Tacos El Gavilan draws its regulars with the aroma of carne asada hitting the griddle, but knowing the Tacos El Gavilan Menu with Prices keeps your taco order within budget. You don’t want to get to the window and start guessing, especially when the line is long and your stomach is growling. This guide breaks down the full menu, the current price points, and how to order like a local.
We will cover the tacos, the burritos, the quesadillas, and the drinks. You will also learn which days are best for specials and how to stretch your dollar without skipping the good stuff. Let’s get straight to the meat of the matter.
Why The Menu Is Simple But Powerful
The beauty of this spot is that they don’t overcomplicate things. The menu is focused on classic Mexican street food. You won’t find weird fusion items here. You will find perfectly grilled meats, fresh cilantro, and onions.
Most people come for the tacos, but the sides are just as important. The salsas are made fresh daily. You should ask for the green sauce if you want heat, and the red one if you prefer a smoky flavor.
Tacos El Gavilan Menu With Prices
Here is the breakdown of the main event. The prices are per taco, and you usually need at least three to feel full. If you are really hungry, order four. The portions are generous but not massive.
- Carne Asada Taco: $3.50
- Chicken Taco: $3.25
- Al Pastor Taco: $3.50
- Carnitas Taco: $3.25
- Lengua (Beef Tongue) Taco: $4.00
- Cabeza (Beef Head) Taco: $3.75
- Tripa (Beef Tripe) Taco: $4.00
- Suadero Taco: $3.75
- Fish Taco (Friday Only): $4.50
Every taco comes with double corn tortillas. You get a lime wedge and a radish slice on the side. The salsa bar is self-serve, so load up. Don’t be shy with the onions and cilantro, they ask if you want them on top, always say yes.
How To Order Tacos Like A Regular
When you step up to the counter, you need to be ready. The cashier moves fast. You say the meat type first, then the quantity, then your sides.
- Say “Tres de asada” for three steak tacos.
- Specify “con todo” if you want onions and cilantro.
- Ask for “salsa verde” on the side.
- Pay and move to the pick-up window.
Do not ask for flour tortillas. They only serve corn here. It keeps the flavor authentic and the prices low. You can ask for “dorados” which means the tortillas are lightly fried or griddled until crispy, it adds a nice texture.
Burritos And Huge Portions
If you are skipping the tacos, the burritos are the next best thing. They are wrapped tight and grilled on the press. This makes the outside slightly crispy and the cheese inside melts perfectly.
- Carne Asada Burrito: $11.00
- Chicken Burrito: $10.50
- Al Pastor Burrito: $11.00
- Suadero Burrito: $11.50
- Bean and Cheese Burrito: $8.00
The burritos are stuffed with rice, beans, your choice of meat, and pico de gallo. You can ask for “wet” style, which means they smother it in red sauce and melted cheese. It costs an extra $2.00, but it is worth it if you have a big appetite. You will need a fork for that.
Burrito Add-Ons And Extras
You can customize your burrito, but it will cost you a little more. The base price is already good, but adding guacamole is a popular choice.
- Add Guacamole: $2.50
- Add Sour Cream: $1.00
- Add Extra Cheese: $1.50
- Add Jalapenos: $0.75
Remember that the “wet” burrito is messy. Eat it in the restaurant if you can. Taking it to go is a risk because the sauce will soak through the foil and make the tortilla soggy. It still tastes good, but the texture is off.
Quesadillas And Tortas
The quesadillas here are not the small kid-sized ones. They use a large flour tortilla (yes, flour is allowed for this item) and fold it over a massive amount of cheese and meat. It is grilled until the cheese is stringy and the outside is golden.
- Quesadilla with Meat: $12.00
- Quesadilla with Mushrooms: $10.00
- Quesadilla with Cheese Only: $8.50
The quesadilla comes with a side of lettuce and tomato. It is a full meal on its own. If you are splitting it with a friend, ask them to cut it into four pieces. It comes with a small cup of their creamy jalapeno sauce, which is the best thing on the menu.
What About The Tortas?
The torta is a sandwich served on a soft roll. It is layered with refried beans, meat, avocado, and pickled jalapenos. It is messy and delicious.
- Torta de Carne Asada: $10.50
- Torta de Pollo: $10.00
- Torta de Milanesa (Breaded Beef): $11.00
These are heavy. If you are not super hungry, skip the torta and stick to tacos. The bread is very filling and you might not finish it. But if you want a solid lunch that will keep you full until dinner, this is the pick.
Sides, Drinks, And Extras
You need something to wash it all down. The drink selection is standard, but they have a few house-made options that are worth the money.
- Mexican Coke (Glass Bottle): $3.50
- Jarritos (Various Flavors): $3.00
- Horchata: $3.50
- Jamaica (Hibiscus Tea): $3.50
- Tamarindo: $3.50
For sides, you can order a small container of rice or beans. They are not on the main menu board, but you can ask for them. A side of rice is $3.00 and a side of beans is $2.50. The beans are often better than the rice, they have a smoky flavor from being cooked with bacon.
Free Extras You Should Grab
Do not pay for extra salsa. The salsa bar is free. They have three types of salsa, pickled carrots, and raw onions. You can also grab extra limes. The pickled carrots are a hidden gem, they are spicy and tangy.
They also offer grilled onions and peppers as a topping for your tacos. This is usually free if you ask nicely. Just say “puedo tener cebollitas” and they will throw a few on the grill for you. It takes an extra minute but adds a lot of flavor.
Daily Specials And Deals
The prices listed above are the regular menu prices. However, they run specials during the week to bring in the lunch crowd. If you are on a budget, aim for these days.
- Tuesday: Taco Tuesday special, $2.50 for specific meats like carnitas or chicken.
- Wednesday: Burrito special, get a free drink with any burrito purchase.
- Thursday: Buy one quesadilla, get the second at half price.
These specials change frequently. The best way to know is to check the whiteboard by the register. They write the daily specials there in marker. It is usually in Spanish, but the prices are easy to read.
Weekend Menu Differences
On Saturdays and Sundays, they add menudo and pozole to the menu. These are soups that are good for hangovers or cold days. Menudo is a red broth with tripe, and pozole is a hominy stew with pork or chicken.
- Menudo (Saturday/Sunday): $12.00 per bowl.
- Pozole (Saturday/Sunday):
- Relleno de Papa (Sunday Only): $4.00 per taco.
The pozole is served with cabbage, oregano, and lime on the side. You crush the oregano and add it to the broth. It is a big bowl and very filling. The relleno de papa is a potato and cheese stuffed pepper, it is only available on Sundays and usually sells out by noon.
Payment Options And Tips
This spot is cash only. There is an ATM inside, but the fees are high. Bring cash to avoid the extra charge. They do not accept credit cards or mobile payments. This is a crucial part of the budget planning.
Tipping is appreciated. There is a tip jar on the counter. If you are ordering takeout, a dollar or two is fine. If you are eating in and they bring the food to your table, tip 15-20%. The service is usually fast, so the tip is just a bonus for the staff.
Ordering For A Group
If you are feeding a group, call your order in ahead of time. The number is on their social media page. This saves you from standing in line for twenty minutes. When you call, speak slowly and clearly. They will give you a pickup time.
For large orders, they pack the salsa in separate containers. Make sure to ask for extra tortillas. They charge $1.00 for an extra dozen tortillas, which is fair. You will need them if you are sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the common questions people ask about the menu and pricing.
Are The Prices On The Tacos El Gavilan Menu With Prices The Same For Delivery?
No. If you order through a third-party app like DoorDash or Uber Eats, the prices are higher. The restaurant marks up the items to cover the app fees. You will pay about $1.00 more per taco. It is cheaper to pick it up yourself.
What Is The Most Popular Meat To Order?
Carne asada is the most popular, but al pastor is a close second. The al pastor is cooked on a vertical spit and has a slightly sweet, spicy marinade. If it is your first time, get one of each to compare.
Do They Have A Kids Menu?
They do not have a printed kids menu. However, you can order a small quesadilla or a taco with just cheese and beans. The staff is usually happy to make a smaller portion for children. Just ask for “una quesadilla pequeña” and they will figure it out.
Is The Spice Level Adjustable?
Yes. The meat is not spicy. The heat comes from the salsas. If you do not want spice, skip the green salsa and stick to the red one, which is milder. The pickled jalapenos are very hot, so avoid those if you are sensitive.
Can I Buy Their Salsa To Take Home?
Yes, you can. They sell pint containers of their red and green salsa for $5.00 each. Ask the cashier and they will pack it up for you. The green salsa is the best seller. It stays good in the fridge for about a week.
Final Tips For Your Visit
Go early. The lunch rush starts at 11:30 AM and the line can stretch out the door. If you go at 11:00 AM, you will be in and out in five minutes. The dinner rush is around 6:00 PM, so aim for 5:30 PM if you want a table.
The parking lot is small. If it is full, there is street parking around the corner. Do not park in the gas station lot next door, they will tow you. Walk the extra block, it is good for you.
Check your order before you leave the counter. They usually get it right, but mistakes happen. Make sure you got all your salsas and that the meat is correct. It is easier to fix it right there than to drive back.
Bring your own container for leftovers if you plan to take some home. They use styrofoam boxes which are not great for reheating. Transfer the tacos to a plate and use a skillet to reheat them, the microwave makes them rubbery.
The Tacos El Gavilan Menu with Prices is straightforward. You are paying for quality meat and fresh ingredients. The prices are fair for the portion sizes. You can easily eat well for under $15.00 per person, which is hard to find these days. Just remember to bring cash and be ready to order when you step up to the line.
If you are a first timer, start with three tacos: one carne asada, one al pastor, and one suadero. This gives you a good range of flavors. Add a horchata to cool down your mouth and you have a perfect meal. Do not forget to grab extra limes from the bar, they really brighten up the meat.
Enjoy your meal. The food is consistent, the service is quick, and the prices are right. It is no wonder this place has such a loyal following. You will be back next week, trust me. The craving for that grilled meat is strong, and now you know exactly what it will cost you.