Fish tacos and smiling servers at Pedro's Tacos

I thought I had eaten just about everything a Fallbrook Mexican establishment could offer until my brother told me about the Fried Chicken Taco at Pedro’s Tacos. “Where is that?” I asked. He tried to explain that it was tucked around the back of a local coffeehouse. So, I found the little place and tried my very first Fried Chicken Taco. I was hooked. This taco was made with large slices of fried chicken wrapped in two corn tortillas and garnished with cabbage and mayonnaise. It’s a unique taste for those who would like something a bit out of the ordinary.

If you want a more conventional taste try Pedro’s Carne Asada Burrito, which is stuffed with carne asada, avocado, cilantro and tomatoes and garnished with pico de gallo. For breakfast the egg and chorizo burrito is a great wake-up call. The spicy chorizo (ground pork sausage with paprika, chili and other great spices) is delicious.

According to Gris De La Rosa, who has worked for Pedro’s for three years, their best selling item is the Fish Taco. While some other taco shops serve a fish taco with bits of fish you know are in there somewhere, Pedro’s serves a hearty piece of fish wrapped in two corn tortillas and garnished with cabbage and pico de gallo.

Gris enjoys meeting the people who come to the window at Pedro’s Tacos. “I am learning English,” she said, “and it gives me a chance to practice.” At the window you may find Gris with her bright smile or maybe Lupe, who is always there with a friendly hello. The women and men who work at Pedro’s seem genuinely happy to be there.

The décor is Southern California meets Rural Fallbrook, with skimboard “open” and “closed” signs and milk-can benches on the patio.

Pedro’s Tacos has moved from the back of the coffeehouse to a prominent Main Avenue address. Owners Ed and Charlene McNary have been serving Mexican fare from their 536 S. Main location since spring of 2003. The establishment is open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The telephone number is (760) 728-8940.