Mi Jacalito is something to taco ‘bout 

Since opening in 2016 at 317 N. California St., Aurelio Torres, owner of Mi Jacalito Tacos, has made it his mission to create street-style food that does not skimp on freshness or flavor, rivaling even the best taco stands in his home state of Chihuahua, Mexico. Their menu includes tacos, nachos, burritos, burgers, tortas, and more.

“Everything is good,” Torres laughed, “but the carne asada is the most popular.”

The carne asada meat is tender and juicy and the tacos are served with a sliced avocado and tomatoes, while their el pastor is full of red-hot heat and topped with chunks of fresh pineapple to balance out the flavors. The barbacoa melts in your mouth and soaks up the flavorful onion and cilantro toppings even before you smother it in your favorite salsa and a spritz of lime. To round out the taco plate is a side of buttery white rice to cut some of the heat before sizzling your taste buds again with a bite of roasted jalapeño. 

All of the meat is seasoned in-house using Torres’s top-secret blends, and no meal is complete without a Mexican soda or a tall glass of horchata.

Torre said he started the business with a simple idea: serve good tacos made the traditional way. What began as a food truck with long lines has evolved into a small cafe with covered, outdoor seating that is usually full at lunchtime.

The stand is open to the public from 11 a.m. to about 4:30 or 5 p.m. all week, while on the weekends, catering has become a major part of the business. Mi Jacalito regularly serves events ranging from weddings and quinceañeras to birthdays, funerals and community gatherings. Torres said customers should plan to call at least two weeks in advance to book an event.

Mi Jacalito is a true family operation. Torres’ wife, Jany Torres, helps run the kitchen, while the couple’s two older children, Manuel and Ximena, pitch in, as well. Even their youngest, 9-year-old Uriel helps make the family packs, which include 15 tacos, beans, rice, chips, salsa, and a 20-liter soda, making it an easy choice for gatherings and parties.

In addition to serving meals, the Torres family continues to support local youth programs. Mi Jacalito recently held a raffle for a catering package for 50 people, valued at $750, with all proceeds benefiting the Future Farmers of America (FFA).

Despite the challenges of running a small business, the Torres family says the support from the community has helped them grow steadily. Their commitment to homemade food, perfected family recipes and reliable service has made Mi Jacalito a staple in Socorro’s food scene.