El Taquero
About This Spot
El Taquero is the kind of inviting, unpretentious spot that feels like a well-kept secret among Fort Wayne locals. Nestled along Coldwater Road, this modest Mexican restaurant welcomes guests with an intimate and bustling ambiance where conversations hum gently amid the clatter of plates. The dining space is cozy, favoring shared moments around closely set tables over sprawling exclusivity—perfect for those who appreciate food as a communal experience rather than just a meal.
Stepping inside, there’s a rhythm here that’s relaxed yet lively, where waiting for your food becomes part of a shared anticipation rather than a rushed afterthought. The pace is unhurried, a subtle reminder that fresh, authentic flavors take their time to develop. Staff members carry a genuine kindness, making room for questions about the menu and ensuring you feel at ease amid the warm, casual atmosphere.
The kitchen brings forward a vibrant slice of Mexican culinary tradition—where the welcome is just as flavorful as the food. The dishes invite you to savor familiar classics in deeply satisfying ways: tender, richly seasoned tacos accompanied by savory broth for dipping; the satisfying crunch of flautas and quesadillas; and sides like elote that add a sweet-smoky note to the experience. This is food meant to be shared, with layers of texture and spice that celebrate both comfort and craft.
El Taquero’s charm lies not in polish but in authenticity—this is a place where the joyful clamor of a busy night blends with the warmth of family recipes served fresh. Whether you find yourself lingering over a carefully composed burrito or grabbing a quick bite of nachos, the vibe stays genuine: unhurried, welcoming, and deeply rooted in tradition. For those seeking a real taste of Mexican culture in Fort Wayne, El Taquero quietly stands out as a homey, heartfelt choice.
What’s Available Here
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Delivery
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Fast service
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Great beer selection
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Great cocktails
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Alcohol
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Beer
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Cocktails
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Coffee
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Comfort food
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Quick bite
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Small plates
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Spirits
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Wine
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Dessert
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Seating
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Table service
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Toilet
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Casual
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Cosy
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Groups
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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NFC mobile payments
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Credit cards
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Good for kids
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High chairs
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Kids' menu
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM |
Jonah Shupert 10 Jan 2026
Good authentic Mexican food. Good prices, would eat here again! Our waiter was really nice. Dining area is on the smaller side, biggest table seats 8 I think.
Lois Stogdill 21 Dec 2025
Stopped in for a take out order. We ordered huaraches, tacos & torta. Everything was delicious. The broth that comes with the tacos to be used as a dip is so good you can drink it up. The restaurant was packed. Looking forward to returning and trying other items on the menu.
Emily Greutman 16 Dec 2025
We walked in and got a table right away. All the tables besides one was taken. They were busy! Everything was wonderful. We had to wait 40 minutes though for the food to come out. I am happy it was fresh and hot. The server was super nice. I would go back again but just need to make sure I’m not in a rush or hurry because of the wait on the food.
Ellie Neuerburg 12 Dec 2025
Quaint little place that I had never noticed before, but the reviews are what enticed us! The food was very good and quick to come to the table. Waitress was a little distant, but overall very kind and helpful (we had a few questions about the menu). Only thing we didn’t super love were the chips. They were tasty and seemed to be homemade but were rather thick, which was a different and unexpected experience. I would definitely go back to curb my Mexican cravings, though
Peighton 27 Nov 2025
El Taquero is hands down the best Mexican place I’ve ever been to! I had the steak taco and my boyfriend had the steak burrito — both were absolutely amazing. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Highly recommend if you’re looking for authentic, delicious Mexican food!
Shannon Samuels 26 Nov 2025
I actually enjoyed not having chips and salsa put out on the table. I didn't fill up on them and then not be able to enjoy my meal! The birria tacos were excellent. Ceviche De Camaron was great. Arroz con Pollo was ok, I enjoyed the rice more than the chicken. Chori Queso was quite delicious and we did enjoy the chips. I wasn't a huge fan of the tacos but I would go again and try them again with a different type of meat! (I had carnitas and pastor) Will definitely come back! And service was excellent!!
Rob Oy 20 Nov 2025
Got told to try this place. The man that helped me was so nice. I did a Togo order. I got a California burrito and seafood fajita chimichanga. It is amazinggggggggggg
Richard Tony Miller 08 Nov 2025
This restaurant deserves more business than what it gets. Every meal I've had here has been stellar. They have a birria quesas recipe that is better than 50 years old. They are friendly, consistent, and constantly CLEANING. The owner himself wipes down chairs, booths, and tables. They really take pride in their restaurant. Mexican music accompanies the food which is welcome. The wait for the food isn't long at all, and the prices are reasonable. We have been coming here for quite some time now. We bring our friends just to get them hooked on the birria quesas. You owe it to yourself to come here.