There are many opportunities to grab a quick bite to eat in Ellensburg, and taco trucks can be found around the corner of most major streets in town. Observer columnists Hunter Rhea and Quincy Taylor decided to find their favorite street tacos in town. The online Google review ratings are listed, followed by reporter feedback and ratings based on Rhea’s and Taylor’s analysis of the cuisine. The reporter’s ratings were a combination of looking at prices for two street tacos and their overall satisfaction. 

Los Chilangos 

The first location that Rhea and Taylor set off to was the Los Chilangos food truck located at 310 S Main St. which features an indoor seating area. The official online review has Los Chilangos sitting at 4.5 out of 5 stars. With two tacos costing $6.45, Taylor gave them a rating of 4.5/5, and Rhea gave his final review of 4/5. The tacos felt dry and didn’t pack much of a flavor punch, but the sauce is what made the tacos stay above 3 stars. 

El Loco 

Next up,  the pair voyaged to El Loco at 204 S. Main St. The taco truck is most recognizable by the LED lights. Located by Warrior’s Quick Stop, the business is officially rated 4.5 stars online, but the two wanted to see what the hype was all about. With two tacos sitting at an even $6, the reporters were amazed at how juicy the tacos were. Rhea gave the taco stand 4.6/5 stars while Taylor gave them 4/5. The flavors really popped out, which really made El Loco stand out from its competitors. 

Fidelinas

The third taco truck for review was Fidelinas, located on 119 W 5th Ave #103, which also offers indoor seating. The indoor space was large and so were their tacos. The online review had the restaurant sitting at 4.6 stars out of 5. For $7.59 for two tacos, the ratings individually rested below expectation. Rhea gave the tacos a 3.7/5 due to the lack of flavor and the price. Taylor tried their quesadillas and gave them a 5/5 star rating.

Tacos Chalito

Fourth on the list of easy bites is the second Tacos Chalito location, situated at 601 W. University Way. Online reviews gave the taco stand 4.8 stars out of 5, so Taylor and Rhea had to see if it lived up to its reputation. For two tacos sitting at only $6, the tacos exceeded both Taylor’s and Rheas’ expectations. Both reporters gave Tacos Chalito 5/5 stars. The most memorable part about this place was not only the price, but how the carne tacos really exploded with flavors with no sauce needed.

Genesis Churro y Tamales

The last taco stand the two visited was none other than Genesis Churros y Tamales, located across from CWU at 700 E. University Way and N. Walnut St. Two tacos cost $11, but these tacos were above average, not only in price but in size as well. With the flavors really coming out of the shell and the meat being high-quality, there’s a reason why this taco stand has a rating of 4.3 online. Taylor gave Genesis a 5/5 star rating, while Rhea gave it 4.5/5 stars. Rhea would have given it a 5-star rating if the price was closer to six or even seven dollars. 

Honorable Mention: Tacos Califas

We saved room for one more. An honorable mention that holds near and dear to Rhea’s heart is Tacos Califas. This stand is unconventional, because the stand owner opens at select times when he posts on Instagram. This might be an odd approach, but his tacos never miss. With an online review of 4.9 stars, Rhea gives his business 5/5 stars. His hours might be unconventional but when he sets up, business is always flowing in. Heavily recommend this taco stand for late nights out on the town. 

The Final Ratings

Los Chilangos: 4 – 4.5 stars

El Loco: 4 – 4.6 stars

Fidelinas: 3.7- 5 stars

Taco Chalitos: 5 – 5 stars

Genesis Churros y Tamales: 4.7 – 5 stars

Tacos Califas: 5 stars