Tacos El Gordo Chula Vista

The line at Tacos El Gordo moves because the work is done by hand and in view. At the counter on Broadway in Chula Vista, taqueros chop and griddle and pile meat onto tortillas faster than you can finish reading the board. The restaurant has served Tijuana-style tacos in the area for over twenty years, and its first San Diego-area shop opened in 1998.

The Broadway location, at 556 Broadway, keeps late hours: open 10 AM to 2 AM Sunday through Thursday and until 4 AM on Friday and Saturday. A second Chula Vista shop on H Street runs 10 AM to 2 AM daily.

Nine Meats, One Style

The menu is built around nine taco meats. The adobada, spiced pork shaved from a vertical spit in the style of Tijuana's famous tacos al pastor, is the signature. Carne asada and suadero, a tender brisket cut, cover the beef side. Buche, pork stomach, and lengua, beef tongue, are there for adventurous eaters.

The Azteca taco piles grilled beef with cactus paddle, a combination that rewards anyone willing to try something other than carne asada. Beyond tacos, the menu includes tostadas, sopes, quesadillas, mulas, and fries loaded with cheese, toppings and your choice of meat.

How the Ordering Works

You order at the counter, pay, and then take your food to a table or out the door. Salsa and toppings are set out for self-serve. Orders for a group are easiest if one person handles the whole thing, because the counter line moves fast but stays loud.

Because it stays open past midnight, it is also a favorite stop after a night out, and the late-night crowd often looks different from the lunch crowd. Call (619) 271-7222 for current details.

Common Questions

What are Tacos El Gordo's hours on Broadway?
Sunday to Thursday 10 AM to 2 AM, and Friday and Saturday 10 AM to 4 AM.

What is the signature taco?
Adobada, spiced pork in the Tijuana style. Carne asada and suadero are also popular.

How many meats are on the menu?
Nine, including adobada, carne asada, suadero, buche and lengua.

Are there options besides tacos?
Yes: tostadas, sopes, quesadillas, mulas and loaded fries.

Is there another Chula Vista shop?
Yes, there is a second location at 689 H Street.