From the outside, El Taco looks like the perfect Mexican pit-stop. It's brightly painted and looks like somewhere you'd stumble across once you've crossed the border. There's a cluster of stools where you can sit and enjoy your food before carrying on your journey - or you can grab a plate of food to take away. Unfortunately, the food just isn't that tasty. The fajitas and burritos taste stodgy and bland and the nachos covered in melted cheese and jalapenos taste like cheap cheese. None of this seems to bother the punters however, as the size and cheapness of the portions - £3.50 for massive veg and chicken burritos, £2.75 for nachos - means it's got a constant turnaround of students and locals looking to grab some quick, easy fuel. After too many beers, I sometimes find myself going to El Taco myself. Half an hour later though, I usually end up regretting it and wishing I'd gone home and cooked some fresh fajitas with a side helping of avacado, sour cream and diced red chillis myself. read more

El Taco - Tex-Mex Near Me - Brighton, BNH

When I first passed El Taco walking towards Hove, I suddenly thought I had found my Taqueria. Being Fake Latin, I'm always on the lookout for authentic Mexican food where ever I travel to, and yes I can compare because I have eaten real Mexican food in Mexico. El Taco, unfortunately did not live up to my standards of what Mexican fast food is. The white rice with melted cheese which becomes like a layer of plastic out of the microwave, and the one tortilla with my taco plate left my stomach begging for something authentic. The only thing authentic in El Taco is the Mexican football flag that hangs from the ceiling. The price seems right for not really charging over £4 for anything, including nachos and quesadillas. El Taco is the type of place you stumble into late at night after too many cervesas, but sober, I would rather have taco night at my place. read more

From the outside this little hut doesn't look like much, but anybody that likes a bit Mexican food will certainly be able to enjoy El Taco. The menu is comprised of the well known dishes that have taken off in popularity over here; burrito, enchilada, fajita etc. The main joy of El Taco is that it's everything you want in Mexican food, and it costs about a fiver. I could happily go there every day without fail, and at such good prices, it wouldn't be the worst money I have ever spent. The best option is to get your food to go because you will struggle to find a seat; there are only about 5 of them in the whole place. read more

This was one of those places that for 7 years suffered my "I should try that place one day" fate. But a couple of weeks ago I finally gave it a shot (albeit through Just Eat, because there was no way I was going to eat in their rickety wooden shed). Food took about an hour to arrive. It was luke warm. Yes, it was very filling. But it was SO BLAND. I don't know how they managed to make spicy food tasteless. I had a chicken fajita and I think we also ordered some quesadillas. At first, I was eating with a fake "mmm this is different". This is the face I eat with when I am trying something new, that I don't like. This is to try and convince myself that I haven't just wasted my money and to try and force an unnatural positivity into the situation for the people around me who are thinking the same. But I had wasted my money. And this was a terrible situation. It was uninspired Mexican gruel with a few lonely pieces of lettuce in an overly sized wrap. Do yourself a favour, save £20, grab an El Paso kit and enjoy flavours. Try El Taco once, so that you know never to take taste for granted again. read more

El Taco serves without doubt the best Mexican snacks I've ever tasted. I happened across it one holiday night as I was wandering around trying to find a cheap dinner that didn't involve chips or grease, and was lured in by the prices. My massive veggie burrito only cost about £3.50 and while I was waiting I enjoyed chatting to the friendly owner. At the time I was fostering a London-sucks-let's-live-in-Brighton state of mind, and the idea that great value, nutritious and delicious Mexican food would be waiting for me if I went through with it was a very comforting one! read more

As other comments suggest it looks as though it could be a great little taqueria like those found in trucks and holes in the walls in LA or NYC. Sadly not!! When i walked in was hoping for a little taco snack and then the rude spanish girl threw the massive tortilla into the microwave at this point i should have left. It is more like the mexican you would make at home but not as good. Packet type guacamole, dollops of sour cream and cheese all on a mirowaved tortilla ( burrito size ) with some lukewarm steak. The quesadilla was much the same. They need to sort this out pronto as it really is not mexican food!!! Will not go back and definitely not recomend even as a late night snack after a few pints. Too many good new places in Hove to bother. I think Felix T must be the owner or at least a friend either that or he has no tastebuds. You can get great cheap fast mexican in a place like this, just not here !!! read more

Do not know where they got idea tacos should taste or look to what they serve? This ain't nice mexican . Avoid read more

I struggled with rating this place because on the one hand, it is greasy and cheap nonsense that may well give you a dodgy belly. On the other hand, I really do love any kind of Mexican food and this one is particularly good drunk food. I used to get food from here quite often when I used to go clubbing at The Engine Room and would always get the chili con carne burrito. It would be interesting to see what it's like when sober! read more

Whatever. I'm not a fan. I've lived in Brighton for almost 10 years and this place had always intrigued me because everyone always used to rave on about it and would always be busy, but, because I tend to judge on the appearances of an establishment (sometimes) I avoided it. I decided to get over myself and ordered myself and Scott some enchiladas and tacos. We had been and chicken and got it delivered. Utter disappointment. The beef was like mystery meat and the chicken was bland. I honestly do not understand why people rave about this place when there are far better Mexican place to choose from. Personally I wood avoid! read more

I love this place. It's not particularly authentic and you may feel a little cheesed out afterwards, but for a quick snack that's tasty, hot and comforting it does it for me. I really enjoy the situation of it too, you can't do anything but people watch whilst sat in the window and its a great spot for it. If you want something quick, fiery and laden with cheese go for the chicken enchilada with the hot salsa. Om om om. read more

Judging this place by restaurant standards is the wrong thing to do. It's basically a Mexican fast food joint that provides hearty food for those in need of something a little different than their regular takeaway. I admit the food may not be of the best quality but you don't usually complain when you're kebab is a bit tough or when your fried chicken is really greasy. Yes the overall blend of flavours could be more balanced and the cheese could be nicer but then you'd start complaining about the price. What El Taco does plainly and simply is serve generous portions of Mexican food that will fill you up and excite your taste buds more than the standard takeaway. I recommend the chilli burrito. read more

Descent food considering the price. Really fast service! Perfect if you're in a hurry.

I had a chicken enchilada and it was just ok. If you want something fast, cheap and filling you could go there but if you want something tasty you should go somewhere else. They have homemade ice cream so if I go there again I'll try that instead of the food. read more

Quite simply the worst burrito I have ever eaten. I would not have fed my dog with that starchy, doughy mess. Do not waste your money.

Ok I wouldn't give this place five stars as there are plenty of things that could be better about it. However, its good points really are good so listen up. All portion sizes are very generous and will fill up pretty much anyone. The chili burrito is perhaps the best thing on the menu as the homemade salsa and guacamole turn what could be average into something really satisfying. If you expect restaurant standards expect to be disappointed. It's simply a great value fast food place for people who want something a little different at a decent price. read more

Amazing. I've only eaten there once but without doubt one of the best fast food places in Brighton. Amazing portion sizes for the price too! I had the chicken burrito and it was simply sublime. read more

The only thing i like about this place is that it is convenient to use. The chicken is tough. The food is not saucy its dry and to cheesy (have tried this place in multiple locations). Also if you compare the prices tortilla its a lot more expensive. Therefore if you want to buy Mexican take away i would recommend that instead. read more

It's just a little shack like place- it's very clean and all- it's just small and basic and tacked onto the end of a row of buildings on Western road. It doesn't look like much but it has treasure within. I have to preface my specific recommendations by saying that I love Mexican food so keep that in mind when I say...the fajitas and burritos from this place are heaven! They make me come up with most ridiculous rationalisations for why I have to have one, they have it all- rice with sour cream, mildly spicey beans, fresh salsa, guacamole, and melted cheese...my god I might have to go get one and bring it home to heat up for dinner! You can choose the toppings you want and vary the spiciness. The portions are big and really reasonably priced- about £4 for a veggie fajita. Admittedly it's probably not that healthy but everything in moderation, right...It's mostly take-away, there are a few stools and tables- I would recommend on a clear day taking the food down to the beach. read more

Someone drove a van through the front window of El Taco recently. I don't know if it was an accident, or some rival restaurateurs (possibly know as Los Banditos del Burrito) trying to put the shivers into their competition, but what I do know is that the wooden boards that were erected were very quickly adorned with scrawled messages of love and support for this small eatery. I was quite amazed, but El Taco obviously draws in the punters and keeps them coming back for more. I have been a few times and enjoyed what I was served. It is always refreshing to try well-priced fast food. It may not be the healthiest option, but sometimes these small guilty pleasures are the best. The staff actually speak Spanish here and you feel there is authenticity rather than pastiche. I am not as much a fan as some others in the area, but I would definitely recommend El Taco for cheapish, tasty fast food. The other great fondness I have for El Taco is that it reminds me of an hilarious episode of South Park with Jennifer Lopez, but that's something for you to find in your own time. "Taco flavoured kisses!" read more

El Taco - Tex-Mex Near Me - Brighton, BNH

I'd wanted to come here because it always seems busy and is in a good spot for lunch. I asked for a chicken burrito. What I got was a splodge of gooey rice in a fajita that maybe had some bits of chicken in it., stuck in the microwave. It was simply disgusting and I ate two bites then left it. I went home and had to wash my mouth out. Now I'm five quid out of pocket, hungry and annoyed. I should have just asked for my money back. read more

OK, so I'm from California, home to some of the best and most authentic cheap Mexican food outside of neighbouring Mexico, so it was always going to be hard to impress me. Nevertheless, I'm astounded that El Taco makes their burritos with Basmati rice! Eso está loco! I have never in my life had Basmati - typically served with Indian or Thai food - in Mexican dishes. I love Basmati but it is just completely the wrong flavour. Mexican rice can be made lots of different ways but basically is made with regular white or brown rice cooked with onions, crushed tomatoes, peas and finely diced carrots and spices such as chili and cumin. It has an orangey appearance. In addition, the staff does not know how to roll a burrito, which should be done so that it is possible to eat with one's hands rather than it collapsing into a mushy pile. This is why you'll notice in California, where burritos are the most popular non-chain fastfood, that after rolling they are tightly wrapped in a thin sheet of foil which the eater peels back bit by bit, as they work their way down the burrito. Finally, having realized I could not get an authentic burrito at this shop I went in there one day to get a side order of refried beans, something that would cost about 50 cents for half a cup or so, back in Cali (even cheaper in Mexi). Again, this is a completely standard side order that any Taco parlour should be familiar with. El Taco staff was totally flummoxed by my request and then wanted to charge me a pound for about a tablespoon of refried beans that they had shoved into one of those teeny plastic pots for condiments. Refried beans is not a sauce! I walked out, went across the road to Waitrose and bought an entire tin of refried beans.... plus the rest of the ingredients necessary for me to make my own Mexican food at home. Needless to say, there was no Basmati rice in my shopping cart. read more