Gomez's Snap-e Tacos - Covina

As I browsed the menu—which offered everything from burgers to tacos, burritos, and even teriyaki—I opted for a three-taco combo that came with rice and beans, costing around $7.60, along with a medium horchata. It was a lovely day, so I chose to sit at one of the outdoor benches to enjoy my meal. Upon opening the Styrofoam container, I was pleasantly surprised at how good the tacos looked. I started with a bite of the Mexican rice, which was a bit dry but acceptable. I then moved on to the tortilla chips and refried beans. I'm usually not a fan of refried beans, as I’ve encountered ones with a chalky consistency in the past. However, these were different, with melted cheese adding moisture and a creamy texture. The tortilla chips were also enjoyable. Now, onto the tacos. What stood out was how fresh the tomatoes, cilantro, and onions tasted. The tomatoes were firm, the onions had a nice bite, and the fillings were generous. There was nothing unpleasant about any of the tacos, and I appreciated the lightness of the tortillas—they weren’t heavy or dense. I started with the carne asada taco. The meat looked and tasted as if it had been marinated the night before, providing a great flavor and a relatively tender bite. I didn’t feel like I was wrestling with the carne asada at all. The only thing I wished for was a bit more juiciness, but that might just be a personal preference, as I typically cook my meat medium-well rather than medium. Next up was the chicken taco, which I believe was also marinated. This gave it a mild lemon or citrus flavor. Using dark meat instead of white, the chicken was moist and flavorful. Even without the sauces, the taste was pleasant. So far, I was having a good taco experience, but it wasn’t until I bit into the carnitas taco that I realized I was having a fantastic one. The carnitas were incredible! Just one bite, and I could’ve sworn I’d sell my soul for another. While I’m not a taco expert, I was truly blown away. The carnitas were moist and tender, and the marinade imparted a wonderfully intense citrusy, slightly tart flavor. I couldn’t believe how delicious the carnitas tacos were. They were so good that I returned the very next day and ordered the three-taco combo again, this time focusing solely on the carnitas. I might soon find myself in need of a 12-step program for Snap-E Carnitas tacos, as I could easily return every day. Interestingly, I noticed that this little taco joint was quite busy during both my visits. There was a steady stream of customers, but most opted for takeout rather than dining in. The kitchen was efficient, so there were no long waits. Appearances can indeed be deceiving. Overall, I’m glad I finally stopped in, and I think I've found a new favorite spot that I'll be visiting regularly.