If you’re searching for the next best plate of tacos, look no further than Tacos El Güero Estilo Tepa.
This authentic Mexican taco stop is located in Eastside San Jose at 2448 Story Rd. and is open Thursday to Sunday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Run by Vanessa Huerta and Enrique Huerta, the brother and sister duo are partners in a successful passed-down family business.
Running a family business can have its ups and downs, Enrique Huerta said.
“Sometimes there [are] good times and bad times, but at the end of the day we both have each other as brother and sister,” Enrique Huerta said.
Vanessa Huerta said that running a business while being a full-time student can be physically and mentally exhausting.
“There are times when [I’ve had] to bring my laptop to work in order to get my assignments done,” Vanessa Huerta said.
While there are many other taco trucks located near Tacos el Güero, Vanessa Huerta said having their own style to their business is what separates them from competition, and it shows.
Their specialty isn’t the typical plate of tacos you imagine, such as their tongue and eye tacos.
This plate may not sound the most appealing, but Vanessa Huerta says otherwise.
“A lot of people feel that eye tacos are nasty because it is an eye, but it’s actually really good,” Vanessa Huerta said.
Her excited expression as she described the provocative and intriguing tacos was all I needed to come back and try one myself.
Upon arrival I had a chance to look through the menu and chose to order tacos al pastor with everything on it, including fresh green cilantro, firm cubed onion and a delicious tangy-spicy red salsa.
Al pastor meat is taken from boneless pork shoulder, which is slow-cooked on a revolving stick known as a “trompo" to keep its tenderness while the meat is thinly sliced off onto the tortilla.
Of course I had to try the tasty agua de coco, which I mistook to be horchata, to wash down the juicy, greasy carne. This drink is something I highly recommend if you love the taste of coconut with a touch of sweet and creamy textures.
The moment I took the first bite into my taco I immediately knew two tacos weren’t going to be enough. Although my stomach felt full, I had to run to the owners and order more of their delicious, well-proportioned tacos. Each taco had the perfect amount of meat and was cooked to succulent perfection.
If you enjoy a spicy kick, their red salsa is the way to go on your choice of taco, as it perfectly compliments the citrus flavors from the limes and cilantro.
The restaurant's atmosphere is super friendly and welcoming. As you walk in, you’re instantly hit with the scent of meat and tortillas while upbeat Spanish music plays and creates a jubilous ambiance.
While it does get busy throughout the evenings and weekends, the wait for the tacos is well worth it.
My trip to Tacos el Güero on Thursday consisted of a five minute wait, luckily I arrived before a rush of about twenty customers came to get their hands on these tasty tacos.
Tacos el Güero has some of the best tacos in San Jose, hands down.
I’m genuinely looking forward to continuously giving my business to this local taco spot and my fellow Spartan, Vanessa Huerta.
The sibling duo said it’s rewarding to share their culture through cooking.
“I feel proud showing [our Mexican culture to] people . . . who come from different cultures,” Enrique Huerta said.
