Still restoring the caloric depletion from last weekend’s training, when I found myself starving in Midtown, I heeded the numerous recommendations of fellow ‘raggers and headed to La Fiesta.
I was impressed with the efficient line and process flow, as a young lady took orders prior to our paying while her coworkers (all in matching futbol jerseys) rung up orders, prepared the food, and served up meals in a matter of seconds.
La Fiesta prices their specials so when tax is added in, it’s a flat dollar amount — in my case, $7 for two soft tacos and a beverage — thereby expediting the lunch process that much more. The Type-A process-driven side of me was most pleased.
While waiting in line, then filling my soda, scoping out a seat, and getting a basket of chips, I encountered no fewer than four men (all in separate parties) who each stood shorter than 5’5″. At about 5’7″ myself and sporting a 3″ set of heels today, I felt like Sasquatch and questioned whether or not I should drink the water at La Fiesta, thinking that if I became a regular guest, I too would be more diminutive.
Moreover, if you’re female and head to La Fiesta on your own, expect to feel eyeballs on you every step of the way, as it seems to be a popular leering dude lunch spot. (It’s not like I was showing any skin, as I’m still recovering from nasty poison oak and have been clad in long sleeves and long skirts for the past two weeks, plus being on Prednisone to clear it up has puffed me up by 10 lbs.)
Foodwise, it was so-so. I had the soft taco lunch special, one with grubbin’ carnitas, and the other with chicken that was disappointingly a mix of white meat, dark meat, and a couple globs of fat. The beans had the consistency and color of the mud found in the Tahoe National Forest at about 4,200 feet elevation (kind of reddish/orangish with a little texture), and the rice was not anything special.
However, due to its efficiency, fair prices, ease of parking, and proximity to several places I frequent, I would not hestitate to give it another shot — any recommendations on what to order?
The Sac Rag 
Aha, short men, all in a particular location. Based on the restaurant I am guessing you were in the presence of real Mexicans! That’s right, not the 5’9″ mexican like me born and bred in California but an honest to goodness Mexican from Mexico. I don’t know if it’s the high percentage of Indian blood or just the water in Mexico but something stops them from growing more than 5’5″. I have noticed that this trait goes hand-in-hand with the need for them to wear extra baggy clothes.
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How dare you.
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I’ve only eaten there a few times, and my memory is a little fuzzy, but I seem to recall their pastor (spicy pork) being quite good. I like the burritos (con pastor, of course).
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i’ve never met Al Pastor I didn’t like.
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what is your definition of “special” rice? does it have to come with a three-month subscription to Netflix or a free night at Marriott? do heavenly beams have to shower down upon you?
and about the beans… you seem to be describing the color of… beans. what color are they supposed to be?
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The beans were disturbingly more orange than most beans found at Mexican restaurants, only without any change in the flavor that would make you think, “Oh, they must have used some exotic seasoning which made these beans more orange but considerably flavorful.” In terms of special v. non-special rice, maybe I should have simply said it was “bland” and not used any capital letters in my write-up so you would understand.
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I’ve found that the La Favoritas are superior to the La Fiesta taquerias. They are owned by the same people and have the same menu, but my theory has been that La Fiesta is geared more toward a gringo audience. Of the Fiestas, I’ve only been to the Alhambra location. Of the Favoritas, I’ve been to the “OG” Favorita across from Florin Mall, the Favorita near Florin/Franklin, the one at Franklin/Fruitridge and the one on Stockton (in the old Happy Steak store). The “OG” Favorita is the best. What’s really nice is that they have those really narrow equipal chairs that clamp on to your hips and make you feel like you have a really big ass when you get up to refill your tortilla chips and you don’t bother to remove it from your butt.
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La Favorita is better and cheaper
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I’m a good six foot one, and I really like La Fiesta. I haven’t shrank any. Mind you, I’ve only lived here six years, and have only been a somewhat regular customer there for about two years, so maybe if I’d have started eating their burritos at a younger age, it might have had more of an effect. But man, those burritos! I tell ya, just about the best ever.
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Olsen, are you sure you’re 6 foot 1?
yeah, cooldmz does reincorporation too.
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Everywhere I go I try to find a tacqueria as good as the Super Tacqueria chain in the South Bay. La Fiesta is not quite there in my opinion, but that doesn’t stop me from going at least once a week. I order the Super Carnitas burrito with no rice, a little or no sour cream, and I’m sure to pick up a bag of chips with plenty of that green sauce. I love that green sauce!! Eat a couple radishes with lime juice while your waiting. The short people will know you are in the know!!
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