TIENDA MEXICANA JALISCO — Attraction in Winter Park

After a brutal morning of jiu-jitsu and a two-hour podcast recording session, my training buddy and I were STARVING. We needed something quick, cheap, and real - no fancy-pants stuff. We stumbled upon Jalisco, tucked inside a small Mexican grocery store. This place is legit. Forget ambiance; think bustling, authentic, and packed even at 2 PM on a Sunday. The seating is limited - a long high-top bar and maybe six tables - it only adds to the authenticity. The menu is simple: tacos, sopes, burritos, quesadillas, and a hot case brimming with tempting meats. You pick your "vehicle" (taco, sope, etc.) and then choose your protein. I went all in on the tacos: two lengua (beef tongue), two cabeza (the glorious, fatty meat from the cow's head; not "brains" as translated on the video menu), and two al pastor (pork with pineapple). My buddy went for a mix: two chicken, one al pastor, one carne asada taco, and a sope. All tacos were served traditionally with cilantro and onions, plus a wedge of lime for each taco and 2 little sides of their mild (a little flavorless) and spicy (this was delicious) salsas. My tacos were fantastic. The lengua was melt-in-your-mouth tender, the cabeza was rich and satisfying, and the al pastor, while a bit more stewed than griddled, was still delicious. The price? An absolute steal. We're talking $1.99 to $3.99 per item, and you can easily stuff yourself for under $15 each. The service is friendly, no-nonsense, and efficient. You order, get a ticket, pay at the grocery store register, and then find a seat. They bring your food on mismatched, real plates and bowls, which adds to the homey vibe. You clear your own table - it's all part of the charm. Brush up on your high school Spanish. Nobody here speaks English, so be prepared to flex your linguistic muscles. The only downside? No beer. A cold Dos Equis would have been the perfect chaser, but alas, no alcohol on the menu. Overall, Jalisco is a hidden gem. If you're looking for a quick, filling, affordable, and authentic Mexican meal, this is your spot. Just be ready for a lively atmosphere, a language barrier, and the satisfaction of a truly genuine...

Originally I came here searching for a Mexican snack chip I used to get when I lived in California. Then I discovered their hot food. Now I refuse to pass by without stopping for the BEST authentic tacos in Orlando. Better than a taco truck Taco. Yea, you read that right - THAT good.

$2 Carne asada tacos that I can't get enough of??? Yes, please! Extra lime and extra of the green salsa for me, and you have to fight me to get me to not stop there. Last two visits I started adding on a small side of rice as well. 3 tacos plus a good amount of rice for like $8 and I am filled. Best. Lunch. Ever.

There is always a line to eat there, and most of the patrons patiently waiting are from countries that know good food and wouldn't be there if they didn't know this place waa great.

Total hidden gem! Shhhh don't tell anyone. Actually... tell everyone - they should come down and grab something to bring home.

I promise to include pix next time i go. I just have to stop shoving tacos in my face long enough to remember...

First impressions are everything. So, to say I was very disappointed is an understatement 😔. First, I was met with drunkards (yep plural, as in several of them) standing at the very small entrance/exit to the store. So sweaty, day old alcohol is the first smell to greet you at the door. Then, at the time of exit, the same stench, along with catcalls/whistling from nasty men who have nothing better to do than to harrass people. The store is small but the employees were very pleasant and the place was clean, the produce we bought was very good, and meat as well. Although, I definitely wouldn't recommend ladies going alone because the no loitering rule posted outside the store is definitely...