The Burrito Blog

El Pelon Taqueria

From Fenway To Ashes To Boston College

El Pelon is making a comeback! Again. Recall that this hot spot was struck by fire, twice.

From Grub Street Boston:

Owner Jim Hoben confirms, telling us that the second coming of El Pelon is set to open in mid-March at 2197 Commonwealth. "Right now, we have about three weeks of construction left and then some final permitting. Everything will be exactly the same: same menu, same prices, same vendors, same employees, we even managed to save some of the decor from the wreckage."

The official El Pelon site has not yet confirmed. But believe it. There is an El Guapo burrito in my future.

Thanks to John Liu for the tip.

Thursday, February 25, 2010 by Jonah. Permalink for From Fenway To Ashes To Boston College

El Pelon Closed Due To Fire, Again

This is really tragic. I can't imagine the nightmare of having your taqueria burn down twice in just over a year.

El Pelon, which first caught on fire in December of 2007, was rebuilt by February 2008. Early January 2009, the rebuilt El Pelon was the victim of a much more devastating fire that swept through all the restaurants that line Peterborough Street.

I'm not sure what their plans are this time, but we all hope El Pelon is able to make a second comeback.

More coverage.

Sunday, January 11, 2009 by Jonah. Permalink for El Pelon Closed Due To Fire, Again

El Pelon Reopens: Comeback Complete

They're open again. Woo hoo!

See also: Insurance Money Well Spent.

Wednesday, February 06, 2008 by Jonah. Permalink for El Pelon Reopens: Comeback Complete

El Pelon Plans Comeback

A follow up to the El Pelon Taqueria fire a few weeks back reveals that they're down but not out.

In the meantime, Fenway / Kenmore burrito hunters have La Verdad Taqueria (Map) and Boca Grande.

Early 2008 is vague. Get well soon, El Pelon.

Wednesday, January 09, 2008 by Jonah. Permalink for El Pelon Plans Comeback

El Pelon Was Burning

A few days ago El Pelon caught fire. I'm not sure their current status, but they were definitely closed over the weekend.

Details and photos at the Phoenix.

See also: Not Hot, On Fire.

Monday, December 10, 2007 by Jonah. Permalink for El Pelon Was Burning

El Pelon Follows 3:10 To Yuma

Mike invited me to a sneak preview of 3:10 To Yuma at the Fenway Theater a few weeks ago. He wasn't that much of a fan, but I totally dug it. Check out the trailer.

After the flick we walked over to El Pelon for snack time. I got a hefty carnitas burrito with refried beans, outdoor seating and hot sauce on the side for a mere $4.65.

Take note: the El Pelon hot sauce is usually pretty ferocious.

Mike wasn't a fan of the sauce, asserting that it traded flavor for ferocity. Let's just say we only disagreed on the movie. Still, this was one of the best El Pelon burritos I've tasted.

This El Pelon Taqueria meal was rated: 7.4.

Sunday, August 26, 2007 by Jonah. Permalink for El Pelon Follows 3:10 To Yuma

El Pelon's Fish Tacos Revisited

After receiving a lot of hate mail and even face to face complaints about my first review of El Pelon's Fish tacos, I decided to give them another shot.

After all, fish tacos were never my area of expertise. Having since spent significant time in California, I was able to refine my fish taco frame of reference here and there.

And you know what? I was wrong. I admit it. Forgive me, fans of El Pelon?

The fish tacos from El Pelon are pretty decent. They are definitely better looking, a little bigger, and less drowned in cabbage. Fish don't swim in cabbage, you know.

This El Pelon Taqueria meal was rated: 7.0.

Thursday, August 17, 2006 by Jonah. Permalink for El Pelon's Fish Tacos Revisited

A Changing Of The Card

With only two purchases remaining before this frequent buyer card matures into a free meal at El Pelon, I am forced to cede my investment to John Furnari.

This card has history. One time the staff caught me doing a pass-back and wrote Zach's name on the card.

I've gotten some complaints (Betsy, Carl) about my ratings for El Pelon. The truth is I like it there; I nearly filled the repeat burrito buyer card.

Sadly, I will never reap the reward of my consumption.

Tuesday, July 26, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for A Changing Of The Card

Did You Write That Down?

My lunch the other day reminds me of Chinese food with my boss about a year ago.

Boss: I'd like the #4 lunch special.
Waiter: What kind of soup?
Boss: Hot and sour.
Waiter: OK. And for you?
Boss: Wait, no MSG on mine.
Waiter: (silent acknowledgement)
Boss: Did you write that down? No MSG.
Waiter: (Nods head)
Boss: 'Cause I didn't see you write anything. Can you write it down?

At El Pelon, they write down your order on a little slip of paper with your name before sending it back to the kitchen. I got the fish burrito with no mayo, which was correctly documented by the cashier. The picture clearly shows black beans smothered in that nasty mayo sauce.

This would have been delicious if only they left out the mayo. Did you write that down?

This El Pelon Taqueria meal was rated: 5.0.

Tuesday, May 24, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Did You Write That Down?

Fish Tacos from Pelon: No Mas

I've had the fish burrito before which is pretty good, but do yourself a favor and learn from my mistakes. Don't get the fish tacos. Yes, they're colorful, but that's only good for the pictures, not your mouth.
This El Pelon Taqueria meal was rated: 3.4.

Thursday, March 31, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Fish Tacos from Pelon: No Mas

Extended Hours for El Pelon

While they used to turn you away at 10:30, El Pelon is keeping their doors open just late enough to catch those who get shut out from Anna's and Boca at 11. Instead of 11:00 am - 10:30 pm, their new hours are from 10:00 am - 11:30 pm. That's an increase of two hours per day! Rejoice.

Wednesday, March 30, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Extended Hours for El Pelon

Welcome to El Pelon Taqueria

Boston Magazine gave this little restaurant the coveted 'Best Burrito in Boston' award in 2004, in the face of stiff competition.

Commonly called El Pelon, this place is famous for its pepper contests and proximity to the home of the Red Sox, Fenway Park (Map).

The menu offers your standard burrito fare, plus fish and plantains. Check out their wesite here.

Friday, March 25, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Welcome to El Pelon Taqueria | Comments (9)