Chicano Taqueria & Bar

Love how fresh their tacos and black bean bowl were. i even saw them making the tacos right then and there. The staffs were very friendly and accommodating which made the vibes there even better. It seems like a nice place to chill and catch up with friends. food were relatively good and price wise seems reasonable. This place is just within 30 minutes by tram from cbd, very accessible even by car too.

Chicano is an absolute gem! The service here is outstanding – friendly, attentive, and welcoming from the moment you step in. I tried several items from the menu, and everything was fantastic. The chipa was perfectly cheesy and comforting, a great start to the meal. The tacos are an absolute must-try – packed with flavor, fresh ingredients, and the perfect balance of textures. The pork empanadas were incredible, crispy on the outside with a tender, flavorful filling that just melts in your mouth. And the drinks? Don’t miss out on their Smoky Paloma, which has a perfect hint of smokiness without overpowering the fresh citrusy flavors. Their classic margarita is also spot on – balanced, refreshing, and everything you want in a margarita. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a delicious meal and top-notch cocktails in a fun, laid-back atmosphere. Will definitely be back!

So hard to find good Mexican food and good service in Ecuador, but this place gives you both. In addition, a great selection of micro brews.

Chicano Taqueria is located on the very European-like Parque San Sebastián. The plaza is home to a few restaurants, with all of them having outdoor seating as well as indoors. My wife and I met our friends here for lunch. Chicano Taqueria is billed as Mexican, but it is really what our friends call it, "L.A. Mexican." That is because the owner lived in Los Angeles for a while. That is where he picked up his cooking skills for his El Centro (historic part of Cuenca) restaurant. For her lunch, my wife got the nacho chips that were loaded down with the usual toppings. It was beautifully presented, and my wife did not waste time enjoying them. For my meal, I ordered a "mixed meats" burrito. It has a little bit of chicken, beef, and pork wrapped in a tortilla. A cheese sauce covered it, and fresh sliced jalapeño peppers and pico de gallo were on the side for me to top the burrito. There were four craft beers on tap. They were all from a Quito brewery. It was the first time I had seen these beers in Cuenca in my 29 months in the city. Our pale ale was more like a wheat beer, which we completely finished. Beers come in three sizes. We got the medium which is 500ml. One can order a liter in one glass! The craft beer prices were excellent. They are about half of what you would pay in the United States. The liter glass is about a third the price. During our meal, I got to chat with the owner. He is very friendly and made us feel welcomed. The entire staff was attentive to our needs. If you are in the mood for Americanized Mexican food, this is the place to go. The craft beers are a nice bonus. And the prices are excellent for your pocketbook.