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Las Palomas Taqueria (Mexican cuisine)  $

 8
JaT Rating

504 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, 94401  (Directions)


650.343.9925


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Taco shop powerhouse near burrito alley in San Mateo


Reviewer: Jason
Total Reviews: 1040
Reviewed: 12/12/2006
Rating: 8
My photo gallery 		It's one of the most interesting blocks in all of San Mateo, 3rd and Claremont. You can stop at Wing Fat for chinese food, Las Palomas Taqueria for mexican food, next door is a smoke shop and where you can possibly pick up a 'water pipe', and last but not least, Jaybird for adult entertainment..cough...never been there before...ahh...nope...not me. I guess I'm suppose to be talking about the food I ordered at Las Palomas Taqueria.

Lately I've been searching for the best tacos in the bay area and stopped by Las Palomas Tqueria for the challenge. My testing usually consists of 3 tacos with 3 different meats. Never heard anything about this place and going in blind. The norm is 2 corn tortillas, cilantro, onions, and red/green salsa.

The corn tortillas tasted like they were from a bag but grilled up nicely. Toppings were fresh and at each table you could place more chili (image 5) onto your tacos. I liked the red stuff the best.

carne asada (image 6) - we might have a hall of famer here. I need to go back and confirm the goodness. Looked like grill marks on the meat. Some of the meats were cooked medium while others well done. The taste is up there in the ranks of Chavez Supermarket, one of my favorite places for Carne Asada. Meats weren't cut too small and seasoned just right. I'm thinking 9+ range for taste.

carnitas (image 7) - wasn't crispy or fried. Meat was tender and not too salty. Topped off with chili verde. Plenty of meats but I like my carnitas crunchy and moist on the inside. This was the weakest meat of the group. Rated 7.

pollo asado (image 8) - great marinade on the chicken. Meat was tender, grilled, easily a repeat order. Rated 8.

Overall I'd say a big success with the tacos. I can't believe how low-key this place is. I've been in San Mateo/Burlingame area for over 3 years and heard of 0 reviews for this place. Parking is limited but you shouldn't run into any problems in a 1 block radius. Prices are inline with other shops in the area. The chips are served heated too! I'm coming back for the carne asada because it's one of the best in the area. For now, Las Palomas Taqueria comes in at a solid 8 but I anticipate an upgraded score in the near future.
 
  RETURN VISIT for Jason! 12/20/2006 - 8 Rating: I came back for the carne asada to confirm if it's 9 range material. The meat tasted good but the lady skimped out on the meat and forgot the guacamole. Steak wasn't cut the same as it was cut into much smaller pieces. I still can't identify how the asada is cooked, possibly over flame grill then reheated on flat grill. Looks like I have to make another visit.
 
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Foodvacuum ate...

Carnitas super buritto

“ALways excellent. In fact I usually have to tell them to not put so much meat in the buritto. ”

8/5/2007 10:26:23 AM

wolf1 ate...

Regular Carne Asada Burrito

“Been going here for years and never got any gristle from their meats...... Especially in their carne asada.....”

12/13/2006 2:34:21 PM