The Chico's Tacos Experience

Chico's Tacos, El Paso

I had not had a plate of rolled tacos at Chico's Tacos, El Paso, Texas for probably fifty years when my husband, Wayne, suggested recently that we go there for lunch. 

Chico's Tacos is synonymous with the true El Paso experience.  Many native El Pasoans have memories of their youth eating at Chico's after carousing on Saturday night or with the family on Sunday afternoon.  Out of town college students make a beeline for Chico's on their first visit home.  And family members returning home for the holidays make Chico's a regular stop.  It's THE THING to do.

Chico's knows it has a faithful clientele.  They don't have to make constant menu changes or pamper customers to keep El Pasoans coming.   And it is important to be aware of the rituals at Chico's if you don't want to be spotted as a tourist. 

First, Chico's instructs customers to line up to order.  A large red sign directs you to one of two lines.  Chico's is ready for a barrage of customers!  

You want to make sure that you have cash in your pocket.  None of this newfangled electronic banking business.  Chico's wants cold hard cash.

The menu is on a large board.  Rolled tacos are the first item.  Reading no further, we ordered two single orders (three rolled tacos), an order of French fries to share, and two iced teas.

When your order is ready, the man behind the counter calls your number in English and Spanish.  You collect your tray and find a table.

Ah, the tacos looked just as I remembered them. Meat tacos topped with shredded cheese, swimming in sauce (more about the sauce below!)

Extra napkins are already provided at the table.  They definitely come in handy.

Finishing my three tacos, I was in the process of completing the meal when Wayne said, "Are you drinking the sauce right out of the bowl?"    "Sure, look around at the other diners," I said.   It is de rigueur at Chico's Tacos to slurp up the last bit of sauce. And, I might add,  I think it is the best part of the dish.

As we left the restaurant, it felt good that we had successfully participated in a local ritual.  

Now if I could just convince Chico's to offer a vegetarian version of the rolled taco plate.  But who would want to mess with over fifty years of success?