Patricio's Taqueria — Restaurant in Hawaii

As I embarked on a culinary and musical adventure in the vibrant town of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, a symphony of experiences unfolded, intertwining the allure of delectable cuisine, a pilgrimage to Patricio's Taqueria, and a captivating Grindcore performance.

Arriving at Kailua-Kona's airport, I found myself with a layover en route to Oahu from San Francisco, where I was destined to unleash my vocal prowess as the lead singer at the time of of the Grindcore band, YUH. But before the sonic onslaught, my appetite called for satisfaction, driving me to embark on a journey from the airport to Patricio's Taqueria.

The walk itself became a voyage of anticipation, with each step blending the palpable excitement of the impending performance with the tantalizing promise of a culinary delight. As I traversed the picturesque streets of Kailua-Kona, the rhythmic pulse of the Mana resonated within me, propelling me forward with an unstoppable energy.

Finally, I arrived at Patricio's Taqueria, a haven of Mexican flavors. The bean, rice, and cheese burrito beckoned, offering a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that ignited my senses. It was a moment of culinary bliss, fueling my body and soul for the impending Grindcore spectacle due to happen at Battlehaus the next night.

Satisfied, yet still buzzing with anticipation, I began my return journey to the airport, where I was patted down for an extra long time and put through extra security procedures, savoring the afterglow of the memorable meal and the imminent auditory storm. The fusion of culinary artistry and sonic intensity reverberated in my mind, creating a tapestry of experiences that defied convention.

In the end, this multifaceted adventure encompassed the very essence of Kailua-Kona—a place where diverse passions intertwine. From the laid-back charm of Patricio's Taqueria to the adrenaline-fueled chaos of the Grindcore performance, the journey was an ode to both culinary exploration and musical expression.

So, fellow adventurers, as you find yourself in the captivating embrace of Kailua-Kona, let your wanderlust guide you from the airport to Patricio's Taqueria. Embrace the interplay of flavors and soundscapes, allowing the synergy of music and cuisine to elevate your senses. It is an unforgettable odyssey that unites the raw power of Mana with the artistry of culinary craftsmanship—a fusion that will leave an indelible mark on your journey through the vibrant streets of Kailua-Kona.

Let the spirit of Hawaii and the irresistible allure of Patricio's Taqueria guide your footsteps, as you delve into the depths of gastronomy and music in this enchanting corner...

There is no excuse for serving such lousy Mexican food when there are so many cookbooks and so many recipes out there telling you how to make really good Mexican food. I lived in Texas for well over 40 years, TRAVELED in Mexico (not Baja but THE TRUE MEXICO), and I know what good Mexican food is. In Austin, we frequented restaurants like Fonda San Miguel and Santa Catarina. In Dallas we went to Jalisco Norte. In San Antonio, we went to Mi Tiera. Look those up and you'll find some REAL Mexican food. My cleaning lady is from Mexico (not Tiajuana, but the REAL MEXICO). She once worked at this restaurant and told me that she and her friends brought them recipes, but they wouldn’t listen to her. She also said that everything you eat there is frozen and then nuked to warm it up. From this owner's reply, I'm not sure if that's true, however, my husband ordered a pork tamale that came out a gigantic glob of half-cooked soupy Masa with very little filling. That is not a tamale. I ordered the Chile Relleno and it was so yucky, I could not even eat it. All I can say is this: we will not go back until they learn how to make real Mexican food. Anyone I speak to about this place agrees with me, that is, people who actually know what good Mexican food tastes like. It's very sad that the Big Island has no place to go when you have a yen for Mexican food. And I don't mean Tex Mex, I mean REAL Mexican food, like they serve in Real Mexico, not across the border from San Diego. As for this owner's accusation that I'm being vindictive, what I am is I'm teed off that we wasted our time and money going there in the hope of finding decent Mexican food on the Big...

With limited Mexican options on the west side of Hawaii, this is one of the better Mexican restaurants. It's more like a take out joint or eat and go place though, a bit out of the way from Kona town. They serve all the food on paper plates & just plastic forks. Because of covid, there is no mexican condiment bar that used to be there. It's gone, only the sign remains. There is Tapatio sauce from a bottle which you can use. Half of the tables still had the chairs on top of the tables despite how busy it was during lunch. Perhaps, it's the 6 foot rule, but sitting is definitely discouraged. I had the Chili Relleno plate. The single battered green Relleno was smothered in sauce & full of cheese. It was hot & fresh. It was delicious mixed in with the refried beans & red rice. I ate it in record time. My friend had the carne asada salad. It was a huge salad completely filling her paper plate. All in all, the food is excellent. 5 stars for the food. 4 due to the lack of ambience & the unwelcome feeling you get because the chairs stay on top of the tables. There is also no table service. They yell out your food order on a tray like a cafeteria & they expect you to buss it because I didn't see anyone come out, even to clean tables the whole 2 hours I was there yesterday. But, maybe they were short staffed. Great for quick solo lunches. Not good for a nice date. Take it...