppings from their condiment bar.

Now I dont know if this is the norm, but the service, although really friendly, was rather slow. But its all good. Its like when you were a freshman back in the day and you make plan a day out at the mall with that special someone, you show up on time, he/she lags, you keep looking over your should, and eventually that spepecial moment arrives, you get your little picture booth on, holding hands, little smooches and bid each other ado. You just leave wanting more. PEACE!! and Im out!

La Costa1805 Alum Rock Ave. . San Jose

Hey, its Taco Tuesday! Today, I took my happy butt over to La Costa, 1805 Alum Rock Ave. for a quick bite to eat. La Costa is a favorite to many people inside and outside of the Alum Rock Ave. and King Rd. vicinity. When La Costa first opened the Tacos were a dollar and the Horchata refills were free! Who would'nt like to eat at a place like that!? The Tacos here are pretty good for the price, $1.10 each Taco, and boy dothey pile on the CARNE!! I picked up 2 Carne Asada Tacos and 1 Taco de Lengua (beef tounge). The tortillas were store bought, but you can't blame La Costa...this place is a high volume Taqueria. Like I mentioned earlier, they didn't skimp on the meat...The Lengua was really tender and had a nice flavor to it. The Carne Asada was cooked well, and had a basic flavor to it. I took my Tacos to go, so I only got 1 lime piece and a radish. If you ask for extra whatever they will give it to you atno extra charge though...except Horchata refills, I think they're like 50¢ now. Not bad for inexpensive semi-fast food. If they would let me put on my own condiments, I would be happier than a pig knee deep in his own shit! Check out La Costa if you're looking for some Tacos and you just so happen to be in the area.

El Grullo797 S. Almaden Ave. . San Jose

Today I hit up El Grullo on Almaden and Virginia. Its a nice little resurant to get your taco fix for the day. They have tacos for $1.00 the small tortilla ones. They are great for when you are in a hurry and dont have that much cash. I got the Carne Asada and Carnitas. They where both good. The Carne Asada is great chopped up meat really small but with a good flavor to it. The Carnitas are excellent also not to salty and just the right amount of crunchy-ness. So if your ever in the neighborhood hit it up and see for yourself. They also have a full menu but the tacos are the best. I take my daughters there and they love it, its the only place where they will actually eat the food and not play with it. Chips and salsa are provided free if you sit down inside. They also have a patio section in the back where you order tacos only and they provide all the fixings like grilled onions, beans, onion and cilantro, 2 kinds of sauces the red and green ones, and grilled peppers. You can pack it all into your taco and really get your moneys worth.

Tacos El Rancherito1729 McKee Road . San Jose

And so the adventure begins...at about 10:45pm I was searching for a quick bite to eat and landed at Tacos El Rancherito. I was drawn to this place for a few reasons. Number one reason, the Taco Blog. Second reason, the Tacos are only a buck...cant beat that! Reason number three, I was super hungry after a long session and this place was open and close to home. Tacos El Rancherito can be found @ 1729 McKee Road in San Jose, CA. It sits in the same plaza as Renatos Pizza, 7-11 and Valero Gas. El Rancherito has been there for many years...the Tacos have always been a dollar too. I orderd 4 carne asada Tacos. I'm not sure if the tortillas were handmade, but they were small, soft and flavorful. The meat was tender and it had a decent flavor. The onions were the size of nickels for you onion lovers. I could have used a lil more cilantro but thats just me. The plate was garnished with radishes, limes and soft carrot slices. I should add that the salsa was fiery, bold in taste and didnt take away from the flavor of the meat. The Tacos really hit the spot after a long night. El Rancherito has a modest sized menu with full size platos, mariscos, sopes and of course Tacos. There was a small juke box hanging on the wall pumping some rancheros while i was waiting for my Tacos. If you're looking for some quick late night Tacos for under $5 bucks this may be the spot for you.

El Buen Gusto II1710 Berryessa Rd. . San Jose

You remember that scene in Pulp Fiction where Uma Thurman is in the JackRabbit Slim's ladies room snorting a line of the finest powder this side of the hemisphere and she jumps up and proclaims "I said GODDAMN! GODDAMN! GODDAMN"... well thats how I felt after sampling the tacos at this next establishment...

El Buen Gusto II is located in a little strip mall off of Lundy and Berryessa. The place is mad clean and the service is quick and friendly. From the looks of things this place is a popular lunch time hang out cause they are adding like twice the space to it, including a marisco bar.

Today I ordered my usaual carne asada tacos, but I opted for 1 super and two regulars. The regulars came packed with thinly sliced carne asada, with beans placed on top of home made tortillas. Homemade is the way to go kiddies.The Pico De gallo was some of the best I've had in awhile, just the right mix of onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. Doesn't over power the taste of the meat and beans. The super came the same as the regular except they added melted cheese and two slices of avacodo. Mm Mm Mm. Washed all that down with a cup of Jamica and I was good to go.

Bistro had carnitas...said they were salty...Heh Heh Heh
Walt had a burrito...whats that all about.

Oh yeah, they sell pretty good pastries too...so grab a desert on your way out.

You get paged to pick up your order here.Satisfied customer!Imperio has advertising!
This was next door.

Imperio Liquors and Taco Stand203 S. King Road . San Jose

Bistro and me where hankering for some tacos the other day. So we high tailed it to an old east side institution...

Located on the corners of San Antonio and King on the good old East Side of San Jose lays Imperio Liquors. Home to some of the best tacos this side of Cali. This spot is the very definition of a dive spot. A taco stand that doubles as a liquor store, (sorry unlike La Costa there is no drinking on the premises), mad traffic, the occasional drunkard, and the menu is a bit sparse meatwise, but you wont regret it. My personal favorite is the carne asada. Which believe you me, they pile on. With just the right amount of cilantro and onions. The salsa is amazing, but here is where you are taking a shot in the dark cause it can be mild or freaking hot. I guess its on the sadistic cook on duty at the time. Either there way you cant go wrong with this spot. I ordered up 5 tacos and just couldnt get through them. I had to bid the last one a teary goodbye as i chucked it in the trash. Oh, watch out on Friday and Saturday nights... this place gets packed like a mother!!!