On Yelp since 2012 I have always rode "High and Low" in my experiences. Which has brought me to places, as an introvert I may have never have experienced. Yelping this long I have noticed a simple truth. The places that have good food always wind up being in the most precarious areas. I never want to place a patron in harm's way. However, on a platform that is constantly seeking out the next big thing I implore you to try this long standing San Antonio staple. Somewhere in the deep Westside is Tacos Martinez. It has a name that is assured of itself. And it is. It is perched in an area after a certain hour you would not find me. It has taqueria hours, which are typically from 6am to 3pm. Parking pretty much here fills up quickly. This is not that restaurant where you sit and someone takes your order. It is a cafeteria style restaurant . You go in line inside and stare at occupied tables. Hoping a party will move so you can find a seat. If you've gone to Luby's it's the same thing in theory. You have to know what you are ordering, as the line and servers move quick. If you've looked at their electronic menu for 2 seconds, that would be 2 seconds too long. You move through a line with a steam table to choose your taco fillings. Any taco you can imagine exists here. They offer the usual taqueria fare like carne guisada. But they have: short ribs, bean and sheese, papa's con huevo, bacon, bacon and egg, barbacoa, mollejas which are pretty Mexican, etc. I usually go with their sausage guisado with beans. My absolute favorite thing is seeing the servers bring out the mountain of tortillas, that will turn into tacos. The servers are quick and very efficient. And they stuff your tacos to the brim. Thus it can be a costly endeavor, which I've seen patrons complain about. Some tacos are easily five dollars or more depending on what you order. But seeing their Chile Relleno, that is the size of Zapata's sombrero is all you need to know. A huge selling point for me is their coffee. A local brewer creates the grounds they use. Rarely do good tacos and coffee collide. They have both here. When you come here and try to find seating the inclination is to send someone to reserve seating. Do not, never do this! Especially on this side of town. Westside side eye is the worse thing you will experience in your life. Even more severe than listening to Nickleback. On the food end their tacos are pretty great. I absolutely love their tortillas. When I bite into them I morph into a feral hedgehog. All the tacos I've had so far have not disappointed. In addition they offer breakfast and lunch plates. If you are expecting an elegant ambience, niceties or warm and fuzzy salutations you won't find those here. It is a "Hole in the Wall" restaurant with owners who are all business. You get in line. You order. You pay. You sit. You eat. You leave. For some its location will dissuade customers. But for me it is slowly becoming my go to taco spot. San Antonio is indeed Taco City. You just have to be open to it. And be like the dude in front of me in line with three barbacoa tacos. read more

Tacos Martinez - Chile Relleno taco. The chile relleno is bigger than the tortilla! - Mexican Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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In 1976 their mother started the business with the help of our father who at the time was a carpet layer. They refurbished an old tire shop into a small 4 table restaurant. The business flourished and they moved to a bigger location and then eventually had two locations. We've been going here for about 20 years and their food is always on point. It is served cafeteria style. You cannot hold a table. You have to go through the line and then find a table to sit down and eat . Still family owned and still very friendly and they really fresh authentic food . read more

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I have been going to Tacos Martinez with my stepmom's side of the family for many years ago. The food is delicious & service is great & I loved it. read more

We have been going to Martinez taco for 30 years but had not been in a long time. We decided to go this morning to see if it was still the best and we were not disappointed. I order simple potato and egg tacos with beans. I also ordered a tender delicious Asada taco which I mixed with my other tacos. My husband ordered the Lengua tacos 2 different kinds and he got a sausage taco. The owner's son and daughter run the place now and they remembered us. The parking is easy and the inside has nice clean tables. We were stuffed and really happy with our breakfast choices. read more

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Food was so amazing !! Guisada was so tender! Great presentation on the Gordita, super friendly staff!! If you're in the area, you have to stop here. Cafeteria style and very clean. Family owned. read more

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Best menudo--well seasoned and well worth the drive 20 miles across town for it! Plenty of tender tripe to hominy balance--wonderful seasoning on point --not too spicy but flavorful. The broth is delightful not being neither too watery nor too thick either. The flour tortillas are exactly like my grandma made--soft, fluffy and perfect for dipping into the menudo soup. This is definitely THE place for the BEST menudo in town! read more

I grew up here and this has been an SA staple. It's exactly as I remember. It is perfect Tex Mex. I love it and always look forward to eating here when I come home. So good. Never change, Taco Martinez!! read more

Delicious food. Tacos are always full, it's like getting 2 tacos for 1. Homemade flour and corn tortillas. Service is prompt. Always a friendly atmosphere. I highly recommend Tacos Martinez. You will be satisfied. read more

Tacos Martinez - Selling t-shirts - Mexican Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Come for the food. Huge tacos, stuffed to almost can't pick up. Great tortillas. Really good carne guisada and barbacoa. Chorizo a bit greasy, but tastes good. Make sure to get the hotter chili. And all cafeteria style, so see it then ask for it. Smallish restaurant, not much parking. But it's clean inside. Will go back to try more tacos. Recommend! read more

Variety of tacos were provided for an Alamo Colleges District professional development session and the tacos were AWESOME.

Chorizo and papa taco 4/5 a little too greasy. I know, they are greasy but this was dripping. Tortilla 5/5 big, fresh, and fluffy Green salsa 5/5 fresh and flavorful. Put it on everything. Puffy taco 5/5 meat was perfectly seasoned and cooked. Puffy shell, great. Barbacoa taco 4/5 a little bland but great with the green sauce. Not very greasy. read more

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So I've been coming to this establishment since I was knee high to a grasshopper but it' WAS hard to break tradition. I remained a customer even with the consistent prices increases; which seem to go up every time I go inside and can be seen on the menu with changes to the prices "masked" by coincidentally pieces of masking tape. Today I went into the establishment and was "helped" by Victoria and as I watch the men ahead of me get heaping spoon fulls (literally 2 per taco) this bruh literally shook of papas from my papa ranchera taco and gave me half a spoon serving. I typically get 3-4 tacos and eat them throughout the day but on this occasion I stopped at the one because if this lady was gonna be skimpy with potatoes, then lord only knows how she would be with the carne asada and tripas. Pictures attached to show uncooked and skimpy potatoes. The owner did say they would remake the taco but she literally was the only one back there so I just got my refund and he gave it with argument. Not as if I was expecting one; this man spends more time and has more conversation on the phone than with the actual customer. Seriously; smile more, make any kind of eye contact, ANYTHING. read more

Tacos Martinez - Skimpy arse papa ranchera taco - Mexican Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

I use to come here with my mom, as a kid, 30+ years ago. This is definitely a local spot; there's a routine here that you have to figure out. I wouldn't say it's intimidating but definitely noticeable and IMO adds to the character and tradition. I see myself bringing my immediate family here to enjoy hometown Tex-Mex. Love the cafeteria-style line, like Luby's, and the staff keeps it moving. Still, if your on a lunch break, you might want to grab-and-go. Food is hot, fresh and delicious. Staff was quick and the price is right for the area and what you're getting. Parking lot can be tight during lunch rush. I'll be for sure coming back. read more

One of my closest friends recommended this place! The food was amazing and it's such a comfort type of place. The servers are very nice and give you exactly what you ask for! Will definitely be coming back. read more

The food here is good and the staff is always friendly every single time I come here. The best in the west.

Well saw a big piece of metal in the tripas and the server was ignoring me when I was telling her what I saw. When she took it out she just threw it away and just kept serving food and pretty much continued to ignore me. I've been her several times before and enjoyed it but not sure if I'll come back if I'm ignored and don't feel safe wring the food. read more

Tacos Martinez - Mexican Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Food is Authentic...very tasty!!! Service...very attentive and respectful servers. Ambiance....authentic Mexican Family restaurant Going for breakfast in the morning. High recommend this hidden gem. read more

It was delicious no matter what you eat. I had a Lengua taco and a carne con chile with a big red.

Food is fresh daily. Tacos are full. Restaurant is clean and service is good. Barbacoa is the best anywhere

Nestled in the heart of the West Side you"ll find delicious Tex-Mex food. Cafeteria style. Fast and friendly service. Causual and comfortable atmosphere. Come check them out for yourself!! read more

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Food was very delicious! Homemade tortillas are the best! Menudo was so good! They have a variety of tasty dishes. You'll definitely enjoy this spot. read more

I came here as a recommendation from a friend and it was pretty much spot on. I love the way you walk in and you head toward the line as if you were at a buffet line. You pick what you want and how many you want, if you order a taco just tell them what you want on the taco and it is piled on your homemade tortilla. I must say I was a bit disappointed at the size of the tortillas but the taste of the taco made up for it. As you go down the line you can order tacos or caldos homemade soup or even a plate. Once you pay you head to your seat and indulged in your creation of a taco. Refills are available in the middle of the room where they have some drink canisters filler with either coffee or tea. I know it's a very visited place as you can see where people come in to pick up there phone orders and the line seems to always be filled with patrons. read more

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This is definitely my favorite taco place in all of San Antonio. I have never had a more flavorful chilaquil taco nor have I had better prepared beans and papas. The tortillas are soft and homemade and they are delicious. I love the cafeteria set up and I can't wait to go back hundreds more times! I grew up with this place and I hope to grow old with it as well. Fantastic! read more

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Awesome as usual. A "must" breakfast stop every time we come to San Antonio. Pancake Breakfast. Chorizo & Egg. Chicharron. Crispy Tripas. Huevos Rancheros. read more

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Always good food here. They are a west side San Antonio landmark for those in the know. Been going here forever. Three generations of my family have been eating here and we still do. The lengua tacos are the best and they have capirotada all the time, not just during lent. read more

Voy hacer muy sincera, la calidad ha cambiado mucho en estos últimos años. Por ejemplo, cuando pasé hoy por un taco de tripas crujientes ya no las hacen igual. Sí, los precios también han subido cómo los de más de los restaurantes y de eso no me quejó. Pagaría cualquier precio si la calidad y el servicio al cliente no cambiaría también. La señora quién nos atendió nos dijo que ya no hacen las tripas tan crujientes y cuando pregunté si me hacen el favor de hacérmelo aunque espero, me dijo qué no. Igual cuando estuve pagando, les pregunté otra vez y dijeron que no. Mi mamá comoquiera ordenó su taco de tripas "crujientes" pero estaban más suaves y masticables aunque no eran tripas en salsa. Yo me mudé de San Antonio hace 15 años y regreso de visita dos veces al año. Siempre venía aquí para un desayuno por lo menos, pero esta visita de hoy será mi última. Jamás regresaré. Que pena y lástima cómo la calidad de la comida y servicio ha cambiado. Mejor vete a Ritas, Little Taco Factory, Panchitos o Blanco Café si desean tacos sabrosos con la misma calidad de los 90s. read more

Great good quick service. The costillas are great it can get busy but the line moves quick. If you're getting tacos to go don't stand in line go to the front. Pro tip read more

The food is good sometimes and sometimes great here. the prices on the other hand are a little too expensive for me. I feel like i'm getting robbed robbed each time i order something and I feel like sacrificed something just to get a taco. also the spicy avacodo green chili really brought out the best in the food with the right amount of salt and pepper but dont expect great service every time you come here, discounts are also against their religion. read more

Will always be my favorite spot..it was mine and my dads favorite breakfast spot. When he passed the owner sent my dad a flower arrangement. Foods always fresh and I recommend read more

Went here after a patient I worked with said these are the best tacos in all of San Antonio! I was supremely satisfied! They were amazing! I highly recommend you check it out. Very reasonably priced too! read more

Went In the morning time on a Saturday. I didn't like how the food looked because it was setting there for a while. Was like a Cafeteria style.This place was ok not the best I have ever had but ok. The lady that served was super sweet and really friendly. The cashier lady was not friendly at all. We had got tacos and bread putting. Only went because my mom wanted to. Lol In side the place it was really old and not updated. Like a mom and pop shop kind of place. Try it maybe you will like it. read more

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We first found this place when we were in college 30something years ago. We had the chance to go back on our way out of town and were surprised to see it was still open and a line out the door! We had to stop - and soooo glad we did. Tacos were so good! Better than I remembered. The line moved fast. Worth the stop!! read more

Food was good the meat needed a little salt. The service was fast for the line to be to the door when you walk in. Prices are great. read more

Tacos Martinez - Carne guisada plate - Mexican Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

BEST. TACOS. EVER!!! I can't say that enough. I've lived on the westside almost all of my life, (with exception of the time I lived in Mexico), and these are hands down, the best tacos in SA. Fresh food, great homemade, fluffy, flour tortillas, spicy salsa, just all in all, the best tacos ever. I absolutely love the Steak Ranchero taco. It is my favorite. Chicharrón is awesome too. Bean & cheese w/ bacon, ... (I'm currently drooling)! If you've never been to this place, you HAVE to try it. Once you do, you'll be hooked. Cafeteria style so, you walk in, get in line, and get to see the food and pick your tacos. They make them right in front of you and give them to you on the spot. NO WAITING!! Add to that the best tacos ever, and you truly can't beat that. All I can say is, come over to Tacos Martinez. You'll be glad you did. read more

Review on restaurant on commerce called taco Martinez. Very rude family old man and son. A older man went wanting a taco n a soda. They started to tell him ugly things to leave n he always went and never had money. And said but you have money for beer. The old man had a roll of pennies . One taco come on .. the old man started to cry and beg saying please he was hungry. They took his soda n tray away n he kept crying. And a gentleman came to him and payed for for his meal. He cried happy tears being able to eat. You never turn down a person for a simple meal. Especially a elder. N yes I did help him as well he cried n cried saying thank you. And they over charge check your receipts. read more

I've been coming since I was a kid The owner never smiles lol but doesn't have to when the food is delicious .. now I'm a dad and my kids go on they're own now that they can drive .. I recommend it to everyone I know read more

Food is so delicious! The ladies who take your order are the sweetest and most hardworking woman I've ever met. They are fast and get you on your way right away. The parking is stressful because they are always so busy and the line inside is usually long. Both male cashiers upfront are not the friendliest but the food keeps me coming back. read more

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Place doesn't look like much; another hole in the wall Mexican resturant that's so delicious and inexpensive. It is set up cafeteria style where you get to see the food through the glass. Makes it more difficult to choose. lol This place has the best Lengua guisada tacos ever. The meat is very tender and the gravy is so delicious. You can order it mild or hot with Chile. The tortillas are so soft that make it perfect. Or you can try chicharron or potato n egg are my other favorites too. Seating is limited. read more

Decided to throw it back, way back, old school, west side San Antonio style and show up at Tacos Martinez. Since I moved out of this neighborhood about 30 years ago I hadn't been back and man oh man was I missing out. They're set up cafeteria style so you go in, wait in line and then let the ladies behind the counter know what you want. They're busy so expect fast service, they're not rude but that doesn't leave a lot of time to be overly friendly. You tell them what you want they get it for you and move on, "thank you, next!" They have a large assortment of things ready to stuff inside fresh tortillas, add and customize as you wish. The cups are small , so if you're a big drinker like me, plan on getting up at least a few times to refill those little baby cups they use. I know I looked like a total fat ass because I loaded up my tray with 4 tacos but I didn't even care. I hadn't been here in 30 years, let me live and avert those judge Judy eyes of yours. I tried the crispy tripas, carne Guisada with cheese, potato and egg and added bacon and cheese, and also the pollo en Molé. I loved everything I got, the Molé did need salt though and it is a pretty thick chocolatey Molé so be prepared. You can tell that this ain't no Molé from a jar or powder. This is the real deal. My dude got something with beans and they were good and he also got something with chorizo. I liked the chorizo but he didn't because he said it tasted a little breakfast sausagey (I did politely remind him that chorizo is a breakfast sausage, a Mexican breakfast sausage but breakfast sausage none the less) and I had to agree that it tasted a little Jimmy Dean-ish for being chorizo Mexicano. The cashier was busy but still very polite and appreciative of our business. We felt Welcomed and appreciated even when there were 20 people ahead of us when we arrived, 'cause when we left there were literally about 40 people in line waiting for all that delicious goodness. I can see why this place has lasted so long and why it is a San Antonio staple of the west side. I will be back and not in 30 years, probably less than 30 days before I grace this place with my appetite. read more

Tacos were the bomb! Better than any you could get in Austin. The tortillas were homemade, super grande and delicious. I had barbacoa & bean and chili con carne, picadillo & bean. All were delicious. Will definitely go back. read more