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Taqueria El Asadero
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Taqueria El Asadero
8.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A North Center staple for more than three decades, Taqueria El Asadero focuses almost entirely on grilled skirt steak tacos, burritos, and other no-frills standards. The constantly sizzling plancha, fresh tortillas, and cash-only counter setup keep the line moving for both quick lunches and late-night takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Lengua tacos, Steak burrito
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Skirt steak is grilled nonstop for some of the area’s most beloved carne asada tacos.
Who should go: Taco obsessives who care more about flavor than frills.
When to visit: Off-peak afternoons or early evenings to avoid long lines.
What to order: Carne asada tacos, lengua tacos, steak burrito.
Insider tip: Bring cash and start with chips and salsa while you wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is usually available nearby, but it can fill up during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Completely casual — come as you are.
Noise level: Moderate — it’s a small space with an active grill, but conversation is still possible.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes depending on rush and takeout volume.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few meat-free items depending on fillings and sides.
Vegan options: Very limited — customization may be required.
Gluten-free options: Some items may be gluten-friendly (like corn tortillas), but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves low-key taco joints — it’s casual, counter-service, and focused on quick eats rather than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations here. Seating is limited, but turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple food, quick service, and a relaxed vibe make it fine for families, though seating is tight and there’s not much space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Carne asada lovers and anyone chasing classic, no-nonsense tacos at great value.
Skip if: You’re looking for margaritas, elaborate menus, trendy décor, or dietary-specific dining.
Taqueria El Asadero
8.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Taqueria El Asadero is a cash-only North Center standby where the plancha stays loaded with thinly sliced skirt steak for simple, deeply seasoned tacos. Locals line up for carne asada on griddled tortillas, generous portions, and late-night hours that make it a go-to for straightforward tacos over frills.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Al pastor tacos, Lengua tacos
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Bare-bones, steak-focused taqueria where the grill never really stops.
Who should go: Carne asada purists who prioritize flavor over decor.
When to visit: Evenings and late nights when the grill is busiest.
What to order: Carne asada tacos, lengua tacos, steak burrito.
Insider tip: Bring cash and start with plain steak tacos to taste the char.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking; can be limited during peak dining hours but usually workable within a block or two.
Dress code: Completely casual — come as you are.
Noise level: Moderate — counter-service hum with sizzling grill, but you can still have a basic conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes depending on the rush; takeaway moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — typically just basic vegetarian tacos or sides depending on the day.
Vegan options: Minimal — not a strong fit unless you’re okay with very simple options.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are standard, but the grill is shared, so cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both love casual taco spots — it’s tiny, unfussy, and focused on the food rather than atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations here. Seating is limited, so many guests grab food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals, especially with older kids. Small space and minimal amenities mean it’s not ideal for strollers or long hangs.
Best For
Better for: Simple, deeply charred carne asada tacos at budget pricing with fast turnaround and zero frills.
Skip if: You want a sit-down dining experience, cocktails, or extensive vegetarian/vegan choices.
Taqueria El Asadero
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Taqueria El Asadero is a cash-friendly North Center taqueria known for its smoky carne asada, al pastor, and overstuffed burritos served from a compact counter-service space. It remains a favored stop for locals heading to or from Welles Park who want straightforward, grilled-to-order tacos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Al pastor tacos, Steak burrito
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Grill-focused taqueria where carne asada and al pastor are the main event at everyday prices.
Who should go: Taco purists who care more about the grill than the decor.
When to visit: Evenings before peak rush or after a walk through Welles Park.
What to order: Carne asada tacos, al pastor tacos, and a steak burrito if hungry.
Insider tip: Bring cash for faster ordering and expect to grab a quick table or take it to go.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; usually manageable but can tighten up during dinner hours.
Dress code: Completely casual — jeans, hoodies, and post-park attire are all normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate — counter-service hum but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak times, though takeout is often faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, quesadillas, and rice/beans are available.
Vegan options: Limited — you can request veggie tacos without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas are available, though the kitchen is not celiac-dedicated.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both love low-key taco joints — it’s more casual counter spot than date-night destination.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations and seating is first-come, but turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple food, quick service, and casual seating make it easy for families, though space is limited for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Smoky grilled meats, fast counter-service tacos, and true neighborhood-taqueria pricing.
Skip if: You want cocktails, sprawling menus, or a more polished sit-down Mexican restaurant experience.
Hours
Monday10am - 12am
Tuesday10am - 12am
Wednesday10am - 12am
Thursday10am - 12am
Friday10am - 12am
Saturday10am - 12am
Sunday10am - 10pm