El Taco Grande — Restaurant in Fresno

A very disappointing experience there today. My daughter ordered some cheese nachos, which are not on the overhead menu but which the person at the counter said that they could serve. He then rang it up at $10.84, and I reacted with surprise. Cheese nachos for over ten bucks? He said that they give a large portion, with a lot of cheese, and so I accepted and paid. What we received was really, really underwhelming. It was a styrofoam container with chips . . . but the "cheese" was nothing but a bunch of that orange-ish imitation cheese sauce that one typically sees from cheap snack bars at fairs or sporting events, high school cafeterias, etc. I really don't get how any reviewers here can laud the place for "authentic" Mexican cuisine when THAT is the "cheese" that is on their nachos. An authentic Mexican place would put actual cheese on there, not that cheap imitation "cheese" sauce. And, I get that inflation is forcing restaurant prices upwards. That is unavoidable. But, you still need to provide a decent product for the price, and that was not done here. Ten bucks for chips plus canned, cheapy "cheese" sauce is simply not just. I have not tried the other food at this taqueria, but I am definitely going to avoid it now, based on...

🥪 Asada Torta (📸 pictured): Perfectly toasted bread spread with a creamy layer—almost like a light mayo or crema—sandwiched with juicy, marinated asada beef. The beef was tender and full of flavor. Inside: sliced tomato, fresh avocado, and onion, giving the sandwich both richness and a refreshing crunch. This is everything you want in a torta—simple, satisfying, and not overloaded with filler.

🌯 Al Pastor Burrito Grande (no pic): This one was packed—meaty, spicy, and flavorful. The pastor had a great balance of heat and seasoning. Even the rice stood out: moist, savory, and far from the bland, dry rice you often get at lesser taco spots. Everything came together in each bite.

🌶 Pro tip: Check the fridge and grab their house red and green sauces. Both add another layer of heat and tang that seriously level up the meal.

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Ratings (0–10): • Tastiness: 8.5 • Price Appropriateness: 8 (about 10 dollar for a torta/burrito, 4 dollar for a taco) • Portion Size: 9(one torta or burrito can easily feed up me) • Overall...

This family-owned restaurant is as close as a landmark as it gets. They have been around at least since 2003, and their tacos have won numerous awards at local taco festivals. They have lots of options for Mexican food, and their green salsa is amazing. Food ranges from tacos to burritos and food plates that are brimming with food. The meat options are plentiful, e.g., chicken, carne asada, lengua, shrimp, and pork, and they also have meatless options. The owners pop in and greet everyone at the restaurant, making them feel at home. It is a small place and not fancy (by no means not a dive), but it is a place where you feel a part...