Ingleside's Ocean Avenue Gets A New Taquería

Ingleside’s Ocean Avenue has a new spot for Mexican cuisine.

Taquería Gonzalez opened on Tuesday in the storefront long-occupied by Taquería El Jalapeño.

Married couple Mateo and Itcem Gonzalez, along with Mateo’s brother, Miguel, transformed the restaurant with a new sign, a charming paint job and decorations.

“We are excited for people to come and try the food and to serve people,” said Itcem, adding that she enjoys talking to the customers.

The restaurant is the family’s second. They opened their first on San Bruno Avenue in the Portola in 2017.

Although they only secured keys to the space about six weeks ago, the Gonzalez family made quick work of sprucing up with vibrant colors like a cerulean blue exterior that flows on the bottom half of the interior walls, and added various wall decor like woven bowls and the Sun. They kept the tiled flooring, seating, bar-style window seats, and the Lady of Guadalupe mural that had been anchored in the space for at least 20 years.

Taquería Gonzalez breathed new life in the Taqueria El Jalapeno space. | Anne Marie Kristoff/Ingleside Light

For Integrity Automotive Services owner David Pang, Taquería Gonzalez opening just one block from his shop is great for him and his wife, who frequented the Portola location.

“The food is good,” Pang said.

The Gonzalezes said they prioritize fresh ingredients and daily-made rice, beans, salsa and guacamole.

The restaurant’s robust menu is features quesadillas and tortas like quesabirra, plates like enchiladas that come with rice, beans and salad, cocktails like ceviche de camarones, breakfast options like chilaquiles that come with beans and rice, appetizers like chicken wings and flautas ala carta, soups like beef soup with menudo as the weekend special, salads like chicken caesar and taco, nachos or nacho fries, regular and super tacos, and over five burrito variations that come in regular and super sizes. Prices for a dish range from $4.75 to $19.99.

Meat options include steak, carnitas, grilled chicken, shredded chicken, chile verde, al pastor, chorizo, lengua, shrimp, cabeza, buche and birria de res. The restaurant serves two kinds of beans, pinto and black, in whole or refried preparations. Breakfast items are served all day.

Mateo Gonzalez (right) cooking on the grand opening. | Anne Marie Kristoff/Ingleside Light

They also have extra add-ons like rice and beans, meat and guacamole.

Beverages like agua frescas, atol de elote, and micheladas for $2.55 to $9.

“I'm excited for them,” said Milu Meggin, a family friend and the taquería’s accountant. “People should come support this local, family-owned business. I enjoy their food, and they’re really a nice family.”