Taqueria Chapala

Taqueria Chapala is a Jalisco Style joint about a half mile east of the interstate on Cesar Chavez. It's a place I've eaten at on and off many times over the years, but have recently visited more and more often.

It's safe to say that your humble Cornbiter Deluxe is crazy for the Jalisco Style food. Since my first visit to Taqueria Arandas #5 back in the early 90s, the incredibly affordable, delicious and authentic offerings of the J.S. universe have been a siren's call.

That said, one of the things not all J.S. places do well is consistency. A fantastic meal one day can often be followed by a merely satisfactory, or even disappointing session on a subsequent visit to the same place. All in all, I consider it part of the deal, and only mark a place off my list if the great meals start becoming the exception instead of the rule.

All of this leads to the fact that Taqueria Chapla is one of the most consistent J.S. joints in town. If I've had a disappointing meal there, I don't remember it.

One of my favorite items on any J.S. menu is the regular fajita quesadillas. I'll usually grab one or two of these bad boys along with a taco al pastor. Chapala absolutely kills the quesadilla, making them better than anyone in town. Their excellent fajitas, which have a terrific, toothsome texture, always show up in a perfectly grilled tortilla, and the flavor of the meat melding with the mild melted cheese is pure gold. GOLD, SEZ I.

Their al pastor is excellent as well, though since the discovery of taco truck Tacos Al Pastor, I'm having a hard time truly getting into the al pastor anywhere else.

In conclusion, Taq. Chapala is a rock solid place, and is easily in my top three Jalisco Style places in town. If you're on the east side, give it a try. If you're not on the east side, move.

Taqueria Chapala - 4.75 stars - Cornbiter Deluxe.

2101 E Cesar Chavez St

(512) 320-030