Itacate – Chili

I haven’t been here in a while, but I’m sad to see that (according to Unilocal) this place has closed!?! This was a GREAT place to get a quick lunch. My friend Erin got me hooked on this place! The quality was good, price was excellent, and the staff were fun.
Such a surprise to find this in a gas station! Such a surprise how GOOD it was! :)

So we finally decided to try this place after seeing the raving reviews on Unilocal.We The funny thing is I have gone into this gas station a few times and NEVER even noticed the Iticate food counter straight back. We went in and it was empty, just 2 girls working the food part the usual lady at the register. I can definitely say everyone was right in other reviews when they say the help is lacking social skills and personality. Anyways, we got 2 large burritos; mine with beef, his with carnitas. I added rice, lettuce, queso fresco, extra sour cream and onions. It was huge, tasted pretty good but would have been better if I had added jalapenos. Also got a bag of house made tortilla chips with their house made red salsa (they also make their own green salsa.) I have to say that their chips are right up there with Chili’s chips, which are my favorite. The salsa was really good as well, with fresh spices/​herbs. So, all together we got 2 large burritos, a bag of tortilla chips with salsa and a 2 liter of Pepsi for just under $ 20. I definitely be back.

The Arrow Mart… Good for Soda, Candy and Super Fresh Mexican?! Itacate is located within the arrow mart on Buffalo Rd — there are a few spots to sit but I would see this as more of a To-​Go situation myself. There is not much in the way of signage as to specific prices, offerings. It has a list of special deals for Lunch and Dinner but no specific time for when each is. When I went I didn’t see a sign even as to what meats they had. Customer service in lacking here ²⁄₅ but the food was wonderful ⁵⁄₅. Young female staff present was giving me attitude and rolling her eyes at any question or special request.
I had a medium shredded chicken burrito with refried beans, black beans, lettuce, Pico, Rice, Salsa… I wasn’t sure what the other offerings were — as I was rushed through ordering and only noticed the hand written sign above that said they had jalapenos, sour cream, queso fresco. I am happy that I checked up on Unilocal prior to going because she asked if I wanted mild, medium or hot sauce on it and I usually load on the hot sauce. I got the Habanero sauce on the side as I heard it was seriously hot — and got medium on the burrito which was perfect. If I had the Habanero sauce loaded on the burrito it would’ve been inedible and no warning from the staff that the sauce is seriously hot.
The shredded chicken was so flavorful as well as the beans and fresh toppings. I love the salsa and hot sauces. The Habanero sauce as I said is seriously hot and flavorful — tiny bit goes a long way and I like spicy foods. I also got a side of guacamole and chips which are homemade and so fresh and flavorful. The chips taste like they have some lime on them and are hot and perfect.
Prices are also very reasonable. $ 3.99 for the burrito (definitely enough for meal), and $ 3 and change for the chips and guacamole. They give you a slip and you pay the cashier. Check it out but look at the menu prior to going online. I am not sure if they are between signs or something there it’s hard to figure out exactly what they have and staff didn’t seem helpful.
I am looking forward to going back for some tasty food (I want to try the beef) and hopefully will be greeted with some better service.

The best (mostly authentic) Mexican you’ll find at a gas station (or otherwise) this side of the Genesee River! They have a couple tables if you want to eat in.

Really good tacos. The meats are wonderful, although one of the kids taking my order was a little less enthused and didn’t mention all the options I had.
However I must say, this is a bare bones, gas station taco stand. For what it is, it’s amazing, and what makes it amazing is the selection of salsas.
Get the salsas, try them, burn with them (the habanero one is seriously spicy), and then order some more, which is what I did.

Let’s just get one thing out of the way. The amazing food this place puts out is from a counter with an open kitchen tucked away in the back of an old (but active) gas station. There are 3 tables to eat your tacos at. If any of these things scare you, then you are not worthy of the food they put out here.
You have to ask for corn tortillas (flour seems to be default). They are warmed up on the griddle. Then you get to building your taco. You can add rice and beans to the tacos for an upcharge but they just get in the way of the meat.
The shredded pork, beef and chicken are all slow cooked. They also offer grilled chicken seasoned with achiote at times. I have tried everything but the pork. The beef is my favourite but the achiote chicken is a close second.
Do not pass on the onions or cilantro. The fresh bite of both is instrumental. They have 2 different cheese blends — one with chihuahua and the other with queso fresco. I like them both equally.
This place does not joke around about salsas or sauces. There is a salsa roja and a salsa verde. Also, there are 4 homemade hot sauces. The habanero one WILL burn your face off. Do not try to act cute with your «but omg, I totally get my buffalo wings hot!» ideas. You will pay. Dearly. However, I have to admit the tears are worth it for me. The 3 pepper sauce (also referred to as «taco sauce») is smoky/​a little spicy and so fantastic with the shredded beef. They also have 2 milder sauces featuring jalapenos and serranos. I will try them sometime when I am not busy burning my face off with the habanero sauce.
Do. Not. Skip. The. Guac. Don’t be cheap. Pay the ~$ 3 and enjoy what I think is the best restaurant guac in Rochester. Their chips are also made there and are generously salted. They go really well with that guac you didn’t skip.
I think I might be in love with this place. It combines everything I love about street food — spicy, meaty, messy, fairly priced and served from a (sort of) shady location.
Go check it out — I promise you are not going to get shot.

I go here all the time for delicious, authentic, and affordable Mexican lunch fare. Paco and his family own the place and they are wonderful. This is in a run down gas station so the aesthetic and ambience are less than desirable. However, take your lunch or dinner to go and drive down the street to the Roberts Wesleyan campus and enjoy better scenery there.
Don’t miss the chiles rellenos with beef or the tortilla soup. The guacamole is also excellent.

Nachos toluca! Fresh ingredients and always mouth watering good. No need to be put off that it’s in the gas station. We go every week — the burritos and soup are amazing.

The food is so fresh! I have never had a bad meal here, but to people that may have not tried the food, they might be a little standoffish because of the location. My advice– just try it, very much worth it!

Good burrito and tortilla soup when you want something quick. Always used to come here but chipotle is worth the extra 10 minute drive

who knew you would find such fresh, delicious, & authentic Mexican cuisine in a gas station in the middle of no where. my family & I have tried every Mexican restaurant that has opened & closed in Rochester over the past 10 years (my mom has a thing for margaritas) & since discovering itacate, we pick up burritos, guac, & chips for dinner on the patio at least once every two weeks. I would highly recommend their guacamole, best in Rochester! It’s chunky & flavorful & they don’t skimp you like most places. The chips are nice & crunchy, doused in lime & salt. I would give it 5 stars but the pricing breakdown always seems to come out to something different based on who’s taking the order. We always get the same order but it might cost us $ 24 one day & $ 30 the next.

Fantastic medium beef burrito with fresh ingredients. Really impressed with thus little stand in a gas station and plan to go back when I am in Rochester again. Plus I saw them cooking the meat fresh.

My wife and I have been here several times as it is across the street from a farmer’s market, but took some convincing to get my son to accept that we were going to lunch at a gas station. Easily most of the people coming here were for food, not gas. Very generous on the fillings.

Yes, the OG iticate. Kudos to my chum Tim Morgan for hepping me to this way back when. Sure, you can check the Penfield iticate out and enjoy a cerveza while you’re at it. If you’re an east sider, you may not want to schlep out to the Arrow Mart in Chili for a taco combo (two tacos & soup). But when i’m out this way, a stop at this taqueria is mandatory. Today I learned that Paco has a special spoon for rice. yes, a dedicated spoon. That, my friends, explains a lot. Did I mention that the tacos rocked? No? They did.

First of all I want to be clear. This review is based on the quality of food alone. Yes, this place is in a gas station convenience store so ambiance isn’t «romantic» and seating is limited to four small tables. That being said the food is second to none. The pork (carnitas) is some the best that I ever tasted!
I ordered the number four. Large burrito, chips and salsa. I also ordered a side of guacamole. My burrito was carnitas (pork) with rice, refried beans, pico, chipotle hot sauce and a little lettuce. Absolutely delicious! Did I mention how awesome and tender the pork is. It doesn’t stop there, all of the food was so fresh. The side of guacamole was also delicious. So cool and with large pieces I avocado I could eat that as a meal. I see why so many people talk about this place. There is a great deal of pride in the preparation of the food. My compliments to the owner and keep up the good work. My lunch was great!

I’ve been back twice. Will not return. Ever.
Each time I ordered burritos with no meat. Each time they let did not let me know they use chicken stock in their rice. I did notify them I was vegetarian as I wanted just about everything except meat and guacamole.

I wish that I could give this place five stars but its inconsistency is its greatest fault. It took some convincing to get my girlfriend into a Mexican restaurant in a gas station, but it’s a fantastic find. If you don’t mind sitting beside beer coolers and racks of chips, you’re in for a treat. When the owner is there, the food is spectacular – I especially love the variety of salsas. But when the owner isn’t working and the food is served by a motley crew of (potentially) stoned teenagers, the food isn’t nearly as good.
Overall, Itacate is a diamond in a rough.

@ DEIDRA Im pretty sure (LIKE 99.9%) was behind you in line. i heard you tell the staff about your « Unilocal justice» and just could not stand that idea.
My burrito was the best i have ever had that new enchilada style burrito IS SOOOO INSANELY GOOD.
You freaked out about your kids not being able to eat a burrito, yet complained about it not being «authentic Mexican cuisine» stop whining and embarrassing your kid.
My enchilada style burrito was so perfect like a Mex garbage plate the hot sauces are so great and the staff in super flexible.
TRULY THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER ATE.

This place is awesome! I was a bit skeptical because its located in a convenience store, but looks can be deceiving! I tried the large burrito, which is the same size if not bigger than the burritos at Chipotle. My choice of meat was carnitas and it was fabulous! It was just made and the person who was making my burrito had me try some right out of the platter while I was giving my order. (Extremely friendly service) since this was my first time here I wanted to have everything in the burrito and I did! I must say the hottest sauce I asked to have in it is no joke! The type of spicy that not only burns your mouth and throat but also the outside of your face. It was so worth it though :) I am definitely going back again.

I stopped in after work after reading about their pending expansion to see how their food had progressed since I last stopped in. I was aiming to pick up a couple of burritos for dinner and was welcomed with the smell of freshly grilled chicken with achiote which made me happy inside. While waiting in line the person serving me was chatting in Spanish with another customer and I saw chicken being pulled off the grill pan in the cooking area which looked (and smelled) great.
I got a chicken and a carnitas burrito to take home both with black beans, rice, pico de gallo, salsa (green in the pork and red in the chicken), queso fresco and lime. The product I got was definitely better than the one I got a few months ago. The tortillas were warmed on a pan right before the burritos were made but they could definitely use more heating. The chicken tasted really good with plenty of charred flavor but the red salsa was a little on the sweet side for my tastes. The fresh squeezed lime was great to see after it was desperately missed the last time I visited.
I was happy to hear that they cook the carnitas in real pork fat (LARD) cut from the larger piece of pork used to make the carnitas which adds to its taste and authenticity. It was very tender and sweet as pork should be but really could have used a crisping on the grill right before being served. I know this is extra work but the texture would have made a big difference. In fairness to the people serving me, I did not ask to have the meat crisped up so maybe they will do it if asked but it isn’t their standard.
I will definitely be back again and hopefully get a chance to try their restaurant when it opens. Good stuff overall though!