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El Cotorro - Taqueria and Heladeria (craft tacos and ice creams)
111 Carlisle Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, United States
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El Cotorro - Taqueria and Heladeria (craft tacos and ice creams)
Comments
Ra
Review โ„–1

Fun & laid-back place! Great food! Everyone is very nice. Will be going back very soon! ๐Ÿคค

Al
Review โ„–2

Some of the best food Ive had in town. The oxtail and the lamb tacos were amazing. Cant beat the elote. And how could you turn down Guava Jarritos?

Ka
Review โ„–3

Excellent tacos, 100% recommend. I had the $9 scallop tacos this go around. They werent bad, but they were mostly expensive because they were scallops. Regardless, the regular tacos are on average $4, and you can buy them a la cart. The Carne asada, soy chorizo, and al pastor Tacos are 1000% reliably delicious, and Im rarely if ever disappointed from other items in the menu.Go there. Eat tacos. Be happy.

ai
Review โ„–4

This place is an absolute gem. Diverse list of tacos, many different vegetarian options- not just one. Helados were delicious. Make sure you stop in and try one of each taco! Except the fish...it was not a fried classic style, slightly disappointing

Ma
Review โ„–5

Amazing experience! Variety of options for vegan and non vegan guests. We got a carryout of the shrimp taco, chicken taco, chorizo & potato taco, camote guisado taco, two orders of corn, one vegan, one not. Everything was delicious!

Bo
Review โ„–6

I really love these tacos and all the meats (and fried cactus) Ive tried so far are excellent! This place has a comfy atmosphere, inside and out. This spot adds to the unique food to try around this neighborhood!

Je
Review โ„–7

Nice staff and good tacos but the guacamole and floor tortilla chips are delicious and I cant wait to have some more

Ti
Review โ„–8

Absolutely amazing and delicious vegan options!! This place is awesome, and the staff is so friendly! Thank you!!!!

Ji
Review โ„–9

I go here all the time. The food here is special and I am never disappointed. Keep it up!

se
Review โ„–10

Oh. My. Goodness.These tacos are ๐Ÿ”ฅ ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅThe nopales and the shrimp tacos are amazing and the salsa is oh so fresh.This is my new taco Tuesday spot for sure. Cant wait to try some paletas next time ๐Ÿ˜‹

Re
Review โ„–11

Best place for the days you dont know what to eat. Never has a bad experience there. They have a nice little outdoor area. Their tacos are pretty tasty and you can get beer to go with it. Their ice cream is good too. Cant go wrong with El Cotorro. Sometimes wish their taco prices were a little lower, but theyre tacos are worth buying for sure.

Ad
Review โ„–12

This is my second favorite taco place. If has a great selection of tacos a little bit pricey for the size of the tacos.And some of the staff is kinda rough with small attitudes nothing that wouldnt keep me from going back. But it isnt my first choice. Rockin tacos on Indian school has way better food and staff so Id go there first. But if you are walking nob hill this is a good option for that area.

Pa
Review โ„–13

Good craft taco options, but dont come here expecting the usual. El Cottoro put an interesting twist on all the norms. Tried the Carne Asada and Carnitas. The real standout were the housemade tortillas. Rice and beans were standard.

Fe
Review โ„–14

Loved the elote corn and the gelato. On my first review I said this wouldnโ€™t be my goto for tacos and that El Paisaโ€™s were much better. Since then, Iโ€™ve absolutely fallen in love with their braised oxtail and lamb barbacoa tacos. Like I could eat them every week they are so good. I also love the horchata! Would certainly pop in for a glass of that and the elote, but those oxtails tacos call my name!

L
Review โ„–15

Great vegetarian options. I love the soy chorizo and potato tacos and the noplas taco! The elote is ๐Ÿ”ฅand cilantro lime is another good pick!

Be
Review โ„–16

Awesome spot out of the way. Friendly and serves alcohol. Could not ask for more. I would recommend this place again and again.

Di
Review โ„–17

The place does not look clean, the smell of the place is not very good. The staff is good, but no healthy options. The food is very greasy.

J.
Review โ„–18

Delicious! Lots of options for all kinds of diets. Homemade corn tortillas- yummmmmmm! There have always been taco of the day specials when I have been there that make this a very affordable place to have a meal.

EO
Review โ„–19

Horrible place to eat, they charge you $3.25 for one mini taco (two bites and your done) this place is not clean whatsoever! Taste awful Donโ€™t come here ๐Ÿคฎ๐Ÿคฎ

Hu
Review โ„–20

The food was fine, except for the price. They are a little bit pricey in my opinion. $3 for a little taco on average is a bit too much I think.

El
Review โ„–21

Worth a try! Flavorful selection of tacos and variety of ice cream. Vegan ICE CREAM!!Tacos are small, get three for an average appetite. Portions are small and pricey but still worth it for the taste.Price is the only reason itโ€™s not 5 Stars.

ci
Review โ„–22

Very good tacos, elote was awesome! Great service will definitely go back ๐Ÿ‘

El
Review โ„–23

Great tacos without meat crafted with whole plant foods. Their margaritas are so great as well with jalapeรฑo. Love it, it seems quite popular and I think its well deserved. Oh also Ive loved corn tortillas all my life and their homemade daily corn tortillas are some of the best Ive ever had.

Al
Review โ„–24

Overpriced and disappointing food. Small tacos and charged extra for tiny salsa. Staff was nice though

Be
Review โ„–25

Every bit as delicious as I was told. Fresh ingredients, delicious sauces, unique flavor combinations. Plus homemade corn tortillas. Yum! With super quick and friendly service. Thanks for lunch, El Cortorro!

Mi
Review โ„–26

Best tacos Ive had in a long time. Tried the Tika and the lamb. Red salsa is amazing. Elote is so good. Excellent quality food. 100% deserving of its price point. So glad its close to home!

Pa
Review โ„–27

Terrific variety of single tacos so you can try several. Although, I tried five types and still cant choose a favorite. There is not a bad choice. Place is clean, service is responsive and friendly. Great experience.

Ex
Review โ„–28

Love their vegan tacos and elotรฉ

Ch
Review โ„–29

Would NOT recommend for anybody with medically necessary dietary restrictions. If this isnt you, Im sure this is a great place.I cannot have gluten for medical reasons and was very upfront with the staff at the register about it and asked lots of questions about cross contamination. I explained that I do not have celiac disease, but cannot consume gluten at any level and they noted it on the order. I felt safe knowing that areas would be cleaned and food not prepared in the shared fryer.After a while, our food comes out. The staff lets me know that the kitchen prepared my food gluten free in a shared fryer and that I will be fine. I reminded the woman, the same who I had discussed with at the register, that we had discussed the need for gluten free preparation and agreed on pan frying instead of the shared fryer. She retreated to the kitchen and the chef appeared at our table. He was rude and aggressive, refusing to remake my food and 1. Blaming me for not communicating with the staff (I did) and 2. Insisting that hes been a chef for years and promising that I wont get ill.I let him know that I HAD communicated with the staff, explained that I would NOT be ok eating the food, and attempting to explain to him that nothing in a shared fryer is in fact gluten free. He continued on in an aggressive and profoundly unprofessional manner and then left.By this point, my husband had finished his meal. The chef then returns with safely prepared food and apologizes. He admitted no wrongdoing, continued to blame me, told me that gluten free was an inconvenience and should incur an upcharge, and continued to state inaccurate facts about cross contamination.Im sad to write off a local business, but I will never return here or recommend it to anyone personally. The chef was the most rude and misinformed that I have encountered. It is not worth the headache and the risk to ones health to eat here.

Me
Review โ„–30

Nom...nom...nom... Outstanding food. Excellent service. Salsas made fresh daily. Margaritas to die for. Whats not to like?Fish tacos are so damn good...

Sh
Review โ„–31

The tacos are very tasty and all the ingredients are high quality. Tortillas, chips, salsa, toppings are made in house and are all great options. They have frequent daily specials on tacos and drinks as well. The ice cream is also amazing!A huge issue is the sous chef and the handling of customers with dietary restriction, specifically gluten allergies. There is a large disconnect between the front staff and the kitchen. The front staff do not know the specific cooking processes that the kitchen is using. For example, if potatoes or chips are fried in the same oil as items with flour.Furthermore, the sous chef has very specific ideas of his own medical knowledge of gluten intolerance/Celiac disease. He is of the opinion that his specific cooking procedures, for examples cooking in the same oil, is sufficient for those with gluten intolerance which isnt backed by any science but rather only his experience.The restaurant should improve the communication and training between the chefs and front staff. All employees should receive training, from a nutritionist or medical expert, on the specific procedures for dealing with the various levels of gluten intolerances.In addition, the sous chef should refrain from arguing with a customer about their specific medical/dietary restrictions. The chef is not an expert and has no information about any specific customer or their medical specifics. The experiences with past customers is no guarantee on any future experience. Furthermore, no one is a medical expert and it is better to err on the side of caution rather than taking shortcuts in the interest of costs or speed.The staff were all very friendly and understanding of the various dietary issues. It seems to be more related to a training/discussion between every employee on the restaurant procedures for dietary restrictions.

Na
Review โ„–32

Fun atmosphere, the food is good too, maybe a little pricey but worth the trip.

Yo
Review โ„–33

Super good tacos and elote!! Loved my horchata too!!

Lo
Review โ„–34

Good tacos, well priced. Elote was great too.

Jo
Review โ„–35

Good food, nice patio. They gave me one tiny thimble of salsa for 4 tacos and charge for additional salsa.

JT
Review โ„–36

Had their vegan tacos. Very small. Super pricey for the amount of food but they tasted good.

Je
Review โ„–37

Wonderful tacos! Their salsa bar is hot... red hot... green hot!! If you know what I mean! ๐Ÿ˜‰

Ra
Review โ„–38

A fantastic variety of tacos! Very delicious. Great atmosphere. Love the salsa bar. The vegan options were on point! Tacos were sort of small (I ate like 4). Definitely going back

Mi
Review โ„–39

I highly recommend eating here the tacos are totally awesome my most favorite is the shrimp, but all are great. I love the elotes which is the corn on the cob. I also love their homemade ice cream. The service is wonderful. Its located at 111 Carlisle NE in Albuquerque just off Nob Hill.

An
Review โ„–40

El Cotorro has been a favorite of ours for several years. I think it is the only place in town that does tacos at such a high level like the braised ox tail and the lamb barbacoa. Everything is extremely good. Salsas are all fresh and tasty.

Ro
Review โ„–41

Loved this place. The food was amazing and the drinks were aslo amazing. Definitely coming back.

de
Review โ„–42

The service is excellent, their food is even better. The drinks are a perfect compliment to the menu and the ice cream is a nice touch. The seating is aplenty inside and out!

An
Review โ„–43

The menu is amazing .Great twists to the taco that we known. The price is not bad, same as any taco place .homemade daily, exotic veggie and fruit super fresh. Well worth the bill.

Ka
Review โ„–44

Very good shrimp taco. And very doggo friendly.

Wy
Review โ„–45

We just did curbside pickup at El Cotorro and were very pleased. We tried five different kinds of tacos and they were all delicious. Very fresh and flavorful. Great corn tortillas. We also had the Elote side dish. Yum, dont miss that. Service was friendly. Well be back.

Sa
Review โ„–46

Great tacos but pricy. They used to have way better spicy margaritas though. Really cool atmosphere.

Em
Review โ„–47

This was the worst place I e ever been to. It has the most inattentive staff and worzt food Iโ€™ve ever tasted. I habe worked at Chick-fil-A, imos, and other restaurants and I have never made food that slow or bad. I think they need to shut it down.

La
Review โ„–48

Amazing patio space and multiple vegan options. So great. Highly recommend!

Na
Review โ„–49

I waited a hour and a half in line just to order my food while their were only 4 customers in front of me. Also, after I got my food I went outside to their patio and I had to clean off my table from the previous customers who were seated there. I saw multiple other customers do the same thing. I wish I could give this establishment 0 stars but that is not an option.

Ma
Review โ„–50

Customer service is horrendous. The ladies at the front are not only rude but absolutely clueless. Food is mediocre at best.

Ma
Review โ„–51

Enjoyed local fare of craft made tacos with yummy Gelato.

Da
Review โ„–52

Gelato was the worst I have ever had. I tried cracker jack and red chile mango. Both tasted old and stale. Mango tasted artificial. Service was good and waitstaff nice but next time I will stick to tacos.

Va
Review โ„–53

Absolutely Delicious!! ยกDelicioso! Their tacos are off the chain! We love their Shrimp Tacos and Carne Asada Tacos. The Salsa Bar has recommendations of what salsa tastes best with the taco you ordered. The outdoor seating that is perfect for a beautiful Spring day like today! And the CAVICHE!!! DAMN!! Got my cold beer and tacos...what more can a burquena ask for!?

Qu
Review โ„–54

Hands down the best taco place in ABQ. Their carne asada is amazing. They also serve a chorizo and potato vegan/vegetarian taco too.

Za
Review โ„–55

The guisado taco was tasty but al pastor was dry and not the most flavorful. Portion sizes were small (still hungry after 4 tacos) and they were stingy with the salsa. Only allowed one tiny salsa container for my 4 tacos, needed to pay $0.54 for any additional salsa.

Ka
Review โ„–56

Great food- but if you call and get put on hold- theyre never coming back to the phone. In the times Ive tried to order carry out Ive waited 6 min, 10 min etc... before just hanging up. But great place for in person ordering.

Th
Review โ„–57

Delicious craft tacos and phenomenal small batch ice cream. This place is worth repeat visits just for how frequently the ice cream flavors change

Th
Review โ„–58

Loved their food. Their horchata ice cream is amazing!

Ri
Review โ„–59

Very good! Both the tacos and ice cream.

Sa
Review โ„–60

Delicious horchata! I especially liked the carne asada tacos and the great salsas. The chicharrones taco was also good, tho it was slightly heavy on the refried beans. Service was fast and staff were cheerful and helpful. I cant wait to go back!

Yo
Review โ„–61

My favorite is the fish and Al Pastor! This place has the best tortillas and one of the best tacos in Abq! Must try if you didnโ€™t!

P
Review โ„–62

Great corn on the cob,tacos are small but tasty and drinks are average

La
Review โ„–63

Shrimp tacos, Carne asada tacos, elotes AND beer??? One HELL of a good dine. Five Freakin Stars, El Cotorro!!

Ai
Review โ„–64

Quite literally the best tacos iโ€™ve ever had. the staff is also very friendly and the environment of the restaurant is very nice as well.

rw
Review โ„–65

The family meal is a pretty good deal. Lots of gluten free options!

Me
Review โ„–66

You cant beat the tacos and ice cream here! My friends and I always leave stuffed and happy.

Je
Review โ„–67

The gentleman that helped us out with the ice cream was awesome! He was so friendly, and helpful, and had an awesome playlist going! The drink is La Morena - stout beer, vanilla nieve and some chocolate syrup SO GOOD!The tacos were amazing as well! The gentleman with the ice cream recommend carnitas and boy, they were AMAZING! The shrimp taco was great, too. Fresh!

sa
Review โ„–68

Amazing! Oxtail tacos & elote corn: so delicious! Thank you!

Ty
Review โ„–69

Five solid gold stars! I visited on a whim due to the buy 3, get the 4th free offer and I am so glad that I did. Their taco menu spans a continent of flavors at a reasonable price while their salsa bar is a variable smorgasbord of spice levels for most all capsaicin fans. Did I mention that they fry their own flour and corn chips in house and are made to order?To customer service, Allison gave some of the most helpful and attentive service that I have ever received. From guidance to taco selection, describing the salsa flavors as she personally poured me six of them, to recommending salsas to accompany each taco, she was the epitome of confidence and competence. Management, do whatever you have to do to keep her in your employ! I would recommend this restaurant to others based just on her exceptional service.

No
Review โ„–70

El Cotorro, has safe take out orders, mask required, hand sanitizer available. Food is delicious and service is prompt. Staff is friendly and courtesy. Ill be returning to El Cotorro.

Ju
Review โ„–71

So Delicious!!!! Cant wait to go back!

Ju
Review โ„–72

Great Mexican corn on the cob and the staff is super friendly.

je
Review โ„–73

The tacos are great that being said I think theyre very overpriced you can get the same food on a food truck for a third of the price

La
Review โ„–74

Good food and gelato.

Jo
Review โ„–75

Wow, simply delicious. Tacos Al Pastor, and Carne Asada with a side of lime rice. The meat was super tasty and corn tortillas were excellent. The sauces they served with the tacos were fresh and spicy. If you have not been here before, go, now.

Ma
Review โ„–76

I got an elote and carnitas tacos and all of it was really really good!! They did not skimp on the cheese or the chili powder on the elote, and the carnitas were very juicy and tender and I ended up with a surprisingly low amount of stuff stuck in my teeth. Getting only two tacos was a MISTAKE and I regret it.And the takeout packaging is recyclable cardboard instead of styrofoam, too. A+ very good would recommend.

1
Review โ„–77

Delicious handmade corn tortillas, salsa and vegetarian filling.

ad
Review โ„–78

Given high expectations before going to this place. WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED! Tacos were great! Barbacoa ๐Ÿ”ฅ Asada๐Ÿ”ฅ Chicken ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ

Jo
Review โ„–79

Yum! We ordered a variety of tacos, and they were all delish. The ones we tried were chicken tinga, lamb barbacoa, asada, carnitas, al pastor, and prickly pear. Everyone was quiet while they wolfed down the tacos. The tortillas are handmade in house every day, and they taste like it. So. Good. All three salsa taste great as well. Finally, the elote was wonderful. My favorite Ive tried.

Al
Review โ„–80

Went for the first time today and was super impressed! Got the chicken tinga and vegan chorizo and potato taco and they were both super good. Salsa is great also the red is pretty hot and green is mild per usual but with great flavor. Also got sides of frijoles borrachos and cilantro lime rice and both were delicious. Prices are average for a street taco and they were filling. Will definitely eat here again.

Br
Review โ„–81

Such great tacos! Love the vegan options.

El
Review โ„–82

Best infused hibiscus tea and papita and bean tacos must try!

Ch
Review โ„–83

Best Carne Asada tacos by far!!! Out of this world amazing ๐Ÿ˜. This is my 3rd time back this week!

Ke
Review โ„–84

Nice tacos and elote

Al
Review โ„–85

I really loved this place. The tacos were awesome, but pretty cold and soggy by the time they got to me. The chips were really good though and the local I dined out with said she comes here ALL the time. I will always come back here whenever Im traveling through town!

An
Review โ„–86

Great tacos and lime rice. For lunch you cant go wrong. Its all flavor and you can really taste the quality of the food being served. The bathrooms are clean and accessible for handicapped and include baby changing stations. That dining area is also clean and spacious with large windows for great natural light. Theres even a nice outdoor seating area.

Jo
Review โ„–87

Not my type of food. Sorry!!I thought it was a Mexican taqueria place.

ma
Review โ„–88

Amazing food and friendly staff 10/10!!

Br
Review โ„–89

The best street tacos in Albuquerque. So many different unique and authentic taco options, with a giant salsa bar that pairs to each taco perfectly. The elote is also a must buy. Highly recommend visiting their gelato bar as well, some very special and unique flavors. I used to come here twice a week when I went to UNM and I miss that routine greatly.

Pe
Review โ„–90

The food is good. Can be as hot as you want. The staff couldnt be nicer. Very simple setup now. No salsa bar. They include salsa with your order. Place your order, go outside, and they bring it to you.

Lo
Review โ„–91

Super hot fire tacos ... the best in nob hill area

Mc
Review โ„–92

Wonderful beans and rice and mate mint tea. Amazing homemade corn tortillas yummmm hearty & mealy

El
Review โ„–93

Always excellent flavors, interesting options, and generous portions. From traditional carnitas to vegan chard and papitas, these tacos are all delicious. And the rotating fish option never fails to delight. El Cotorro is a must!!

Be
Review โ„–94

Delicious food and wonderful service! Try the heladerรญa next door!!!

S
Review โ„–95

I got to try their ice cream and Mexican soda, it was delicious! Also waited an hour on a way too crowded patio during this virus for their tacos. We waited 20 min by the ice cream that someone was supposed to get for us because you pay at the counter. Once we got that we waited outside for about 40 minutes. They were getting their pickup orders out but the people that came in to go were not getting their orders. I donโ€™t know if they place a higher rank on the pick up phone orders rather than the people walking up and placing an order but something was definitely wrong. 2 people cancelled and then we also cancelled because we had to go home and get stuff done for the night. They were out of 2 meats as well. If I try this place again it will be a pickup phone order so I can wait at home. They have stuff in place for social distancing before and while you place your order but if youโ€™ve seen their patio there was 16 people out there and some people were waiting outside of the patio for proper distancing.Update: placed a phone order and it was ready in 15 min and damnnnn those were some amazing tacos. Updating my stars because the food was THAT good. Iโ€™ll go back for sure!

Ja
Review โ„–96

Amazing and authentic! Highly recommend all the tacos and corn cob!

fa
Review โ„–97

Quality tacos! They are small but mighty. I tried the nopales and they were excellent ๐Ÿ‘ the ice cream is pretty good too.

We
Review โ„–98

Absolutely blown away! I can hands down say these are the best tacos I have ever had. Made me want to eat until I couldnt take anymore.

Mi
Review โ„–99

Called and asked how big are the tacos and got mislead to believing theyโ€™re were a decent size for the price, โ€œhigh qualityโ€ but are probably the worst tacos Iโ€™ve ever tried, and bought a total of 5 different tacos for my family and only got 2 super small containers of salsas with them in my order

Na
Review โ„–100

Delicious! Be prepared to wait a bit as everything is made to order. Great Taco Tuesday specials!

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.5 Rating
  • Address:111 Carlisle Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, United States
  • Site:http://elcotorroabq.com/
  • Phone:+1 505-503-6202
Categories
  • Ice cream shop
  • Taco restaurant
  • Restaurant
Working hours
  • Monday:11:30AMโ€“8PM
  • Tuesday:11:30AMโ€“8PM
  • Wednesday:11:30AMโ€“8PM
  • Thursday:Closed
  • Friday:11:30AMโ€“8PM
  • Saturday:11:30AMโ€“8PM
  • Sunday:11:30AMโ€“8PM
Service options
  • Outdoor seating:Yes
  • Takeout:Yes
  • Dine-in:No
Highlights
  • Great dessert:Yes
Popular for
  • Lunch:Yes
  • Dinner:Yes
  • Solo dining:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
Offerings
  • Coffee:Yes
  • Comfort food:Yes
  • Healthy options:Yes
  • Quick bite:Yes
  • Small plates:Yes
  • Vegetarian options:Yes
Dining options
  • Dessert:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
  • High chairs:Yes
Atmosphere
  • Casual:Yes
  • Cozy:Yes
Crowd
  • College students:Yes
  • Groups:Yes
  • Tourists:Yes
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