Taqueria El Mariachi

Holy moly the food was good. Many previous reviews noted it is a little place and they all booths were full and people waiting. It was busy and that is a good sign.
The chile relleno stuffed with beef was delicious, served with rice and black beans. The chicken empenada was good with a good crust. The taco de lengua was really good. The yongue had a good flavor and grill char. Definitely will order that again, and again. Wife had the steak tostada.
Neighbors seems sketchy but the food is good. We will be going back. Waitress was attentive and we waited for nothing.
Great food and people.

Wow — yummy!!! And crowd-​pleasing even for those who aren’t always crazy about Mexican food.
Portions are huge considering the prices. Mom, dad, grandma, and two kids ate for $ 55 and probably took home at least three adult meals.
Guacamole was amazing. Simple but oh so flavorful and fresh.
Papusas were new to us — we got the cheese version, which were filled with cheese and mild peppers –and were delicious. They were $ 6 for three of them with fixin’s — which was a solid adult meal by itself.
I had the seafood soup — available only on weekends. It had plenty of seafood (fish, shrimp, clam, mussels, crab claw). Subtle and delicious flavor — not overpowering.
My wife got the chicken enchiladas– which are served more like soft tacos. For $ 7.95 she got four, each of church was piled high with shredded chicken. She loved them.
We also shared an order of cheese empanadas– three for $ 6. They were different than the baked ones I’m used to. Instead, these were fried, but we enjoyed them nonetheless.
We’ll definitely be back next time we’re in Trenton.

Had the puposas and chorizo tacos, was thoroughly impressed. The place looks somewhat like a hole in the wall, but once you get over that, the food is great.

3.5 stars. This restaurant has changed since my last visit. They have new cafeteria type tables and a new menu. New owner? The menu still has a lot of the previous items, but now you have to pay extra for the sides like $ 1 for sour cream. This also means that they no longer bring you tortilla chips and salsas to the table at the beginning. We asked for water, and they brought bottled water, which you have to pay for. I guess they’re trying to reduce their costs. We had the beef tacos, chicken enchiladas verdes (spicy!) and some chicken empanadas. These came with a couple of sauces. The chicken tasted plain. You have to add sauces to make it flavorful. The beef tacos were good. Not sure it’s worth going back. Will probably try similar restaurants first.

Recommended by a co-​worker that frequents this place, so I checked it out on my lunch break.
I wanted to try a few things so I asked if I could do a combination of tacos, got the okay, so I ordered a chicken, pork, and beef taco. All the tacos were big and delicious. They give you salsa roja and salsa verde, which were nice to add. It also came with lime wedges and cucumber slices… which were nice to balance out the heat of the roasted jalapeño that was also included. All for $ 7, nice price point.
So the Tacos: Al Pastor — Excellent, Beef — Good, Chicken — Not bad, little dry.
I would go all Al Pastor next time I think… or I may give the tongue tacos a shot, had tongue tacos in FL once, and they were awesome.
Also got a side of rice and beans for $ 4, HUGE portion of rice, smaller beans portion, but they threw in a nice slice of avocado.
I was very happy with my $ 11 lunch, which was definitely enough for 2 people. Only knock on the place was that it is a little hard to find and kinda shady if you’re not from the area. Also, was hard to talk to the guy as his English wasn’t great, but he did get my order right; so he obviously knew the important words. I will definitely be back on lunch break. Come hungry!

I definitely agree with another reviewer/​customer. I probably wouldn’t have eaten at this place alone for being a female. I’m not entirely familiar with the area, but I had not so good vibes from the neighborhood.
Needless to say, I went to this restaurant with a friend of mine and he ordered the chicken flautas and I order the chorizo tacos along with guacamole and chips. Both dishes were on point! I was impressed with the amount of meat in both of the dishes. I’ve eaten at other places that are skimpy with the chicken in flautas, but these guys were not. We were both definitely feeling like we were entering food comas by the time we were done.
The food was great, but my only complaint is that there wasn’t any bottled hot sauce. I’ve been to a few authentic Mexican restaurants, so I decided not to give 4-​star rating based on this because I wasn’t sure if this was typical. They did have homemade spicy salsa/​sauce that came with the chips. I’m just someone who loves trying out new bottled hot sauces, so I was a little bummed.

Called 3x and nobody spoke English… the 3^rd time they hung up on me… this place is a zoo.

Taqueria El Mariachi is one of two restaurants (the other being Restaurante El Mariachi) that I presume is run by the same person/​family. graciasThey are both five star establishments, but this one I’ve been to many times so this is the one I’m reviewing. Do not go to the other Mariachis; those are nothing in comparison.
I’ve had the tacos many times and I’ve had all the various styles of steak that they serve. graciasAll of these have been incredible and incredibly priced, and have made me come back multiple times, bringing family, a girlfriend, and the many friends I’ve introduced to it.
There are few places where graciasI say you can do almost no wrong when you order, but this is one. The only thing I’ve ever disliked was this cheese pupusa, but I think that’s more of a case of a white guy not knowing what he was ordering rather than eating something bad.
There is something on the menu I think a lot of people would overlook, and that’s these fruit shakes on the back. I really recommend just about any of these, as they are all incredible.
Despite the many great things about graciasEl Mariachi, this might stand out as my favorite:
the sauces they bring out to complement your meal are all fantastic, but you never know which ones you’re going to get. I’d be lying if I said that the surprise of what sauce I will receive is not part of the reason I go.
There are small tables, so I wouldn’t go with a crowd larger than 6, and it can get pretty busy as it’s a small place. The neighborhood might look a little rough around the edges, but it’s a really good place that is definitely worth the trip.
Finally, if you have a friend who enjoys impressing others with the limited graciasSpanish he speaks, I definitely recommend bringing him so he can say «gracias» at every opportunity.

I owe my visit to this wonderful hole in wall joint to Rich W. and Jerry S. It is located in an area I never would have driven past on my own. I’m so glad I heeded their advice and took a chance. I was craving tacos and just did not feel like cooking, and I had this place on my mind for months now. Not really sure what I would get, I ordered 2 taco platters, carne asada, and pollo, the portion was so big that one of these choices would have sufficed for a hearty dinner. Each selection contained 3 double tortilla’ed tacos. There was no cheese, lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes or other accoutrements to detract from the delectable filling. Just heaps of meat, enough in fact for at least 6 tacos if bought anywhere else (more than that if bought from a Bell) Each portion came with a large roasted jalapeño, and even a roasted scallion. I sliced them up and distributed evenly among the tacos. Also included are 2 salsas, a red and green, and even a baggie that contained a whole limes worth of wedges and peeled cucumber slices (a really nice touch I thought) I’ve had traditional tacos before, and these were as good if not better than those (especially the pollo) You may just decide to take out from this cash only spot, but as for me I plan on eating there so I can try to talk with the chefs. On my next visit I will try other dishes, but these tacos will haunt me and I know it’s only a matter of time before I have to try the other versions, 4.5 muy buenos Unilocal

If you want a fancy dining experience this probably isn’t the place for you, but if you want delicious and cheap Mexican food, this place is perfect!
This spot doesn’t pretend to be anything fancy, but the food just speaks for itself. The staff is great and everything tastes like my old Mexican grandmother made it. Portions are huge and completely worth the small prices.
The pupusas (not actually Mexican, but Salvadorian) are amazing.

We recently went there for a work lunch based on great on-​line reviews. This is a case where you can trust the Internet. The chips and guacamole were addicting, the tacos good, and the service excellent. It definitely is a bit of a hole in the wall type of place, but that only serves to make it more charming and amazing. Check it out if you are in the area during the day.

Very nice place with authentic feel. I got the fresh whole fish which was delicious and came with a heaping side of beans and rice… chicken tacos very good too (spicy)…huge portions and friendly staff, they are obviously passionate about their food… not great for vegetarians few options most on menu based on beef or chicken… hidden hole in the wall treasure trove delicious

Great food, gigantic portions, But Knowing Spanish would be a good idea, It’s a hood spot FYI Ladies:(so if you walk in alone or with other girls be prepared to be «hit on»)and it’s reasonably priced. I love their tacos and tostadas I think 3 tacos were $ 7 which isn’t too bad. Make sure you ask for some extra green onions (scallions) they are grilled and flavorful. I wasn’t crazy about the drinks, a little watered down and with alot of added sugar.(not my thing. I know it’s not unusual) But all in all very good. I’ve been there a few times and it gets very busy and the waitress seems very overwhelmed, so have some patience and you have to ask for chips and salsa if you don’t, they won’t give them to you.($ 2.00) get the green and the salsa both are good & very hot!!!

That’s some good eats right here!!!
The Enchiladas Verdes is really good. Definitely spicy, but well flavored. also got the chicharron pusas,(I think) like a pork filled pancake, also very good! I will be back next time I’m in Trenton. Yum!

I’ve been conducting an informal tour of all the Mexican, Guatemalan, Salvadoran, Puerto Rican and other Central American restaurants that have sprung up in the Trenton-​Hamilton area over the past few years, and generally replaced the Italian houses that came before them. The transformation has been amazing, and after sampling lunch in more than half a dozen shops, I am impressed. City populations evolve over their lifetime as one ethnic group after another emigrate from somewhere else to a future in a new place.
So it is here, where the shift from southern Europe to South America has been steady and irreversible. Of course, all this change is much easier to take whether you are part of the migration, or merely observing it from the comfort of your barstool or table for four, when the culture and cuisine are generally neutral to positive (no worse than what came before to the open mind and unbiased palate).
While I love Italian food (and even married into the tribe), I find myself thoroughly enjoying what has replaced it. Las Casas Mexicanas are by and large, excelente. This is very true of Taqueria El Mariachi on South Olden Avenue in Trenton, just west of Greenwood Avenue.
It was a rainy afternoon when I approached for lunch and found the adequate parking lot behind the row of buildings that house TEM. I was able to pull up directly behind their place and enter immediately through the back door. Barely a drop reached me, and the sketchiness of the street scene was minimized drastically by this direct access. Walking by the kitchen, the staff smiled and directed me to the dining room, where they promptly followed me to my chosen table with menu and water glass. The attractive waitperson spoke little English, but between my broken Spanish and her charming Spanglish, we got through introductions and my order of Flautas de Pollo (literally, Chicken Flutes).
When my plate arrived, it was covered over with Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Avocado, Beans and Cheese. The Flautas were buried beneath, almost invisible. Cutting through the salad I uncovered four rolled corn tortillas stuffed and overflowing with a Chicken Cheese and Spice mix. It was very well done. Delicious and fun to eat. Also, quite filling. I ended up eating the stuffing out of two Flautas and leaving the flutes behind. I also had a drink called, «Jamaica,» which was a sweet fruity juice that I took to be Jicama and/​or Pomegranate. All this, plus change for my $ 10.
The house has the same casual and divey atmosphere of most of the other Mexi and Guat spots I have tried so far. The majority of the costumers were eating in their work clothes and were comfortable as if at home. I like this laid back setting.
I will continue my tour, but can easily recommend Taqueria El Mariachi for a good, filling and cheap Mexican meal.
PS. This place is definitely Mexican. It says so on the menu, and I asked my server (en Espanol) the nationality of the cuisine.

I see many people complain about the looks of this place. For anyone not from the east coast where the Hispanic food is popular and plenty, it is common to find a true authentic restaurant in a beat down area of the town/​city. The food here is the best I have been able to find while living in the area. The prices are extremely cheap (as is any other real Hispanic food). This place is a definite must go!

Let’s be clear, for those of you saying to ignore the crappy environment… rolling up as a single female to this place is highly not recommended. Especially in the summer… or with a skirt on… just don’t…it’s a typical hood street in Trenton.
I came hoping to be blown away considering all these 5 star reviews and the awesome Unilocal promo video! Let’s start with the good.
The Food:
The food was nice and fresh… and cheap! I paid $ 7 for 3 nicely stuffed tacos. My favorite being the chorizo. But don’t be shy about squirting extra lime on all that grease! My second favorite was the pork or al pastor — great flavor, especially with the red salsa. One came with a giant jalapeño grilled on top… beware that sucker!
The guacamole was $ 5 and a pretty big container! Although deliciously ripe avocados were used, not enough salt or lime or onions for me. I know some people prefer less seasoning, but well… not me. They also make their own chips, and put them in this cute zip lock bag for your to go… also needed salt.
I got my order to go and the guy on the phone was super nice and explained a lot of the menu for me… and that really goes a long way… especially because I couldn’t find the menu online.
Overall I think I may return and try some pupusas… it just wasn’t love at first bite.

Repollo mix (cabbage mix) and sauces are smaller that I can remember. Just ask for more.
Servicio lento a veces. Slow service at times.
Small place so kitchen can get overwhelmed as people make an order to go but 5 show up to pick it up.
Good comfort food.

I am a California girl, born and raised near Watsonville and Salinas. I know good Mexican food and have been to the non-​tourist parts of Mexico more than a few times.
These tacos I’m currently eating are some of the best Mexican I’ve ever had.
Literally. The best. I’ve lived on the East Coast for 2 years now, and this is the first time I’ve tasted authentic Mexican here. Place is a hole in the wall. In the best kind of way.

First, for those of you who are not originally from the Trenton area, this place is in a rundown area. Do not be fearful. I am so glad I decided to come here. The food is fantastic, service is friendly, and I recommend this place enthusiastically.
We ordered the mixed pupusa plate and the enchiladas verdes. Wow. The enchiladas were flavorful, the chicken was juicy, and everything worked perfectly together. The chicken itself was magnificent on its own — I want their marinade recipe!
The pupusas were the best I’ve ever had. I’m not an expert, but I did live in Los Angeles for years and had many pupusas and these blew them all out of the water. They were absolutely delicious. And the cabbage was a perfect counterpoint to their fried, cheesy goodness.
I will definitely be returning and I recommend that everyone check them out.