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El Abuelo Taqueria (Mexican cuisine)  $

 8.75
JaT Rating

1005 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, 95125  (Directions)


408.293.4470


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Burritos, tacos, sopes, and other goodies at this Lincoln ave taqueria


Reviewer: Jason
Total Reviews: 992
Reviewed: 9/1/2006
Rating: 8
My photo gallery 		El Abuelo Taqueria was a stumbled visit. I wasn't planning on eating here until I drove past. I was on a solo lunch today as everyone was either busy or out. There's no parking in the front but plenty of spaces in the back or side streets.

I walked in during the lunch rush and quickly ordered a regular carne asada burrito with guacamole. Right next to the register is a salsa and chips bar. Looks like they just topped off the salsa with fresh stuff but the chips were on the stale side. I must have waited a whopping 3 minutes because the guy delivered the foil wrapped meal.

tortilla - moist, chewy goodness, I think they do the steam method but the tortilla had some grilling beforehand. I liked it.

rice - just right amount in the burrito. heavily seasoned, moist, soft.

beans - whole pinto beans, no complaints here.

toppings - pico de gallo and guac mixed in the meat. Great mixture as the burrito was juicy inside.

meat - carne asade was cut finely, too small for my liking but I had to give them bonus points for serving it semi-San Diego style. The meat wasn't dry but served with the grease. I think the mistake bay area taquerias make often is letting the carne asada sit too long on the grill, gets dried out. The grease mixed with the pico, guac, meat brought me memories of San Diego. The quality of the meat was your average cut of taqueria meat, don't be surprised if you see gristle. I would order this again.

$4.22 for a rather large burrito is good deal. I couldn't finish the whole thing. The salsas were good with the pico de gallo being my favorite one. The chips were stale but can imagine they are much better when out of the fryer. After talking to Mike, he said this was his secret Carnitas place and supposedly beats out of one my favorite places, Tres Potrillos Taqueria. Bold words indeed and will have to make a return visit for the taste test. To be continued.
 
  RETURN VISIT for Jason! 10/23/2007 - 9.5 Rating: The rumors are true. El Abuelo Taqueria is owned by the famous Tres Potrillos Taqueria, one of my all time favorite carnitas hangouts. They've been on the downhill for the last couple of months and have no explanation. I had to break off the serious 2 year commitment with Tres and rebound with El Abuelo.

It's all in the past because all you need to know is El Abuelo Taqueria has excellent carnitas. It tastes like the stuff you used to get at Tres Potrillos years ago. I'm not kidding, you could even order a carnitas bowl and it's only $6.50. You get the 5 tortillas and a bigger bowl. LOOK AT THE PICTURES!!!

The carnitas is shredded with crispy pieces, not the chopped up dry stuff you hate to get. The pork glistens and if you're lucky, might even cast a reflection of yourself in it's thick film of grease. I love you carnitas. Don't ever leave me again.
 
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Dan ate...

taco plate - 2 carnitas tacos

“Oh man, what a meal. The carnitas are seriously good, though not quite the same style as old 3 Potrillos, which were chunkier and crispier. I may have to go back several times just to confirm...mmmm”

3/7/2008 3:01:10 PM

whtcrxghst ate...

Super Burrito w/ Carnitas

“I officially have no reason to ever go back to Tres Potrillos again. This place is just like it used to be. Great burrito and carnitas. Time to raise the score for them”

10/30/2007 9:30:51 PM

steaming79 ate...

carnitas

“had carnitas...very good. in fact, very reminiscent of tres potrillos. too close actually. well...guess what: they are brother & sister. awesome-o!”

10/21/2007 5:46:20 AM