El Pelon Taqueria

(617) 779-9090

2197 Commonwealth Ave (Lake Street)
Brighton, MA 02135 42.340073 -71.166232

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Neighborhoods: Brighton, Allston-Brighton, St. Elizabeth's

Hours:

11am-11pm Daily

Price:

$

Last updated 5.12.11

Category:

Catering, Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Lunch Spot, Cheap Eats, Carry Out, Outdoor Dining

Cuisine:

Fast Food, Mexican

Smoking Permitted:

No

What People Are Saying About El Pelon Taqueria

Featured Review

Christine Liu

Contributor

Back from the ashes, cult-favorite Mexican joint El Pelon surfaces in Brighton, where the hungry masses can reunite with the tried-and-true favorites: cornmeal-fried-cod fish tacos, grilled steak-stuffed "El Guapo" burritos, carnitas tortas. The Fenway location (closed due to fire) is still undergoing reconstruction and awaiting re-opening.

ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. “The decor is interesting with the country's art and silver-plated mirrors.”
  2. “The service was friendly and the decor is unique.”
  3. “Overall a fun place with great food for very little money.”
  4. “The atmosphere is fun, don't expect Newbury St. chic.”
  5. “Amazing Mexican food with a distinct twist, to be enjoyed in a unique atmosphere!”
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. “I'm used to a Burrito with a lot of flavor, a choice for rice, a choice of beans, a choice of whether I would like crema (sour cream) or not, etc.”
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. “It is also a good place to hang with visiting friends because of the proximity to Fenway Park and a good bar or two right next door.”
  2. “personally recommend "agua de horchata" (milk/rice flavor drink)”
food quality
93.59000205993652% positive
  1. “Cheap, great service, AWESOME food!”
  2. “chipotle salsa is amazing, and the guacamole is so fresh tasting, lacking the too-salty, preservative taste that some of the chain mexican burrito joints seem to have.”
  3. “The chips are usually hot and fresh, and the guacamole is awesome.”
  4. “Good tacos gone bad.”
  5. “El Pelon is not just good and friendly service, it is also good food and they have the BEST FISH BURRITO IN TOWN, not like that other burrito place.”
  6. “But the food was tasty and the prices are great.”
  7. “Local food and service has gone up a notch since ElPelon Landed with the freshest ingredients and friendly service.”
  8. “don't like "American Mexican" food at those "other places”
  9. “and the hot sauce is really good, but some days it's hotter than others.”
  10. “The old one had authentic Mexican trinkets on the wall and a bright yellow paint and the new one is boring to look at.”
  11. “The food is fresh, authentic and delicious.”
  12. “Best fish tacos and plantains”
  13. “But food here is Delicious!”
  14. “Places like Anna's and Felipes are always consistent but El Pelon offers you a wider variety of authentic Mexican food like their Tortas and Plantanos.”
  15. “Great food !”
  16. “El Pelon is by far the best burrito joint in Boston.”
  17. “Being originally from Oakland, CA all of these reviews saying how authentic El Pelon is make me laugh.”
  18. “good place for El Pelon (and most taquerias in boston) to start is to make refried beans that don't taste like they came from a can.”
  19. “I'm a veggie; and it's really difficult to get good food.”
  20. “The food was amazing!”
  21. “The food is fantastic, quick, and actually affordable.”
  22. “Great for vegetarians who want authentic mexican taste.”
  23. “In my opinion, they have the best authentic Mexican food.”
  24. “overall the food is excellent for a very reasonable price.”
  25. “The salsa is the best salsa in town.”
  26. “The taste is very authentic and reasonable price.”
  27. “Beware though, the staff are "uncharacteristically" Boston as they're helpful and seem to delight in offering tastes of their favorite sauces and side dishes.”
  28. “Overall a fun place with great food for very little money.”
  29. “Reasonable prices and delicious, fresh ingredients that were always a little bit different made me keep coming back.”
  30. “Great cheap food!”
  31. “Most authentic Mexican food in Boston.”
  32. “I'm used to a Burrito with a lot of flavor, a choice for rice, a choice of beans, a choice of whether I would like crema (sour cream) or not, etc.”
  33. “All the burritos, tacos and platos are delicious but the fish ones deserve special mention.”
  34. “would defintely choose a delicious burrito from Chipotle over El Pelon any day of the week!”
  35. “personally recommend "agua de horchata" (milk/rice flavor drink)”
  36. “was delighted when I discovered El Pelon, a small Mexican joint in the Fenway that has the feel of a genuine community-oriented restaurant: not only do they have great food (dinner for under 5 bucks!)”
  37. “The food's great and the prices can't be beat.”
  38. “The hot sauce they have may be the best I've ever had.”
  39. “Great food for little price.”
  40. “got a carnitas burrito with tasteless pork and lumps of cold cheese and a tostada that had brown, gooey lettuce on it.”
  41. “have tried most of the Mexican restaurants around and have found few that can come close to the freshness of ingredients and great taste of El Pelon's food.”
  42. “El Pelon is what you get in Mexico and its the best: fresh ingredients, well cooked (not dry and nasty like Boca), and employees who take time with each order (do not slap nasty Taco Bell quality beans, and a paultry bits of chicken on a rubbery tortilla ”
  43. “have been living in Boston for 7 years now and have always had a difficult time finding a great healthy meal at a good value served promptly with a smile.”
  44. “This is the only place that beats out Anna's for the best burrito in boston.”
  45. “You can't go wrong with a burrito here, I recommend the El Guapo.”
  46. “Amazing Mexican food with a distinct twist, to be enjoyed in a unique atmosphere!”
  47. “food is fresh fast and cheap service was quick what else could you want”
  48. “fresh and delicious food”
  49. “everything tasted very fresh.”
  50. “El Pelon has the best fish tacos, quesadillas and burritos in Boston.”
  51. “El Pelon has the best burritos/tacos/food for the best price.”
  52. “It has great food at affordable prices -- almost every single dish is under $5 and served fresh.”
  53. “This is simply delicious, real Mexican food and a funky little restaurant.”
  54. “El Pelon is a massive amount of good food for a very fair price.”
  55. “love Mexican food and have lived in southern California, so I know a good place from a bad one.”
  56. “In addition to great food, very friendly staff.”
  57. “Food is tasty, healthy, quick and bueno.”
  58. “love the vegetarian burrito and plato.”
  59. “the food at El Palon is great.”
  60. “Newer space but the same great food.”
  61. “The place is authentic in that bright colors and tiled floors and tables are used to keep the temperature down -- especially appreciated in these dog-day of August.”
  62. “Burritos are very tasty and savory, more so than Ana's.”
  63. “If you are looking for authentic fresh mexican fare, look no further than El Pelon.”
  64. “Their fish tacos are extremely tasty, their burritos are fabulous and their plantains are out of this world.”
  65. “Perhaps positive reviews show lack of exposure to authentic Mexican food.”
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. “El Pelon had a much bigger menu and even had a little board with specials- The owner realized that I was from Mexico and provided our table with some specialty foods that I havent even seen anywhere else in Boston- plus they were playing really good music”
  2. “Places like Anna's and Felipes are always consistent but El Pelon offers you a wider variety of authentic Mexican food like their Tortas and Plantanos.”
overall
86.66999816894531% positive
  1. “El Pelon is not just good and friendly service, it is also good food and they have the BEST FISH BURRITO IN TOWN, not like that other burrito place.”
  2. “love Mexican food and have lived in southern California, so I know a good place from a bad one.”
  3. “good place for El Pelon (and most taquerias in boston) to start is to make refried beans that don't taste like they came from a can.”
  4. “By far the best mexican place in Beantown!”
  5. “It is also a good place to hang with visiting friends because of the proximity to Fenway Park and a good bar or two right next door.”
service
84.84999656677246% positive
  1. “Cheap, great service, AWESOME food!”
  2. “The staff were inviting!”
  3. “The service was friendly and the decor is unique.”
  4. “On top of that, the service is unnaceptably slow for a taqueria.”
  5. “Local food and service has gone up a notch since ElPelon Landed with the freshest ingredients and friendly service.”
  6. “El Pelon is not just good and friendly service, it is also good food and they have the BEST FISH BURRITO IN TOWN, not like that other burrito place.”
  7. “El Pelon is what you get in Mexico and its the best: fresh ingredients, well cooked (not dry and nasty like Boca), and employees who take time with each order (do not slap nasty Taco Bell quality beans, and a paultry bits of chicken on a rubbery tortilla ”
  8. “Beware though, the staff are "uncharacteristically" Boston as they're helpful and seem to delight in offering tastes of their favorite sauces and side dishes.”
  9. “The service is also very friendly and very quick.”
  10. “food is fresh fast and cheap service was quick what else could you want”
  11. “In addition to great food, very friendly staff.”
value
100.0% positive
  1. “have been living in Boston for 7 years now and have always had a difficult time finding a great healthy meal at a good value served promptly with a smile.”
  2. “Great food for little price.”
  3. “And the prices are very good.”
  4. “It has great food at affordable prices -- almost every single dish is under $5 and served fresh.”
  5. “Reasonable prices and delicious, fresh ingredients that were always a little bit different made me keep coming back.”
  6. “Overall a fun place with great food for very little money.”
  7. “my friends all agree that it is great, and the price is pretty reasonable.”
  8. “But the food was tasty and the prices are great.”
  9. “food is fresh fast and cheap service was quick what else could you want”
  10. “i like the prices as well.”
  11. “The prices are very reasonable too.”
  12. “El Pelon is a massive amount of good food for a very fair price.”
  13. “was delighted when I discovered El Pelon, a small Mexican joint in the Fenway that has the feel of a genuine community-oriented restaurant: not only do they have great food (dinner for under 5 bucks!)”
  14. “Great cheap food!”
  15. “The taste is very authentic and reasonable price.”
  16. “The food's great and the prices can't be beat.”
  17. “The food is fantastic, quick, and actually affordable.”
  18. “Excellent quality and excellent value!”
  19. “El Pelon has the best burritos/tacos/food for the best price.”
  20. “overall the food is excellent for a very reasonable price.”
wait time
80.0% positive
  1. “Food is tasty, healthy, quick and bueno.”
  2. “food is fresh fast and cheap service was quick what else could you want”
  3. “The food is fantastic, quick, and actually affordable.”
  4. “On top of that, the service is unnaceptably slow for a taqueria.”
  5. “The service is also very friendly and very quick.”
4 Star Rating: Recommended

05/27/10

It's back!!!

by Kurtious at Citysearch

I have been going to this place since before it burned down. When I heard about the El Pelon fire, I was devastated. One because I thought I would never have one of their burritos (especially the burrito pescado and the el guapo) and two I was in line to get a free one damn it!

For the most part, the quality has stayed the same and the only thing I do not like about the new location is that the restaurant seems dull and lifeless. The old one had authentic Mexican trinkets on the wall and a bright yellow paint and the new one is boring to look at. The worst part about the new location is the location. Located right next to dbag central aka Boston College. Everytime I go in there its "hey bro I totally puked on myself last night uh huh...dude that girl totally wanted to bang me...my white hat and lacrosse pinnie look really good today right brah?"

Sorry...

If you go there my recommendations would be the Fish Burrito, the El Guapo and definitely get the chips and guacamole. The thing I always liked about this place over Anna's is that the rice is better seasoned. Places like Anna's and Felipes are always consistent but El Pelon offers you a wider variety of authentic Mexican food like their Tortas and Plantanos. Everyone should try this place at least once (I would go everyday if I could) but be prepared to get a ear full of dbag when you do.

  • Pros: Fish Burritos, El Guapo, Chips and Guac
  • Cons: Boston College
4 Star Rating: Recommended

04/20/10

IT"S BACK!!!

by eddoyle at Citysearch

Food is great, space is cool. Love having it back.

  • Pros: real mexican, not chain burritos!
  • Cons: there is only one
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/19/10

Great Food At El Pelon

by SueSullivan at Citysearch

We visited El Pelon on Comm Ave Brighton for the first time today! It was awesome! The restaurant was clean. The staff were inviting! The food was amazing! Everything was cooked to order and made fresh. The salsa is the best salsa in town. Brighton has needed a place like this for a long time! Thanks Jim for bringing El Pelon to our neighborhood! I will be spreading the word!

  • Pros: The staff was friendly! The restaurant was very clean!
  • Cons: Our family couldn't think of anything negative.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/19/10

fresh and delicious food

by hellosampson at Citysearch

i love the vegetarian burrito and plato. everything tasted very fresh. chipotle salsa is amazing, and the guacamole is so fresh tasting, lacking the too-salty, preservative taste that some of the chain mexican burrito joints seem to have.

i recently had a party and ordered $50 of food to go. $50 can go a long way at el pelon. everyone commented on how good it was. the fried plantains lasted about 30 seconds after putting them out.

overall the food is excellent for a very reasonable price.

  • Pros: great for vegetarians
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/19/10

Worth the drive!

by C Daniels at Citysearch

I live in East Boston but El Pelon is definitely worth the drive out to BC (luckily, parking's super easy). The food's great and the prices can't be beat. None of that American- faux mexican here, El Pelon's got Jarritos and authentic Mexican and a surviving spirit! I do the veggie burrito and there's always a ton of different types of vegetables in there, always fresh and delicious. It's worth a special trip to visit their new location!

  • Pros: Prices! Flavor

The Details on El Pelon Taqueria

Place Categories:

  • great cheap food
  • reasonable prices
  • friendly service
  • best burritos
  • good place
  • authentic mexican food
  • awesome el pelon
  • best fish tacos
  • favorite little restaurant
  • fresh guacamole
  • amazing chipotle salsa
  • delicious plato
  • authentic mexican
  • great boston taqueria
  • unique decor
  • excellent value
  • delicious ingredients
  • incredible sauces
  • authentic fresh mexican fare
  • stale tortilla chips
  • really good tostada
  • fun atmosphere
  • recommended highly
  • really good hot sauce
  • inviting staff
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