# What is your favorite Mexican dinner? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [October 18, 2025, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080 "2025-10-18T16:38:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2025, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080/61 "2025-10-21T23:51:31Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > A taco truck? That reminds me, there’s a local taco truck that doesn’t even have a kitchen setup in the truck. The truck carries a tent and a portable grill, that they set up next to the truck. The only thing on the menu is tacos wrapped in a double-layer soft corn tortilla, with your choice of three proteins (IIRC, pork, chicken, or black beans), and then you add your choice of toppings. And, as you might guess from a setup like that, they’re amazing. ---
**Author:** ![ricepad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b38774/32.png) [@ricepad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricepad)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2025, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080/62 "2025-10-21T23:58:57Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > San Diego ‘Berto’s type fast Mexican place Boy, did you shake loose some memories of a CAB and plate of taquitos from Alberto’s on Convoy! Breakfast (or lunch or dinner) of champions! ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2025, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080/63 "2025-10-22T06:12:56Z")
> [@ricepad](#): > > Boy, did you shake loose some memories of a CAB and plate of taquitos from Alberto’s on Convoy! Roberto’s on Voltaire in OB is one of the first restaurants I can remember eating at as a very little kid. (The Jack in the Box across the street is the other.) Roberto’s and their imitators were the number one thing I missed when I moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2004, and I was absolutely over the moon when we started getting ‘Bertos knockoffs up here - first a place in Renton with the unimaginative name of “California Burrito”, located in a building that CLEARLY used to be a Taco Bell in the ‘90s, that I literally did a spit-take when I discovered it while stopping at the McDonald’s next door for a post-concert pit stop in 2012, then a place called Memo’s in south Tacoma in 2013, then a place of our own here in Olympia just before covid hit. (Ours is called Aliberto’s Jr. I don’t know who Aliberto Sr. is, but he must have been good people.) The enchilada sauce seems a little different, and they have stuff like mulitas and beef birria that I don’t ever remember seeing ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2025, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080/64 "2025-10-22T06:32:21Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > That reminds me, there’s a local taco truck that doesn’t even have a kitchen setup in the truck. The truck carries a tent and a portable grill, that they set up next to the truck. Recently on my bus ride home at night, I’ve been seeing a place that sets up a canopy right next to the sidewalk in front of Hobby Lobby and sells tacos that they’re cooking on a portable grill, with some card tables as their counter. They only seem to open up after dark, I have no idea if they’re licensed, and when I asked about it on the local subreddit I got downvoted and yelled at for being a narc. I haven’t yet worked up the courage to get off the bus to try them out. ---
**Author:** ![ricepad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b38774/32.png) [@ricepad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricepad)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2025, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080/65 "2025-10-22T16:32:38Z")
Which is the original ‘berto’s chain? I remember going to Alberto’s ca. 1980, but I don’t think Al was the first. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2025, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080/66 "2025-10-22T16:40:56Z")
> [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](#): > > When I lived in Tucson in the 90s there was a place in South Tucson called Cora’s Cafe. They had five or six soups on the menu (depending on if they had menudo, which was only on weekends). Albondigas (meatball soup) was my favorite There was a coffee shop near me that’s long gone that always had albondigas as one of their soup selections. I always got a bowl or cup no matter what else I was ordering – hamburger, fried chicken, pot pie??? I love albondigas. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2025, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080/67 "2025-10-22T16:46:17Z")
> [@DesertDog](#): > > And if offered, an item I’ve not seen outside Arizona: Green corn tamales. Besides the masa outsides, the filling is sweet corn with a bit of green chile and cheese, queso blanco usually. They’re available here in Los Angeles, but they’re seasonal. > [@Disinfectus](#): > > A wet chili verde burrito. Especially [from this place](https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-tepeyac-cafe-los-angeles-3?select_video=I8RBXftQaZ-OOhOr53teWg). I always get the Hollenbeck, too! ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2025, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080/68 "2025-10-22T17:05:35Z")
There’s a place not far from me that makes fantastic Bistec a la Mexicana. That has to be my favorite accompanied, of course, by some top flight margaritas. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2025, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080/69 "2025-10-22T21:47:37Z")
> [@ricepad](#): > > Which is the original ‘berto’s chain? I remember going to Alberto’s ca. 1980, but I don’t think Al was the first. Roberto’s was the original. Roberto Robledo started opening Mexican restaurants in the ‘60s, and the first one to carry the Roberto’s name was on Highland in National City. Alberto’s was the first spinoff. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2025, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080/70 "2025-10-22T22:16:15Z")
I remember when El Chico was the only local option. We had several in Arkansas. I think the Texarkana and Little Rock locations are still open. I used to go for my birthday. I haven’t gone in at least 10 years. El Chio has a party room that can be booked. I usually ordered Mama’s Favorite Enchilada Dinner. A platter with a beef and a cheese enchilada, rice and refried beans. ---
**Author:** ![Disinfectus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/disinfectus/32/11085_2.png) [@Disinfectus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Disinfectus)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2025, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080/71 "2025-10-23T00:17:17Z")
> [@carrps](#): > > I always get the Hollenbeck, too! How could you not? I’ve heard that all of their food is incredible, but I’ll never know. 🙂 And I don’t have the guts to get a Manuel’s Special. For those who don’t know, El Tepeyac is one of the most famous Mexican Restaurants in Los Angeles and often has a line wrapped around the block. It’s been there since 1942, and I’ve been going since 1969, when I was three. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2025, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080/72 "2025-10-23T04:25:37Z")
Asada Burrito, Wet Red, Covered (sour cream, Guacamole, Pico) On somebody else’s expense account ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2025, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080/73 "2025-10-23T23:46:40Z")
A brief story from decades ago: I’m at work but can’t bicycle home due to supercell t-storms, tornado warnings, damaging hail - Alabama in the spring/fall. I usually leave at 3pm but it’s now 5pm and I’m sitting surfing the internet for a weather break. Susan (never Sue/Susie if you know what’s good for you) stops by and asks if I want to go get some Mexican waiting for the weather. Sure, I’m in her lunch bitch and gossip group. She’s smart, funny, good looking. She gets us an 2-person alcove at the Mexican place over on Memorial Dr. A big margherita goblet each, I don’t remember the food. She starts on a second drink that I need to share for semi-sober purposes. We discover: The boyfriend she announced she was seeing to dispel rumors became an ‘owning’ monster that same day two years ago, It was immediately over and she started therapy. I’m divorced amicably but still do some public things with my ex. On the drive back to work, she asks if we can stop at her place for an errand. I left the next morning just before noon. Susan doesn’t want a relationship … but … once a month or so I’ll get an email: Susan: How about Mexican tonight? Me: The whole enchilada? Susan: Yes So I guess my favorite dinner is enchilada (shredded chicken). ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2025, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080/74 "2025-10-24T01:16:20Z")
It would be mine for sure. Go Susan! ---
**Author:** ![DMC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dmc/32/18049_2.png) [@DMC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMC)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2025, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080/75 "2025-10-24T01:32:32Z")
I used to rethink my order almost immediately after placing it. Now I just get [Molcajete Mixto](https://nibblesandfeasts.com/2018/09/molcajete-mixto/) and have enough bases covered that I’m typically pretty happy. ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2025, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080/76 "2025-10-24T04:35:06Z")
Oh, and I forgot to mention, if I’m having dinner at my friend’s house. I’m hoping the dinner is discada tacos. Bacon, sausage, chorizo, pork, steak, peppers, onions, tomatoes and plenty of spices. I’ve never seen it in a restaurant, but it is heavenly. A pretty good example recipe: [https://www.mexicoinmykitchen.com/discada-nortena-recipe/](https://www.mexicoinmykitchen.com/discada-nortena-recipe/) ---
**Author:** ![DreamsOfACheetah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/45deac/32.png) [@DreamsOfACheetah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DreamsOfACheetah)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2025, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080/77 "2025-11-10T21:44:40Z")
There’s a few great street taco stands in Pittsburgh, I love the beef and the chorizo tacos. Rey Azteca is a nice mexican place on the outskirts of Pittsburgh. I almost always get their shredded beef burritos, which they’ve told me is from a tri-tip beef roast. I’ve very occasionally gone with a mix that has beef, pork, chicken, a dipping cheesy sauce in the middle, also tortilla chips and shells to wrap your meat in. I also make my own shredded beef tacos. Slow cook a chuck roast (about 210 degrees) about 14 hours, then add seasoning and pan fry the rest of the liquid out. I don’t use pre-made taco mix, I go with chili powder, onion powder, corriander, cumin, cilantro, and parsley. ---
**Author:** ![Paintcharge](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/paintcharge/32/7946_2.png) [@Paintcharge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paintcharge)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2025, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080/78 "2025-11-11T00:11:24Z")
My favorite when I was in San Diego back in the mid 90s was from a place on El Cajon Blvd called Bahia Burrito. I was a veggie back then, so I’d get the chili relleno burrito. The place was a 5 minute walk from my house, and my local bar was between the two. A new spot just opened up in my little upstate NY town, I’ve been twice and it mostly seems like evening babysitting for the owners. Many bambinos (meant in the nicest possible way for loud 10 year olds) running around and asking the servers for more tacos. The food, so far, is …adequate. I was told they were out of refried beans at 7:30 on thursday night. They’ve only been open for 2 weeks, so I’ll give them another chance or 2. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2025, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080/79 "2025-11-11T00:16:15Z")
I’m seeing mentions of San Diego. When I was a kid, I liked ‘San Diego-style’ burritos. No rice, no beans; just meat with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and cheese. It seems that the San Diego style I grew up with has been supplanted by burritos containing french fries. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2025, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080/80 "2025-11-11T02:32:06Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > It seems that the San Diego style I grew up with has been supplanted by burritos containing french fries. Dear Og, what have we done??!? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-mexican-dinner/1024080.md?page=5)