BOSReview
photo credit: Natalie Schaefer
Taquería Jalisco
Included In
There are things in life that we come back to over and over again. Matt Damon yelling about apples outside Dunkin’ Donuts. The Celtics overcoming a 24-point deficit during Game 4 of the 2008 NBA Finals. Dancing to the “Cupid Shuffle” at every wedding known to man. And the tamales from Taquería Jalisco.
Because the tamales at Jalisco - a small restaurant at one of the many illogical East Boston intersections - are really good. They’re made in-house, with a healthy portion of masa surrounding moist chicken with salsa verde or tender pork with a spicier salsa roja. Choosing between the two is like picking a favorite child - possible, but probably not the wisest of decisions. Luckily, you can order multiples of each since they’re only $2.99 per tamale, which is a lot cheaper than lifelong family therapy sessions.
photo credit: Natalie Schaefer
Almost everything else on the menu is solid as well. The tacos are simple meat, onion, and cilantro combos on corn tortillas, but the three tableside salsas (which all vary on the heat index) transform them into worthy tamale-sidekicks. The Torta Mexicana with carnitas is a huge grilled sandwich with an ideal ratio of tender pork to bread. And on those winter nights when breathing results in a brain freeze, the huge bowls of soup - especially the pozole - are more effective than the LED fireplace you bought at Kmart’s closing sale.
Jalisco’s only real drawback is its size - the booths make it almost impossible for more than four people to sit together. Even with four, it can be tight, especially once the table is filled with tamales, burritos, and a whole fried fish. However, unless your group includes Pierce, Allen, and Garnett, you can make it work. Just know that you could be cozying up to a romanticized painting of a farmer and his horse as you consume your delicious tamales. Either way, it’s still more comfortable than the 78th time you’re told to kick and walk it by yourself.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Natalie Schaefer
Tamales Mexicanos
photo credit: Natalie Schaefer
Tacos
photo credit: Natalie Schaefer
Enchiladas Verdes
photo credit: Natalie Schaefer
Pescado Frito
photo credit: Natalie Schaefer