Taqueria El Gordito — Restaurant in Santa Ana

They probably deserve a 4 overall but I’m going based off overall score including service and the tamale. Service was planned, cold, calculated, like a serial killer. The guy at the counter had 0 ounces of personality and made it known, he was 0% friendly and felt like he had no need to. First turn off. Food is what’s important right? That’s what matters, well the food saved this place because it’s the best part. I had a variety of tacos, the best were the tacos de lengua. We ordered costilla en salsa verde (not sure the name on the menu but basically they’re tender ribs/riblets in salsa verde) those were spectacular!!! It wasn’t my meal and I feel like I ate most of it! We decided to eat outside because there really isn’t a place to eat inside the restaurant, besides who would want to eat inside if they could with that guy at the counter. We also had another variety of tacos to try. It was early April and the weather was chilly so we ate quickly and left. Overall, food is great but service and atmosphere that is created could be better and more welcoming.

On a side note, I want to say the way I discovered this place was the night before because I am not a local. I was here for a concert and needed to Door Dash and saw this place. I ordered the mini tacos meal I believe is what it is called. It’s delicious and comes with beans and rice. It was good, filling, and they did a great job of packing all the salsas and condiments/sides. I also ordered a tamale and this is where things went wrong. They sent a tamale that had been put in a microwave for like 10 minutes and was stuck to the paper. It was completely overheated...

Small place with only 7 outdoor tables and 6 bar stools at a counter. No indoor seating. Customer service was very friendly and helpful. Prices are reasonable but a little more than some places. I ordered a breakfast burrito which had eggs, sausage, potatoes and cheese in it. The size was huge. I tried the Pork and Pollo tamales. They were wide but short. The masa was moist and tasted good. The meat is the pork was more flavorful but both were yummy. My hubby got a lengua Street Taco and used the 15% off Yelp check-in coupon for a 2 chicken enchilada combination plate substituting rice for extra lettuce. He said the lengua was plain and lacked flavor. However the chicken enchiladas did have good flavor and he appreciated that they allowed him to trade the rice for lettuce. Their selection of sauces is great. They have mild, green salsa, avocado salsa, red salsa and an orange looking salsa. Their carrots with peppers were good and the limes were wrapped well and were juicy. Wish they had fans outside to help keep the flies from bugging us but other than that,...

My coworker and I always come here after finding out it is open late! We tend to come in with multiple orders and despite the time of night and mass amount of food, it always tastes fresh and on point! Some places charge for extra hot sauce/salsa but this place has a nice selection of sauces and they have no problem with me grabbing a few since I love it. Every time we bring some into work, other people are asking where we got it. I will gladly tell them as long as they keep their hands off my food. Owner is always super friendly and courteous! He remembers us and makes us feel like valued customers! Sometimes I feel sort of guilty because I'm sure he wasn't expecting a 50 dollar food order at this time of night, but he cooks it with a smile even when he's running the shop solo. Enough rambling, amazing food and will continue to go there!! I almost hate my nights off work because it's a long commute...