Review | The best Orange restaurants to eat at on Taco Tuesday
I tried four Mexican restaurants near Chapman’s campus — Taco Stand, Taqueria Mexico, Taqueria de Anda and Birrieria Guadalajara — so you can determine where to eat the next time you’re craving tacos. Above, the entrance to Birrieria Guadalajara. JACK CLENDENING, Staff Photographer
To many college students, the highlight of the week comes during, well, the weekend. Perhaps, for them, it’s the loud music and drinks of a Friday night, the greasy pizza of a Saturday lunch or the breeze of a crisp Sunday afternoon.
Not for me. No, the pièce de résistance of the seven days is in actuality Taco Tuesday, when you can dunk your chip into a monstrous amount of guacamole without any judgment, catch up with your buds and, of course, devour a mouthwatering taco.
I celebrate this joyous occasion every Tuesday with my always-hungry boyfriend. But recently, I realized we always go to the same places for this routine. So, we tried out some new restaurants in the Orange area — along with going back to one of our tried and true taquerias — in one week. My dreams now solely consist of tortilla chips and my thoughts center not on, “What’s for dinner?” but rather, “Should I get chicken or carne asada?”
Without further ado, here are four Mexican restaurants near Chapman’s campus for you to try, with my personal ranking. You’ll probably see my boyfriend and I there, because where else would we eat?
No. 1 - The Taco Stand
240 Chapman Ave, Unit 100, Orange
I can’t even count how many times I have been to the Orange location of The Taco Stand. My boyfriend and I first began our Taco Tuesday tradition at this restaurant, fighting in giggles over the guacamole and enjoying the bustling ambience while sitting at the barstools. My personal favorite on the menu is the California Burrito, which consists of flame-grilled Angus steak, cheese, fries, guacamole, tomato, salsa and sour cream all folded into a beautifully toasted tortilla. But The Taco Stand covers the classics too, with nine types of tacos, vegetarian options included, as well as quesadillas and even breakfast items.
Even though I seem to know this place like the back of my hand, there was one item on the menu I hadn’t tried yet — the churros. Man, were they out of this world. Perfectly crunchy, light and airy with a creamy vanilla sauce to pour on top. I went to cinnamon sugar heaven. But was I surprised? No, because Taco Stand never disappoints.
Taqueria de Anda — photo by SAM ANDRUS, Photo Editor
No. 2 - Taqueria de Anda
13011 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove
In need of a late-night taco run, but want something a bit more flavorful than Taco Bell? Taqueria de Anda is the place for you. With a drive-thru open until midnight and 1 a.m. depending on the day, Taqueria de Anda, also known as “The Mexican Taco,” has a menu fit to satisfy any taco lover. I ordered the chicken tacos, which were adorned perfectly with cilantro and pico de gallo.
My roommate, who served as my dinner date in lieu of my boyfriend for this adventure, ordered the chorizo tacos. While a mouth full of food prevented her from giving an auditory rating, she gave them two enthusiastic thumbs up. Taqueria de Anda has been around for over 40 years, and the food has stood the test of time since then.
No. 3 - Taqueria Mexico
108 West Katella Ave, Unit C, Orange
Taqueria Mexico offers a wide variety of tacos, quesadillas and sides while sticking to a traditional Mexican menu. Upon visiting, I ordered two chicken tacos and my boyfriend tried the carne asada quesadilla. When we both took our very first bite, our eyes widened. Almost in sync, we both said, “Oh my god.”
We also ordered a side of arroz and beans, which transported me back to eating homemade meals as a kid at my grandma’s house. Each employee greeted us with a smile and made us feel so welcomed to be joining them, even though it was 5 p.m. on a Wednesday. My only complaint is that there are not any tortilla chips, but they’re not really needed. If you are looking for a taco place that doesn’t beat around the bush, this is the place for you.
Birrieria Guadalajara — photo by JACK CLENDENING, Staff Photographer
No. 4 - Birrieria Guadalajara
3009 E. Chapman Ave, Orange
Here’s a tip before you visit Birrieria Guadalajara: make sure you like birria. I ignorantly had no idea what that was, until I did some research and discovered it was traditionally made from goat meat or sometimes beef or mutton. If you’re all about that, this is the place for you, but it didn’t agree with me so well.
I ordered the Birria Burrito and my boyfriend ordered the Birria Tacos with an extra side of consommé broth. While we both enjoyed the homemade corn tortillas and the cry-your-eyes out spiciness of the salsa, we were overwhelmed with the greasiness of the birria and saddened at the lack of cheese on the tacos and burrito. However, there certainly seems to be popularity at this recently opened location, with the drive-thru line wrapped around the parking lot and hungry regulars walking in already knowing what they wanted.
I tried desperately to love Birrieria Guadajara, since I went on Taco Tuesday, but at the end of the day I realize it’s different for everyone. Some people may live and die for birria, but for me, it was just a bump in the road toward a rough Wednesday morning.