Taqueros from Tijuana's famed Las Ahumaderas taco alley are joining forces to bring an authentic Mexican street taco experience to San Diego's South County.
Las Ahumaderas is a collective of authentic Mexican street taco stands known as Tijuana's "Taco Alley," which has been serving hungry patrons since 1960. The collection of about a half-dozen, side-by-side taco shacks gained global notoriety when they were featured on a 2012 episode of Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" television show.
Owners of two longtime taco stands from Tijuana's "Taco Alley" - Tacos El Poblano and Las Quince Letras - are teaming up replicate the Las Ahumaderas experience in South County San Diego. The project is from Chula Vista natives Pedro & Claudia Rodriguez, who are opening a modern take on the Las Ahumaderas taco cooperative in the space that last housed Ocean City Chinese Buffet on Broadway in South Chula Vista. Las Ahumaderas will have a central stand offering a range of tacos, tortas, mulitas, vampiros, quesadillas, burritos, and more filled with options like grilled carne asada, spit-roasted adobada marinated pork, stewed birria de res shredded beef, as well as truly authentic cuts like cabeza (head) and lengua (tongue). There will also be a menu of beer and soft drinks, as well as a stand from Hellote, who will sell Mexican street corn elote, Tijuana-style hot dogs, nachos, and other creative creations.
"Originally everything started back in the late 60s with my family, my father, and his brothers working in Las Ahumaderas," explained Las Ahumaderas San Diego founder Pedro Rodriguez. "My uncle Reynaldo Rodriguez opened up a space called Tacos El Rey along with Las Quince Letras, which was owned by my uncle Guadalupe Rodriguez. A few years later in 1974, Tacos El poblano was then opened by the Rodriguez bros since then the family business had been growing. Now me and my wife are proud to honor Las Ahumaderas the original Tijuana taco here in Chula Vista and are planned to open up 2 more in Phoenix. We will also be providing curbside ordering, a different kind of drive thru."
