Portales Taqueria

Think it’s impossible to enjoy authentic Mexican food without spending $20 or more? I thought the same thing—until I walked into Portales Taqueria with a simple challenge. Could I order a complete meal for under $20? Not just an entrée, but something that felt like a real meal with a drink and dessert, too. If you’re looking for Mexican takeout in Castro Valley, here’s exactly what I ordered—and why I’d do it all over again. The $20 Challenge Begins I gave myself one rule: stay under $20 while still ordering a meal I’d actually be excited to eat. After browsing the menu, I landed on a combination that checked every box: * Super Taco with Asada – $8.99 * Strawberry Shortcake Churro – $4.99 * Jarritos – $4.25 Total: $18.23 before tax. Mission accomplished! First Up: The Super Taco Calling it a “taco” almost feels unfair because it’s much more than that. The Super Taco is loaded with refried beans, rice, crisp lettuce, melted cheese, fresh pico de gallo, house sauce, onions, and your choice of meat. I went with asada, and it turned out to be the perfect choice. The grilled steak was tender, flavorful, and seasoned just right. Every bite had a little bit of everything—from the savory beans and fluffy rice to the freshness of the pico de gallo and lettuce. It eats more like a full meal than a quick snack, making it an excellent value if you’re craving authentic Mexican food. If you’re ordering Mexican pickup after work or grabbing lunch between errands, this is one menu item that won’t leave you hungry. The Sweet Surprise: Strawberry Shortcake Churro I almost skipped dessert to save a few dollars. I’m so glad I didn’t. The Strawberry Shortcake Churro isn’t your average churro. It’s warm, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated with a delicious strawberry shortcake topping that adds just the right amount of sweetness. It’s the perfect ending after a savory meal and a fun twist on a classic Mexican dessert. Honestly, it’s the kind of dessert that makes you wonder why every churro isn’t made this way. A Jarritos Makes Everything Better No Mexican meal feels complete without a refreshing drink, and Jarritos was an easy choice. Whether you go with Mandarin, Lime, Fruit Punch, or another favorite flavor, it pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the Super Taco. The fruity fizz balances the richness of the meal and brings that authentic taqueria experience together. It’s a small detail, but it really completes the combo. Why This Combo Works One of the best things about Portales Taqueria is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a satisfying meal. For less than $20, I got: * A filling Super Taco packed with fresh ingredients. * A unique Strawberry Shortcake Churro for dessert. * An ice-cold Jarritos to wash it all down. That’s a complete lunch or dinner without sacrificing quality, flavor, or portion size. Perfect for Takeout or Pickup Some days you have time to sit down and enjoy a meal. Other days, you just want to grab something delicious and head home. That’s exactly why this combo works so well. If you’re searching for Mexican takeout in Castro Valley, Portales Taqueria makes ordering quick and convenient. You can order ahead, swing by for Mexican pickup, and enjoy restaurant-quality food wherever you want—at home, at the office, or even at the park on a sunny afternoon. It’s an easy choice for busy weekdays, casual weekend lunches, or those nights when cooking just isn’t happening. Final Verdict The challenge was simple: find a meal under $20 that I’d happily order again. Portales Taqueria didn’t just meet that challenge—it exceeded it. The Super Taco delivered generous portions and authentic flavor. The Strawberry Shortcake Churro added a fun and memorable finish, and the Jarritos tied everything together for a complete meal that felt like much more than its price tag. If you’re craving Mexican food in Castro Valley, CA, this under-$20 combo is a great place to start. Whether you’re planning a quick lunch, dinner on the go, or an easy weeknight meal, it’s proof that delicious food doesn’t have to come with a big bill. The next time you’re ready to order Mexican food in Castro Valley, skip the guesswork and give this combo a try. Your taste buds—and your wallet—will both thank you.