Before opening Aqui es Texcoco, owner Francisco "Paco" Perez had been preparing barbacoa ("barbecue" from Spanish) in fire-filled pits in the mountain town of Texcoco since he was 12, mastering the art of slow-cooking marinated lamb underground in the outskirts of Mexico City. In 2007, he found what he believed to be a more efficient way that also complied with California law - in using a stainless steel oven, Perez claims he is able to mostly replicate the results he got from the traditional methods which are not allowed for restaurants on this side of the border. I'm not sure what I was expecting out of the "Lamb Barbacoa" -- but here it was very, very tender and had the consistency of braised veal shank removed from a simmer at that perfect time when it still has a somewhat firm softness, but before it gets stringy. It very much tastes like lamb, but without being very musky or grassy. I felt like I wanted something more - perhaps some smokiness given the simulation of an underground preparation? But no, no smokiness. I'm reminded of what another San Diegan purveyor of barbacoa had told me about barbacoa cooked in Mexico takes on some of the flavor of the earth it is buried in. Obviously, that wasn't in play here either. Despite its tenderness, the meat was quite lean due to my request - so perhaps thereinlies the magic of Perez's preparation - finding a way to tenderize lean meat from the lamb's ribs, head, and various organs. The barbacoa is served with corn tortillas, pickled onions, as well as fresh onions and cilantro. I enjoyed with the golden "Consommé," a meaty broth made from barbacoa drippings, loaded with garbanzo beans and rice. I've ordered it "con pata" (i.e., with a lamb's foot), which adds collagen and heft to the broth. Aqui es Texcoco offers smaller portions of their barbacoa in "Barbacoa Tacos," made with tortillas they make in-house, as well as in "Barbacoa Quesatacos," which feature a tortilla made of crispy and melted grilled cheese wrapped around the barbacoa. A "Huitlacoche Quesataco" consists of the same "cheese tortilla," but with a filling of sweet corn and funky "corn smut." If these "quesatacos" sound rich, they most definitely are, so you'll want to leverage the curtido (a habanero onion salad) on the side, which is excellent at cutting through the grease, but may also melt a hole through your stomach. Surprisingly, my favorite taco on the menu has not contained barbacoa, but rather is the "Chicharrón Prensado Taco," which features pressed pork belly and crispy chicharrón bits. Think "bacon taco" without the smoke and you're close. Combining fantastically-flavored meat with well-made corn tortillas will always yield a great taco, and Aqui es Texcoco is worth checking out just for their tacos, even though they offer so much more.

Finally a great alternative to the regular food from south of the border. Lamb is tender and juicy. I even tried a side of grasshoppers. Mixed them all together in a taco and BINGO. The perfect combo for me. Chewy, crunchy and tender.

Lovely place! Food was wonderful and the staff was great. Lovely lamp dishes.

As truly Mexican as it could get, the lamb barbacoa here is the real deal. The tamarind agua fresca had real tamarind pulp, so refreshing and delicious! And the crickets, spicy and crunchy, what a feast!! They didn't have enough servers and some tables were dirty but i couldn't care less. The food was AMAZING

Been wanting to come here for a while. I live in AZ so haven't had the chance when in SD. But let me tell you it was worth the wait. Traditional Mexican food with a newer twist. This is what Mexican food should be. The chapulín tacos we're incredible and the chicharrón prensado sopes are absolute fire. Will definitely go back often once I move back to SD.

This place is 100% authentic and delicious, it has Mexican food you won't find at your regular Mexican Restaurant.

Classic flavors of lamb barbacoa. Fresh tortillas and soul. Grilled quail? Yes. Rabbit en papiotte? Yes. The focus is on food, and everything else is second. Flavor first! Oh and if you are lucky enough to get a weekend seat, there's spirited entertainment.

Unbelievably delicious lamb barbacoa tacos. Tender, juicy, and flavorful. If you want to knock a couple years off your life, try the quesataco - imagine replacing a tortilla with a hardened cheese shell. I get at least one every time to feed the soul. The salsas are really delicious as well! The staff are friendly and helpful. I’ve tried a few other things on the menu and in my humble opinion, the lamb tacos are the only thing worth going for.

This was so good. The lamb barbacoa plate was amazing and we had enfrijoladas that were also a plate of awesome!

Wow! I was very disappointed! I came here with high hopes. So we ordered a half pound of their barbacoa. It was lacking flavor. It just wasn't there. The meat was soft and tender but the flavor is a big part for me. We also got the brain tacos. The meat was just mush the consistency was gross! I did not find it appealing at all it was supposed to be fried sesos but the only thing that had some crisp to it was the tortilla it was handmade and delicious with a slight crisp to it but inside was gross! No texture for me there it was plain mush and made me think of eating canned cat food. We also ordered the flautas we got one of each potato, pollo (chicken), and barbacoa. They were big and crispy but again no flavor I even put salsa and some onions and pickled onions. But my favorite part was the shredded lettuce and thats it! To drink we had a Jamaica and a Tamarindo. Would I go back again? No! I paid $49 and would not return i really did want to like it but it was just not there.

I always order the same plate, la orden de barbacoa it is accompanied with tortillas, salsas,cilantro,consomé. I also order a taco dorado de cabeza. Very good I do go often

Theres a 99c store there so i didnt go to the restsurant but ive been to texcoco they have a horse exposition every year they take horses from all over the world. So i asked abiut that restaursnt and was told its prety authentic so its a place i have plans of going

Stopped here for the lamb bbq that they're famous for. We got the lamb plate. The meat was so nice and juicy, the tortillas soft and warm, and the salsa Verde packed a nice little punch. Not to mention the lamb broth that comes with it, I could have a meal of just that. It is a bigger portion so we each made 3 tacos from it

Food was very good if you like Athuanic Mexican food this place is good and there lamb is soft and tender but no flavor and the Lamb is HALAL.👌

If you loved Barbacoa and moronga tacos this is the place, best coconut pulque ever, we visit this place twice a week, Chiles toreados are a must try if you like spicy

I’ve seen the commercials and finally got tired of just seeing them so I decided to go today. I was happy to see enfrijoladas on the menu because they definitely did not disappoint. My daughter tried the flautas de carne and I was jealous every time I heard her crunching. I had to try them and they were delicious as well. I will definitely come back. Oh and the café de olla was on point!

I had food to go. It was a good mexican food. The associates are kind and efficient. The prices are moderate. One and only thing I didn't like was that they asked for service tip on the food to go. I don't think is appropriate. I will back to that place.

Only place I ever come to for rich and savory barbacoa. Pleasant atmosphere, friendly staff, and amazing food. Though will recommend gentlemen, wait on using facilities elsewhere. Aside from that an overall great restaurant to check out.

Best taco's ever! I have not had any taco's made with lamb 🐑 before. Oh my goodness! So delicious and not to mention the wonderful service we had. Our server was very kind & generous 😁 If I can give 1000× stars 🤩

Convinient location close to the I-5, restroom, and decent beer selection. They serve Pulque which brings back memories of deep Mexico. Service is fast and friendly. If you desire "authentic" Mexican style lamb this is the place to go.

BEST!!!!! LAMB!!!! TACOS!!! EVER!!!! Don't miss out on this place while you're visiting Earth, or you won't get your money's worth out of this trip. Definitely the best lamb tacos I've had this North of the border.

Another great example of authentic Mexican food from south of the border!! I didn't know about barbacoa, barbecued lamb! There is a history of Texcoco and their preparation of barbacoa. It was very tasty! Diane was our server and she took care of us, recognizing it was our first time to sit and eat there. She made delicious recommendations! And Coke from Mexico is always so tasty!! We will be back for sure!!

Meat was so soft and fatty the consume was out of this world. If you where to have a hangover and went there just for the consume it will revive you, bring you back to life. The tortillas where a 3 star but that was my fault for letting the cool down, that because I was busy eating and dipping the meat in the consume. The salsas and toppings where all 5 star. I'd recommend to go with yourself and 2 more hungry eaters so that all can have enough to each one's fill. Thank, that is all

Edible. Had mole tacos. Too Salty though.

Best grasshoppers in town!🦗. Birria was awesome too😉

The flavor and texture of the BBQ sheep was excellent. The pita bread and dill flavor complimented it well. Tortilla soup tasty.

I went there to have Pulque majorly and I did not enjoy it as much as i’ve enjoyed Pulque in Mexico, a little sweetened probably. Coconut flavoured Pulque was the best of the lot. I also got Quail, which tasted bland.

Great Queso tacos. They’re low carb and delicious. Definitely will be back.

Following social distancing mandates, kudos! Soooo good, great flavor, well prepared. Best barbacoa I have had in the US.

This place is known for their lamb barbacoa and it was sublime! The lamb barbacoa queso taco is currently MY FAVORITE TACO! Add their fresh onion and cilantro, their smoky red salsa, and a squeeze of line and you'll be in bliss.... Then chase is down with some lamb consume. A distance 2nd would be the chicaron prensado taco with their green sauce. For any vegetarians, the huitlacoche quesotaco is delicious. IG:. Kay_okay_eat