Jose's Taco Shop, Merced

[susancinsf]

Stopped in for a quick lunch. This taqueria near the Merced Mall has a surprisingly large menu given its small size, and offers both to go and eat-in tables. Signs on the windows advertise specials such as tacos de tripas and menudo, available daily.

I stuck to the basics and ordered three tacos: one each of lengua, carne asada and al pastor. My tacos were quickly brought out to me on one plate with a few wedges of lemon as a garnish. Unfortunately, they were only average at best, with the carne asada the biggest disappointment: the meat was somewhat dry and flavorless. All three tacos were served on rather large but probably not house made tortillas; three tacos made a very filling but not necessarily satisfying lunch. Three tacos and a Mexican Coke, with tax, were about $7.

On a positive note: the salsa bar was definitely better than average, with zanahorias, pickled whole jalapenos, a salsa fresca and three other salsas over varying heat. And they have Mexican coke.

My guess after seeing a campechana come out, and noticing what others ordered, is that seafood might be a better bet here. OTOH, the campechana includes immitation crab, according to the menu, though at least they are up front about that.

Any other reports on what might be good here?

[Agrippa]

Thanks for the post, that location has changed hands 4 times in the last 4 years.
The original and best taqueria was called Fiesta Mexicana, then the lady sold it in 2005, eventually the 2nd owners moved to the current location on M & 16th which has received mixed reviews. Kudos for trying the place.
On a side note, that location used to be a Pioneer Chicken 20 years ago.

If you like Tortas, you should try 'Ostioneria Guadalajara', as their namesake says, they sell mariscos, which are disappointing, but ironically the place is well known for their tortas, try the carne asada one.

[susancinsf]

Thanks, I will definitely check out the tortas.

here is my report on Fiesta Mexican, from way back when I was still interviewing for the job that brought me to Merced:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/544444

Thinking about it, I really need to get back there. I haven't found better albondigas in Merced. And on that topic, I had a disappointing bowl of albondigas at Mariana's, a new place that has opened up in an otherwise not yet very developed strip mall off of Highway 59. (Fehrens Plaza). However, service was very friendly and the place was remarkably crowded on a weekday, so some people seem to like it. A colleague says the fajitas are quite good, for those who like that sort of thing....

sigh. The quest for really good Mexican food in this town continues. Perhaps a Chowdown is in order?

[Agrippa]

I ate at Mariana's a while back, and I thought the place was good, but the menu and preparation was a carbon copy of La Morenita/Florencios, which was not surprising since I heard through the grapevine that Mariana's owners and staff used to work for La Morenita.

[susancinsf]

Meant to add link for Fiesta Mexicana also. Will try one more time.