Mexicali Taco Triumphs With New Pandemic-Proof Takeout Restaurant in San Gabriel

Mexicali Taco’s second location is here. The new San Gabriel walk-up stand — formerly a Wienerschnitzel, pitched A-frame roof and all — at 1811 S. San Gabriel Boulevard opened for friends and fans and curious onlookers last night, with a formal announcement of its arrival coming on social media just an hour ago.

Mexicali is the first love of celebrated international chef Esdras Ochoa, who made his bones in Los Angeles as a street vendor before opening Mexicali, then Salazar, and then restaurants across the globe including in India and Hong Kong. The popular chef is perhaps most famously known now as a competitor on the hit Netflix food competition series the Final Table back in 2018. Ochoa also recently opened a restaurant named Reunion 19 in Austin, Texas.

As for this new Mexicali Taco, expect the same collection of tacos, quesadillas, vampiros, and more, with socially-distanced picnic tables set up in the parking lot. The plan is to also let customers order in advance and have someone deliver the food directly to their vehicle in the same large parking lot, sort of a modern carhop setup for this coronavirus pandemic times.

Mexicali Taco is now open in the San Gabriel Valley, keeping hours from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday (closed Sunday).

Matthew Kang

Matthew Kang

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