No craving for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas is more urgent than a meal in San Gabriel. And after eating so many meals our taste buds now crave chiles, we’ve found our 11 favorites. These are places of authentic flavor, tradition, and technique that don’t need gimmicks or fusion. And while some spots offer modern twists, this guide celebrates the classics.
Habanero Mexican Grill
$ | (626) 286-1914 | WEBSITE
Habanero Mexican Grill’s many excellent dishes include their carne asada burrito, our favorite in San Gabriel. Both the tender meat and the generous fillings are cooked well, from the juicy carne asada to the well-seasoned chile verde. And while the hearty burritos lean savory, there’s still enough fresh salsa and crisp toppings to give each bite a little brightness.
El Pollo Loco
$ | (626) 576-5438 | WEBSITE
Unlike some sprawling chains on this guide, El Pollo Loco’s chicken rocks a more modest presentation. But what this San Gabriel spot lacks in flashiness, it makes up for in freshness. The grilled chicken is flavorful, punched with citrus marinade and a sprinkling of herbs, and has crispy edges around for added texture. It’s a side minimalist, but the rice and beans are both excellent accompaniments.
Taco Bell
$ | (626) 280-3720 | WEBSITE
This San Gabriel spot’s Cantina Chicken Burrito will convince you to immortalize your first bite as a recurring craving in your weekly rotation. Through some sort of fast-food alchemy, the burrito achieves a perfect hearty-yet-balanced texture, packed with seasoned chicken, fresh veggies, and just enough spice. Aside from the usual crunchy shell or soft tortilla, you also get a less common option on the diverse menu—the satisfying Crunchwrap.
2 Good Tacos
2 Good Tacos piles their signature tacos with so much meat and toppings that they form a mountain peeking out of the tortilla’s edges. The carnitas from this food truck has rich flavors of slow-cooked pork, citrus, and garlic, and with a smoky char. And with all of the fresh cilantro and onions scattered throughout, each bite gets a crisp, bright pop.
Lunas
$$ | (626) 576-7653 | WEBSITE
If you like your Mexican food with authentic flavor front and center, head to Lunas. The dishes in this colorful San Gabriel spot’s menu have a strong authenticity with a welcoming warmth thanks to the owners’ care. Whether you order the quesabirria tacos or the special chicken and rice, every plate comes with plenty of delicious food and a comforting medley of molé, large quesadillas, and perfectly balanced margaritas.
Tacos la Doña
$ | (626) 500-5402 | WEBSITE
Tacos La Doña’s al pastor gets a major flavor boost from the pineapple marinade. But there’s still enough smokiness and spice going on, never plunging into ‘too greasy’ territory. Though these tacos only come with corn tortillas and cilantro, both are fresh and make for a perfectly curated hand grab with the juicy, tender meat.
El Pavo Bakery & Restaurant
$ | (626) 285-0270 | WEBSITE
The empanadas at this San Gabriel Valley institution are a buttery revelation in pastry form, beckoning you with their golden, flaky crusts. Just don’t bite too eagerly—you’ll end up with a mouthful of the savory filling spilling out. The perfectly balanced dough has plenty of rich, seasoned meat and vegetables, as well as a generous amount of melted cheese for extra indulgence.
Tacos Jalisco
$ | (626) 342-3107 | WEBSITE
Tacos Jalisco’s tacos are the reason we park at the nearby Starbucks and walk over with grins as wide as the truck’s service window. Though the meat portions are modest, they’re still very flavorful. Grilled onions and potatoes punch up the fresh fillings full of juicy Pastor, Buche, Carne Asada, and Chorizo. These tacos lean pretty savory, but there’s enough brightness from the salsa verde and other sauces to keep them from being too heavy.
Tia Gladys Mexican Restaurant
$ | (626) 291-2921 | WEBSITE
When we aren’t digging into the Carne Asada tacos at this San Gabriel Mexican spot, we’re working our way through a plate of the chicken enchiladas with green sauce. The sauce is brighter and tangier than others in the area, but still has enough richness and heat to balance it out. Sorry, spice seekers, this version doesn’t pack too much punch. But there’s still plenty of tender chicken and melted cheese to satisfy even the most enthusiastic enchilada fans.
Macho Cafe Mexican Food
$ | (626) 285-2846 | WEBSITE
Given this San Gabriel spot looks like a small storefront and serves plates of Mexican food, Macho Cafe Mexican Food is a fitting name. The signature fried tilapia dinner comes with ajo, beans, rice, fries, and salad, and has a satisfyingly clean flavor with a strong garlicky kick. And if you want to experience their standout dish in taco form, the fish tacos with a side of homemade beans and rice are also excellent.
Chanos Drive-In
$ | (626) 451-0663 | WEBSITE
Chanos Drive-In’s crispy carne asada tacos lend themselves to maximum crunchability—we could take down a platter’s worth and still feel satisfied. They’re crispy while still having an exciting juiciness thanks to well-seasoned meat, fresh toppings, and that standout red salsa. The authentic atmosphere adds an extra layer of comfort when combined with the very kind staff who make you feel like you’re visiting a family’s house.