If you're the average traveler driving down West Broadway, this is the kind of place you glance at and think, "I don't know about that one." But if you've ever read Adam Richman's America the Edible, you already know the truth: the best food in America is usually hiding in the places people overlook. Taco Rey Coliman is one of those places. My wife and I tried two dishes, and not only did they deliver -- one of them tapped directly into Mexican street‑food DNA in a way I did not expect in Massachusetts. Super Carne Asada Fries -- The Star of the Show This dish is exactly what pig‑out food should be: bold, layered, unapologetic, and engineered for joy. - French fries - Marinated steak - Cheese - Lettuce - Guacamole - Pico de gallo - ...and what I expected to be sour cream Except it wasn't sour cream. What I tasted was mayonnaise, and they added ketchup, and the whole thing fused into a perfect mayochup situation. The pico de gallo hits the mayo‑ketchup blend and suddenly the whole plate dances -- bright, tangy, savory, creamy, crunchy, all at once. It's American comfort food wearing Mexican street‑food flair, and somehow that makes it the most Mexican thing possible. It was delicious. It was filling. It was $11.99. And I couldn't finish it. You absolutely cannot go wrong. Victoria's Chicken Quesadillas If your only experience with quesadillas is Taco Bell, Qdoba, or Chipotle, you've been lied to. Those places hand you something thin, floppy, and barely filled -- practically communion wafers with grill marks. Taco Rey Coliman does the opposite. My wife doesn't like a lot of ingredients, so she ordered hers simple: chicken and cheese. They stuffed these quesadillas. They were crisp, toasted, and structurally sound -- not soggy, not limp, not sad. This is what quesadillas are supposed to be when someone actually cares. Service & Atmosphere The owners were genuinely excited that I was reviewing the place. They're anxious to please, eager to improve, and clearly proud of what they're building. They still have some developing to do, but what they're doing right now absolutely works. Final Verdict Taco Rey Coliman is exactly the kind of hidden gem Adam Richman writes about -- the kind of place where real food lives. Ignore the unfair reviews. Go in with an open mind and an empty stomach, and you'll walk out happy. read more

As someone who was born and raised in Mexico, lived in San Diego for 10 years, and has now spent 4 years in Massachusetts, I have been on a desperate search for good Mexican food. I constantly go out of my way to try new spots because, honestly, I don't always want to myself cook authentic Mexican food at home. I've gone to those 5-star places highly praised by non-Mexicans here in the east coast, only to find the food is either completely mid or so far off from actual Mexican food that I can't even eat it. Mind you I am not a picky eater and is always eating a variety of cuisines on rotation like Russian, Indian, Korean etc. This restaurant is a massive exception. This is the closest thing I have found to actual food from Mexico since moving here. The flavors are authentic, traditional, and excellent. I genuinely don't understand how some of these comments are so rude. A lot of people are complaining about the portions being small and the food being bland. Let's be real: American restaurant portions are extremely oversized. The portions here are normal, traditional sizes. And if you think the food is bland, it's because you're looking for heavy, Americanized Tex-Mex covered in salt and yellow cheese. Traditional Mexican cuisine is about fresh ingredients, citrus, and complex flavors not junk food. If you come here looking for Americanized Mexican food just to complain about the mindset, please don't. Come with an open mind to dive into a new culture with flavors you're not used to. If you want Taco Bell, go to Taco Bell. Don't ruin businesses for small, local restaurants that are serving authentic food just because you aren't the targeted audience. For anyone actually wanting a taste of real Mexican cuisine, this place is a gem. 10/10. read more

Excellent food, great service. We get take out from here at least once a week. ....it's real. Not like Chipotle. You get good food made right EVERYTIME!! read more

so based. loved the food. loved the tacos. service was great! if you want tacos in gardner, this is the place!

Not a very satisfying experience. The mofongo was the worst, I've ever had. The prices are way too expensive for the tiny portions. The inside is run down and is not welcoming. read more

The food was great. I got the birria tacos. It is just birria braised meat, the tacos were not dipped in consume and grilled nor was it served with consume. It was delicious however. Empanada was great too. I wish the restaurant was more lively with music. When I went in it was very quiet. read more

Food was 100% bad .. you can taste how bad the meat was, supposed to be thrown out I can't believe they serve me old meat. Order from doordash will never eat here again read more

Worst empanadas I've had. They were nearly hollow, over salted, no seasoning... just meat and cheese. Very greasy. Rice and Beans were good. Soggy nachos with barely any guac. read more

Taco Rey Coliman - "Fried Pork Empanada" very dry hollow and salty - Tex-Mex Near Me - Gardner, Massachusetts

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Walked in for the first time tonight, and wow. The funky smell that hit me from the run-down dining room should have had me turning around and walking right back out the door. I figured I'd push through and give them a shot, as there were some favorable reviews on here. Three workers looked at me and my husband while we were standing at the counter, one gentleman walked right by us. NO ONE said hello, asked if we were all set, took our order, NOTHING!! After an awkward five minutes of standing there, smelling the atrocious carpet or whatever was decaying in that building, we left. Probably saved us a round of food poisoning. read more

It's one thing to be in the ghetto of a major city and land some authentic cuisine...it is quite another to be in the armpit of the northeast, and stumble upon a seriously authentic experience! My first clue, yelps help. Solid reviews. Upon entry, the entire staff is of Mexican descent. Finally, they make errthing fresh and in house. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that the owner transitioned from food central, San Francisco, to God knows why....this shabby city! He is dishing out delicious, albeit subtle flavors. To the untrained palate they may say bland, but it's there, and it's amazing! In conclusion, GET THE FLAN!!! Made fresh in house. I would put it against any I've had my entire life. Zivali!! read more

Taco Rey Coliman - FLAN! - Tex-Mex Near Me - Gardner, Massachusetts

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Great authentic delicious Mexican food. Good prices too. Not sure what to order, they'll make recommendations and help you out. Highly recommend this home-cooking style independent over any chain. read more

Great place to place and order and take out. Haven't eaten in- mainly because it feels like an old restaurant with the booth style tables. Food is great- I am vegetarian so not sure about the meat dishes (but the kids eat them and never complain). Service is great- very friendly family. read more

The tamales are absolutely AMAZING! Haven't tried anything else, but I bet it's just as good.

Food is good when you get what you order. 3 times order through door dash and they accept items that they don't have. Flan they will charge you and not have, tacos, if you choose beef, they give you what they have, which is always chicken. They were open..accepted my $43 order, door dash walked into the restaurant that unlocked and no one was there. Sent me a picture of a closed restaurant! Unreal. read more

We ordered food to be delivered. Straight forward order with no changes/special instructions. Our food was delivered two doors down and was completely incorrect. So disappointed! read more

The tacos were amazing, especially the fish ones. Perfectly cooked. The staff are very friendly too. This is my spot when I'm in the area. Hidden (or not so hidden?) gem. read more

Good tacos and burritos! Service is great and prices are fairly reasonable for today's standards.

I would give it -0 stars, I ordered from this place and the food was just not good at all. It was very dry and bland did not taste good . I ordered about 50 dollars worth of things and nothing was edible. I wasted so much money and the only thing that was worth it was the lemonade. The chips were very overcooked, and dry with no salt at all. The cheese/queso dip was dry and hard, could not dip my chips in it. The chicken did not taste good at all. The steak was not cooked all the way through. The rice was probably the worst of it all, it had a hint of that bleach taste. Needless to say i did not have any lunch and wasted 50 dollars. Never again and this review is so people know to think carefully and not make the same mistake as I did. read more

The wait wasn't too long for my takeout order. They were nice and the price was good for the amount of food you get.

First time having taco Rey take out. All the food was delicious nachos we're crunchy with fresh lettuce drizzle of sour cream. Chimichanga was crunchy not drippy with Oil.. Beef burrito was filling with great taste, and kids were all very happy with the kids meal's. Service was friendly and efficient!! Highly recommend I'll definitely come back for another chimichanga!! read more

Taco Rey Coliman - Chimichanga - Tex-Mex Near Me - Gardner, Massachusetts

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Maybe my favorite place in Gardner right now! Was a little concerned there wouldn't be much to eat in town, but this place is excellent! Beans have a great, stick to your ribs consistency. Tacos were stellar, burrito my partner got looked very full and he loved it. Great place to jump in, grab something and feel satisfied. Feels very homemade in that good way - like you're eating in a friend's kitchen. read more

Tamales are good.Ordered them for xmas. Such good service every time we stop in.Would definitely go back! read more

Beat customer service and great portions, the prices are perfect and it's a cute place just to get a quick bite to eat!

I got a chicken burrito. It came with the burrito, a side of rice, beans and lettuce. The contents of the burrito lacked flavor. The chicken was a bit dry for my taste. Beans and rice were as expected compared to other Mexican food restaurants around the area. The service was good, nothing bad happened and I was treated with respect and kindness. The ambiance of the restaurant lacked life. The look was "sad". read more

Fish,chicken, beef,pork and shrimp i have had them all they are all awesome reminds me of Mexican street food love it!

Great food with lots of flavor. Got the chicken quesadilla and it came with some super delish guac (I'd ask for extra next time) and a homemade hot sauce which was awesome. Also had a beef taco which is a heck of a taco for $2 bucks! Hubs got the pork carnitas which were sooo well spiced and fantastic. Overall, great place for Mexican! Update: Have since been back multiple times and it's been great each time. I am obsessed w/ the homemade hot sauce. Not crazy spicy, but just so darn good. read more

Taco Rey Coliman - Tex-Mex Near Me - Gardner, Massachusetts

Oh no! I forgot a picture. This is a quintessential "hole in the wall" place that the locals go to. The booths need some TLC, the music is intermingled with Spanish flair from the cooks. The food is simplistic, but flavorful and plentiful. We each ordered a chicken quesadilla. The cheese was a great blend and the chicken was tender. I got the hot sauce to add some flavor. The rice and beans (pico, sour cream, guac) that came with it was more than enough. They bring your food to you on real plates and clear the tables. I was curious about this place and cannot wait to go back. I did not see queso on the menu sadly. read more

Ordered 3 chicken chimichangas ... out of all three combined could of fit enough chicken to fit on one fork. All rice...no doubt. Asked for pico de gallo... 50 bucks in and gave me a spoon full...no hot sauce. .smmmmmmmalllll tiny portions.. over the top over price. Keep looking don't waste your money. read more

Very mom and pop store. The food is delicious and the price is very reasonable. Tacos is what I always get there w my husband. Compare to town it's pretty reasonable. read more

Passing through town at a weird after-lunch and still before-dinner time and thought this place looked fun--and it was! Great, fresh food and friendly service. We had shrimp cocktail (a warm version I'd never had but was so yummy and kids loved it), chicken enchiladas with mole, chimis ranchero, beef tacos, rice, quesadillas + a passion fruit drink that was amazing. read more

Eat here tonight. Unbelievable authentic Mexican cuisine (as far as I know). Got pork ranchero chimichanga, wife got pork chimichanga. Both fantastic. Burnt ends, juicy pork, extremely fresh. This guy cooks it in front of your face! Refried beans were perfect, yellow rice kinda crunchy how we like it. Cost? Dirt cheap. 2 freshly made tacos, 2 chimichanga meals for less than $25?! Unbelievable. Value for food beats anything from mezcal, south side, or Acapulco's. Famous hot sauce is homemade. More of a spicy salsa IMO. But nonetheless superb. Hit a liquor store, grab a bottle of tequila and Coronas, and swing by for takeout for optimal results. read more

In downtown Gardner we have found our go to Mexican Restaurant, with good food, decent prices and polite staff. Their weekday taco special is a no brainer with 2 tacos, rice and beans for $5. The burrito entree is another favorite. read more

Ordered "crispy flautas" with no guac and no sour cream but extra pico De gallo and green salsa on the side. I specifically said extra green salsa with everything I ordered this time around and they gave me none ((00)) green salsa and they threw the Pico de gallo all over the flautas. Now they are no longer "crispy flautas" but --soggy-- flautas. If they weren't so cheap here they would have put the Pico De gallo in a side cup. My chicken taco was so plain because of course they ignored my green salsa request and the tortilla was soaked and dropping wet. My chicken empanada was okay even without the green salsa I yet again asked for and did not receive. My steak taco would had been decent had there been -green salsa- . it wasnt soaking wet and broken like the chicken taco. I ordered a passion fruit juice. Havent tried it but i can tell you it cant make up for the poor quality of this restauarant. read more

I only eat the nachos in private. They are so good I devour in minutes. I am non dairy and it's hard finding good nachos without overcompensating for cheese read more

Coming from California where there are so many Mexican spots this place is bland. I ordered the chicken quesadilla which was okay and three carne asada tacos which came with a little bit of meat and a lot of fatty pieces. For 2 dollars a taco it isn't worth it and I've honestly just had way better tacos than this place. read more

Not that great. Thought the burritos were gonna have everything that was on the menu item but just rice chicken and cheese in burrito. The rest on the side haha. Didn't really enjoy it at all. The side of rice was stale. Chips in the nachos are decent but overall not going back again. read more

their queso is literally just melted shredded cheese. i ordered it for takeout and it came in a literal block.

We are usuals here, amazing food and always looking forward to trying some of their new items on the menu. Although we tend to get the same items ever time we good. Highly recommend. read more

No flavor and when asked for some salt, the woman behind the counter asked why. Because it's bland tasteless beans!

I hate to do this because the people who work here are super nice, it's clean, and I was hoping it would be so much more. First, the service was super slow, like "we'll get around to this sometime." The second thing is that the food is really bland. They season everything with the same Goya-type seasoning used everywhere. The beans and rice a bland. The meat items are all seasoned the same. The cheese is the yellow, rubbery cheddar which really disappointed me when it was in my empañada. They put the usual tomatoes and lettuce on top of everything. The redeeming item is the hot sauce. We are a family of Mexican Food lovers living in the good Mexican food wasteland of New England, and I really wanted to like this place but it is probably only slightly above my least favorites. I'm sorry, so sorry. read more