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Tacos JaliscoBWorth Trying

Name: Tacos Jalisco
Address: 277 Kekuanaoa St, Hilo, HI 96720, Hilo, United States
Rating: 4.8

277 Kekuanaoa St, Hilo, HI 96720 · Mexican restaurant · 4.8/5 Google (522 reviews)

Takeout · Outdoor seating

Crowd-pleasing Mexican street food from a busy Hilo food truck with standout birria and great value tacos, minor consistency and service hiccups possible at peak times.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

Tacos Jalisco delivers solid neighborhood quality with strong food quality anchored by celebrated birria and street tacos, plus exceptional value for Hawaii pricing. However, inconsistent execution on sides and occasional service hiccups prevent a higher grade, while the functional food truck setup lacks the ambiance or destination appeal of premier local establishments. For casual, filling Mexican street food at fair prices, it's a reliable choice.

Restaurant Summary

A lively food truck slinging Mexican street favorites, Tacos Jalisco feels warm and bustling with shaded picnic tables, colorful benches, and the thump of party tunes. Diners rave about meaty tacos and birria, with one saying, "These dipped tacos had us turning the car around for seconds." Expect quick counter ordering, hearty plates, and the occasional lunch rush wait. The cooking leans classic taqueria over fancy—think street tacos, birria, and fat burritos with value pricing for Hawaii. Most praise centers on rich birria and well-seasoned meats, while a minority find fish tacos or rice and beans inconsistent. If you want dependable, filling Mexican flavors in Hilo without a sit-down bill, this truck delivers. Families do well here: simple tacos, cheese quesadillas, and carne asada fries are easy wins. The menu confirms kid-friendly picks at fair prices (2 tacos for $5.50; quesadilla $10.50). Seating is outdoors under a tent, so bring wipes and be rain-ready; gluten-free corn tortillas and a GF lava cake help with basic dietary needs.

At a Glance

Birria and street tacos earn repeated best-in-Hilo praise
Great value for Hawaii (2 tacos for $5.50, hearty burritos)
Inconsistent sides (rice/beans) and occasional overcooked fish
Waits at peak times; occasional order mix-ups
Outdoor gravel lot can be puddly and basic comfort

What Sets It Apart

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What People Love

Rich, dunkable birria tacos
Value-focused taco deals
Large, filling burritos
Casual outdoor vibe with plenty of seating
Easy parking at the gravel lot

Points of Concern

Sporadic complaints about salty or bland sides; fish tacos can be overcooked
Service varies from friendly to curt during rushes; 20–30 minute waits possible
Outdoor setup means puddles, loud music, and limited weather protection
Occasional out-of-stock items and rare order errors

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost$20-$32 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Build a satisfying meal: start with chips and salsa ($5), then birria tacos ($18.50 set), and finish with GF lava cake ($6) if you avoid gluten.

Perfect For

Quick, satisfying lunch after errands near Hilo Shopping Center
Casual dinner with friends over shareable fries and tacos
Budget-friendly meal that still feels hearty
Grab-and-go bites before exploring waterfalls and coastline

Location Insights

Area: Industrial/commercial strip with practical vibes; draws locals, workers, and visitors seeking quick, filling meals.

Safety: Generally fine daytime; gravel lot with puddling noted. Basic facilities and lighting typical of food truck sites.

Nearby: Near Hilo Shopping Center and other retail; ample gravel lot parking and tented picnic seating.

Downtown HiloDowntown Hilo features a mix of historic buildings, local shops, markets, and eateries, offering a casual and community-oriented dining scene. The area is frequented by both locals and visitors seeking authentic Hawaiian and diverse ethnic foods in a laid-back environment.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday10:00–19:00 Tuesday10:00–19:00 Wednesday10:00–19:00 Thursday10:00–19:00 Friday10:00–19:00 Saturday10:00–19:00 Sunday10:00–19:00

Available: Takeout, Outdoor seating

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