Gordo Taqueria — Restaurant in Berkeley

I have visited this place several times, because - I love their burritos. I typically always get the same kind because I am the type of person that if ain't broke, I ain't going to fix it. So why the so-so review? It's really more about the service. Here, they basically have 2 people working on a line to fix your burritos. The guy that heats up the dough is typically translating in Spanish to the guy who puts on everything else. Herein lies the first problem - the broken English often leads to faulty translation or constantly repeating your order. There have been many times when they are translating that they put the wrong thing on my order. Last time the guy tried to argue with me about requesting hot sauce - which I didn't. He just couldn't understand me. Problem 2. They are very slow in preparing the order. I have even called my order in 30-45 minutes ahead of time and it is never done. I always have to wait - even when no one is there! I'm like what were you doing this whole time?!! Problem 3. The ppl who are preparing your food and ringing your order are constantly talking to each other and walking back and forth, and truly it can become chaotic behind the counter. There is missed communication because of this. Even something as simple as whether I want to eat here, or I want my receipt. Problem 4. They are pricey. Plan on spending about $10-11 for one super burrito. They charge for add on like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cheese, etc. I think it's $.50 per add on. Problem 5. Parking is cray cray - but it's Berkeley. Expect to pay for parking or to hunt for space. Of course you always have to dodge the entitled pedestrian who just walks out into the street. Bottom line: they do have great super burritos, but the constant wait (even when there are no customers and you call your order in advance), and the chaos of the restaurant can make this place a sure fire...

In response to some of the other reviews:

The pollo asado is the best I’ve ever had—perfectly cooked. If someone is afraid of, or confused by, blackness on their chicken, may I recommend Chipotle.

The moisture in the burritos is part of the excellent cooking. The beans are perfect, every time, and this means that they are perfectly moist; as is the salsa, the meat, and the rice. All perfect, every time. So, yes: you won’t get a super-dry burrito, and yes, this means that if you insist on taking it home, it may degrade slightly in structure (it will be perfect if eaten in-taqueria). My friends and I have been eating these burritos for over twenty years and have enjoyed many a one at home, just a little wetter. It’s worth it to have perfectly cooked ingredients.

Atmosphere. Let’s talk about atmosphere. This is one of the last not Starbucked, not third-wave-coffee-housed joints left in the Bay. If you’re uncomfortable with the small space or old-school tables and chairs, then, again, allow me to recommend Chipotle. Or Taco Bell. How about Taco Bell? They keep their revolving-door A.I. market image updated every few months. You shouldn’t be bothered by any authenticity or lasting tradition there.

Bottom line: Gordo Taqueria is a Bay original. So many old authentic Bay Area eateries have been bought out, disappeared, or made unrecognizable. Please let Bay Area natives enjoy this one in peace before we flip every last space into a Tesla showroom.

I am sorry to hear about poor customer service, if it’s true; and to hear that long-timers have experienced bad food service. I hope that everything is going Ok for the owners and staff during a weird, tough time in the Bay and the world. Customers do have a right to demand civil treatment and...

I have been coming to this Gordo's for 15 years. Today, I went in and the girl behind the counter was so aggressive, unkind, rude, and just straight-up was taking her bad day out on me. I mean, I was honestly kind of shocked because I have never been treated this way here. I also didn't do anything to warrant this treatment. I mean it seemed like she was mad I ordered food. I ordered a burrito for my friend who was waiting in the car with his baby. I was going to get tacos for myself. But I just told her no. I won't be ordering them. I also told her that she was being aggressive and how not okay it was. I would never tolerate this treatment from anyone. Honestly, it's crazy to me she thinks it's ok to come at people like this. Do people just tolerate this? I would rather just wait til I get home than spend another cent here. I will never come back to this Gordo's again. My mind is still kind of blown that this happened. I mean, all I did was walk in. There are other taquerias and even other Gordo's that won't treat you like this. Low key wish I hadn't even paid for the burrito because nobody should pay for that kind of treatment. I hope she has a better day. Maybe she needs to not be in a front facing role and is better suited to an area where she doesn't need to interact...