Los Chapo’s - Ybor City
Over the years I’ve tried dozens of taco places around Tampa, but this should serve as a reminder that there are always more to discover. On a recent afternoon out looking for something to eat, I came across Los Chapo’s after seeing recommendations on Reddit and Yelp that regarded them very highly and even claimed Los Chapo’s was better than some of the highest regarded local spots…so I had to try it out.
When thinking about how to provide consistent reviews when there are so many tacos out there, I’ve decided to try to standardize things. Almost every taco place should have at the very least what I consider to be “standard” tacos….Steak (Carne Asada), Chicken (Pollo), and Pork (Pastor/Carnitas…although I’m usually partial to Al Pastor).
So for each place we review, we’ll order what we’ve decided to call the Three Amigos (Thanks Cam!), but will also order and share our thoughts on additional tacos we find interesting or we’re just curious to try.
Crunching the Numbers:
The Tacothority Scorecard
Our taco rating system runs from 0 to 10, where 5 is perfectly average, and 10 is pure taco nirvana. A 0 is the dreaded "Sad Taco"—so bad you’d prefer last week's leftovers. A 5 is a neutral, forgettable taco, while anything above that ranges from decent (6-7) to almost perfect (8-9). A 10 is the ultimate taco experience—flawless in every way.
Los Chapo's Three Amigos - Chicken Tinga, Al Pastor, Carne Asada (left to right)
The Three Amigos
Chicken Tinga - 6.3
Good texture, but the flavor wasn’t as deep as I’ve seen with other Chicken Tinga tacos, I did really enjoy the chipotle crema, but was wishing for a bit more out of the chicken. Overall a decent taco.
Al Pastor - 7.0
A very solid Pastor taco. You'll see over time that it's always a toss-up whether or not pineapple is included—a challenge for me, as I'm not the biggest pineapple fan, yet Pastor is one of my favorites. That internal conflict aside, this taco did it in a way that I found quite enjoyable. The pineapple was grilled and had a great flavor, even on its own. The pork had a satisfying chew, and overall, I’d absolutely order this again.
Carne Asada - 6.0
The Carne Asada was pretty standard, but didn’t stand out compared to the Pastor or the Chicken Tinga. A little onion heavy with some thick chopped onions, but overall it was right down the middle, but not in a bad way. It’s classic and straightforward.
Los Chapo's - Chicharrones Taco
The Wildcard
Going beyond the usual lineup, The Wildcard is the taco that stands out—whether it’s the restaurant’s go-to recommendation or just one that caught my eye. It’s the bonus option that brings something different to the plate.
Chicharrones Taco - 8.1
The Chicharrones taco at Los Chapo’s was something special. I’ve had my share of pork belly tacos, but this one stood out with a twist. The pork chunks were coated in a sweet yet tangy Asian BBQ sauce that was bursting with flavor. The texture was spot on, with a satisfying chew that ranged from tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites to pieces with a perfect char. To top it off, queso fresco crumbles added a fresh balance that tied the whole taco together.
Los Chapo's Birria Tacos
Notable Mention
Birria Tacos
The Birria Tacos at Los Chapo’s looked great, but I didn’t try them so I can only say that they looked super solid, and my sister-in-law did say they were the best she’s had. Maybe if when we revisit, I’ll try them myself!
For more on our rating system, click the link below for the full breakdown!
