Dos Toros is the brainchild of two guys from California, who decided to open their California-style taqueria in New York City…because they didn’t really exist and they missed that integral piece of their childhood.

Dos Toros opened up their flagship restaurant in the East Village, right near Union Square. That location, I’ve been to numerous times and didn’t realized they’d had grown as much as they did when I got stupidly excited to see they were opening up a location in Chicago’s Loop. Even then, it took me way too long to finally get myself down there and indulge. Now that I have, I can’t wait to go back.

It’s a fast casual type of taqueria that will make you think “Chipotle”, but Chipotle they are not, no matter the similarities. They make their sauces in house, including their guacamole and the chips. They use fresh ingredients and naturally raised meats. No GMOs in this hood. You can tell in the quality of their food. There is love and care put into what will eventually end up in your mouths.

They’re even conscious of those who may be more vegetarian in nature and offer seasonal market vegetables as a filling option. I love my proteins, but their market vegetables are so delicious. I would also put these in my tacos, burritos, bowls, salads or quesadilla…half veggies, half meat is a great option. They are that good. Being that it is winter-ish (April with snow), their current mix is: kale, butternut squash, cremini mushrooms and shishitos. If you don’t want it in your food, get it as a side (totally worth it). Also get a side of their rice, so delicious, full of flavor and moist and not crunchy and dried out.

The tacos (2 will fill you up and one is great for a snack) they fill like crazy in a good way and could end up being messy to eat, but so worth it (corn tortillas with cheese melted on the bottom (with their special steamers).

The burrito is well filled and the napkins even give you proper directions on how to consume the perfect burrito. Fill it will all the goodness. Farro is even an option for a base…and every bite has all of the fillings. Perfect filling portions and engineered to be in every bite you take.

The plate and salads are in narrower bowls than Chiptole, but they are also deeper. It’s a lot of food, but the food is so delicious. The dressing for the salad is delicious and get guacamole also because why not?

I decided to try something new, the Cali quesadilla. OMG, I want another. Like all the other tortilla things, cheese is melted on the bottom. Filled very much like everything else so that all flavors are in one bite, they fill in the middle and fold over the sides. It’s a bit delicious, but is served so deliciously crunchy. It’s delicious, thin and awesome.

Chips

Cali Quesadilla

Carne Asada Taco

Market Veggies

Honestly, I can’t wait to go back for a quick lunch or meal after work.