I recently visited Tacos El Grullense after hearing quite a bit of hype and seeing consistently high ratings across various platforms. Unfortunately, my personal experience didn’t live up to the expectations.
I ordered a taco de asada, a taco al pastor, a super burrito de carne asada con todo, and an agua de horchata. One important note for future visitors: it’s a cash-only establishment, so be sure to come prepared.
As for the food, I found the overall quality and flavor underwhelming. The tacos were fairly standard, but the meat quality—especially for the asada—was noticeably lacking, and neither taco offered anything that stood out. The burrito, which I had high hopes for, felt off—largely due to the inclusion of tomato and lettuce, which gave it more of a “wrap” vibe than a traditional, hearty burrito. The flavors were flat, and again, the meat didn’t shine.
The agua de horchata was okay—on the sweeter side for my taste, but still refreshing. The one item that did impress me was the red salsa, which was flavorful and packed a spicy punch.
All in all, I left disappointed and puzzled by the rave reviews and strong following this chain has. While everyone’s tastes differ, this visit didn’t deliver anything close to the 5-star experience I was expecting. Sadly, I don’t see myself returning.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
Ellie
Bring cash. I get the supreme burrito so good!! No dining area and parking can be hard because there's usually a line.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Yezenia Guzman
Best tacos ever. Any meat taco with the tortilla dorada (extra crispy) and green salsa.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mike Higgins
I have been going here a since the early '90s. Still has the same taste. Same workers for years. Always try to stop when I'm in the bay area theses days. My favorite tacos and burritos anywhere. Awesome.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
OM
⭐ Overall: 6.5/10 – Would stop by, but not a destination
I tried several items here and had mixed results. Here’s the breakdown:
🌮 Tacos: 🥩 Carne Asada: taco is excellent – 9/10. Super flavorful with that carnicería-style marinade (tastes like soy, Maggi, or Worcestershire + beer). Deep umami, boiled style, flattop seared, juicy. Tortillas are a win – even though they’re white corn, they have a rich yellow corn flavor, likely due to proper nixtamalization or cooking. Best part of the taco experience smoky, savory, and full of flavor. I’d come back just for this meat.
🐖 Al Pastor: 6/10 – You get pork, but that’s about it. No real depth, pineapple, or trompo flavor. Just… fine.
🍗 Chicken: 5/10 – Black pepper and Maggi powder vibes. Edible but not memorable.
🌯 Burrito: Missed the mark. The rice is overly MSG-forward from the Knor, lacking tomato or soul. No balance, not worth the price. Definitely getting burritos somewhere else.
🍚 Rice: Tastes like Knorr chicken cube water. No tomato, no cooked onion , odd mushy texture.
🫘Beans - Whole Pinto de holla, perfectly salted nothing special
🌶️ Salsas: • Green salsa – 10/10. Boiled tomatillo base with cilantro and a hint of toasted árbol chile. Bright and refreshing. The standout salsa for sure, I drank/ sipped on the to-go salsa cup, i wanted that on tastebuds when finished my meal , thats how good it was. • Red salsa – 6.5/10. Guajillo + árbol with clove in the background. Roasted, warming, but not punchy enough to elevate the proteins, overpowers the meat.
📍 Verdict: Tacos are solid, carne asada is fantastic, and the green salsa ties it all together. Everything else? Skip. Wouldn’t go out of my way, but I’d stop in for tacos and salsa if I was nearby.
Cash Only! Excellent food! Personally, I would highly recommend the carnitas super burrito ✍️ Can't beat their prices either:)
S G
El Grullences' tacos al pastor with green chile sauce and a large cold horchata are definitely two of my guilty pleasures.
The food is authentic , tasty, and hardy. But if you tend to suffer from acid reflux or heartburn like i do, you have the option to order your taco/tortilla without any added grease. And the tacos are just as delicious. The green and red salsas are also fairey. The service is fast and pleasant. Tacos for two can get pricy. But it's worth it! 👍
alex prado
Best tacos in Redwood City
fusion451
Overpriced average flavor no bathroom
Albert Chan
This branch of El Grullense is always busy day & night. The taste of tacos 🌮 is best.
Food is okay sucks that they only take cash.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Great jamaica
The best quesadilla in the Bay area.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I recently visited Tacos El Grullense after hearing quite a bit of hype and seeing consistently high ratings across various platforms. Unfortunately, my personal experience didn’t live up to the expectations.
I ordered a taco de asada, a taco al pastor, a super burrito de carne asada con todo, and an agua de horchata. One important note for future visitors: it’s a cash-only establishment, so be sure to come prepared.
As for the food, I found the overall quality and flavor underwhelming. The tacos were fairly standard, but the meat quality—especially for the asada—was noticeably lacking, and neither taco offered anything that stood out. The burrito, which I had high hopes for, felt off—largely due to the inclusion of tomato and lettuce, which gave it more of a “wrap” vibe than a traditional, hearty burrito. The flavors were flat, and again, the meat didn’t shine.
The agua de horchata was okay—on the sweeter side for my taste, but still refreshing. The one item that did impress me was the red salsa, which was flavorful and packed a spicy punch.
All in all, I left disappointed and puzzled by the rave reviews and strong following this chain has. While everyone’s tastes differ, this visit didn’t deliver anything close to the 5-star experience I was expecting. Sadly, I don’t see myself returning.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
Bring cash. I get the supreme burrito so good!! No dining area and parking can be hard because there's usually a line.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best tacos ever. Any meat taco with the tortilla dorada (extra crispy) and green salsa.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have been going here a since the early '90s. Still has the same taste. Same workers for years. Always try to stop when I'm in the bay area theses days. My favorite tacos and burritos anywhere. Awesome.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
⭐ Overall: 6.5/10 – Would stop by, but not a destination
I tried several items here and had mixed results. Here’s the breakdown:
🌮 Tacos:
🥩 Carne Asada: taco is excellent – 9/10. Super flavorful with that carnicería-style marinade (tastes like soy, Maggi, or Worcestershire + beer). Deep umami, boiled style, flattop seared, juicy.
Tortillas are a win – even though they’re white corn, they have a rich yellow corn flavor, likely due to proper nixtamalization or cooking. Best part of the taco experience smoky, savory, and full of flavor. I’d come back just for this meat.
🐖 Al Pastor:
6/10 – You get pork, but that’s about it. No real depth, pineapple, or trompo flavor. Just… fine.
🍗 Chicken:
5/10 – Black pepper and Maggi powder vibes. Edible but not memorable.
🌯 Burrito:
Missed the mark. The rice is overly MSG-forward from the Knor, lacking tomato or soul. No balance, not worth the price. Definitely getting burritos somewhere else.
🍚 Rice:
Tastes like Knorr chicken cube water. No tomato, no cooked onion , odd mushy texture.
🫘Beans - Whole Pinto de holla, perfectly salted nothing special
🌶️ Salsas:
• Green salsa – 10/10. Boiled tomatillo base with cilantro and a hint of toasted árbol chile. Bright and refreshing. The standout salsa for sure, I drank/ sipped on the to-go salsa cup, i wanted that on tastebuds when finished my meal , thats how good it was.
• Red salsa – 6.5/10. Guajillo + árbol with clove in the background. Roasted, warming, but not punchy enough to elevate the proteins, overpowers the meat.
📍 Verdict:
Tacos are solid, carne asada is fantastic, and the green salsa ties it all together. Everything else? Skip. Wouldn’t go out of my way, but I’d stop in for tacos and salsa if I was nearby.
Take out only
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best carnitas tacos in town
Restaurantji Recommends
Cash Only! Excellent food! Personally, I would highly recommend the carnitas super burrito ✍️
Can't beat their prices either:)
El Grullences' tacos al pastor with green chile sauce and a large cold horchata are definitely two of my guilty pleasures.
The food is authentic , tasty, and hardy. But if you tend to suffer from acid reflux or heartburn like i do, you have the option to order your taco/tortilla without any added grease. And the tacos are just as delicious. The green and red salsas are also fairey. The service is fast and pleasant. Tacos for two can get pricy. But it's worth it! 👍
Best tacos in Redwood City
Overpriced average flavor no bathroom
This branch of El Grullense is always busy day & night. The taste of tacos 🌮 is best.
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