Food Review: Chalo's Taco Express

By Jon Johnson

SAFFORD – One of my pet peeves whenever I see a movie review is when a hoity-toity, highfalutin reviewer downgrades a popcorn flick just because of what it is. But if the movie delivers as advertised, why the downgrade.

Well, at Chalo’s Taco Express at 611 S. 6th Ave., it is as advertised.

This no-frills express food joint does just what it says it does and produces Mexican fare and some burgers quickly for the lunch crowd to gobble. It’s like bar food but better. Which, is also pretty likely as it is attached to Shane’s Place and a full bar menu is available as well.

*Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: The Sonoran Hot Dog*

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a friendly hostess/cashier who took our order and payment. We were then given cups for our drinks (I had a water and my date chose a fountain drink) and picked a seat. The host was even kind enough to make a trip to the adjoining bar to procure some lemons for my water.

The food came out quickly – especially for being during lunchtime hours – and I chose the Cheesy Cheeseburger (and boy did it have a lot of cheese) and my date had the Sonoran Hot Dog, which came adequately topped with so many messy goodies that she decided to utilize a knife and fork while I probably would have just made my hands and face messy.

Every meal includes a trip to the taco bar for toppings and there are napkins and plastic silverware available in the same area. Other options available are steak, chicken, or veggie tacos, burros, or nachos, a bean burro, and steak, chicken, or veggie protein bowl.

All-in-all, the food was tasty, timely, and for a quick bite to eat it didn’t break the bank. Our total came to $17 and we were in and out and done in about 35 minutes. So, the place is as advertised, at least in my opinion.

*Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Taco Bar*

The only knock I would give is that only Pepsi fountain drink products are available for soft drinks (so far) as some of our favorite Mexican joints all have Mexican Cokes in the bottle.

But besides that, Chalo’s Taco Express delivers as promises and is an alright spot to fill up your gut. In a town filled with Mexican restaurants, you could do worse and pay more. Will I go back? You bet, I’ve got more of the menu to try.