El Palenque Taqueria - San Mateo

Our go-to place for authentic tacos. It's a hole-in-the-wall sort of place but who cares when the food is delicious! They have a small salsa station, which is nice. Prices are cheap for great tacos. Easy to find street parking. We always leave happy from this place!

Food was good and prices were decent. Ordered super tacos, nachos, and a regular burrito. Burrito was very big but the tacos were not what we were expecting, which is not a bad thing. They actually prepared and cut the beef in store so you know it's fresh. Small restaurant with seating for about 15 people. Vast menu and good service.

I came here with my colleagues' recommendation. You said that's where you go to breakfast. And I can say they were right. They are not cheap to the amount of food they give you. Fresh eggs and chorizo... and a ton of them. Delicious and much. Definitely recommended for breakfast.

I'm so glad I found this place. After eating fast food for the last couple days I'm sick and tired of just eating stuff that I can get back home. So I set out to search for some authentic Mexican cuisine. And that's when I stumble upon El Palenque taqueria. after reading all the reviews I knew that this place was a spot that I was going to have to visit. I drove over from the hotel and this place is easily found right around the corner. Since I scoped out the menu before leaving, I already knew what I was going to order. So once I stepped inside, a procedure up to the counter and placed my order. as I sat back and waited for my order, I watched as locals came in and out. Not very long after placing my order, my orders ready to go. I grabbed my bag and headed now back to my hotel. once back my room I opened up all the to-go containers and I was floored at the size portions of the food. I opted for three different varieties of taco... Lingua, cabeza, carnitas and the side of rice and beans. After eating these tacos, I had somewhat of a religious experience. I couldn't believe how delicious food was and how affordable it is as well. It was so good and I was so impressed that I went back the following day for lunch and it took my colleague along me. This time I ordered the steak platter and again, I couldn't believe how much food I was getting for the price I paid. This taqueria has made my list of go to places when when I'm in the area again.

Too bad my experience was a little disappointing. The Carnitas tacos were bland, but the Carne Tacos were salty. Free chips were stable. Salsas were average. At least the unconventional chicken quesadilla was hot and tasty. It was more like a burrito? A little cramped, but enough tables. Street parking and no toilet I saw. The prices were average for the area.