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Lone Star Taco Bar
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
477 Cambridge St(between Beacon St & Hano St)
Allston, MA 02134
Neighbourhood: Allston/Brighton
- Nearest Transit:
-
Cambridge St @ Hano St (501, 503, 64)
Brighton Ave @ Cambridge St (193, 51, 57, 66)
Cambridge St @ Craftsman St (501, 64, 66, 9701, 9702, 9703)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 1 am
Sat-Sun 10 am - 1 am
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
57 reviews for Lone Star Taco Bar
57 reviews in English
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Review from Michael C.
Boston, MA
5/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Had a really great meal here on a solo dinner at the bar. The setup actually couldn't have been better for my trip. Half of this place is the bar and the rest is small tables. I think there are only one or two tables for 4.
Victory Club Nachos - They had a really interesting and delicious take on nachos. They use an avacado crema and some Crème fraîche. Small portion and small price, perfect for 1 or 2 people if you plan on ordering more
Beef Barbacoa - Brisket with picked onions, really good if you llke brisket. The staff reccomended this one
Fish Taco: beer battered piece of fish on a soft taco. What really made this stand out was the chili mango aioli. The best of the three in my opinion.
Hombre sin Nombre - i wasn't a big fan of this drink, maybe because it was served neat or maybe it was teh presentation. Not a big fan when the glass only looks half full (or half empty) -
Review from Nina N.
Cambridge, MA
5/7/2012
This place is epic. The drinks are amazing. The staff is killer, and the food is ridiculously good.
Start with a Mexican happy meal... and go from there. But get there early. There's usually a wait, but it's totally worth it.
Then, when you're done... head next door for incredible after dinner cocktails from the bartenders at Deep Ellum.
All in all awesome. -
Review from Marissa S.
Brighton, MA
5/6/2012
I was very excited to try this place when it opened and I can honestly say it did not disappoint!
My boyfriend and I found some seats at the bar and were very impressed with the very friendly and attentive bar tenders. They greeted us quickly and were full of information about all of the beers on draft. In addition, they also made a point to explain the menu to us. What a novelty to have a dining experience where the staff WANT you to stay as long as you want!
The food is reasonably priced and outstanding. You can actually taste how fresh all of the ingredients are with everything made as you order it, not in bulk at the beginning of the night. Also quite impressive, even though they cook the food as you order it, it comes out very quickly. My boyfriend and I both left very satisfied with bellies full of delicious food.
The only complaint I could have about this place is how small it is. Seating is extremely limited so you have to plan to be the rush. Other than that, gotta love this place. -
Review from Denise G.
ALLSTON, MA
5/18/2012
My spouse and I have been looking for a decent Mexican place since we moved to the area over a year ago. This place fits the bill - FINALLY. The handmade corn tortillas are phenomenal, the taco ingredients are super fresh and fairly authentic, and the house margarita (lone star) on the rocks was fabulous. While the guacamole wasn't spicy (my spouse's family makes it with at least 4-5 serrano chile peppers...they're from Guerrero, Mexico), it was DAMN good. Oh, and the chorizo is to die for. Drawback one, the tacos are $4 each (we paid $1-2 back home for the same thing) -- we had 5 between the two of us and they filled us up. Drawback two, the salsa sucks (not spicy enough and too sweet).
The space is really nice. Yes, it's quaint, but seriously, what place in Boston isn't a tight squeeze? We loved the large oval mirror, old school fans on a pulley system, tin covered tables, funky lamps, Clint Eastwood flick on the screen and relaxed atmosphere. If you go around 6 p.m. for dinner there's no line either.
We will be back. -
Review from Tim C.
Waltham, MA
4/20/2012
I don't give 5 star reviews as a general rule because the phrase "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" implies that I have tried every Taco/Tequila/Margarita bar in the world. That being said, this place is pretty fucking great.
Everything I have had is good. Making a quick pass of the menu, EVERY taco is good, Chips & Salsa is good, Grilled Sweet Corn is good, the Ceviche is phenomenal.
I have had the Mug-arita, El Diablo, Lucha Libre, Mexican Happy Meal and Paloma all great. They also have a fantastic selection of tequila. I personally like getting one of there anejo tequilas neat and just sipping it.
The place is run great, 5 friends and I had an absolute ball there the other night and dropped a little over $400 there, but you could easily have a very tasty meal with a drink for under $20 bucks. Bar staff is really good too.
Please go. Keeping places like this in business is what makes Allston/Brighton unique. -
Review from Hannah M.
Cambridge, MA
4/27/2012
Heard rave reviews from a friend so we just had to check it out ourselves. Right next to Deep Ellum in the heart of Allston, the only thing that marks this gem is a big silver star outside.
After a horrendously stressful week, I was craving a michelada. The Mister wasn't totally sold on a taco bar, but went along with it. And boy were we impressed!
2 micheladas (not the best we've ever had, but pretty good)
1 reposada (don't ask me, he's the crazy mezcal fan - apparently it was good)
1 grilled avocado taco with queso - outstanding!!
1 fish taco - yum!
1 special taco, duck confit - pretty dang tasty!
grilled corn - ZOMG delish!
rice and beans - deliciously seasoned and delicious
$47
A little pricier than I was expecting, but really tasty. We'll definitely be going back. -
Review from Fun Night S.
Boston, MA
4/28/2012
I was very excited to learn that this place was opening. Deep Ellum is wonderful, so I figured Lone Star was going to be in the same realm of awesome.
I brought my friend here because we wanted margaritas at 4:45 on a Thursday. We got 2 20oz mug-o-ritas 4 small dishes and then 2 normal sized margaritas. Everything was great. Their twist on tex-mex is original without making you nervous. The price is nice. Total plus.
If you like low key bars with great food, try Lone Star. -
Review from Erik O.
Boston, MA
I got one question, do you feel lucky, well, do ya punk?
Not gunna lie. I think this place might call for 5 stars, but I need to return to be sure.
One thing is certain, this place rolls with its six shooter ready to blaze.
It's got a nice motif going, with a subdued modern/western hybrid. Like Clint Eastwood shopped at express or H&M.
If you go, and don't order the "street corn" you are a damned fool.
The Fish Tacos are on point, and give some of my favorite a run for their money.
Well partner, whaddyasay, you tie your 'hos out front and step into this saloon, and wet your dry throat. -
Review from Allison T.
Allston, MA
5/2/2012
An awesome companion restaurant to Deep Ellum. I am a big fan of the Lone Star's expansive drink menu (Micheladas!!!) as well as the grilled avocado tacos. While there's not much for vegans on the menu (the guacomole has dairy) those tacos are more than enough to satisfy my tequila and tex mex needs.
Listed in: Tequila
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Review from Michael C.
Boston, MA
5/10/2012
This tiny little place lives large. This most definitely is not the Mexican Chain food guaranteed to put you in an early grave. Here the nachos are a generous portion with a unique combination of fresh greens and grated cheese on top. Tacos seem small but really two or three will fill you up. They have an incredible selection of tequilas which many are of a very high quality (no awful hangovers associated with cheap booze). Service is excellent. The only real draw back is the price; Lone Star is steep even by Bostonian standards.
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Review from Rachel D.
Brookline, MA
3/15/2012
So you want to go to Lone Star Taco Bar when no-one else is going to be there, unless you like frustrating yourself and not being able to get any service. We went on a Tuesday night, when it was around 67 degrees outside in March, and it was pretty busy for 7pm in the middle of the week.
I got the muga-rita which I would recommend, although one of the girls at http://Boston.com said it was bland. I disagree. It was a pretty good margarita in a mug aka 2 margaritas for only $5 more than one! I'll take it.
Then we got the tacos. So the meat quality is pretty good, especially in the Beef Barbacoa (which I would recommend). The fish was so so and the chorizo was pretty mind blowing. However, the tacos are $4 and they're only $2.75 at Dorado down the street. If you're going to get a fish taco go to Dorado. If you want meat tacos and don't mind spending too much, go to Lone Star.
I also got the Elote, or Grilled Street Corn as they called it and felt that Dorado does it a little better. There was too much mayo cheese sauce and not enough corn. At Dorado I can just get the Elote and feel satisfied because they give me a big piece of corn. Obviously I'm making a lot of parallels between these two places but the food does overlap a lot.
So if you want atmosphere, attractive hipsters, and flowing alcohol go to Lone Star. If you want to eat a lot of good mexican tacos for cheap and don't care what you're wearing, go to Dorado.
I'd go back though. That beef barbacoa and mugarita were good.Listed in: Dig In!
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Review from Sara M.
3/18/2012
After a terrible dinner at another Mexican place in Boston, we decided to try Lone star for a fresh start. We walked out fat and happy.
First, we had margaritas and some of the tacos. The drinks were great, and the fish, barbacoa, carinitas and chorizo, all amazing.
The space is really nice, simple and clean. Our waiter was knowledgeable and did not push anything on us. When my dinner date ordered the waiters favorite drink, he told us so and shared how great it was.
Overall a great time, and I can't wait to go back. -
Review from Julie R.
3/16/2012 1 photo
I used to live in this neighborhood and often look for excuses to go back. I had heard of this taco place opening to stellar reviews and knew I needed to check it out.
The inside is similar to its sister, dark, long and loud.
The menu is pretty much all tacos, there were a few small apps, we chose to get the chips and salsa, a good way to start for only $3. The chips were warm and the salsa was outstanding.
Now onto the variety of tacos:
Dallas Spicy Beef: This was a flat open faced crispy taco filled with ground beef. It was the most substantial and most flavorful.
Avocado with Queso: I had read good reviews on this one but it was just ok. The smell of it was like barf.
Fish Taco: A tiny beer battered piece of fish but it was so damn good. Served with slaw and mango aioli. Ughh please put more fish in this one! Dorado's was similar but loads theirs up.
Carnitas pork: The pork was sticky and sweet. This one was excellent
Beef Barbacoa: Brisket with picked onions. Liked this one a lot too.
We probably should of ordered a couple more tacos. We weren't expecting the tiny size, so important advice to you, get at LEAST 3 a person for sure. They are around $4 each.
It was very busy on a Saturday around lunch. Luckily it was just 2 of us and we got the last seat by the window. There are a few tables, a window area and the long bar. Not ideal for larger groups, though they try to make it work with people waiting. Service was on the slow side but our tacos came out all at once and after that we were good. Reasonable beer and $10 mixed drink selections. It's a unique place, the tacos are geared toward foodies by the size and ingredients. Be prepared to drop more $$ then a cheap taco joint.Listed in: Fish Tacos
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Review from Stacey W.
Brighton, MA
4/24/2012
I don't have much to add to the mostly great reviews, just felt compelled to cancel out a recent one-star rating from a certain obnoxious Texan.
Hey look, food is mostly subjective, and we're all entitled to our opinions. But there are few things more silly and smugly irritating than reviews that begin with 'I am from ____ (region) and know lots of people who are ____(ethnic group), so am therefore more qualified to pass judgement on ____(ethnicity) food the world over than the rest of you slack-jawed mouth-breathers.'
Being from a certain area, or of a certain ethnic background, does not preclude your having shitty taste. This should be obvious. -
Review from Matt T.
Boston, MA
3/2/2012
I hate to do it. I really do. But Lone Star Taco Bar completely shattered my expectations.
Look, I read into it. I knew the tacos were $4 a pop, and I knew the place as a Deep Ellum add on, so it wasn't gonna be cheap. I knew there would be a variety of unique (coughEXPENSIVEcough) tequilas, but this is tacos & tequila. Two of my favorite things in the world. What a disappointment.
I'm going to be blunt on the taco thing. Yeah, they're tasty, especially for the bite and a half you get to enjoy them for. Look, I'm all for luxury products and pricing them adequately based on the quality provided, but for the love of God, call it as it is. These are mini-tacos at best, and paying $12 for three of them feels like the equivalent of being mounted on a pinball machine and passed around a room.
The chrorizo, the cheeses, the home made tortillas were all very good. I can not stress this enough, but by no means are they worth the price they are being sold at. I get so sick of all the Yelp folk complaining about the non authentic Mexican cuisine in the area, and when they finally get it, the pricing would lead you to expect and under the table tug job. (Note: this did not happen).
This is just the tacos, mind you. I haven't even gotten started on the drink situation.
Look, again, I understand you're offering premium products that you would not want the public to perceive as anything low grade, but when you pay SIXTEEN DOLLARS for a "large" margarita, you expect, I don't know, some margarita with your ice. For all the complaining I do about weak mixed drinks, this really grinded my gear. Please do not even offer such a beverage if you are going to fill a mug with ice and throw 4 ounces of liquid on top of it. I am being serious here. Do. Not. Bother.
I could not have been more dissatisfied with my first experience at Lone Star. The food was good, but not at all worth the price. You can get a great shot of tequila, but I would very much recommend steering elsewhere if you are searching for anything within the realm of a reasonable price.
Of course, if you don't know where it is, feel free to look for the place with the giant star outside of it, which is actually Lone Star and a not a Texaco station. It's sooooooo Allston hippish!
On one last side note, this place is perfect for the folks who hate the Border Cafes & Fajitas/Ritas of the world. -
Review from Mindy L.
3/7/2012
We walked by the place a couple times before we actually figured out where the restaurant actually is. Whoops. When we tried to enter the restaurant...the place was so packed that we were elbow to elbow with other patrons. All of a sudden this guy walks in from the cold, jacket on and everything and was like, "WOW, there are a lot of people here. Has anyone talked about seating you yet?" We said no and he goes, "Yeah, that's my job. I'm 15 minutes late." .....ok?
Well, he sends us down to the back end of the bar where we are wedged in a 1x1 space competing with servers trying to run food and patrons trying to find their way to the bathroom. Not the best start to the night, but we decided we could deal.
I had a couple glasses of the house-made red sangria, but it didn't blow my socks off. It was good, mind you, just not blow-your-socks-off-good.
When we finally sat about 45 minutes later, we were sat at a table meant for two and we had four people. My butt (read: I admit it's bigger than I would like) was half on the bench, half hanging off...which made it hard to concentrate on my food.
Putting aside my numb butt issues...I ordered the spicy beef tostada and the veggie tostada. I didn't know they were small plates...but four sangrias and two tostadas later, I was broke and still starving. I would definitely come back again on a quieter night to see what else Lone Star has to offer, but next time, my butt wants its own seat. -
Review from Jen D.
Brighton, MA
4/21/2012
This is an instance in which I wish Yelp had a zero star option.
After years of on again off again Boston living I have come to the conclusion that Bostonians prefer style over substance in their restaurants. Sadly, Lone Star is no different. I should begin by stating that I'm a Texan and have spent the majority of my life living in and visiting family members in parts of the US that have large Mexican populations so I'm rather snobby about Mexican food. I've come to understand that bland and boring Anna's Taqueria passes for quality Mexican in Boston, but I have been on the search for something I can deem edible. Lone Star didn't pass my test.
The many issues of Lone Star:
1. The name. The very use of the term Lone Star implies that it will remind me of home, minus the right wing Christian nut jobs. There is not a single thing about this hipster monstrosity that remotely reminded me of Texas. It felt as if a couple of Allston hipster kids thought they'd serve over priced and poorly made food and drinks masked by a supposed Texas theme, that's more industrial modern than Texan, that would appeal to the hipster crowd. Oh wait, they did.
2. The music level. Perhaps this is a sign that I'm getting older, but when I go out to eat I want to be able to have a conversation without having to yell at my dinner companions. I expect high noise levels in most bars and clubs, but restaurants are different. Music is great, but if you're a restaurant keep it to a level where people can actually talk....And easily grab their waiter's attention when they find their margarita to be one of the foulest drinks they've ever been served. Hmm...perhaps I have gotten to the bottom of the overly loud music.
3. The booze. I cannot speak to the quality of all the drinks, but if the Lone Star margarita is any indication of the remaining drinks then just bring your flask of tequila with you. This was hands down one of the worst margaritas I've ever had and it was $15 for a normal sized mug. I managed to choke down half of it and then decided that it just wasn't worth hurting my liver for the vile swill.
4. The food. The bf and I ordered a fish taco, chicken ranchero tostada, chili con queso, and he ordered the chili con carne for himself. The bf grew up in Arizona, his parents are from New Mexico, and he's part Mexican so his standards in Mexican food are high. Not a single one of these items passed our tests. The fish taco was dry and tasteless. I mean there was NO SPICE or flavor to this taco. The chicken ranchero tostada was edible, but certainly not good. Once again it lacked any real flavor. The chili con queso was an odd gelatinous goo that had so much heat to it that it over powered the flavor of the cheese. And the bf said the chili con carne was pretty boring as well. We walked away completely unsatisfied. It was that similar feeling that I used to have in my 20s after a one time hook up. I had sex, but it was passionless and a waste of a condom. Lone Star Taco Bar is the culinary equivalent of a wasted condom: it left me with a full stomach, but my taste buds were desperately wanting better, as was my wallet which brings me to the next issue.
5. The price. Now I understand that rent is too damn high in the Northeast (bonus points if you know about this political party) so businesses have to raise their prices. I don't expect to get a delicious meal in Boston that would be in a similar price point as back home. However, I do expect said over priced meal to be worth every damn penny of my meager coffers. Given the portion size and worthless taste Lone Star does not even come close to justifying the price. If you don't mind boring faux Mexican food then save yourself the expense and just go to Anna's.
Seems my cravings for Mexican will remain satisfied by only own my cooking. Hmm... perhaps I'll run an underground Mexican restaurant from my small Brighton apartment to satisfy the culinary desires of us ex-Southern/west pats. Message me via Yelp with the password "The carne moos by night." -
Review from Jef S.
2/21/2012
Behold the Fields of Elysium...where they serve amazing freakin' tacos.
I'll admit that when Ms. J. said that we HAD to eat here, I was feeling that jaded snark that every West Coast transplant feels about Mexican food east of the Rockies. I had no doubt that Lone Star would be GOOD; I just doubted that it would be GREAT.
Well, bust my buttons, it was better than great. Another taco cynic hereby converted.
Lone Star is a nice space off the Deep Ellum that doubtless gets slammed during peak times. 11AM on a Tuesday was a perfect time to go. The bartender (so sorry, but I forgot your name) did a great job, talked up all the right dishes and deservedly so. What's more, she shook up a hell of a margarita.
So I've been reading reviews and people complain about two things here: the size of the tacos and the prices. Here's my response to that: $4 per IS a bit pricey for a small taco, but it's three inches of heaven on a corn tortilla. I don't mind paying it. $10 a margarita? If it's as consistently fantastic as the one I had, bring me another round, please.
We loaded up on the apps: queso (yes!), chili con carne (yes!!!!!), then went with the tacos after. The Carnitas was quite possibly the best I've ever had in my life, and I've had good ones. It was perfectly cooked, crispy outside delicious soft inside. The rest were excellent, even the Chorizo, which I'm usually meh about: very subtle, flavorful, yum. Two apps and four tacos was perfect for two people...we were stuffed.
Just an observation: I don't know that I'd call these tacos necessarily AUTHENTIC. They're not Abuelita's tacos. They're not the tacos you get on the street in the Zocalo. But they are the perfect quasi-gourmet tacos. Hipster tacos, let's call them. However, there's some series tequila cred here. Great selection and very reasonable prices.
One more observation: the music is a bit on the loud side. A bit. Turn it down to 5 instead of 10, eh?
Mad good. Allston, Mass, the proper home of the perfect taco. Who woulda thought? -
Review from Meredith D.
Somerville, MA
2/19/2012 2 photos
I hesitate to give anything Texas-themed less than 5 stars... *sigh* but I will.
Not to say this place isn't awesome. It has a great vibe, and a lot of thought went into the design of the space (which I always appreciate). The service is fantastic.
The drinks are overpriced... confusingly so. I canNOT bring myself to purchase a Lone Star for $4.50... it just goes against my morals as a Texan. I can go home and get pitchers of the stuff for less... literally.
The food is pretty good. The queso packs a little spice-punch, and the chips that come with it are great. The grilled avocado/griddled queso was disappointing. I got it because it was so warmly recommended by other reviewers. It was pretty bland. The Dallas Spicy Beef was also disappointing, and on a tostada (I would rather they mention that in the menu). The barbacoa was really good! It came with crumbled cheese and pickled red onion, which complemented each other nicely.
Overall, I really liked it. They played damn good music. My biggest qualm was the tacos. Seriously. Why did I pay $4 for 3 inch tacos? They were TINY. Could we add another inch or two? Maybe? They were ridiculously small. I still can't get over it. They were actually, seriously, 3 inches in diameter. Little baby tacos.
Look at your index finger. Now! Look at it. That's probably around 3 inches. That is how wide these tortillas were. Baby. Tortillas. And $4 a pop.
Anyway, the manfriend and I will probably be back. It's a taste of home. -
Review from Erin C.
2/27/2012
I love Deep Ellum so I was excited to give Lone Star a go. Good thing I enjoy Deep Ellum because Lone Star is the exact same vibe as next door except it has a different menu and is much darker. I love the dark bar atmosphere, but this is taking it to the extreme. I know the people next to me were excited when a towing truck showed up outside the place because they were able to get some light to see the menu.
I thought overall that the food was reasonably priced. The tostadas are a nice size and great to split a few of them with your dining partners.The only taco I had was the fish taco, which I was really disappointed in. It was basically a piece of fish with a little pickled red cabbage. My date thought the pork and beef tacos were excellent. I wish I would have tried the tofu! The dish that stole the show for me was the corn. Excellent and totally crave worthy. Loved it!
I was a bit disappointed in our service while sitting down. The bar was on point and I have no complaints there, but at our table we had to ask for silverware twice. On several occasions our plate were on the verge of being taken away while we were still nibbling. Once they took my fork while there was clearly still food on the table. My only other complaint, and this possibly won't bother most, was that our server reeked of smoke. Not ok in a small joint like this.
I will most likely be back if I'm at Deep Ellum and craving that corn, but I highly doubt that I will wait the almost 45 minutes to eat dinner. -
Review from Ross R.
Allston-Brighton, MA
3/5/2012
Hooray! Have been waiting for this to open for a while now. Intitially tried to go here on a Friday night at 7:00. Not the best idea. It was obviously jammed, being that it is new, and even smaller than Deep Ellum. Didn't want to wait in line so we left and went somewhere else. No biggie.
Came back on a Sunday at like 11:30 and it was pretty much empty. Perfect. Started off my morning with a classic marg. It was pretty delicious/potent. i watched the bartender squeeze fresh limes for it :) A couple of me friends got the Michelada, which was a nice alternative for a bloody mary.
Chips and salsa were great. Thick homemade chips, just fried before they came to the table. Salsa was chunky with the right amount of spice.
Ordered one of each of the tacos from the left side of the menu (carnitas, chorizo, and beef barbacoa). They were all delicious, however I think the beef was my fav. My girl and I split some of the Grilled Street Corn, which was a perfect side and had tons of flavor. A few of my friends also ordered the Heuvos Rancheros and said it was delicious.
They also have all sorts of tequila that I have yet to partake in, but will try next time. Yeh. Cool. Sick. Bro. -
Review from Melissa R.
Boston, MA
2/24/2012
Overall - I really enjoyed the food. I was quite impressed, as my expectations for any Mexican Resturant in Boston is never too high. More authentic ingredient-wise then most of the mexican food you will find in Boston. The Nachos were great; no overwhelming of one particular topping and a decent portion for $5.00 - its no Sunset Grill Nacho Plate - but def something I recommend trying out. The tacos are small - but for $4 they are pretty filling. The Spicy Beef taco looked to be the biggest size taco if you wanted to chow down. They don't have wine - just beer, cocktails, and sangria (i do not recommend the sangria - no chopped fruit and tasted watered down)
The ambiance is very dark, very noisy, and the tables are pretty cramped and you are forced to share tables. I would recommend sitting and eating at the bar (check out the nice woodworking underneath the bar - beautifully done.)
The service was so-so, but in their defense, there was a Taco Club function going on so the waiter was running around accomodating the large group - but he did apologize (in a cool way - not in a way that made me roll my eyes) for not being as attentive as he should be.
I am looking forward to going back - hopefully they have a sign outside by then? I walked around aimlessly trying to find it for the first time..... -
Review from Jeff M.
4/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
I am a little torn here writing my review of Lone Star Taco Bar. I love this place. Its very New York. And if it were in New York it'd be open to 5a and you'd probably have to wait two hours to get in. The decor, dark lighting, hipsters in the front window and atmosphere were awesome. However the tacos let me down a bit. I have a salty palette, but still the salt overwhelmed the components of the dish. Guacamole was really good. In short I'd definitely go back to Lone Star for the five star ambiance and pretty good tacos.
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Review from Mei L.
Boston, MA
3/11/2012
My husband just moved to Boston from the UK. That country has all sorts of things going for it, but Mexican food is certainly not one of them. He has been introduced to tacos, and his mind has been blown. A direct quote: 'A fish taco is like a fish finger sandwich from God, making SWEET LOVE to your mouth.'
Obviously, we are now on a taco quest, Lone Star Taco Bar being Boston stop #1. His vote: having basically only the comparison of old Taco Bell commercials: 235846 stars. Mine: A solid 4.
Pros - great crunchy deep fried chips, flavorful, smooth-with-a-bit-of-chunky guacamole, nice tender carnitas, good range of toppings on the tostada.
Cons - I haven't seen anyone else say this, so perhaps it's just my personal taste or the chefs were having an off night on the supposedly house-made tortillas, but I found them....clammy. Rubbery. I'm thinking maybe they're steamed and then when placed hot on the plate they develop a bit of condensation and are therefore slightly damp and hot on the bottom when lifted to your mouth. Unfortunately, it's a bit of a bizarre texture and I found it unpleasant. Also thought the fish tacos were a bit fishy tasting - never a good sign. And being extra picky - I found both the hot sauces on the table to be a bit cloyingly sweet, not the jolts of spicy fire I was hoping for.
All that aside, it's an enjoyable meal. Yes, as other reviewers have said, it's cramped, noisy, crowded, loud, long wait, pricey, - $9 for that chips & guacamole - but it's part of the charm. Taco joints have rarely been lauded for their ambiance and at least this one you're in a warm & festive bar atmosphere rather than a fluourescently lit linoleum-ed hole in the wall or sitting on the side of the road.
Plus, someone at the meal had love made to their mouth. Can't argue with that. -
Review from Katie V.
4/16/2012
Totally solid addition to the block. Cheap, delicious tacos and homemade hot tortilla chips. Great guac. Definitely good to accommodate the people who can't cram into Deep E on a weekend night. Food is legit...cocktails good, but if you don't like tequila or beer, you'll be S.O.L.
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Review from Howard G.
Brookline, MA
4/23/2012
Thought the place was a great spot to stop for a beer and a quick snack.
Guacamole was perfect - heavy on the cilantro and lime.
Chips were fresh and hot!
The pork carnitas taco was excellent.
Skip the Queso - it was not very good. -
Review from Rachel J.
Middlesex, MA
4/18/2012
I really enjoyed my first visit to Lone Star Taco Bar. As a big fan of Deep Ellum, I had mixed feelings about them going the taco route but I think they did an excellent job. The bar is gorgeous - love the atmosphere. The food is great. The grilled corn is on par with what you get at Toro and the tacos were super tasty. I will definitely be going back!
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Review from Richard F.
Malden, MA
3/27/2012
Uh-oh, mixed attitudes about this place, but I sort of expected that after going here and realizing it's a sort of hipster bar that serves tacos. I don't drink, so I can't comment on the alcohol, but it's a small, clean, upscale-feeling bar (the straight up country music a bit too loud, and the lights a bit too dimmed, but whatever) and the staff were attentive and nice (yes, everyone who works there looks like some sort of band member or rock star or actor, but whatever).
I'm rambling, so before I get lost anymore, I'm just gonna write that the food here is amazing. In my mind and mouth, the food was perfect.
The salsa was pretty much the best salsa I've ever had and wish to learn the recipe to re-create it at home. Get the chips and salsa to start. We each got 2 tacos - I got the carnitas and the Dallas spicy beef. The spicy beef, to me, was The Perfect Taco. No joke.
After we both were done, I said I wanted to order more, so we got a chorizo one and I got another spicy beef. The chorizo was perfect, as well.
Each taco was so different from the rest, but the textures, flavors, and ideas all were perfect in their own right. Seriously, if I lived in this area (thankfully/sadly, I don't), I'd be eating tacos here at least once a week.
It's a bit more expensive than hole-in-the-walls or fast food places, but still the tacos are only 4 bucks a piece, chips and salsa 3. That's not really bad, considering the quality, perfection, cleanliness, and atmosphere. We did sit at the bar, so service might have been different and less comfortable sitting at the tables, but I don't know. I'm a huge fan of this place and seriously am craving tacos from here daily. Awesome. -
Review from Angela P.
Springfield, VT
4/8/2012
This place is awesome. The taco are a perfect fusion of flavor. The Beef Barbacoa is my favorite. The pickled red onions put the flavor over the top. We also enjoyed the Guacamole and the Street Corn. The Paloma was my favorite drink. I think the people who complain about portion size must be used to gorging themselves because both my husband and I left completely satisfied. The bottom line is, I can't wait to go back.
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Review from laura W.
2/19/2012
My love for Deep Ellum is unyielding... and I have been waiting for Lone Star's arrival since July 2011. This being said, perhaps I had too high of expectations.
Ambiance: 3/5 Like Deep Ellum, it's crowded and NYC style seating (aka you are 2 inches from other tables/convos on each side) but my main complaint is how dark it is. I could barely read the menu (DE's is on white paper, so it's easier) and saw other people using their phones as flashlights. Not much on the walls besides a super bad ass mirror and a buffalo (maybe bull? shit i don't know) head.
Service: 4/5 I had my least favorite waiter from the DE staff (no personality) but he was on top of it.
Drinks: 5/5 incredible margarita ($10) and michelada ($6) (beer, lime juice, tomato juice). They've also got extensive Mezcal, mexican beer and tequila selections.
Flavors (of food): Delicious. Loved the fresh spin on the tacos (pork, baja, barbacoa, grilled avocado, chorizo). The house made chorizo was so flavorful and tasty. Loved the grilled corn with aioli and cotija ($5) Homemade chips and salsa will run you $3 (put a little hot sauce in there for extra kick).
Value: 1/5 This is what really killed me. $4 for a tiny... tiny... taco scantily clad with toppings. You'll need quite a few to fill you up. The people next to me even had to order more tacos after they finished their original order because they were still hungry. Habanero's (down on Brighton Ave) has incredible, filling tacos for $1.75- that's what I kept wishing for!
What I love about Deep Ellum is that, sure, their drinks are spendy but you can get an incredible sandwich for $9. Not the case with Lone Star.
Tip: If you're hungry, definitely split an appetizer (or two)...otherwise you'll bust $16 on tacos and still be hungry. -
Review from Steph K.
Boston, MA
2/6/2012
This place is fantastic (no surprise, as it's owned by the wonderful people over at deep ellum). The nachos are basic, but were fantastic, hit the spot, and were a nice supplement to the tacos. Housemade hot sauce was delectable. Tried a bunch of different tacos. The grilled avocado and griddled queso was outstanding. Great drinks, great food, wonderful staff, fun atmosphere--a must try. I'll be back again soon and often.
2 critiques: the lone star beer could use to be cheaper (but thanks for giving us the caps, some places don't do that) and a third hot sauce choice would be swell...something that's nut-punching hot. -
Review from IB L.
San Diego, CA
4/18/2012
Wasn't expecting a lot so I was pleasantly surprised. Great atmosphere, the service was indeed top-notch.
Sorry but the fish tacos here don't measure up to Rubios in San Diego. Where's the fish???!!! Chips were fresh, guac was runny, though. Not great.Our waitress was hot, hot, hot and more importantly very competent and knowledgeable. Worthy of a visit for everyone. -
Review from Paul L.
Boston, MA
2/25/2012
I've long enjoyed Deep Ellum so I was excited to try the new Taco bar next door - it did not disappoint. Everything is priced a la carte, so you can order a bunch or do things one at a time depending on what you like.
The Victory Nachos were not the best nachos I've had, but they were good and the ratio of toppings to chips was excellent - I hate when you are left with several naked chips, but here it was the other way around and we ended up eating the remaining toppings with our forks.
Loved the baja fish tacos. Some of the best I've had in the city. I say this as a plural because I ordered one and liked it so much that I had to order another. The sauce had a little spice but a nice fruitiness to it that complimented the fish and the lime.
If you're looking for a side - the grilled corn is a nice treat for three people. We ended up with a second order of this as well, it was a great start and end to our meal.
The only negatives were how crowded it was, which only goes to show its popularity. Three people were stuck at tables for two, leaving very little wiggle room. The guy at the table next to us had his back leaning on our table - a little worried he might hit the candle and catch on fire. Props to our server Kasi for being quick and friendly, as well as giving us some great recommendations. We'll definitely be back. -
Review from Saba N.
2/21/2012
I finallllllly tried Lone Star Taco Bar. As a huge Deep Ellum fan.. my expectations were super high... which is maybe why I ended up leaving a bit disappointed.
It isn't to say that I didn't enjoy my experience... because i did and I will be back for more. But, it didn't blow my mind! And here's why:
1. Ambiance. It's so dark, and small. Much like deep ellum, but worse! I had to use my cell phone to read the menu... and I have perfect eye sight! Plus, because it's so tiny we had to wait forever to get in.. but, everyone was super nice about it and it was Friday night so I won't hold it against them.
2. Drinks: I liked my drinks a lot. However, I tried my friend's margarita and it tasted like one of those store bought mixes... it was pretty bad. I expect a margarita from Lone Star to be truly authentic, what gives!? My other friend said that the $15 mug of margarita is straight up sugar and tequila. Ewwwww.
3. Food: The guac is spot on - amazing (even though the chip-to-guac-ratio was off). And I loved my fish taco & beef appetizer... but we ordered the ceviche.. and it was bad. I mean... horrible. Probably some of the worst food I've had in awhile. They dumped a bucket of salt on it! Inedible. The waiter didn't even take it off our bill (although he did offer to buy my friend the DD a drink.. *sigh*). I wasn't too happy about that, but my guess is that it was an off night.
4. Prices: a bit overpriced. The tacos are good and all.. but, they are TINY!!!!! I paid 4 dollars for this eeny meeny fish taco. It was 2 bites! I get that it's only 4 dollars so I'm not expecting a massive plate.. but I just felt like it was a bit of a rip off. Even at tapas bars you get more bang for your buck. Maybe that's just me though.
All in all.... good experience. I would never go back on a Friday or Saturday... but since I'm around the corner I look forward to a quiet Monday night.
Deep Ellum is still my favorite though. -
Review from Anthony V.
Amherst, NH
3/3/2012
Lunch with coworkers Friday 3/2/12, I'm very picky.
The good:
House made tortillas! Thank you.
Great tacos. You're probably safe with any. Great tequila and mezcal selection. Lots of pickled stuff.
The meh:
The guacamole wasn't that great, I prefer mine without crema. I'd like to see a menu that changes often, I assume it doesn't much because they're laminated. On those same lines, some specials would be sweet.
Conclusion:
You have to go at least once, the food is really spectacular.
If I knew there would be menu variations I would go more often (read: more than once). -
Review from JJ G.
Cambridge, MA
4/2/2012
I love this place so much I dream about it. I could live on Barbacoa tacos
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Review from Anna B.
Boston, MA
3/25/2012
Tacos are good for brunch!!! I was concerned when the place was empty at brunchtime with a line next door at Deep Ellum - maybe everyone boozed last night and needed eggs and dim lighting? For tacos my friend had spicy beef and fish and I had the barbacoa and a lettuce/grapefruit/avocado/hearts of palm concoction - all good. We also liked the queso. The best thing, however, was the guacamole which resembled mashed avocados and tasted like mashed avocados, not the overly oiled and seasoned avocadosauce you get in some places. And if you have not tried beer and clamato juice over ice, you need to... and they have a few permutations available. The only reason it gets 4 stars and not 5 is that it didn't wow me like Deep Ellum does, BUT I am going to go back so there may be another star in its future. Nice addition to my 'hood.
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Review from Michelle S.
Oakland, CA
2/13/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I'm still in shock from my recent experience here. I almost don't want to admit how much I liked it because I fear Hell will freeze over, pigs will fly, and the Mayan Apocalypse will actually happen in 2012.
The biggest taco cynic found taco salvation in the middle of a taco desert. The friends back home didn't think it could happen and I refused to believe them. I set myself up for an exercise in existential futility--I had to be able to find SOME decent Mexican food in Boston. It couldn't be THAT bad. But, after a few years, it was kinda like dating on OK Cupid. (I couldn't meet people THAT crazy). Both made fools of me. I failed over and over again in both experiences. Before long, I started getting used to my life of failed relationships and failed Mexican restaurants.
Well, just before Singles Awareness Day, I finally found love. Taco love, that is. Lone Star answered my prayers. I have hope again. At least for tacos.
Lone Star passed my basic tests.
1. Carnitas tacos: The hardest test to pass. I initially ordered one taco. Boston has this weird problem where they do some serious honky ass bullshit to carnitas. They either braise them to pathetic dryness, or accidentally make sloppy joes, or simmer them in orange juice (actually, maybe that was Wisconsin), or add pineapples, or they put little balls of potatoes in them, or they don't offer pork at all. WTF?! Lone Star does not pull any of that. They serve pork cooked in its own fat on a handmade corn tortilla with salsa, cilantro, and actual Mexican cheese. With my first bite, I cried and came at the same time. I wanted to run into the kitchen and make out with the cook. The carnitas had the right amount of flavor, crisp, and juice. After only one bite, I ordered three more tacos. $4 per is a bit steep when you're used to them being about a third that price, but I'll let it go since I'm so happy they exist.
2. Rice: So many Boston Mexican restaurants make this rice with some weird texture...it kinda tastes like Uncle Ben's. The only place I've seen NOT pull that is, dare I say it, Anna's Taqueria. Lone Star, almost completely passes the rice test. They do make the pretty authentic rice. It could use some more flavor though. But, that's OK, it doesn't have that packaged texture to it.
3. Mexican Coke: GOT IT!
4. Margaritas: Oh snap! I was surprised that I had only heard of a minority of tequilas on the menu.They don't have that terrible Cuervo Gold that you used to lick off your college buddies. They actually carry quality stuff here--but not the overly expensive stuff you'd see at high-end tequila bars either.
5. Sangria: Red and white.
6. Beer: Decent bottle and tap selection of local and Mexican brews. Even a random German one.
In case the world really is ending, I need to eat here as much as possible. I just want to eat it until I weigh 500 pounds. Even though such weight gain guarantees that men would never want to see me naked anymore, I wouldn't care because these tacos taste almost as good as sex anyway.
Te amo Lone Star!Listed in: Beating the Blue Law Blues, I love tacos.
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Review from Kyle S.
Middlesex, MA
3/5/2012
Pros:
Food/beverage taste and quality met and exceeded my expectations. Everything tasted fresh and made to order and the margarita was perfectly mixed. The service was great and the bar tender was knowlegable about the food and tequilas.
Con:
Price vs. Portion. My date and I went to Lone Star expecting to pay a little more based on our experiences at Deep Ellum but by the time everything was said and done, we were 60 dollars poorer and still hungry.
Lets not kid ourselves, the tacos were SMALL and started at 4 dollars each (again, single taco). The "house" margarita starts at 10 bucks each and lacks in size as well. Between us we had 6 tacos, a basket of chips and salsa and two house margaritas... 60 dollars including tax and a good tip (I tip based on service, and the service was nothing but great).
Try it once if you are kinda hungry and want a new experience, but if you are famished just walk on by and go to Deep Ellum instead. -
Review from Martha F.
Boston, MA
2/23/2012
Hmmm.....after eating here i find myself really confused by the rave reviews. I'm a native Texan, and Mexican, and do not find anything here worth writing home about except the corn, and the Clint Eastwood western they were showing on the TV. I get the flavors of this "Mexican" fare are more of Central Mexico, but man.....still.
Prices are pretty crazy. $4 for a tiny taco? One that's not even that good, no less. I guess I was just extremely excited about trying this place but left with nothing but disappointment. Beans were bland, queso app was ok but strange in texture, my tostada was super strange tasting - not good strange! I do however, have to give them credit for their corn - terrific, terrific, terrific. That is definitely the ONLY thing I would say was good that night.
The most troubling part of the entire night was the "doorman" who LOCKED THE DOOR BEHIND HIM WHEN HE WENT INTO THE RESTAURANT! I counted 6 different parties attempting to exit the restaurant while he was not manning the door and could not as the door was LOCKED! Now I'm not an expert on public safety policy, but this HAS to be in violation of numerous safety laws! For that reason alone, I will never return.
Lone Star Taco - You guys seriously need to re-think your door-locking procedure!!
