Taqueria El Chefe — Restaurant in Calgary

I have been to many Taco/Mexican restaurants across Canada, the United States, and Mexico and I can objectively say this was the worst one I have ever been to.

The service was actually quite good and the atmosphere was alright, the music was a weird polka Mexican playlist. But the quality of the food is the main reason for the low rating.

My fiancé and I started with the salsa platter and while the chips were alright, they were kinda oily and all of the salsas seemed almost as if they came out of a can. I had a mango margarita which was good but my fiancé got a horchata and while I normally love horchatas, I couldn't drink this one. He had to finish it all.

Next the tacos... The Birria taco everyone raves about actually tasted quite good. It was pretty fatty and greasy but had great flavour. Next up were the shrimp tacos, which were pretty terrible. They were like frozen popcorn shrimps, maybe from Costco, with a small amount of cabbage slaw. They had very little taste and left a gross rancid shrimp aftertaste in our mouths. And the al pastor, do not order this taco. My fiancé and I paid $16 for these tacos and we barely took two bites. They were drowning in sauce and seemed like the meat came from a can. The meat had a weird curry flavour and the taco was so greasy and soggy, if you wanted to eat it you would have to do so with a fork. Pastor should be grilled, marinated pork not saucy curried pork. All the tortillas for the tacos as well were weird and greasy, not what you would expect from a good Mexican restaurant.

I would not go back to this restaurant to eat again and I would not recommend it to...

Delicious!!! The Tacos Birria were amazing. Although mine were soggy when I got them, and scrunched together in tiny basket, I could still taste the good flavour. The Birria Quesadilla was huge and really good. The nacho chips are made in house and some of the best I’ve ever had. The salsa platter was very good except get rid of the red salsa, it tastes like from a jar. Substitute it with fresh Pico de Gallo. That chipotle/ancho salsa was insanely good. The food came out hot, fresh, and quickly.

They had tons of staff and the servers were all helping each other at the tables. I really liked that it seemed like a big team and no competition. They were genuinely friendly and kind. They work hard and came often to fill our waters and check on us. Very impressed. We left a good tip. Excellent serving staff.

Can I ask if the owner would ever please consider adding a Oaxacan Tlayuda to the menu PLEASE?! I am dying to have one again. Ohhhhh man…drool. If anyone can do it, that guy can.

The food here is SO GOOD and tastes so authentic. It is now my favourite Mexican place in town. The atmosphere was awesome and the music choice AMAZING. All my favourites!

Thank you for this little gem! We can’t wait to come back and try more. We knew it would be good by all the Latinos eating there! 😂

And good job on picking and training your staff. Keep them very happy please, so they keep being as awesome as they were tonight. 🤗

5 Birria Tacos rating...

As a Calgarian who appreciates a good taco, I can confidently say that Taqueria El Chefe has raised the bar. I recently had the pleasure of dining there, and it's no exaggeration to declare that I experienced some of the best tacos and quesadillas I've ever tasted in this city. From the first bite, it was clear that Taqueria El Chefe prioritizes authentic flavors and quality ingredients. The tacos were generously filled with tender, perfectly seasoned meat, nestled in soft, warm tortillas that held up beautifully. Each bite was an explosion of fresh, vibrant tastes, enhanced by their incredible salsas and garnishes. And the quesadilla? Oh, the quesadilla! It was a masterpiece of cheesy goodness, with a crispy exterior and a rich, savory filling that left me craving more. But what truly sets Taqueria El Chefe apart, and is a huge bonus for many, is that it's HALAL. This is a game-changer for those seeking delicious, authentic Mexican food prepared according to Islamic dietary guidelines. It's fantastic to have such a high-quality option available in Calgary, ensuring everyone can enjoy their fantastic menu. If you're in Calgary and looking for exceptional tacos and quesadillas – and did I mention it's HALAL? – Taqueria El Chefe is an absolute must-try. You won't be...