CHAVELITA'S RESTAURANT AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD — Restaurant in Toms River

SEE UPDATE BELOW; 01/13/2025

Went to this Restaurant late this afternoon, around 4 p.m.,Sunday, 01/05/2025. I read the reviews on line (2) which are good and saw that it is new. Also on their listing on Google it says they are open until 9:00 p. today. But Not open!!! Upon arrival, sign said “Opening Soon”; upon checking Facebook, their page says they have their Grand Opening Saturday, 01/11/25. How are there reviews posted about a restaurant that is not open yet? And why would they not correct the post that they are not open yet? Not off to a good start!

Update: 01/13/2025 Ate There!

I am a Gringo, but kind of an expert with Mexican Food. And my Spouse is from Mexico.

We ate here today, Monday, 01/13/2025, around 12:00 noon, it was our first visit. The food was good, with some considerations, as below.

Pros: BYOB, Clean appearance, good decor, new / clean bathroom. The Server was efficient, listened and was friendly. Nice painted murals!

Food: Ordered 2 Super Tacos; I Large taco each plate.

Cons: A bit pricey.

Per server; regular tacos are not made by hand, but are double tortilla. Small Dining area has close seating with the old fashioned booth tables, from when it was a Hot Dog place. I would have changed it to tables.

We ordered two Super Tacos. Each entree is One Large Taco with a handmade tortilla and avocado, chicken (pollo) and thin meat (carne asada)

We ordered one with ALL CHICKEN. AND One with Chicken and Meat.

The Chicken one came out with one or two pieces of meat.

The Chicken and Meat one came out with 2 or 3 pieces ( small chunks ) of Chorizo ( Mexican Sausage.)

When the server was asked why the Chorizo was in the Super Taco, she said it must have gotten mixed in from another order on the grill. This may not be good for those not wanting to eat pork. More care needs to be taken.

The Chicken needs more seasoning / flavor. The hand made tortilla could use more flavor.

Based on the prices, portions and food quality I am not sure I would try this place again or recommend it.

See...

Stopped in today. It used to be a hot dog place on the corner of Coolidge; off of Route 37. I noticed it recently and kept wanting to try it. I did not know what to get so Angel my server suggested what I ordered. Honestly, I forget the name of it but the food is so good there. It does not matter what you order you will not be disappointed. It is the best, authentic food I have had locally. It is family run. The boys are so very friendly ; courteous and helpful ; smiling all the time. Angel waited on us today and the name fits him perfectly because he is an angel. Oh you must try the guacamole! It is to die for! when you order guacamole, they cut the fresh avocado right then and there it is the most delicious guacamole I ever had . I even took some home with me. I cannot say enough good about this restaurant. I will be returning many many times and bringing my friends with me to introduce them to this place , I forgot to mention the portions are huge. You do certainly get your moneys worth plus some very...

Small restaurant with great guacamole but needs to improve other menu items and service.

Visited the other day and started off with a guac appetizer which was very good. The chips were home made but 90% of them were burnt and greasy. For enchiladas the only option is chicken which is strange considering they do offer steak and carnitas on the menu for other types of dishes.

The enchiladas were good, but the beans on the side were just barely warm and a very small size. Also had an order of chicken fajitas and they were okay but also relatively small portion size and served directly on a normal plate. Usually fajitas come with some small lettuce/onions/etc which these did not.

The server was just ok and luckily close by as we had to ask for a few items several times and were the only people in the restaurant.

I would try this place again but maybe for Taco Tuesday when they are 50% off.

There are a few parking spots available and...