the carnitas taco . Our extraordiany server Melanie informed us they had run out . When Mike began to tear up , Melanie said reassuringly , “ let me see what I can do .” Deb and Karyn ordered asada tacos and proclaimed they were the best they had . I ate a good chorizo taco . Melanie came through for Mike , finding just enough carnitas for one stuffed taco . As Mike ate , he began shedding tears of joy , proclaiming this was the best carnitas taco of the journey . It also could have been the margarita he and Deb shared . Our traditional-style street tacos were filled generously with meat , topped with cilantro , onions , and green and red salsa . Pickled radishes and a slice of lime garnished our plates . Muy delicioso !
Los Costeñitos is a little tucked in , and located on a busy intersection — so it can be easily missed . However , I would suggest you aim for it . The food is great , the décor is cheerfully themed , very colorful , and festive . Their full menu features lots of delicious food . And of course , our wonderful server , Melanie , took very good care of us !
night was much different than the mid-day visit on day one . This place was hopping . The table behind us — a “ girls night out ” table of ten or so ladies who had been there a while before we arrived , partied like rock stars all night . They were having a blast climbing under their table , taking shots , and singing aloud for the entire place to … enjoy .
Another group rolled up in their custom low-rider cars and parked right in front . These cars were beautiful — a baby blue 56 Chevy Bel Air and a 63-ish Chevy Impala convertible . I hope they make it out to the Gilroy Car Show this summer .
The drinks were spectacular — I mean , these were fit for a cruise ship . Karyn and Mike ’ s former neighbors , Lisa and Ray Blagof , joined us to end the night . We ate more tacos , shared some amazing drinks , laughed , and yelled across the table to get our words in . We hung out for hours and had a great time . You definitely want to go to El Michoacano on a Friday or Saturday night for the festive vibe . It was so much fun it should be on an official “ local area must-do ” list .
At the end of the night , we stuffed ourselves back into the Mini Cooper and finally headed to Casa Sanchez for some much needed rest . We hit 17 taco spots ( 18 counting El Michoacan twice ). We fell far short of the 33 taco stops on the Taco Trail , and we could not hold a candle to Justin and Andrea Gamble ’ s seasoned Taco Crawl crew . But , we gave it our best shot . This was a true lesson in stamina , and we put in a seriously mediocre effort . Still , we gave ourselves an “ A ” for effort ... or is it an “ A ” for asada ?
Los Costenitos is a must-do restaurant # margaritas
Check out the Gilroy Taco Trail . You will be glad you did — once the food settles . Sombreros off to the makers of these great tacos all over Gilroy . We enjoyed our time on the trail , ate great tacos , met great old and new friends , and completed our research for this installment of " Dining Out , with Friends ." It ' s all about the research . Saludos !
Cardenas Market
Cardenas Market is a chain Mexican grocery store with an amazing produce department and a food counter . Fresh prepared foods include rice , beans , moles , tacos , and burritos of all sizes and meat choices . I had an awesome chile verde taco . Mike , Deb , and Karyn had carnitas tacos they considered " great ." Mike had what he described as “ the best '' horchata of the day . I don ’ t think I had a Modelo here … but I can ’ t remember !
A revisit to El Michoacan , and back at Casa Sanchez !
A Return to the Scene of the Crime , and Surprise # 4
Worn out , we jammed into the Mini Cooper ,— which was smaller now . We intended to head for Casa Sanchez . Instead , we peer-pressured ourselves into revisiting the most creative and lively taco stop of the trail — El Michoacano . Rolling up at
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