Tight Tacos Kaimuki — Restaurant in Honolulu

I'm the first gen of my family (Mexicans) born in US. I lived in Mexico for 2 years and TX for 20 years. All the Mexican food I try on Oahu is so sub-par and unappetizing. I didn't realize that I was spoiled rotten in Texas. I didn't know it could be done wrong until I moved here. Tight tacos. I've ate here 3 times with the hopes it would change and just because I so badly crave Mexican food and there is nowhere to get it on island. I'm not being a complaining brat but this is just the plain truth: $18+ for salty Mexican rice that wasn't made properly, flavorless pinto beans that they couldn't bother to re-fry (literally pinto beans spilled out the can from Walmart) and 3 freaking tacos. 2 with in edible gristle and very hard chewy "carne asada" and 1 with pollo and too much of that weird orange sauce they use. Never saw anything like that sauce in Texas or Mexico. I don't know why Oahu likes to top tacos with way too many onions and huge pieces of cilantro. Of course, no beverage. And I was still hungry (petite 27 year old female). I get it that portions are tiny here, and they never include a beverage, but can't the flavor be good, at least ? Or cut the veggies a small proper size ? I'm not moved anymore. It met my expectations for "Oahu's Authentic Mexican food." My last visit to tight tacos was this last Tuesday and I won't go back. CANT wait to go back to Texas. Where they have the space for me and nice big juicy portions of the best real authentic food for $5-$10...

There and 5+ different Mexican restaraunts in Kailua town and I would drive to Tight Tacos in Kaimuki to get my fix because they are that good. When it comes to authentic Mexican food, a lot of places attempt, but Tight Tacos is one that truly hits the mark and sets the standard in Hawaii.

Bites taste fresh, flavorful, and carefully crafted, from their hand-pressed tortillas to their scratch-made salsas. Their tacos are on another level—perfectly seasoned meats, bold flavors, and just the right balance of texture and freshness. THE COCONUT HORCHATA—absolutely to die for. I had two, and definitely could’ve had more. It’s the perfect refreshment to complement the richness of the tacos.

Beyond the food, the experience itself is what makes Tight Tacos a gem. The staff is welcoming, the vibe is laid-back yet vibrant, and you can tell they take pride in what they do. In a town like Kaimuki, where great food spots thrive, Tight Tacos has become a true cornerstone of the local food scene.

I can’t wait for them to open a new location. Tight Tacos isn’t just good, it’s worth...

I'm on the fence between 2 and 3 stars. I'm going with 3 because with the times it could be hard to find proper staffing, but I'm thoroughly disappointed with my meal from here. I ordered a 3 taco plate with 2 carnitas and 1 baha fish, 1 additional carnitas taco, 1 additional baha fish taco, and chips and salsa. Inside wasn't very busy and it appears there were a few take out orders ahead of me, but I'm sorry, it shouldn't take 50 minutes to fulfill the order. Tacos take a few minutes to make at most. The carnitas is already prepared, perhaps they have to fry the fish, but that should be only a couple minutes for the size of piece. The beans were luke warm and the rice is white rice. No seasoning, no nothing. That's not Mexican rice yet their menu states Mexican rice. There was no cheese on the beans either, probably because it wouldn't have melted since they were barely warm. Overall the food wasn't that special. I was hopeful for something good to go in there as I liked Azteca pre-covid (during covid they lost their appeal) but I can't see myself going back to Tight...