La Jarochita — Restaurant in Carbondale

Did someone say Taco Tuesday? Well, I don’t care what day it is, when I’m craving a little something with flavors “south of the border,” I’m heading to La Jarochita Mexican Grill! I have passed this little red food truck parked perched on the hill in the parking lot of the Shell Gas Station on Reed Station Road in Carbondale, IL for the last three years, but never stopped in. I would often wonder what they served, but figured that it must good be because they stayed in business and I would see customers lined up at different times. Today was my day to experience La Jarochita! I took my time looking over the extensive menu of options and asking questions. The menu consists of individual items and larger plates/dinner sizes. I found the prices and portions very reasonable. The sweet young lady at the window did her best to answer my questions while waiting for other customers. Once I decided on the Steak Sopes (something new for me), she told me it would be about a six-minute wait to get my food. As customers came and went, I took note of the quaint and clean picnic tables with umbrellas placed as a sit-in eating option. There are accessible parking options in the parking lot, and bathrooms are located in the gas station. When I received my order, I could hardly wait to try it. I opened the neatly packaged bag and the aroma of well-spiced beef hit me instantly. I can’t express how delicious this little dish was. I have never had anything like it! The thick tortilla-like bottom layer was covered with tender beef, beans, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo salad, and lettuce— it had a dance party in my mouth. Word to the wise, the sauce in the bag is literally FIRE. Unless you like spicy, leave it closed. LOL I cannot wait to go back to order something else, and I won’t be waiting for Tuesdays to support this local minority-owned small business. I highly recommend you stop by this little red food truck for some yummy, fresh, and authentic Mexican food at a great price. When you stop in, tell them Kindra...

This was hands down some of the best Mexican food I’ve had in a while. I got the Birria Tacos and they were absolutely delicious. The beans are amazing too. However, it was almost ruined by the total lack of professionalism and the rudeness of the young man taking the orders. He was playing video games on the same phone he used to take my credit card. I ordered a side of rice and a side of beans which were both 3.50 each. I got home and realized I didn’t receive my two sides so I called to alert the busy and I was hung up on 3x. I went to the food truck to get them and the young man was rude, showed disregard, disrespectful and had no sense of humility. The food was not cheap! I expect to be treated with respect and dignity if I’m spending my money. Also, I ended up being charged a dollar more for rice somehow. So, great food but the service has much to be...

Peak street tacos, great burrito! The tacos aren't the best tacos I've ever had but I also wouldn't ever complain about eating here. I'm not from this area so I'm going to go ahead and say I'd venture a guess that these are the best tacos in the area. The burrito felt a little on the small side, I'm use to being able to split one with someone and feel satisfied but these were sized where maybe I should just eat one alone.

All in all everything even with the minor criticisms was a solid 5 stars. The only thing lacking to me is location, the location could be a bit...