El Taco Tote
4701 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87108
El Taco Tote Menu
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Our Famous Tacos
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Specialty Tacos
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Taco Tote Pack
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Combo
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Platter For 2
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Family Style For 4
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By the Pound
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Quesadillas
Healthy Meal suggestions for El Taco Tote
-
Our Famous Tacos
-
Specialty Tacos
-
Taco Tote Pack
-
Combo
-
Platter For 2
-
Family Style For 4
-
By the Pound
-
Quesadillas
Visit below restaurant in Albuquerque for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Albuquerque for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
4701 Central Ave NE
Albuquerque, NM, 87108 - Phone (505) 265-5188
- Website https://www.tacotote.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Scott E.
Yes, it's a chain, and no, the location is not ideal. But the food is so good! (However, you need to remember: They make tacos. Don't come expecting Jennifer James in the kitchen.) Service here is basic. Come to the counter, select the platter size you want, name your meat, pick your meat, and then move to the salsa bar. The meat is grilled in front of you and they have a nice selection. The chicken adovada and the top sirloin seem to be the most popular. Personally, I like the Tacos al pastor, but I hear the shrimp and fish are pretty good as well. The borracho beans are great. Sweet, with chunks of pork and jalapeños floating in the broth. I could dunk tortillas in this and be happy! Oh yeah, the tortillas. They make those right in front of you. Corn or flour, your choice, and you can watch a sweet señorita pat them out and cook them up. So fresh, so good. Finally, the salsa bar has what you need to make a great taco. Five salsas, poco de gallo, cilantro, onions, radish. It's good, man.
(5)Travis W.
I love the brocheta. I love the salsa bar. I started eating here because all the Mexican cooks at Los Cuates eat here. Do I stalk barely english speaking mexicans all over town to find out where the best mexican food is? ...of course not that's just crazy! I prefer the term 'undercover taco lover' instead of 'stalker'.
(4)Riley J.
I don't understand why people eat at places like this and expect fine dining.Heres my list of reasons why I love El Taco Tote: 1. Not all of the workers here speak that much english. They usually call your number in spanish AND english. 2. I FLIPPING love their salsa bar. Every kind of salsa you could ever imagine putting on your tacos is RIGHT THERE. 3. They have family meals. When my brother used to live in town I would take him and my sister to dinner here. I could afford to take my lovely spoiled older siblings out for a meal, because I've always been more flossy than they have. We could all eat here, and I could afford it. If you have a big family, but small funds for eating out go here. You get enough food for everyone, and probably even some to take home. 4. This isn't taco bell(Even though I love Taco Bell). You get actual strips of meat in your freshly made tortillas. Holy bajesus. You can stand by the counter and watch them cook up your meal with their magic hands. 5. Gold Peak iced tea. I don't think I have to any more than that for all my iced tea lovers. 6. They have a drive thru! That's right, you can order your tacos and get your butt back to work or to continue sitting on your couch while you watch netflix. Doesn't matter if you want to eat there or take it to go; they've got you covered. This is one of my favorite places to eat when I'm in the mood for tacos, beans, and rice. You may get an upset stomach from shoveling as much salsa as you can into your face, and you may get stuck on the toilet for half an hour. El Taco Tote is one of those things that you know probably isn't the best idea, but you do it anyways. You do it over, and over, and over. I LOVE YOU EL TACO TOTE AND EVERYTHING YOU STAND FOR.
(5)Damon T.
Mmmmm El Taco Tote! I don't take the opportunity to come here as often as I'd like, but if I'm in the mood for tacos this is the place! Everything here is cooked to order. They start with very fresh-tasting (soft) tortillas to which they'll add your choice of a variety of seasoned and grilled meat: beef, pork, chicken and fish. From there, you're on your own with their ample toppings bar. Pickled onions, fresh onions, fresh lettuce and about 6 (I can't remember the actual #) different salsas. It's worth returning just to try different combinations. The atmosphere here is somewhere between fast food and authentic mexican. This is a counter-service, fast-food restaurant. The lights are a bit too bright. The room is really big. The music is often loud. That said, this is not fine dining, so I won't take points off for that! Anyone caught going to Taco Hell with this place in town should be ashamed!
(5)Christina M.
Food was good, but super expensive! We ordered the 5.99 specials but when we looked at the receipt the combos were 9.00, we asked about it when we realized, but were told that we got the 2 taco combo and 2 sides, but the cashier never even asked us which one! The bathrooms were disgusting! The men's was flooded and the women's was pretty raunchy! I don't like being cheated, but mostly this place is too pricy for a taco joint!
(1)Lisa G.
I should have known what I was getting into when I waited a few minutes at the drive-thru before finally saying, "Hello?" and getting a response. It was near impossible to understand each other through their drive-thru speakers. I pull up to the pay window to get my order repeated...after waiting a few more minutes to have someone arrive. Apparently they are short-staffed. I paid $17.17 for a chicken fajita combo and two beef tacos. The chicken fajita is just fajita-seasoned chicken on a tortilla. The beef taco is just beef on a tortilla. A bit expensive for that measly meal! The combo came with a small scoop of rice and a small scoop of runny refried beans. They forgot the chips that were supposed to come with the combo. Good thing I got 5 different salsas and a liquidy guacamole for no chips...Also, no lids for the ice waters for my 2 and 4 year old children. If we weren't in the drive-thru, no big deal, but really? This was my first and last time going there. I recommend Taco Cabana a bit further down the road.
(1)Justin W.
Nothing beats a good taco; whether it is breakfast, lunch, dinner, a snack, etc. So it was only natural that I try El Taco Tote. My wife and I arrive towards closing but they were happy to serve us. We ordered a wide assortment of tacos, all on flour tortillas plus a single corn tortilla to try. Let's talk about the tortillas for a sec. On the tacos, it was a bit crispy. Not stale-crispy, but well-cooked crispy. Probably more than it should have been but I really liked it. And the corn was very moist and a nice texture, despite its thickness. Next time, I'll mix it up, some flour, some corn. Like I said, we got a wide variety of meat. The tacos are just meat and tortilla with the salsa bar for you to make the taco what you want (careful, some of it is HOT). Sometimes I like it all done for me, but others, it is nice to do it myself. The meat was all good EXCEPT (!!!!) I had a piece of chicken that was very thick and clearly undercooked. If I get sick soon, we'll know what it is from (11 hours so far and no issues). That happens, but shouldn't! Still, I'd go back (with a keen eye on the meat before I bite). Flavorful meats, large salsa bar, and nice (if not slightly overcooked) tortillas.
(4)Barbara B.
Terrible food, high prices. Beverage machine dispensed water for lemonade. Not ver clean.
(1)Chris R.
Had the Carne Asada/sirloin tacos x 2 alacarte. ...$7.53 ....they were really good but had unequal meat in each.The homemade tortillas are the bomb! Great salsa bar.
(4)Charles P.
Don't listen to the gringos, I've been to real Mexico, and this is as legit as it gets. The place is simply hands down the gold standard for tacos in fine city of Querque. The Brochetta is second to none, and if you know of some other place that serves taco meat by the pound, I don't know of it, and that's coming from a guy who eats taco meat by the pound. The salsa bar is delicious, and the chicken adobada is just amazing, get a platter for two, you won't regret it.
(5)Julie F.
I just watched an employee eating in the food prep area, then realized in horror that she was making my son's waffle as she ate. She then proceeded to lick her fingers after pouring the waffle batter! At that point I asked for my money back and reported it to the city.
(1)Ryan P.
Refried beans are not edible they are like soupy watery blended beans, top sirloin taco was low quality and full of fat. However the salsa is really good.
(1)Aaron P.
Authentic taco's good food and a condiment salsa bar . I was a little disappointed , but would eat there again . Need to try more items before i can rate it better . Prices seemed a little on the high side for what you get but the quality is good ! Home made corn tortillas were great .. Geat place for a late night snack on you're
(3)Ronda B.
Serving good Mexican tacos and authentic sauces long before all the annoying "street food" places started popping up in gentrified portions of Albuquerque (yes, I'm talking about you, Nob Hill). In fact, this place reminds me of some of the taco chains that I've frequented in Mexico City.
(4)Justin D.
WAY over priced for what you get!
(1)Mark B.
The food is fresh and fantastic - and they put plenty of meat in the tacos. The salsa bar rules. Tip: go with someone who likes the same protein as you and buy a Platter for 2 - better prices this way than individual.
(5)L. H.
Tacotote was a nice surprise. From the outside, it looks like the food is going to be yet another chain restaurant's failing interpretation of mexican food. Yet the tacos are actually pretty good. The taco to get is sirloin, for sure. (I ordered a chicken taco a long time ago, and it wasn't nearly as good as sirloin.) The corn tortillas are also pretty good...Better than any store-bought tortillas. I also like being able to choose whatever toppings I want. I just wish that the tacos were a little cheaper. They're just slightly too pricey in my opinion.
(4)Mikayla O.
Well, maybe I just don't get it. In my opinion: over priced & under whelming. The tortillas were like crackers, hard and cold. The meat isn't really flavored the way i've tasted authentic mexican food. Salsa is the only good thing I've tasted so far. Come on Taco Tote, change my opinion! haha, 2 stars. As it says, meh, i've experienced better.
(2)Karla L.
A good neighborhood standby - I really love the frijoles here - and I like that I can order EXACTLY what I want - the salsa bar is awesome too. Cheap enough to eat at frequently, always consistent. Just good ole Mexican food!
(4)Chupacabra X.
Mexican style tacos (as opposed to the Americanized, ground beef and cheese version). Fresh corn tortillas can't be beat. Make sure and revel in the salsa bar, experiment! Part of dining here involves making your food taste the way YOU want it. Ask for chips at the counter they are free. A bit pricey, but worth it if you're not near any taco trucks or Pro's Ranch. Oh yeah, and their pintos are perfect, chock full of onions, bacon, peppers and cilantro. I often go there and just order a couple sides alone.
(4)Yuriana A.
If you are looking for some quick authentic tacos and beer, then this is the place for you. I've searched high and low trying to find a taqueria with authentic flavor that wasn't all the way in the south valley. This places offers value meals and a drive-thru service that could be a little quicker. The best part are the tortillas, fresh and delicious!! They also have a topping bar where you can get all the fixings for your tacos.
(5)J.D. B.
How is this place not rated yet? I'm new to town. When I suggested it to the guys at work they replied... "that's some really good stuff". So we headed there. It was very good. They make tortillas right there almost in the middle of the restaurant. The kitchen is very open so you can see how they are preparing the food. Free chips and salsas! Being a first timer there there are many choices as long as you are ordering tacos. There are 10 different main fillings for your tacos. Different kinds (cuts, preparations and flavorings) of beef, chicken and fish. There is a combo choice with either beans & rice or a baked potato. I went a la cart on my taco's because I new I would do some damage with the chips. For my taco's I ordered a barbacoa and chicken adobado. The barbacoa was tasty although not quite what I expected (I like the ancho chili and vinegar combo I prepare at home and have gotten elsewhere). Regardless it was good. The chicken was very good! It definitely takes a little while to figure out the place (all the taco toppings are on the salsa bar). The chips are free in a stack opposite of where you order and you need to pick up your own utensils. The only thing preventing the 5 stars (and it is pretty close) was that the barbacoa wasn't what I was expecting and that you have to order a side of cheese for your tacos. I debated giving it 5 regardless but I want to save the 5 stars for experiences that couldn't be improved.
(4)Keith R.
Outstanding corn tortilla, rice, and beans. The chicken was good but the beef fajitta has too much gristle. This is a place you just want to love because it is so interesting and different.
(4)Mary H.
Love this place. But really annoying how their hours on their website are a TOTAL lie. Like what even are their hours? Do they just choose their hours whenever? Really confusing.
(3)Angie V.
Anything I have ever ordered from here comes out fresh and delicious. They have the best top sirloin tacos and salsa bar!
(5)Andy B.
I got to try this place via a friend who got take out one evening. We had had a platter which included steak, tortillas, beans and a whole bunch of toppings. The meat was very tender and had a great flavor, the tortillas were fantastic - I am told they are hand made and can believe that. The beans were good, a little watery, but decent. I haven't been into one of their locations to see the whole menu, but based on this experience I would be very willing to do that as it was very tasty indeed.
(4)Rhonda S.
I've discovered Nob Hill. Really, there's not much of a reason to go anywhere else. This is the same street that Kerouac walked, or hitched on to get to California...okay, now that that's over with. My hotel is by nothing. That's irritating. So, I drove the other way, kind of remembering where Nob Hill was. I'm glad I found this place. It doesn't break the bank. I have to get used to tacos without cheese. But I suppose I can. The prices are right, and the tacos are good. I ordered enough food for 2 nights. I didn't pay over 13.00 for it. Cheap and good. This place has a hella big salsa bar. I've not seen so much different salsa in one salsa bar before...(Kansas City places, take note of this). Oh yeah, there's the computerized Coke machine. Nob Hill, you've got my heart. I intend to spend bunches of time there. But, for tacos, even though it looks commercial, El Taco Tote is good, and best of all, it's open on Mondays. (A problem with some of the Mexican places around here).
(5)Carla R.
I ordered the super quesadilla I wanted it vegetarian but the cashier told me they can't make a vegetarian quesadilla. So I ordered chicken. I have to say Toco Bell would have been better but this place is toco bell quality for the price of a sit down diner. Plus I got sick had to leave work an hour later stomach cramps!! Never again.
(1)Jay H.
Bookmarked this place and it didn't disappoint! No need to get fancy and extravagant with tacos which is why I like this place. They give you a homemade tortilla with your choice of meat. By the way, the steak and chicken choices are recommended. Anyway, it's simple and they let you have at it with their salsa/fixings bar. I threw some medium red salsa on one and guacamole sauce on the other. Nom Nom! The only downer was the side of rice I ordered was very sodium rich. A little to much for my liking. Could have just been an off batch. Anyway, El Taco Tote earned my business again. So, what are you waiting for? Go grab a taco... or two.
(4)Sara D.
This is our go-to taco place. For $3.50 (the cost of an artery clogging Big Mac) I can get a freshly made tortilla packed with shrimp to be adorned with a fantastic variety of salsas and other additions from the salsa bar. Add in free tortilla chips and it's a fresh, tasty alternative to fast food. Also, if you're health conscious, you can chose cucumber slices to use instead of chips. My husband ordered a large guacamole and it was more than we could eat for only $4.50, and it was very good, better than we had at one of the fancier restaurants in town for twice as much.
(5)Cruz K.
This place is great,They make there tortillas fresh made to order,they have a good side bar to finish your tacos with all kiinds of sauces and sides.They can get pretty busy but the line moves fast.I dont go thru the drive thu because I cant get any off my sides...also they have free chips but you have to go and grab them your self.I like the fajita taco,Im sold on it..Just wish they would open up before I have to be at work!!
(4)Reina G.
Great little taco joint! When you first walk in you place your order at the counter, take a number, and find your own seat. They do offer FREE chips but you have to ask for it at the counter. The salsa bar is great and the beans and rice are very yummy (lots of flavor). The corn tortillas are good but the flour tortillas are not good (especially when you take food home for left overs). All food is freshly made in the open kitchen. I would recommend this place to anyone wanting good beans, rice, salsa, and tacos!
(4)Lenny R.
This place is amazing...very authentic. The salsa condiment bar is the BEST in town or out of town. Everything is made to order and the tortillas are homemade, too. Seriously, you can't go wrong with anything on their menu. You'll regret not trying this place...
(5)Lucas L.
I am on a low-carb diet and i figured a pound of chicken w/ peppers and onions would be a good call. I continue to confuse mexican food places by not wanting tortillas... they always say, "you don't like tortillas? but they are so good! How about corn tortillas?" And I have to explain my diet, which i am happy to do. I figured 3/4 of a pound would be good for a couple meals. I was wrong. I ate the whole thing so my one meal at this place cost about $16. The food wasn't bad but it definitely wasn't worth the $16 bucks. The food is overpriced for the quality, while the staff is friendly and quick.
(3)Amy W.
We stumbled upon this place while driving down Central looking for a place to eat that we couldn't go to back home, and WOW! It was a pleasant surprise in a sea of mediocre Mexican chain restaurants. I tried the burrito tote with chicken - tender, white meat, grilled chicken, rice, beans, and cheese. The topping bar left me in awe; it was incredibly well-stocked with fresh ingredients. I added mild green salsa, lettuce, onions, and cucumbers. The tortillas are fantastic and homemade. The prices were slightly higher than a traditional fast food restaurant, but for the portion size and ingredient quality they are more than justified. I took a star away, however, because I found the staff to be rude and snappy. Also, prepare to be stared at quizzically by everyone in the restaurant if you are of a different race. Overall, though, I would definitely recommend this place to anyone wanting quick, yummy, authentic Mexican food.
(4)Randy B.
Don't go through the drive thru because they won't put any toppings on your burrito! All the good fixings are located inside and it's self serve. Also good luck understanding the poorly spoken english. In addition this place hints semi strongly at being racist's towards whites through ignoring/denial of service and such cutting gestures. In summary good food but racist's.
(2)Aj M.
Very authentic food and atmosphere, a fun little place to go. The salsa bar has a great variety of tasty sauces. I always appreciate an open kitchen as I see that my food is being cooked fresh and not just reheated. Meat is pretty good but my favorite part of my meal is the handmade tortillas.
(5)H M.
I finally found the rice and beans I've been looking for - perfect! The rice is that dry, al dente sort of broken up rice with lots of flavor, not that mooshy over-tomatoey, overcooked nonsense that usually passes for rice around New Mexico. The beans are also the kind that are a perfect blend of salty, oniony, with some whole beans intermingled with some sort of refried-ish. Corn tortillas are homemade tasting, haven't tried the flour yet - haven't tried the chicken, but I don't really care for chicken that much. The assorted beef and pork tacos have been great - no mystery meat here. I've tried the bean and cheese tacos which are amazingly good (and the cheese is a nice touch; sadly absent from most of the other tacos but strangely not really necessary). The tomatillo salsa is my favorite one here, sort of jalapenoey and tart, just right and the spicier, charred tomato salsa is perfectly spicy, which is to say nice and hot. I almost forgot to mention - the iced tea was perfectly brewed each time I had it which is a big factor for me. As far as consistency goes, they have it down - someone else mentioned expensive for tacos - this is true, but you really get what you pay for. Is this place a chain? I hope not - I don't want to share.
(4)James M.
Mexican style tacos, great rice and refried beans. The salsa bar is a really nice touch and every time we're here it's fresh.
(3)