Taqueria Los Portales, Wilmington

I ate there on Thursday 5/29/2008 for lunch. I went back on Saturday 5/31/2008, because it was that good! As a former resident of Southern CA, I am used to living in an area where there were tons of great Mexican restaurants, because if it wasn't good, and authentic, it didn't last. Taqueria Los Portales has a pretty wide selection of meats and things to enjoy the meats on, like tacos, burritos and tortas, a personal favorite. A torta is a Mexican sandwich, or more appropriately, a burrito on bread instead of wrapped in a tortilla. I had a carnitas, which is shredded pork, torta which was outstanding. The pork was tender, with some nice crisp bits as well, which a good carnitas should have. The toppings were fresh, right down to a big bunch of avacado on top that was perfectly ripe. The portion was large, probably big enough for two people to split, and then order a taco or two for sides and try something else. On my second visit I had a chicken burrito that was every bit as good as the torta, and required two hands to pick up. Yes, you can eat your's with a knife and fork, but mine was wrapped perfectly for holding! The ambiance is a little rough around the edges, but the food is great, the portions are large and the salsas at the condiment bar are fantastic. Taqueria Los Portales also has real Coca Cola, in that they get imported Coke, with real sugar, no corn sweetener. You can taste the difference, I swear. Figure on spending around eight to ten dollars per person for a meal and a soda, maybe a buck or two more with a beer. Directions can be a bit misleading to find this place, but if you're familiar with the South end of Kerr you shouldn't have any problems. Taqueria Los Portales is in the same strip of shops along with Steak Out and a tattoo parlour, behind the car wash. Try this place, it is the real deal Mexican restaurant!