El Campeon Taqueria — Restaurant in San Juan Capistrano

A friend was showing me around San Juan Capistrano and this place is a hidden gem for good tacos. Each taco is about $4-5 unless you get street tacos (smaller) $2-$3. This has existed for about a decade according to my friend TB. She says it was cheaper back then, but inflation and the development of the San Juan Capistrano area has really increased the prices.

The two tacos I got today: (1) El pastor - the spicy marinated meat lit a fire in my stomach in the good way (2) Carne asada - the meat was generously provided I was asked whether I wanted cilantro and onions with my tacos and I said a resounding yes! I was incredibly full with just two tacos. It’s a filling meal.

TB and I came around 10-11 am which is a bit early for lunch hahaha but this place opens at 6 am! We still had to stand in line for 10 min. That’s how much of a consistent presence of customers and service is provided. There are a lot of people working to prepare the food for you, so I’ve been so blessed.

You’ll be provided a receipt and a number. In a sense, it reminded me of a pastrami sandwich store I visited in NYC except this time it’s for tacos in Southern California. Hone in on your Spanish so that you’ll be able to recognize your number when they call it out too!

There’s much to look around and explore just within the restaurant. I was so tempted to order a juice and pastries, but God knew I wouldn’t be able to handle everything. I can’t wait to come again another day.

There are tables outside that you can sit to chat with friends, which is what TB and I did. God...

Go here and get tacos!! You will not be disappointed. Usually double meat for quantity. Price is on point, combo plate rice/beans n two tacos $7.50. Don't understand Spanish? They translate the meat types on the menu for you. Other local favorite plates here too. Bistek Ranchero (Beefsteak) and Carnitas (never go wrong with pork) are very popular here. The pork especially has that right amount of juicy with crisy chewy. The beans and rice are fresh for sides. Center of line is a red/green salsa bar. Seating indoors or plenty outside. Get in line, order and say here or to go, get your ticket, they call the last two numbers to pay for food. Did I mention fresh juice? They have agua frescas (fresh water) typically flavored. Or try the fresh juice made to order. I had a carrot/orange large with a friend. A little pricy @ about $6.50 but huge quenching and very flavorful. Juice is made off your paid ticket after you get food. They also have a Pananderia (bread/cakes/etc) next door. Also farther next door a little market. I get a 99 cent Arizona tea if I'm really on a budget. I have not seen a restroom but have not asked. Great local place for more traditional...

I've watched this place go downhill in the service and quality of their food. Spoke to Angel, one of the managers about my experience today and I didn't even receive an apology, he just heard what I had to say and hung up. It goes to show you how they operate their business. In this instance I ordered five street tacos with carnitas as always with everything. I watched as the lady who helped me out took her sweet time put my tortillas on the grill while she had a conversation and gossiped about who knows what for about 4 minutes. You can imagine how crunchy the tortillas were. On top of that I ordered the street tacos based on their size so that I do not waste but in this case she decided to put as much meat as a regular taco on a small tortilla. Over all this Meal made me lose my appetite it was extremely greasy and I will not be returning to this place after being a loyal customer. I want to thank Angel for convincing me not to go back to this merchant. I would give them zero...