While driving up Clairemont Drive a few weeks ago, I noticed a new Taco Trailer in the parking lot of V Outlet. This is where the La Chorreada Truck used to reside, before moving a bit further up the block.
I thought this was interesting since is there really a need for two taco trucks in less than a block? Plus, there’s the Roberto’s and California’s Taco Shop all within a block? Then I noticed the $1.69 Fish Tacos. Well now, there’s always room for a decent fish taco and a good price, right?
So, when I had a bit of time, I walked on up to the trailer……I had major positive vibes since the last taco trailer I visited was Tacos Minali which I thought was pretty good.
There’s a small makeshift dining area alongside the trailer.
As I walked up to the window to order I took a look at the menu and “holy sticker shock Batman”!
Yes, the fish tacos were $1.69……but Carne Asada and Al Pastor $3.99? Tripas and Cabeza $4.99…burritos like $14 and up? I mean really……I was pretty sure this wasn’t Mesa Agricola, right?
Well, I decided to trying that Fish Taco ($1.69), and since La Chorreada’s Adobada has been disappointing, I ordered the Taco Al Pastor ($3.99), and finally went with some Tripas ($4.99). On a good note, I was asked if I wanted my Tripas crispy or soft….well, it was crispy of course!
I was handed two little food trays with my order and I headed on home. The one table was filled by the time my order was ready.
When asked which type of salsa I desired, I asked for a recommendation. The nice gentleman working said, I liked picante, to get the Habanero Salsa….which is what I got. Nice heat and tangy finish.
The Fish Taco was as I expected. A sliver of fish the thickness of my ring finger. Can you even see it in this photo?
I had gotten soggy by the time I’d walked home…a simple ten minute trip. It had a mushy texture and muddy finish, so I’m thinking it’s swai or tilipia….not my favorite and something I’d never recommend. Pass….
The Al Pastor had a mushy texture.
While quite savory, it lacked that mild sweet-smoky flavor. The tortilla was really thick and more than up to the job of keeping form, but lacked a good maiziness. For some reason, it reminded me more of chorizo than adobaba/al pastor.
And then there was the five dollar “teensy” tripas……which was nice and crisp.
Loved the texture, but found this to be really mild with regards to the typical earthy-funky tones I enjoy in tripas.
That squeeze of lime helped, but the habanero salsa overwhelmed things. Not sure I’d have this again, but if I did, I’d probably go with a salsa verde….
Actually, with the prices and what not, I had decided not to return…..and actually to not even do a post. Until……one of the really nice folks who work at BHT, Diego and I had a short chat about Bello’s and he also went “no bueno” on the fish tacos and al pastor. But he did mention that the Quesabirria was worth the price. Soooo…….I decided to return and order the Quesabirria which was $13.99. The really nice guy working handed me chips while I waited, very nice!
I was handed my tray and headed home….and realized that something was missing. According to the menu, the quesabirria came with consomme…..but I guess they didn’t have any on this day? Oh well, I guess the chips made up for that, right? It did feel quite heavy and it was indeed quite large. This seemed like good ten inch tortillas were used for this!
Nicely griddled, the slight crispness had held out on the short walk home.
In terms of the birria…well, it was beefy, a bit on the drier-chewier-stringy side, milder in flavor than I prefer. Totally lacking in spice, the salsa roja came in handy….I could have even used a second container of it.
The cheese was mainly a textural thing…..stretchy.
Overall, based on portion size, this might be worth it…though some consomme for dipping would be really good.
As for now…..unless someone has a good rec for this trailer….I need to head back to La Chorreada. I’m wondering what the prices there are like now?
Bello’s Tacos and Burritos
3020 Clairemont Dr.(In the Parking Lot of V-Outlet)
San Diego, CA 92117