El Chino Taqueria – Mexican
El Chino Taqueria pulses with the vibrant energy of a coastal cantina, where the air is thick with the scent of sizzling seafood and the convivial clinking of brine-fresh oyster shooters. The kitchen brings together the crunch of golden fish chicharron and the spicy heat of tilapia a la diabla, creating a spirited sanctuary where playful dishes like the Wheel of Fortune platter and pork-rind-topped guacamole turn every meal into a communal celebration of bold Mexican flavors.
South 1st Avenue +15033524531 https://elchinotaqueria.comRating: 5/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Mexican
Price range: $$
Dietary options: high-protein, keto, low-carb, halal, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, low-sodium, whole30, paleo, low-fat, heart-healthy, plant-based, dash-sodium-reduced, anti-inflammatory, high-fiber, gerd, atkins, south-beach, volumetrics, tlc, renal, carnivore, raw-food, alkaline, aip, zone, slow-carb, lectin-free, juice-cleanse
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its intimate setting and attentive service, guests rave about the succulent, perfectly prepared desserts that serve as a highlight of the dining experience. Reviewers frequently praise the balance of high-quality flavors and reasonable pricing, noting that the warm atmosphere makes it a standout choice for those seeking a memorable and well-paced meal.
Menu
Appetizers
- Queso Fundido - $16: Monterrey cheese blend melted to perfection and topped with your choice of meat, and served with corn tortillas, flour tortillas, or chips. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Wheel of Fortune - $26: Chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, fries, tempura shrimp, and onion rings served with celery, carrots, and dressing. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Guacamole with Pork Rinds - $16: Crunchy, crispy chicharron paired with creamy, zesty guacamole. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Red Shrimp Empanadas - $22: 6 small red dough empanadas filled with shrimp and Monterey cheese, garnished with house sauce and dressing. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Oyster Shooter - $4.99: Spicy cocktail made with a shucked oyster, tomato juice, lemon juice, and house sauce. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Raw Oysters - $18: 6 Raw oysters presented on half of a shell. Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Carnivore, Raw-Food, Alkaline, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mixed Oysters - $24: 6 Raw oysters presented on half of a shell, topped with mixed ceviche and cooked shrimp. Dietary tags: Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Raw-Food, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
Fish & Seafood
- Fried Tilapia - $22: Fried tilapia served with rice, beans, and choice of tortillas. Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tilapia a la Diabla - $24: Fried tilapia topped with special Diablo sauce, served with sautéed mushrooms and onions. Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fish Chicharron - $26: Fish marinated in spices, fried to crunchy perfection. Served over lettuce with sweet sauce and sesame seeds. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Breaded Fish Fillet - $21: Breaded fish fillet served with rice and beans. Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Breaded Shrimp - $22: Choice of regular or coconut breading. Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp a la Diabla - $22: Shrimp in special Diablo sauce, sautéed with onions and mushrooms. Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Zarandeados - $22: Sauteed shrimp, red onion, and mushroom in secret house sauce. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Costa Azul - $22: Bacon wrapped shrimp, stuffed with pepper jack cheese, served on lettuce and carrot with spicy dip. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Garlic Butter Shrimp - $22: Succulent shrimp tossed in garlic butter, onion, and mushroom. Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Cucaracha - $22: Butterflied grilled shrimp marinated in spicy house sauce. Dietary tags: Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Alkaline, AIP, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mariscada - $79: Shareable dish with fried tilapia, calamari, shrimp Costa Azul, a la diabla, cucaracha, fish fillet, and quesadilla. Recommended for 4. Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced Available at: dinner, lunch
- Hot Molcajete - $42: Grilled beef, chicken, chorizo, fish fillet, shrimp, and crab on a hot stone with spicy sauce and cactus. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Super Botana - $49: Louisiana-style shrimp in house sauce with potatoes and corn. Recommended for 4. Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mussels in Brava Sauce - $26: Mussels simmered with red brava sauce, topped with parmesan cheese. Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pineapple Cantamar - $22: Seafood mix (shrimp, octopus, scallops) with bell peppers and pineapple in white sauce served over grilled pineapple. Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Ceviche & Cold Seafood
- Shrimp Cocktail - $22: Shrimp in special cocktail broth with tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, avocado, and house sauce. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, Alkaline, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Campechana - $26: Lemon cured shrimp, cooked shrimps, octopus, and scallop in cocktail broth with one oyster. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, High-Fiber, Alkaline, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Aguachile - $24: Lemon cured shrimp, cucumber, onion, avocado. Choice of sauce: Green, Red, or Black. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
- Seafood Tower - $24: Fish ceviche, shrimp ceviche, cooked octopus, cooked shrimp, topped with avocado and Teriyaki sauce. Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mixed Ceviche - $14: Shrimp and fish ceviche mixed with octopus on a crunchy corn tostada. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Octopus Ceviche - $14: Cooked octopus, lime juice, tomatoes, onion, cucumber, and avocado. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Raw-Food, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, Juice-Cleanse, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
Soups
- Seven Seas Soup - $28: Seafood broth with shrimp, fish, octopus, crab, scallops, and mussels. Dietary tags: Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Alkaline, AIP, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Soup - $22: Seafood broth with shrimp and vegetables. Dietary tags: Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Alkaline, AIP, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beef Soup - $18: Beef broth with carrot, zucchini, potatoes, and corn. Served with rice. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Menudo - $18: Mexican soup made from beef belly in a red chili pepper base. Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Birria Stew - $17: Mexican stew cooked in a broth made from dried chiles, herbs, and spices. Dietary tags: Whole30, Paleo Available at: dinner, lunch
Steaks & Pork
- El Chino Ribs - $20: Grilled pork ribs with special sauce, served with corn and cabbage salad. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal
- Carne Asada - $26: Grilled skirt steak with grilled onions, peppers, guacamole, and cactus salad. Dietary tags: Whole30, Paleo
- Picanha - $32: 14 oz grilled steak with chimichurri sauce. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Carnivore, TLC, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Ribeye - $39: 12 oz grilled ribeye with guacamole and cactus salad. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb
- Surf and Turf - $45: Ribeye steak and shrimp tossed in spicy garlic butter.
Pasta
- Pasta Primavera - $23: Penne pasta, broccoli, bell pepper in creamy sauce with choice of chicken or shrimp. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Pasta - $20: Linguine pasta, chicken, and broccoli in creamy sauce. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Pasta - $23: Linguine pasta, shrimp, and broccoli in creamy sauce. Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Classics
- Fajitas - $18: Choice of beef, shrimp, or chicken sautéed with onion and bell pepper. Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Enchiladas - $18: Three corn tortillas with cheese and meat, choice of red, green, or mole sauce. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Quesabirria - $4.99: Corn tortilla with melted cheese and birria meat, served with broth. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tlayuda Oaxaqueña - $27: Crunchy corn tortilla with black beans, cabbage, Oaxacan cheese, and meat. Available at: dinner, lunch
Tacos & Burritos
- Street Taco - $3.25: Choice of meat: Asada, Carnitas, Pollo, Chorizo, Lengua, Birria, or Pastor. Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- Traditional Burrito - $15: Meat, rice, beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Gobernador Taco - $18: Sinaloa style with melted cheese and sautéed shrimp. Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
Sushi
- Natural Roll - $19: Shrimp tempura, cream cheese, avocado, and cucumber. Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tampico Roll - $19: Cooked shrimp, cream cheese, avocado, and cucumber, breaded exterior. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Baked Sushi - $19: Tampico roll baked with cheese blend, bacon, and spicy sauce. Available at: dinner, lunch
Beverages
- Mexican Coca-Cola - $4: Bottled Mexican Coke
- Agua Fresca - $4.5: Choice of Hibiscus, Rice (Horchata), or Pineapple. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Margarita Jose Cuervo - $12: Tequila margarita Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Cappuccino - $5: Hot espresso with steamed milk foam.
Frequently Asked Questions about El Chino Taqueria
- How does this restaurant compare to others in the same cuisine type?
- This Mexican restaurant stands out with a perfect 5.0/5 rating, offering high-quality seafood and desserts at reasonable, moderate prices.
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- This restaurant stands out for its unique seafood-focused Mexican dishes like the Wheel of Fortune platter and pork-rind-topped guacamole.
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- Menudo, Campechana, Shrimp a la Diabla, and Shrimp Cocktail all satisfy both keto and gluten-free dietary requirements simultaneously.
- What is the restaurant's atmosphere and style?
- El Chino Taqueria features a vibrant coastal cantina energy and an intimate, warm atmosphere focused on communal celebrations of Mexican flavors.
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Keto, low-carb, and gluten-free options include Menudo, Oyster Shooters, and Shrimp a la Diabla, though no specific vegan dishes are listed.
- What are the standout dishes based on the menu?
- Standout menu items include the Wheel of Fortune platter, guacamole with pork rinds, fish chicharron, and spicy tilapia a la diabla.
- Is this a good spot for a date or special occasion?
- With a 5.0/5 rating, this intimate restaurant is ideal for special occasions, offering attentive service, succulent desserts, and a warm atmosphere.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Customer reviews mention no concerns, instead highlighting the intimate setting, attentive service, reasonable pricing, and perfectly prepared desserts.
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking an intimate, high-quality Mexican seafood experience with diverse dietary options like keto, pescatarian, and gluten-free would enjoy this restaurant.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- The restaurant is suitable for families, offering a warm atmosphere, communal platters like the Wheel of Fortune, and attentive service.
Restaurants near El Chino Taqueria
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- Los Chapines — Mexican
- Baja Fresh — Mexican
- La Pachanga Mexican Food — Mexican
- Casa Lola Kitchen de Mexico — Mexican
- Taqueria Corona — Mexican
- El Maguey Mexican Restaurant — Mexican
- La Loteria Taco Shop — Mexican
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- Mazatlan Mexian Restaurant — Mexican
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