
El Fogon
A beloved local taqueria in Playa del Carmen, renowned for its authentic tacos al pastor and generous, flavorful Mexican dishes at accessible prices.

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El Fogon

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved local taqueria in Playa del Carmen, renowned for its authentic tacos al pastor and generous, flavorful Mexican dishes at accessible prices.
"The tastiest, simplest tacos I had in PDC. Service is quick & the tacos are out of this world."
Savor the Sauces, Mind the Spice
Try each traditional sauce for authentic taste, but be aware some pack a spicy punch!
Guacamole: An Authentic Taste
Order the classic guacamole for a unique, authentic flavor that differs from what you might expect.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican
Price
Mid-range
Address
P.º del Pedregal 1346-I, Galaxia del Carmen II, 77712 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tacos al Pastor Perfection
Experience the iconic tacos al pastor, featuring succulent, spit-grilled pork carved fresh onto warm tortillas. A must-try for authentic flavor.

Generous Portions of Mexican Favorites
Indulge in hearty servings of classic Mexican dishes like nachos piled high, savory chicken fajitas, and the delicious sirloin los alambres.

Authentic Local Taqueria Vibe
Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of a true local taqueria, a popular spot for both residents and discerning visitors seeking genuine flavors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Savor the Sauces, Mind the Spice
Try each traditional sauce for authentic taste, but be aware some pack a spicy punch!
Guacamole: An Authentic Taste
Order the classic guacamole for a unique, authentic flavor that differs from what you might expect.
Beat the Crowds
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid potential waits, as this local favorite is often bustling.
Eat Nachos Quickly
The bean sauce on the nachos can make chips soggy; enjoy them promptly for the best texture.
Tips
from all over the internet
Savor the Sauces, Mind the Spice
Try each traditional sauce for authentic taste, but be aware some pack a spicy punch!
Guacamole: An Authentic Taste
Order the classic guacamole for a unique, authentic flavor that differs from what you might expect.
Beat the Crowds
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid potential waits, as this local favorite is often bustling.
Eat Nachos Quickly
The bean sauce on the nachos can make chips soggy; enjoy them promptly for the best texture.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Fogon is a highly recommended taqueria celebrated for its authentic Mexican flavors, particularly its outstanding tacos al pastor and generous portions. Diners consistently praise the delicious food, quick and friendly service, and affordable prices, making it a local favorite. While it can get busy, most agree the wait is well worth it for the flavorful experience.
"We probably ate here 4 times a week during our trip. El Fogon had the tastiest, simplest tacos I had in PDC. And although it gets busy, the staff is great, the service is quick, & the tacos are out of this world. A simple pollo taco and Modelo meal made all my days worth it! I’d 100% recommend."
Kenisha Beresford
"First stop in playa de Carmen was of course to eat tacos ! Our first experience with El Fogon was amazing , the tacos were awesome , the Chorizo tacos were the best chorizo taco’s we’ve tasted in Cancun, playa, or tulum ! You have to give those a try , service was fine and our server was awesome as well , plenty of street parking and fair/Average prices , would definitely be coming back !"
Gabriel Davila
"This location was on our way back from Chichen Itza. The food was good, we ordered nachos, chicken fajita, sirloin los alambres. Too much food, we packed 1/2 of the food and they included extra sides (cactus, cucumber, dips). Nachos are covered in a bean sauce which makes the chips soggy, so eat that quickly. Pineapple juice was refreshing (no added sugars). There was a server who kindly spoke and translated from the menu items to us in English. We left a 15% tip which they were very appreciative."
Sandy Wong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
El Fogon is most famous for its authentic tacos al pastor, featuring succulent spit-grilled pork carved onto warm tortillas.
Yes, the traditional sauces offer authentic flavors, but some can be quite spicy, so exercise caution.
Absolutely! Many visitors and locals attest that the delicious food and great value make any wait worthwhile.
Beyond tacos al pastor, diners love the nachos, chicken fajitas, sirloin los alambres, and chorizo tacos.
The restaurant has an open-air taqueria setting and does not have air conditioning.
Yes, an English menu is available for those who prefer it, and the staff can assist with translations.
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Featured in these publications
Top 10 Traditional Mexican Restaurants In Playa Del Carmen
Try real Mexican food where the locals eat it: at El Fogon, which serves the famous tacos al pastor (tacos made with spit-grilled meat) and other delicious varieties of tacos. Try each of the traditional sauces (just be careful, some are very spicy) and order the typical guacamole – the authentic version is very different to the guacamole you may have tried before. There are always people waiting for a table, because it’s a very popular place, but the service is fast and you won’t have to wait long.
History of A Travelling Foodie's Journey to Playa del Carmen
The succulent smells of charcoal grilled meats fill the air and lead you to El fogon, a local open air taqueria with a few locations in Playa del Carmen that specialize in “tacos al pastor” which are actually an adapted culinary wonder by Lebanese immigrants to Mexico that are derived from shawarma (meat on a spit). Each taco de pastor at this place is made from hand carved pork placed over a warm tortilla and garnished with onions, cilantro and tiny pieces of pineapple. I additionally love their tacos de chorizo, carne asada and alambres which is an ample portion of grilled meat, (reminiscent of fajitas) and come with warm tortillas on the side.
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Of course we did some research beforehand and the first place we popped into right after our arrival was this hugely popular BBQ restaurant in the centre of PDC, not far from Walmart 😉 The line formed by Mexicans and tourists alike looked promising but the efficient staff made sure the wait wasn’t too long. We were hungry (and greedy) and ordered a huge meal consisting of a meat platter, a gringa and of course tacos. Their specialty has to be the pastor – roast pork with pineapple – and the BBQ master knew how to handle the pork skewer by artistically cutting off the meat and catching it with the tortilla!
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El Fogon is a household name in Playa Del Carmen, it was even given a shout-out in the hit Netflix series “Master Of None”. Their Al Pastor tacos are an absolute must try if you are looking for an authentic taste of the region. You’ll recognise El Fogon by the line of hungry people outside every night waiting for a table (yes it’s that popular) and the rotating trompos which is similar to the rotating meat you would expect to see in a kebab or shawarma shop, except the meat on here is noticeably red as it’s marinated in the local achiote chile…and incredibly delicious.
11 Restaurants for Best Authentic Mexican Food in Playa del Carmen
El Fogon is one of the most beloved taco spots in Playa del Carmen. Known for its tacos al pastor, this restaurant serves generous portions of well-seasoned pork marinated and cooked on a vertical spit, then shaved onto fresh tortillas and topped with the perfect amount of queso. If you are looking for the best tacos Playa del Carmen has to offer, El Fogon is the go-to spot for late-night dining and is a favorite for tourists as well as locals looking for affordable and flavorful Mexican food in Playa del Carmen.
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If you are looking for deliciously authentic Mexican food in Playa, I recommend El Fogon as it has a widely varied menu, various locations, and is always packed. If you are looking for central Mexican style tacos, Tacos Nero is the place to eat, and its open late!. La Perla Pixan cuisine is a high-end Mexican restaurant that serves beautifully presented and elaborate traditional dishes, and often has live traditional music from different regions.
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The succulent pork and crisp, fresh toppings make the tacos at El Fogon some of the best in all of Playa del Carmen. While you can’t visit without ordering a couple of their signature al pastor tacos, we also recommend their other flavors, especially chorizo and queso fundito (we like it topped with chorizo). Each Al Pastor taco comes dressed with fresh cilantro, onion, and pineapple, which adds a burst of flavor to the meat.
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Tacos al pastor are the specialty of El Fogon, a renowned open-air Mexican restaurant with two outlets. Delicious tacos, regional favorites like quesadillas, tortas (sandwiches), alambres, and quesos fundidos, as well as cortados, horchata, and smoothies, are all served here. This restaurant elevates grilled meats above the typical offerings of taquerias; the chefs here make excellent sirloins, chorizo, and steak tacos.
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Tucked away from the busy streets, El Fogon has a fun, laid-back atmosphere and some of the best tacos in the city. The al pastor tacos are fantastic, the Taco Loco is a must-order, and everything down to the chips, guac, and tortillas is killer. This restaurant is almost always busy, yet the staff are quick and nice as can be, and everything is super cheap, too, especially given the large portions.
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If you’re in town long enough, it’s likely that one of the locals will recommend that you visit El Fogon for some authentic Mexican food. You’ll have to leave the typical tourist area of 5th Avenue but it’s worth the trip: El Fogon is regarded as one of the best places in town to get tacos. The menu is only in Spanish but you really can’t go wrong with anything on it.
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This seemingly plain and simple restaurant is actually pretty famous. People travel from all over Mexico to come and eat here, and there´s often a huge line outside with people eagerly awaiting their delicious tacos. The world famous Canadian DJ Richie Hawtin loves the food in El Fogon so much, he even comes once a year to do a free set inside the restaurant.
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We’ll admit, El Fogon is not much of a breakfast place but we simply had to include it in this article because it truly is one of the best restaurants we ate at in Playa del Carmen. If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food, then there’s no better place in Playa del Carmen than El Fogon. The atmosphere is lively and the service is fantastic!
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They have 3 locations and we visit them or order from them frequently. Most people love their Al Pastor tacos the most and while they’re good I’m also a big fan of their chorizo. If you’re coming with kids you can order quesadillas, beans, or some guac (we usually get two orders of guacs for everyone) so it’s not an issue for picky eaters.
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Constituyentes, Quintas del Carmen, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico. El Fogon is recommended a lot as one of the top restaurants in Playa de Carmen, which means that it is always crowded with locals and tourists. There are three restaurants, all off 5th Ave, and just a few blocks away from the main tourist street.
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Mexican food in the Yucatan is both cheap and delicious – authentic tacos are served in El Fogon alongside massive margaritas. Alux is a restaurant built inside an underground cavern more than 10,000 years old – with Mexican contemporary and International cuisine served in stunning scenery, and a wide range of original entertainment.
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Price Range: $ Authentic Mexican Monday – Sunday: 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM Location: CALLE 6 NORTE BIS, Y 30 AV. If you ask locals where they get their favorite tacos in Playa, El Fogon is always a well-recommended choice. This restaurant is so beloved that it’s often crowded, but the wait moves quickly, and the food comes out fast.
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You don’t have to wait until Tuesday to sink your teeth into these delicious Mexican fare all-stars. The cooks designated to the revolving spit-grilled pork are geniuses when it comes to tacos al pastor. These tender bites of pork are a mouthful of goodness when served on warm tortillas with a slice of pineapple and spicy salsa.
Playa Del Carmen
No trip to Playa del Carmen would be complete without at least one meal at one of El Fogon's two locations. This casual taqueria is always packed because the food is insanely good and cheap. With a completely open kitchen you will see a huge al pastor spinning on a spit and two chefs cooking up all the food on a flat top grill.
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Constituyentes, Quintas del Carmen, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico. No list of Playa del Carmen’s best eateries would be complete without a shout-out to El Fogon, proudly serving up Playa’s best authentic tacos since 1999. It’s the quintessential taqueria on your way home from a fiesta, and basically, a rite of passage.
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Famous for being the best taco spot in Playa Del Carmen and the most well-known restaurant in the town, El-Fogon is an absolute taco staple. The restaurant’s colorful decor and the taqueria’s unpretentious style attract everyone to El Fogon. Consistent, well-priced flavors and standing the test of time make El Fogon #1.
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At El Fogon, a popular taco restaurant in Playa del Carmen, they operate on a first come first serve basis. The restaurant is known for its affordable prices and can easily satisfy a group of four people with a bill under $40. Their tacos come with traditional toppings such as pineapples, onions, lime, and cheese.
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It’s not the fanciest restaurant in Mexico, but in our opinion, El Fogon has the best food in Playa del Carmen. We enjoyed El Fogon so much that we came here four times, including the honored spot of our final meal in Mexico. El Fogon is a casual, covered, open-air restaurant with amazing Al Pastor dishes.
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At El Fogon, al pastor tacos shine with tender pork spun on a trompo, paired with fresh pineapple. With multiple locations including Constituyentes Avenue, this Michelin-recognized spot offers meals averaging $16 USD. We recommend arriving before 6:30 PM to savor their 17–30 MXN tacos without lines.
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Undeniably the most well-known taqueria in Playa del Carmen, El Fogon needs no introduction. The location on Avenida Constituyentes is the place to go to get authentic and unforgettable Mexican food!. There really is no better place to get tacos that are this affordable and this flavor-packed!
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If you’re looking for classic Mexican tacos, El Fogon is your typical cheap eats. Plastic tables and quick service, visit late at night for a snack, or show up in the early evening to order a plate of 3 or 4 tacos al pastor with a cold beer, and you'll fit right into the local culture!
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If you’re looking for classic Mexican tacos, El Fogon is your go-to place. You can enjoy dining on their plastic tables accompanied by excellent and fast service, visit late at night for a snack, or arrive early in the evening to get a plate of 3 or 4 tacos al pastor and a cold drink.
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El Fogon is renowned for having the best tacos in all of Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and I have to agree. Their tortillas are fresh, there’s a multi-tiered salsa tower on every table, and the flavors will make your mouth water. Seriously, you have to try their sirloin con queso taco.
Tacos al pastor at El Fogon in Playa del Carmen
First of all, the spit-grilled pork and the pineapple on the top are the main ingredients of the tacos al pastor without them, my friend you are eating something else. Then, a small corn tortilla, fresh onion and cilantro. Surely, you are tasting authentic mexican tacos al pastor.
A First Timer's Guide [2024]
While not authentic to the Yucatan, tacos al pastor are the most famous tacos in Mexico. Try them at El Fogon, a popular place known for having the best tacos in Playa del Carmen. Address: Avenida Constituyentes, Quintas del Carmen, Gonzalo Guerrero, Playa del Carmen, Mexico 77720
Restaurants in Playa del Carmen
If you only visit one restaurant in Playa del Carmen, it should be El Fogon. With several outposts in the city it is an institution although many believe newcomer Don Sirloin rivals in taste depending on what taco you get. There’s no harm in trying both to decide for yourself!
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I asked all of my friends before writing this article and 90% of them told me that El Fogon was their favorite. With their extensive menu, delicious flavors, and great prices I can definitely see why. El Fogon is famous in Playa del Carmen with five locations in the city.
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Location: There are four in Playa del Carmen, and three are on Avenue 30 between Calle 34 and Calle 6 More Info Here. This restaurant is number one on TripAdvisor so we definitely had to check it out. True to form, the prices were great, and the food was even better.
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The no-frills location has a giant rotating spit in front on the restaurant. One containing sirloin, and the other, their famous Al Pastor meat. Al Pastor is pork that has been marinated and then stacked on a metal skewer and fashioned into the shape of a cone.
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Considered one of the great restaurants in Playa del Carmen, El Fogon is known for its delicious and authentic Mexican fare. The chefs use wood fire to slow-roast meats and offer a wide range of options, from tacos to family-style platters at reasonable prices.
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Incredibly popular, this is a great place to sample authentic Mexican food. Just don’t come here for a quiet, romantic dinner. El Fogon is constantly packed with people waiting for tables, and grill at the front of the restaurant steaming and sizzling away.
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El Fogon– Several locations up and down 30th Avenue – we like the one at Calle 6 (one block from WalMart) and at Constituyentes (across from Mega). If we could only eat at one place during an entire trip, this would be it. We love everything we eat here.
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We named this restaurant as the best place for tourist to get a taco. We say this because they have two easy locations, decent prices, large menu to order off of, some English speaking staff usually. The best thing here is either beef or pastor tacos.
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On any given night around dinner time, you can expect to see a line around the corner at El Fogon. It is clearly a favourite of both locals and tourists. Prices are low, menu is extensive and food is delicious, so it it most definitely worth a visit.
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Others, such as El Fogon, are known for their mouth-watering tacos and salsas. Whether you’re looking for street food or a sit-down restaurant, Playa del Carmen has plenty of affordable options to satisfy your hunger without breaking the bank.
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A favorite among locals and tourists for authentic Mexican cuisine is El Fogon in Playa Del Carmen. Enjoy traditional dishes like tacos and enchiladas at unbeatable prices. The lively atmosphere and genuine flavors make it a true culinary gem.
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There is no doubt that El Fogon is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Playa del Carmen. You can find it in Avenida Constituyentes, North of Centre. Do not think that you will find El Fogon expensive because you can get two tacos for US$1.
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It’s first come first serve at El Fogon, one of Playa del Carmen’s most popular tacos eatery. Colorful and unpretentious, they draw in budget-eaters with very reasonable prices. Four people can leave completely stuffed with a bill under $40.
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My secret litmus test if I’m going to trust someone’s recommendations for Playa del Carmen restaurants is their opinion on El Fogon. No doubt they are the most popular taco restaurant in Playa del Carmen. But I have no idea why this is.
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Si de carnita jugosa se trata, los amantes de los tacos no quedarán defraudados en “El Fogoncito”, taquería con buenas opciones para ofrecer y donde turistas y locales pueden degustar buenas variedades de tacos, que son los estelares.
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This famous restaurant isn’t just delicious, it’s also cheap eats royalty!. No trip to Playa del Carmen is complete without a trip to El Fogon. Their tacos sell for around $15 pesos a piece, and their frijoles charros are to die for.
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El Fogon: Ask around and some will swear that you’ll find the best Riviera Maya tacos at El Fogon. Located a few blocks off of the famed La Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) in Playa del Carmen, it’s a budget friendly option too.
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Another one of our go-to places whenever we had Mexican food cravings. El Fogon had nice food and offered a large menu to choose from. No matter what mood you are in, you will always find something to fill that spot here.
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El Fogon restaurants are located throughout Playa del Carmen, and it’s a great place to eat tacos made with fresh ingredients. It’s open from 10 am – 10 pm daily, so you can enjoy your tacos late at night as well!
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We recommend the marinated pork tacos called el pastor at EL FOGON. For tacos with tender, juicy strips of steak, visit HC DE MONTERREY. Both are located near the MEGA grocery store 30th Ave and Constituyentes.
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El Fogon: Known for traditional tacos and unbeatable corn tortillas, El Fogon is a staple for those craving affordable, authentic Mexican food. You’ll love their generous portions and deliciously rich flavors.
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This is a local place for real Mexican food so if you want real food that real Mexicans eat - come to El Fogon. Great value for money, many different types of tacos and everything is very reasonably priced.
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☑️ El Fogon – This restaurant offers traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist. The menu has something for everyone, including vegan options and kids’ meals. Their margaritas are also really tasty!
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The line may seem off-putting, but it's entirely worth the wait for a meal at El Fogon. With a few locations throughout town, El Fogon is an iconic taco joint known for its succulent and classic tacos.
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El Fogon, is loved by locals and tourists alike and is extremely popular. It is renowned for its very affordable tacos, especially the al pastor tacos. And the best bit – the portions are huge!
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Free Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen, Wait in line at el fogon 7. The top things to do for free. Web we often talk the many activities and things you can do in playa del carmen.
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Perfect for dinner or lunch, they specialize in grilled Mexican style meats. This is one of our favorite restaurants. It`s very reasonably priced and very hard to go wrong.
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El Fogon – One of Playa’s landmarks & wildly popular eatery serves delicious tacos, fajitas, & refreshing fruit juices. Locations on 30 Ave & 20th.& Calle 6 & 30th Avenue.
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Great `cheap eatery` attracting both tourists and locals serving tacos (we recommend trying the `tacos al pastor`), quesadillas and other grilled Mexican dishes.
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El Fogon- Traditional Mexican (called taqueria or Taco Place). Inexpensive, noisy, and crowded with locals. Try the tacos & guacamole.
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