El Amigo Taqueria No 2

Loved this place cause they had killer carnitas and salsa. Unfortunately, it is now CLOSED.

I like this place. Its cheap, always has parking, and it’s better than the Chinese place a few doors down where my BF insists on eating. Not the best, but it works in a pinch.

I was really torn between a 3 and a 4 on this review. Let’s say it was a solid 3.5. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much-​this is located in a 99 cent store shopping plaza and my boyfriend and I had only stopped in because we had an entertainment coupon and had other stops to make in Hayward.
At first glance, I was like «not sure, let’s get out of here» but he told me I was just being a crazy person and that it seemed just fine. It’s a little dark and dingy in there but upon closer inspection the tables and eating area seemed clean enough.
The lady taking our orders was SUPER nice and extremely accommodating to our «hold this, add that» orders.
I got the vegetarian burrito, which came with pinto beans, lettuce, cheese and rice. For a little extra I added guacamole, which they forgot to put in, but were nice enough to bring on the side afterwards. The guacamole was yummy and the rest was standard fare-​satisfying and predictable and tasty enough. Now, although I can’t vouch for whether or not the rice was completely vegetarian, they did offer whole pinto beans, which placated me. I won’t tell if you won’t tell that I may have accidentally ingested some chicken stock
:(
My boyfriend got the chicken tacos and they looked to me like every other crispy chicken taco he gets… so, yeah, I guess they were fine. He seemed happy enough.
As for the reasons for 3 stars versus 4: Chips=meh (left under a hot lamp and were stale), Salsa Bar=kind of dicey. It didn’t exactly look fresh. We got there around noon so for so early in the day, the containers were rather empty and the flavor of the salsas was nothing to write home about, Drinks=disappointing that soda comes in a can.
Overall seems like a reliable local place to grab some cheap decent food. After our Entertainment coupon, our whole lunch was ten bucks-​that was for 2 (cans) sodas, 3 tacos with rice, I veggie burrito. I wouldn’t come out of my way for it, but it’s worth a stop if you’re nearby and are hungry.

Great breakfast burritos and the guys behind the counter a really great; really nice and engaging. Give them a try– you won’t be sorry.

Went there for their dollar tacos today and my friend realized she may have lost a 20 dollar bill there. We drove back to the restaurant and sure enough she did. At least the waitress was honest enough to tell her and give it back!

These guys have real tasty food. I’ve been coming to this place now for over eight years. The grilled chicken burritos is nice. I also like the fresh squeezed juices they have. I always get half Orange and half carrot juice. Try this spot out if ur in the area

Missed this place, so I risked it and went back again. They have improved and raised their prices a little. The cook told me they were trying to stay open. Still, not like the old days, but I will try it again.
We had a good experience, fast, and the $ 6 chile verde lunch deal is a bargain. Friendly people, looked clean, chips were good, salsas were good. The salsa bar was minimal though. My only complaint this time was that the food was over salty. Nice meat, good rice, and I suppose my arteries can handle some extra salt once in a while. I’m keeping my fingers crossed they keep their stuff together, because for a while this place had excellent food.

My wife and I went here today and ordered a few items. The food was cooked adequately, but the flavor was clearly lacking or was minimal. We had shrimp enchiladas, and the tortillas and shrimp had some flavor. The rice and beans had no flavor to speak of, which was strange. We only tried this place because of a promotion offered by
, but when we arrived, it was not honored per their store policy. so something is amiss.
We are in no hurry to return.

when i first walked in here and seen the menu, i thought HOLY SHIT?! WHY’S IT SOOO EXPENSIVE?! it was like $ 9 for super nachos. you gotta be fuccen kidding me. –_​_​_​–
the «waitress» took my order. she was friendly. order didn’t take very long. but my friend and i did order a lot. super nachos, one carne asada burrito, six tacos. and yeah. full salsa bar was a nice touch.
my total was almost $ 30. just for all of that. –_​_​–
we took our order to go and went home. the food was salty. portions were very small. meat was skimped on. it succed. never coming bacc again unless its free.
2 stars is definitely generous.

After my favorite taco truck started half steppin’, I decided to find a new taco pusher (tacos are my drug of choice.) in the area. I got lucky, El Amigo is a mile from my house! They serve quality food at a great price. The staff is friendly and pleasant. Good eats at a cheap price is the hook, the taqueria’s circa 1970 décor, works with the hot pants the staff rocks. I think they give the waitresses a sexy clothes stipend. You’ll find booty and tacos go together like toys and happy meals. Not that I’ve noticed that much booty. Ok, some booty but, tasteful booty. Anyway, eat here. Carry on.

Fabulous huevos rancheros for the money — and the best fresh squeezed orange juice I’ve ever had in my life!

My wife and I had our first date here years ago and we were back in town this last week so we thought we’d stop by. It doesn’t look like much but its really a great little establishment. Reasonable prices (7.50-ish) for substantial portions. My wife ordered 4 of their special tacos and I ordered a combo platter with a burrito and an enchilada, and we shared both dishes. The burrito was quite good, the enchilada not so much. The beans and rice were tasty and the chips were good but not great. What really stood out to me were the tacos! Of course they’re the small, authentic kind, not the taco-​bell style. The steak tacos were good but the chicken tacos were amazing! Both the grilled and shredded. Really flavorful. If we’re back in town and we stop in again we’ll probably just go for the tacos exclusively. Overall, probably a 3.5 star place but I’ll bump it up to 4 because of its sentimental value.

I love this place! Great food, friendly service, and good prices!
Recently, I went there and ordered a «two taco dinner.» They misunderstood me and brought me TWO dinners. When I responded and said I had only ordered ONE, they gave me the second one free!
I think the chips are just fine and YES… for me – chips are part of the meal!
I am taking off one star because one time I was there and noticed the server cleaning a big tray of silverware with Windex. WTF??? But I always get take-​out, so it really doesn’t matter.
Everything I have always ordered is enough for two meals. Go to El Amigo – you won’t be sorry!

Located in a large shopping center. Small with seating ~30 at tables, no booths.
Carnitas Platter ($ 9.50) had lots of food, but not much flavor. Guacomole, sour cream, refried beans, and spanish rice, plus lettuce/​salad and 2 corn tortillas.
Combination platter ($ 7.50) was better tasting.
Worse chips I can remember having at a restaurant! (But who goes to a restaurant to eat the chips?)
Good and fast service.
We’ll not go back.

I go here all the time, but I never dine-​in, and I always get the same thing, therefore I don’t know how much help I’ll be. I always buy a super burrito, they’re great.
They have great tasting salsa, the food is affordable, service is quick.