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El Gallo Giro Taco Truck
Categories: Restaurants Mexican Restaurants Food Stands Mexican, Food Stands [Edit]
23rd St & Treat StSan Francisco, CA 94110
Neighbourhood: Mission
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
57 reviews for El Gallo Giro Taco Truck
Review Highlights
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"Best al pastor tacos in the bay area, hands down." In 5 reviews -
"The lengua was really tender and just awesome." In 8 reviews -
"Tacos are good especially the carne asada." In 3 reviews
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56 reviews in English
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Review from Josh H.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2012
OMG, best taco's ever.
I'm a fan.
Keep up the good work. -
Review from FoodieCouple D.
San Francisco, CA
2/12/2012
Now we have eaten at many taco spots in SF, nothing compares to the tacos at El Gallo!
What we've tried
1. Carnitas tacos- best ever! the carnitas are crunchy and meaty, topped with onions and cilantro and their house sauce.
2. Chicken tacos- these are very good. I asked the nice owner lady to make the chicken toasty and crunchy like carnitas and she got what I wanted just right without frying it like carnitas!
3. Shrimp taco- this is more like a mini plate of fajitas on a tortilla complete with rice!
The mother/ daughter team are great! They are super-friendly.
Have you see the 100 health inspection score? that's the reason why we tried this place at first and the taste keeps us coming back! -
Review from Charles L.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
At $1.50, it's a steal for a 2-taco lunch.
Al pastor is pretty spicy, but it's chopped up into too little pieces instead of being chunks. It's still pretty good, but I still prefer Vallarta. Lengua and carnitas are really good here and they don't skimp on the meat.
Burrito's are pretty good, but they use yellow cheese, probably some Mexican tri-blend. It tastes kinda weird though, definitely not queso or anything.
I tried a torta today and would not recommend it. I thought I was gonna get a torta sandwich, but instead I got everything stuffed inside a hot dog bun. While the filling was tasty, it was just weird having it in a hot dog bun.
Overall, I'd say go her for cheap lengua and carnitas tacos. When you any other sort of tacos, go to Vallarta. If you want a torta, go to La Torta Gorda. If you want a burrito, I'm a Cancun fan. -
Review from Megan C.
1/6/2012
Time + Effort = Yummy Tacos
Worth the trip. Maybe I'm on a Mexican kick because California has great Mexican food but the tacos here deserve a prize. Skimp? What? No Not Gallo Giro! You'll wish they drove around SF like the ice cream man drives around suburban America. If you're up for eating outside with limited space or you're driving by and want to grab a delicious quick bite. The tacos here will make you smile and want to dance to a Mariachi Band. Yum!
Date Rating: 3 (Depends how cool your date is)
Pick up Scale: N/A
Strong Suggestion: Come hungry & try the lengua! -
Review from William B.
Palo Alto, CA
1/16/2012
The carnitas tacos here are, hands-down, the best tacos I have had outside of Mexico, and better than many of the tacos I've had in Mexico as well. The carnitas are the perfect mix of crunchy and tender, the salsa, onions, and cilantro add pleasant heat and sharpness without overwhelming the meat. I do wish there were more radish chunks and pickled jalapenos on the side, but if you begged for extras, they'd probably give them to you.
Out of an obsession with variety, I also had a lengua taco, which was an excellent counterpoint-- a little leaner, a little chewier-- I couldn't actually say it's *better* than the carnitas taco, but it's nice to know that it's available to you if you want more tacos, but also variety.
Bring your out-of-town friends here. It might convince them to move to California. -
Review from Nathan C.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2012
Not bad, but not great.
I got the carne asada and the carnitas. They definitely don't skimp on the meat. The carnitas was good but the carne asada was clearly low quality beef. It was both tendony and sinewy.
I love the $1.50 price. But pay an extra quarter and go to Taqueria Vallarta, two blocks down the street. They've got the best tacos that I've tried in the city so far. -
Review from Cecilia S.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
It was such a journey to get to this little truck... but the end result? It was totally worth it.
It was a sunny but chilly Friday at my new job. I haven't really met anyone since I started working here, and I'm technically still in training. Great, another meal alone..... Then, one of my coworkers popped his head in and asked if I wanted to join them for lunch. Even though I had a ton of work to do, I decided, "hey, why not?" Our group of about 5 people ended up turning into a group of about 12 or so, and knowing that it's lunch time in the FiDi, there's no way we would fit everyone. One of the members in our group suggested we head over to the Mission for tacos. Great! I haven't had tacos in a while, so I was pretty ecstatic.. but would we make it back in time?
And my problems began....
I forgot my Bart ticket back at the office, so while everyone was heading down to the station, I had to run to the machine to get myself a new ticket. The machines I went to didn't accept credit cards.. who carries cash anymore?! So I try to look for my debit card... again, it wasn't in my wallet because I had recently switched wallets. I scramble to a different machine, BINGO! They accept cards!! So I bought my ticket and ran downstairs.. everyone was waiting for me... I'm sure everyone loves the new girl now!
We hopped on the Bart and journeyed to 24th and Mission. I don't know how many blocks we walked, but it sure felt like an eternity... at times I wondered if we were even going the right way... I was starving and worried that I wouldn't make it back in time too. Finally, I saw the little sign that said "El Gall Giro Taco Truck," yay! But then I saw the sign, CASH ONLY! FML!!!!!!! Seriously, who carries cash!?
Luckily, one of my coworkers said she'd pay for me - I am forever thankful because I was starving and the tacos smelled DELICIOUS! A lot of people got the burritos, but I've been craving tacos since I left San Diego, naturally I had to get a carnitas and carne asada taco. WOAH! There was such a huge burst of flavors, and the spices just married the whole dish together. Make sure you get the green salsa too! It will totally kick up your taste buds. Amazing!! I loved the carnitas! Next time, I will definitely have to try the burrito. Best of all, they were super cheap too! The tacos were only $1.50 each!
This is probably one of the best taco trucks I've tried.. hands down!Listed in: Good Eats - San Francisco
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Review from Amy L.
11/2/2011
I have discovered the platonic ideal of carnitas tacos.
Of course, being that these are the platonic idea of carnitas tacos, they cost $1.50, and come from a friendly little truck parked outside a playground in the Mission.
Two are a hearty snack, and they're served properly...double-stacked, warm, corn tortillas, soft but still sturdy, fresh onions and cilantro, salsa that's smoky and warm, but still with a decent amount of heat, and even some radish chunks and pickled vegetables on the side.
But of course, it's the meat that makes the taco, and this stuff is serious. There's plenty in your pile, and it's a delicious mix of crispy browned bits and unctuous fatty bits. It's well-seasoned, and aggressively porky as well.
I also tried the chicharrones, and the chicken tacos, both of which were tasty, but just not in the same league as the carnitas.
I'll definitely be back. I'd like to pretend I'll try some of the other options, but really I'll probably just keep ordering the carnitas. -
Review from Christia P.
Quincy, MA
1/3/2012
The lunch trek from the BART wasn't bad with the street bustle and street murals. As a non-native, I felt comfortable finding the truck despite what I heard about the Mission district. Then again, there is something about a New England-ner desperately searching for authentic Mexican food.
The truck hosts Michoacán-style food, which UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has named as traditional Mexican food. I had the burrito, which was truly beyond what the mass food corporations deem appropriate as "burritos". The pricing was incredible, the portions were grand, and the spiciness was authentically spicy. Did I mention it also came with chips and homemade salsa?
There was limited seating, but it's a nice spot to watch the customers ranging from blue collar workers to a teenager, in questionable attire, who whipped out wads of folded tens and twenties. The service was homey and courteous; I really felt like I was part of the usual lunch crowd, even with a clunky black tourist camera. -
Review from Linda J.
San Francisco, CA
1/14/2012
It just does not get any better. The beans are moist and flavorful. The rice is perfect. The salsa has the perfect bite. Everything is fresh The prices are low. And when interacting with the family members who work in the truck, it sounds corny, but I feel like I'm coming face to face with authentic goodness. My coworker also loves the Mexican coke in glass bottles.
Gallo Giro has definitely outclassed El Tonayense. -
Review from Essio C.
Beverly Hills, CA
12/22/2011
Pretty damn good. Best tacos i've tried in all San Fran. To be honest, they should cost more!
Can't go wrong with this taco's truck!Listed in: Best Happy Hour
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Review from Zachary S.
San Francisco, CA
2/29/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Super tasty tacos! EL Gallo Giro delivers every time. Highly recommend the pollo, carne asada and al pastor, and at a $1.50 each you really can't go wrong.
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Review from Cherylynn N.
San Francisco, CA
6/10/2011 2 photos
One of the BEST $3 I've ever spent...PERIOD.
With the numerous Off the Grid events and with so many new food trucks coming into the scene, people often forget about the little lone taco trucks at some random San Francisco street corner. As many of us food truck chasers know, the food can be pricey and is not always what you expect it to be. On many occasions, I know I have been disappointed having wasting my money on tasteless mediocrity. Have no fear, El Gallo Giro Taco Truck will help bring you back, back to the times where you can fill your belly with quick, simple and delicious food with just several dollars in your wallet.
El Gallo Giro Taco Truck is located in an unassuming part of the Mission in front of a cute little playground. The menu is simple with Tacos ($1.50), Burritos ($5-$7.50), Tortas ($5) and Quesadillas ($6.75) with your choice of meat: Carne Asade (Steak), Al Pastor (Spicy Pork), Lengua (Beef Tongue), Pollo (Chicken), Cabeza (Beef Head) and Camarones (Shrimp). http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Yesterday, 6.8.11, I needed to grab a quick dinner before heading over to the San Francisco Food Bank to volunteer and thought it would be a perfect time to try the highly rated El Gallo Giro Taco Truck. I ordered Two Lengua Tacos ($3 total) with the cheery and friendly cashier. Before even placing my change into my wallet, I was handed a plate of tacos emanating with vibrant colors saying, "EAT ME NOW!"
LENGUA TACOS
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
The double layers of corn tortillas were topped with a heaping portion of thick, succulent chunks of lengua and then sprinkled with onions, cilantro and then a spicy salsa rojo. Almost the whole circumference of the tortillas was covered with lengua perfectly braised to a soft, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. It had a rich beefy flavor which was brightened with the fresh onions and cilantro. The salsa rojo added a spicy punch and tanginess. The tacos were super fresh, simple, and PACKED WITH FLAVOR! And for just $3, it definitely was a satisfying meal that didn't even scratch the bank.
El Gallo Giro is just TOO good to pass up or by. Seriously, for once the 5 Star reviews don't lie. EAT HERE NOW! -
Review from Carmel N.
San Francisco, CA
8/10/2011
Dear 23rd/Treat Taco Truck - I love you. I love you like I love finding money in my pocket after doing the laundry. Why, you ask? Let me tell you:
1. You are near my office. I can't tell you how many times I have forgotten to bring in lunch and walk/bike over to you to avoid spending $10 on food somewhere else.
2. You are fast. I get hungry pretty quickly and I hate waiting too long for my food. You never keep me waiting too long.
3. You have veggie options - you know, for those days when I attempt to eat better.
4. The super nice family that runs you is always so nice! I especially like that they don't mind when I come with taco orders for my entire office. They are always friendly and have a smile for us.
5. The food is delicious! Kinda spicy, like I like it, and full of flavorful MEAT. The green salsa you serve on the side really kicks up that spice and makes me drink lots of water.
I think that about sums it up. I miss you on those days when you go somewhere else or you've closed up for the day. But I always know where to find you and am so glad that you exist.
Love,
Carmel -
Review from Anna C.
Eastpointe, MI
2/12/2012
I'm a taco lover, I consider it to be one of the best tacos I've ever had, the burritos, salsa and the carnitas are so yummy!I can definitely recommend it to everyone I know and to everyone, and hey the price is cheap!
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Review from Ethan S.
San Francisco, CA
2/1/2012
Grizzle me this, grizzle me that. I think I have better quality meat with a lot less fat. No but seriously though the carne asada is real sinewy and grizzly. The cabeza was nothing but big chunks of soft jelloey fat, which I have never seen before in all my days of loving cabeza. The lengua was ok. The pollo was great and the al pastor was excellent. $1.50 for taco's is a great price and it reminds of the 90's prices for tacos. But I have definitely had better tacos. Still the best tacos and best price in San Francisco is Vallarta Taqueria on 24th st and Balmy.
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Review from Andrew M.
6/13/2011
There were so many things that were spot on at the El Gallo Giro Taco Truck: the lady who took our order was very cheery; a bottle of hand sanitizer was thoughtfully placed by the truck; a fold-able table surrounded by four plastic chairs was set up in front of the truck; the prices were satisfactorily low; the menu offered plentiful meat options; our orders were ready before we had a chance to catch our breaths; and the truck was conveniently located outside of a playground where you could sit in the plentiful grass.
So you've probably guessed it. My complaint was with the food itself.
The lengua meat in the tacos were disappointingly tough to chew. I eagerly anticipated the melt-in-your-mouth lengua that I was accustomed to. Alas, it could not be found in these tacos.
The salsa immersed amongst the ingredients was tasty, but did not provide the spicy kick necessary to transform the taco.
The tacos were smartly wrapped in double-layered tortillas, but the outside tortilla was not crispy.
The lengua burrito's meat suffered from the same lack of tenderness, but the overall burrito's portion size was filling.
I will probably make my way to other taco trucks before reconsidering El Gallo Giro. -
Review from stephanie c.
San Francisco, CA
3/25/2011
Delicious. Flavorful. Cheap.
They give you ample amounts of meat in each taco so you feel full and satisfied with every bite! And for only $1.50 a taco, such a good deal!! When I went it was pouring rain, luckily there was no line. And, they prepared our 6 tacos in a pretty reasonable time. I can't wait until I'm back in the area so I can get more tacos from them! -
Review from Francisco H.
Astoria, NY
3/31/2011
Yummy! How can you beat incredibly tasty tacos for $1.50? You can't. I sat down by the truck and enjoyed my food on a lovely day. The only thing brighter than the sun that afternoon was the smile of the young lady who took my order.
I wish I lived in SF just so I could make this my lunch spot of choice. Oh, and for a chance to chat up that lovely señorita. -
Review from Keilin H.
3/16/2011 1 photo
Ah taco trucks! I love you!
Cheap prices and DELICIOUS tacos! The truck is kind of out of the way, but it's not too bad of a walk from Mission Street. You'll work up an appetite right? ;)
Tried the tacos here for the first time and I definitely loved it! I only got one taco: the lengua (beef tongue), but I'm coming back to try the 5 (or was it 6?) other kinds! Maybe a burrito too!
The lengua was really tender and just awesome! There is a plastic table set up with 4 chairs for customers, but I'm sure when it's busy, you won't be able to sit there. No worries, the truck is right next to a park! Chill with the kids, but don't be a creeper. -
Review from Joseph M.
San Francisco, CA
4/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Without a doubt one of the best in the city.
Anytime you can get shrimp tacos from a tao truck and not be even a little worried you know you have found something special.
Chicken tacos rock.
Steak tasty and never overcooked.
You can expect quality products and reasonable prices from these guys. They also have some sort of secret recipe for hot sauce that they use unless you ask for them not to. I say go for it all and leave happy. -
Review from Q H.
San Francisco, CA
11/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was in the neighborhood and was really hungry after my Jujitsu training. The regular size burrito I ordered was really good. You get chips and salsa and on top of that, $1.50 tacos!!! I look forward to eating at this place after training every Tuesdays. I can already taste the smoky and mild salsa....mmmmm!!!
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Review from Johan E.
San Francisco, CA
11/10/2011
Solid tacos, the Cabeza and Lengua are great. Al pastor...not so much, but still better than most of 24th st. Their salsa was nice also, it has a bit of spice to it.
That being said, there are a million people working here inside the truck. I'm confused to what all they're doing in there... -
Review from James B.
San Francisco, CA
9/23/2010
Best Taco Truck in SF!
The price is right and the food even better.
Not as conveniently located as other trucks but worth the detour and next to a really nice park. -
Review from Misha T.
8/12/2011
I had 4 tacos, and far and wide the carnitas was the best. It was really kind of special and if you go there I would just get that.
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Review from Curt M.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2012
al pastor tacos with extra grilled onions.......crave away
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Review from Jason B.
11/4/2009
One day. Four taco trucks/stands. I don't know why. Maybe this fantastic city/neighborhood provide the opportunity to go to four different taco trucks/stands within a few blocks. Or maybe because I wanted an adventure. Wouldn't be the first time.
The plan:
Chicken taco at each location. See what customizing can be done. Sample a bit of each. Rank 'em. Save the rest and mix everything together for a massive burrito for dinner. Give away some as a replate. Post same yelp for all four to give context.
The verdict:
1. Tonayense. Average cost at $1.75. Way above average flavor. Black beans were a huge bonus, loved the mild green sauce and oil was minimal. This was easily my favorite.
2. Mexicali. Second cheapest at $1.50. Tasty. Bonus points for having a bell you ring to get their attention, as well as giving me the opportunity to use a little spanish from 8th grade/Taco Bell to ask for lechuga (lettuce). The friendly lady obliged. More good stuff with the guy who wanted to pay with an ATM card. Didn't work. The lady working and me chipped in to cover his taco. I hope that karma pays off.
3. Gallo Giro. Incredibly cheap at $1.25. Bit on the spicy side. Oil content seemed standard.
4. Cachanilla. Most expensive at $2.00. Tasty. Made in the same building but different prep area than Mexicali. I give them credit for being up front saying if I order at the window (Mexicali) it's $1.50, and inside it's $2.00. I paid an extra $0.50 just for the experience. -
Review from Peter M.
Daly City, CA
2/3/2012
very friendly service. they have the best carnitas in the world! lengua and al pastor are also hella good! this place is so good, i travel all the way across town just to enjoy their carnitas once a week!
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Review from Pinkvapo R.
San Francisco, CA
6/10/2011
After searching long and hard, I finally found a taco truck in San Fran that I can call home. Great flavor! Not overly greasy. Beats Tonayense hands down. Their meat actually tastes like the meat its supposed to be. Oh and of course, Humphry Slocombe is just a few blocks a way for a little something sweet afterwards too.
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Review from gabriel a.
San Francisco, CA
7/17/2008
Experience the top notch customer service. Enjoy the lively patio. Eat there while you watch the children play, on jaunt off in style with a custom El Gallo Giro to go container.
You too could surround yourself with flavor by ordering a Pastor taco (add some cheese for a fatter ass). Only at the El Gallo Giro Taco truck can you be immersed in an experience so elegant so intimate and so indulgent you simply won't believe it is priced at the low cost of just 1.25. So run, don't walk to 23rd and Treat, and go get you some. -
Review from Jon S.
San Diego, CA
9/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not as good as some of the trucks in the Bay Area, but good none the less.
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Review from Beatrice W.
San Francisco, CA
6/13/2011
The best part: Hand sanitizer at the window! Also, friendly cashier. A taco order comes with some tasty pickled jalepeno and carrots. The carne tacos was decent, though I didn't like how finely the meat was chopped and it contained some fatty bits but that is pretty standard for cheap Mexican food. At $1.50/taco I can't complain, though I'd probably choose to pay the extra 25 cents for a taco at Taqueria Vallarta.
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Review from Anil P.
Sunnyvale, CA
5/21/2011
prices are great.
love the quick and tasty food.
highly recommend !!!Listed in: Best Burritos, Food on the go (sandwiches,…
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Review from Jake W.
San Francisco, CA
4/15/2011
Just a bit tastier than the competitors, 25 cents cheaper than the competitors, there's always tamarind Jaraitos in the cooler and a smile behind the counter and a place to sit. I'll take El Gallo over Tonayense any day.
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Review from urasso u.
Oakland, CA
7/4/2011
Somebody please call 9-1-1. I've visited them twice for the past two weekend and they are not there anymore. Please tell me their truck has not been stolen or hijacked. If anyone know where they went, please let me know.
I've been to this taco truck three times. This is my favorite taco place to indulge and binge in the whole Bay Area (SF and East Bay). Everything is spot on from customer service to the quality and taste. I usually order one of each on their menu, except for the lengua which i need at least two.
Serious though, if someone know their number or where they go, please let me know. -
Review from Clarice W.
Lawrence, KS
6/14/2011
For 1.50 these tacos are great...though maybe not the best. I had the carne asada which was well seasoned but sort of tough, not a lot of meat flavor came through. It was, however, served with an awesome pickled jalapeno...yum! The lady who served us was really nice and I appreciate the huge vat of hand sanitizer on the truck - essential for eating messy tacos on a street corner.
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Review from Penson L.
Los Angeles, CA
6/10/2011
Good lengua...decent asada...ok pastor and suadero. Good size portions, I would recommend not ordering more than 2 or 3 tacos at a time or they get cold, and nobody likes cold tacos.
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Review from Kim C.
Berkeley, CA
4/21/2011
The best and cheapest taco truck in the Mission! Supernice folks run this joint - and yes, you get the yummiest pastor tacos for dirt cheap... Please, peoples, just throw your greasy little taco plates in the trash - not on the street! P.S. Check out the cute feral cats playing in the junkyard next door.
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Review from Ioanna S.
Manhattan, NY
5/22/2011
Amazing! For 1.50 they dish out a heaping pile of meat and toppings. Super fresh and tasty, I wish I could have 5 more sent to me now.
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Review from hen a.
going back to basics...mission taco truck lunch...harolds and kumar day...on treat near twenty-third...parque ninos unidos...small sidewalk seating taken...requiring a one-handed meal...a personal favorite...al pastor burrito cuestan $cinco y crystal geyser bottle por $un dolar...no beans requested in a regular norcal rice, beans and meat burrito...five minutes and calling...hefty brown bag lunch of chips, salsa and a foil log...being mission rebels and entering the parque with no ninos...breaking park's no adults without children rules...carefully unwrapping double foil wrapped steaming burrito...first bite and huge chunk of red juicy pork...quite delicious...seasoned rice also great...another bite full of juice flowing pork...that's bueno porking...chomp, chomp and chomp...finding more rice and less meat in the bottom half...bit of uneven distribution in construction...ask for less rice in next burrito adventure...quite filling for a $six even, brown bag lunch at the park...
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