Food is blah. The inside is kind of dark. It's not horrible, it's not great. The staff are really nice though!

Service was great but the food was trash. The water was sick, tacos were no good flavorless meat, shrimp cocktail was terrible. We have never left a restaurant so fast. read more

I really want to like this spot. The location is awesome. There's so much potential for this to be a truly great spot, but the food needs help. I think maybe the menu is dialed in to serve Atascadero's aging White population, which explains why the asada tastes like it's seasoned with Lowrey's instead of anything you might expect to season Mexican food with. I'm really unsure. The staff are all really nice, and like I said the location has potential, but this just kind of strikes me as missing the mark if you love good authentic Mexican food. read more

My family of four walked in this restaurant and a gentlemen ( maybe the owner/ manager ) behind a desk said there's four of you for lunch , we said no there're seven total then he proceeded to say Oh you guys need a reservation , we have a small restaurant and it's really busy right now, we don't have enough tables for a large group/ party , he was sooo NEGATIVE and not accommodating AT ALL , my husband is the one who said what about 2 tables closes together and the men ( owner/ manager) was like Huh well I can seat you over here but it's going to be a tight squeeze and we only have one cook so you will have to wait and be patient. It was like he didn't want the business , we had been to the Zoo / Park all morning/ afternoon so by 2:30-3:00 we were hungry and my husband loves Mexican food , that's the ONLY reason why we stayed, I ordered ceviche tostada it was salty, my nephew and his mom ordered tacos and they said tacos need more meat but taste was just OK his sister-in-law ordered a combination plate she seemed to like her dish , my son had children plate of tamale beans/ rice and he seem like his tamale , my oldest so didn't eat and my husband ordered the Fajitas combo (steak/chicken/ shrimp, ) he said that it was good but needed a little bit of seasoning and the 7th person was a 16 month old boy he enjoyed his plate, the server Jess was very nice and quick w/ the drinks and we give her 5 stars on service, she was great! The men at the door who sat us need to know that he need be ACCOMMODATING to your customers and be POSITIVE , he should NEVER LET YOUR CUSTOMERS SEE YOU STRESS OUT PERIOD, WE FELT UNCOMFORTABLE W/ HIM AND WE WILL NEVER BE BACK THERE AGAIN . We will be back to Atascadero , We loved our visit to the Zoo ! read more

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This review will take a bit of explaining. My wife enjoyed her salad and I like my three tacos, which while very small were quite tasty. We'd range between a 3-4 star rating. The gentleman server (maybe an owner or manager?) was quite personable and attentive with a strong take-charge personality. The reason for rating this establishment a star-lower was that during the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic in November 2020, not once in 8 trips to our outdoor table did the server ever wear a mask - a violation of local health directives. We'd pull up ours each time, but he never respected our space as he had quite a personality and his voice projected strongly toward us. So why didn't we say something to him? We were both afraid that we might anger him and he might do something like spit in our food when out of sight. Besides, my wife was painfully hungry and no other options were in sight. We will never return during the Pandemic and suggest you don't either if you're concerned about someone respecting your food and space during the Pandemic - otherwise I'd give them a 3-4 star rating. read more

Great Mexican food Jessie - Incredible Service and amazing personality. I'd hire her @LoveKeepr.com We were late to Hearst Castle and she made our day. Thank you Marinas Cocina! The LoveKeepr read more

First of all we had great customer service!! Both waitresses were so nice and prompt with our needs. Food is phenomenal. Everything taste homemade. I had the Chile verde plate and couldn't get enough! We're from the LA area and I know good food. This place serves authentic Mexican food. The atmosphere is decorated like a cantina. Highly recommend. read more

Got take out last night. Food was good but a little pricey. I got the chimichonga a la carte and a side of beans. Great flavor in both. The side of beans was $3 and could have fed a while family. Would have liked a smaller option on the side of beans. The chimichonga was big enough to fill you up. read more

El Taconazo - Side order of beans - Mexican Near Me - Atascadero, California

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Delicious food and service! We ordered the guacamole, michelada, tostada salad, and pozole. It was all authentic! We will be back.

Marina's Cocina-Atascadero First off, get the salsa! As much as you can! It is perfectly spicy and complements your entire meal. The Giant Chili Relleno Burrito is cheesy, perfectly fried, and made with the freshest of ingredients. I was there on a sunny day and enjoyed the spacious patio and their great prices on beer. The staff was very helpful and accommodating . We will be back! read more

We came in last night when the Mr. really wanted chili verde and Garcias was fresh out. He of course ordered the large chili verde burrito and I ordered the chimichanga dinner. There were a number of other patrons and only 1 server. She was running like long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Despite this she was friendly and mostly on top of things. I did ask for no lemon in my water and it arrived with a big fat wedge. I can be forgiving on that. The chips and salsa were pretty good. Our food arrive in a timely manner. Mine was quite good- the best chimichanga I've had since leaving Fresno. He said the chili verde was good, but a bit too spicy for him. I asked the waitress if he could get a small chicken burrito instead, since most of the other was uneaten. She was fairly gracious and apologized saying that some times the jalepenos they use are very spicy. The burrito that came out had a MUCH milder orangey red sauce and was much easier for him to eat. We will come back again! read more

This restaurant is conveniently located on Moro Road. There is plenty of parking. Staff are friendly, the food is tasty and delivered quickly. The prices are reasonable. There are plenty of menu options. I will definitely be back! read more

El Taconazo - Mexican Near Me - Atascadero, California

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Well it's time to update my review for this wonderful little Mexican restaurant. We're always greeted by the very friendly cashier and seated immediately. The menu has so many choices it's often hard to make up your mind. I'm a great fan of chili verde and a medium chili verde burrito is really huge. I can't imagine what the huge burrito is like. Maybe if I come in with three people we could try one of those. My wife is quite partial to the shrimp taco, which comes with some grilled shrimp that are just marvelous oh, and she just Raves about it every time. We had a friend with us on the last stop a couple of days ago and she had a chile verde plate the rice to beans and the chili verde filled the platter and I thought how is she going to eat all of that. Well slowly but surely she did and she was very happy. I want to let things I really like does he have thin chips that are warm when they hit the table and that to me is terrific. A thin crisp tortilla chip with their salsa is just right. The chip basket is bottomless so I have to be careful that I don't totally fill up on the chips and salsa. Anyway the waitresses so nice and kind and helpful and everything seems to work smooth for me. So whatever they're doing they're doing it right and I suggest you give it a try. Well-worth stop read more

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It was just okay. Our rice was cold, our tacos had very little meat and were pretty much flavorless. We last visited this spot 3 years ago (under the previous name) and decided to give it another shot. We were disappointed. There are better Mexican food places in town, skip this one. read more

The food at El Taconazo is actually pretty good, but the reason I gave it 3 stars is because the waitress and cook were not wearing masks which is a requirement! What the heck are they thinking? Don't they want to protect their customers? I definitely will not be going back! read more

Haven't had authentic Mexican food in a while and this place really impressed me. Clean restaurant, great attentive service, and the food was tasty. The salsa is said to be spicy, but it's just barely. We ordered the nachos w/carnitas (appetizer), an order of chicken taquitos, and an order of beef taquitos. We also ordered a side of guacamole, but didn't really have to because they give big portions on the plates. Their tortilla chips are probably my new favorite. So good that we bought two bags to-go. This place is well-worth getting off the 101. It's not far from the exit. read more

This is now our new favorite restaurant!! My wife and I came here for the first time the other day. We have seen marinas many times But never stopped til now.... Wow what a great surprise, food was hot and fresh ingredients were used, service was great too. Although the salsa could of been spicier and almost sure it was PRE packaged, over all, our experience was great and we will be back soon!!! read more

One of the best Ortega burgers I've had. Ordered at 2:09 and Grub Hub driver had it here before 2:35. All the food I ordered was hot. Very pleased and will definitely be ordering from them again. Thank you. read more

By far the BEST Mexican food in Atascadero!! My husband and I are both born and raised in Atascadero. We have so many Mexican food restaurants here in town. This place is by far the best freshest food with the most amazing customer service!! Their chips and salsa are absolutely best in town along with whatever you order.. so yummy our fav is the fajitas!!Can't ask for more from a restaurant read more

Like many of the prior posts.... Our Go-To place for great food and atmosphere. From the amazing food and inexpensive ice cold draft beers to their prompt courteous wait staff, my girlfriend and I love it. Especially the nachos asada, pollo flauta, and melt in your mouth chilli relleno. The Best little Mexican Restaurant in three counties. read more

This was my first time to this place. It's changed hands many times through the years. We really loved way back in the day when it was LoLo's. I am pretty picky with meat, so I was nervous to try it... but I was craving chile verde. So I ordered a chile verde burrito and I was impressed!!! It was delicious and the meat was amazing!! It was so big, I could only eat half... so I'm excited I get to have the other half for lunch tomorrow. Our waiter was very nice and funny too!! He has us laughing a few times. It was a very enjoyable experience there and I look forward to going back and trying more menu items. We were a party of 4 and everyone loved their food!! I'm going to share this restaurant info with all my friends and family. I really hope they do well. read more

I went in today and ordered a few items to go and told the guy I would wait outside. I was a bit uneasy about the man taking my order. He not only was rude and aggressive in my face, like I could not hear him. He was not wearing a mask so I simply cancelled my order and left. The name of the establishment has changed but the service is still crappy! read more

Fantastic tacos, the ambience is friendly and aesthetically engaging. This will now be a regular stop on my commute in this direction.

Waitress moved quickly but had to wait for everything. 1. We both order a beer each and I ask for water. She dosn't stay long enough at our table to ask if my husband would like water too. 2. Returns with 1 beer, gives it to my husband and 1 water to me. 3.Tossed my salad ,without dressing, on our table so fast it spun like a top.Couldn't catch her attention to remind her of my dressing. 4.Still waiting for 2nd beer 5. Food arrives which is mediocre. 6.Get the whole container of dressing, not a ramekin of it. As soon as I poured some out of it. She took it and put it away. Overall, I can't return. read more

Great and attentive service, but the food wasn't up to par for my taste. They only offer refried beans, no whole or black beans. The rice was clumpy and some crispy, but mixed with the refried beans was pretty good. Their sauce wasn't very tomato flavored for some reason. I had the chile relleno lunch ($1 more at night), which was enjoyable, but with a mild chile flavor. The big plus for this place is the 350 degree plates they bring your food on to keep it warm through the whole meal. Authentic ambiance, except for watching Family Feud on one of the TV's. I've been to this restaurant at least 4 or 5 times now (when visiting the area). read more

If you want real, authentic, delicious Mexican food then come here!! I love this place and I'm so glad I found it, I recommend it to every person I come across. Nothing ever disappoints on the menu, and I keep coming back to try new things every time! I love their carne asada salad made with huge slices of tender marinated beef, and their albondigas soup is delicious with home made albondigas meatballs!! The staff is so sweet and helpful, always greeting you with a smile, I cant say enough good things about this place! read more

Service is 5 Star! The food is great id definitely be back when I'm in the area. Growing up in Central Coast I've had better Mexican food but this place is a solid choice! The place is well kept and very clean! Thank you El Tacozano! read more

This is the BEST mexican food resturant that i have eaten at in along time. The food on the menu looks Exactly like the food they serve you. I highly recomennd this place. read more

Food was very tasty service very friendly! Stopped by on a busy Saturday night and everyone was great!

Looked like a great place to start. My parents had previously visited the place a few times before. Dont get me wrong the food was OK. And the staff was great. But as soon as we walked in, the owner or manager, whoever he was, greeted us with attitude. My parents greeted him as if they were excited to be back with their family. They were introducing us to a new spot in atuscadero, and we were looking forward to it. But then, the manager looked at all of us and said "do you have a reservation?" ..mind you the restaurant was completely dead at 530 in the evening and they close early at 830 i believe. There was two other people in the bar..literally. So our parents and all of us looked kind of confused and then he told us "Its our motto..if you have 4 or more you need a reservation" And then he proceeded to look angered and began putting two tables together. There was 7 of us total. If this restaurant owner or manager wanted to make money he would not have a "MOTTO" like that. Period. Especially if your restaurant was literally DEAD. But thanks for the great service from your hard working employees. At least they care about customers. We won't be back there ever again. Thanks read more

Pork Pozole is delicious. ..chips and salsa are awsome. $2 bud light and miller light drafts all day are great. read more

El Taconazo - Mexican Near Me - Atascadero, California

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This place is a bit over-priced for the quality of food provided. The bacon wrapped shrimp were good. The chiles rellenos were very good. Interesting margarita read more

Lovely beautiful restaurant with very fast service. The only reason for the three star review is because they pre-fried the (small) taco shells in order to be able to fill them when an order is placed. I prefer tacos to be filled and fried when ordered. read more

This is our go to for good Mexican food. We love their albondigas and enchiladas. Husband loves their chili relleno, you really can't go wrong with anything on their menu. Service is fantastic as well! read more

My Husband and.i had lunch there today . We had the Cheese Enchilada Salad. It was ok ! However paying ten forty five a plate was definitely not worth it. The server never came back after.the lunch was served to see of if we needed any thing . The service was so slow for the for the small of guests present. This used to be a really excellent Restaurant. However No Bueno!! read more

Great food and great beer prices. Not the fanciest place in town but they get the job done.

Everything on the menu is awesome! My favorite is the chili relleno dinner, it's hard to find a good chili relleno but they nailed it! They also make homemade micheladas that are the best! read more

Craving Mexican. This place is well worth the stop. So authentic yummy. Wish to have shared a photo. We gobbled our food so fast. Super yumm read more

The food here is decent. However, it's pricy.. and the customer service leaves something to be desired. Last time I was in, I asked for a refill on a basket of chips (we had a party of 6).. and they said they "were out of chips." Huh? A Mexican place out of chips? What if someone orders nachos? Why was there not foresight to ensure there was chips on hand for customers coming in/ chip related dish orders? Basic beers out (think Bud Light), out of the Jarritos drinks they have on display as options. The waitress seemed flustered both times we were in, yet there were only 2-3 other tables. Inside is a bit dark for my liking. I really did enjoy the taste of their enchilada sauce. The enchilada salad was good, although a smallish portion for the price, considering it's mostly plain lettuce with a cheese enchilada thrown in for good measure. In a town with plenty of Mexican food options.. your money is better off somewhere else. read more

The guacamole was delicious. Delicious. The tamale and tacos were too. Def recommend eating here if you are in town. It is also the closest restaurant to the zoo. read more