Just a few months ago a bright red food truck showed up in the lot next to Key Largo Chocolates. Next thing you know, people around town are all talking about the tacos. One look at the reviews online will explain the huddle of the hungry at 100470 Overseas Highway.
Head chef Jesus Guiterrez came to the Keys from Jalisco Mexico at 15-years-old, and became a busboy at Cafe Largo. From there he scored a job at a popular little place called Hobo’s Cafe. This is where Jesus learned to cook, and he soon became the head chef at the popular restaurant. Fast forward 18 years, when his godson, Joel Chaivez, came to him with dreams of being in the food business just like his uncle. After much discussion it was decided.
“The original taco that Jesus had been making for us, I just knew that was going to be our money maker,” said Joel’s wife, Taimary.
Walking away from his long time home at Hobo’s, Jesus and his wife, Miriam, along with Joel and wife, Taimary, bought a food truck and named their venture Jalisco Tacos. The offerings boast true traditional flavors straight from Jalisco Mexico, this little truck is putting out big time flavor. When asked what is the best thing on the menu, Joel says “tacos.” Miriam says it’s the “burrito.” When asked what the head chef himself likes the best, the answer was a resounding, “Of course, it’s our tacos.” Although Miriam and Taimary work elsewhere, Miriam has been training her replacement on the art of making the corn tortillas, rice, sauces, etc.
Residents are finding them simply delicious and sharing the news on Yelp. “One of the best taco trucks we’ve had in the U.S. The food was fresh and flavorful. Traditional street tacos, and everything we had, was homemade — even the chips and tortillas,” wrote Paul of Key Largo. “Staff was very friendly and the utensils and tables were clean and comfortable. A lot of attention to detail, these are the type of people you want to see succeed.”
Jalisco Tacos also offers a number of other dishes such as quesadillas, and campechanas, and traditional Mexican sodas, Jarritos.
Guests shouldn’t worry about stumbling over the pronunciations. The staff is ready to help, and will even teach you how to say the names of the dishes with a Mexican flair. The service and food are both delightful, and a welcome addition in the food truck game.
