Why: Javier’s Tacos is a fast-food Mexican restaurant located in a building which over the years has housed an A&W, Indian cuisine, and a Church’s Chicken. Serving breakfast all day and a wide selection of traditional options, Javier’s has proven good enough to earn some staying power where others have not.
What I tried: My first visit was for breakfast, at which time I tried the sausage burrito. My second visit was for lunch. I ordered No. 7 — two carne asada tacos with rice and beans.
The breakfast burrito was made with a fresh, extra large tortilla stuffed with soft-cooked, cubed potatoes, scrambled eggs, sausage, and a bit of cheddar cheese. The sausage, which was a link type which had been sliced and fried, was the most flavorful part of the burrito. I found the burrito very hearty but a little bland. It needed salsa to kick it up a notch. Unfortunately, I got the burrito to go and did not pick up a few to-go tubs of salsa, which are provided — my error entirely.
The carne asada tacos were made with two corn tortillas each and generously filled with flavorful, juicy beef topped with pico de gallo and guacamole. I thoroughly enjoyed the tacos. The rice and beans were comparable to those at other Mexican restaurants.
Atmosphere: Inside the bright yellow-and-green restaurant the dining room has booths along the side walls. Simple tables and chairs, much like you would find in a cafeteria, fill in the open floor. A short wall divides part of the dining area and a large-screen TV provides entertainment. A salad bar provides fresh-cut cucumbers, oranges, carrots, limes, and radishes along with a few different sauces. Condiments and plastic cutlery are located at the salad bar as well. Above the order and pick-up counter the menu boards list combinations by numbered photos and everything else is listed individually below. Beverages are help-yourself style and there are also a few prepackaged sweets you may add to your order.
Menu highlights beyond what I tried: Available soups include beef, fish, shrimp, menudo, pozole and birria. Wet burritos, fajitas, chile rellenos, rolled tacos, sopes, tortas and bistek encebollado are among the many menu options. Meat choices include chicken, chorizo, beef and pork.
Other observations: Javier’s Tacos reminds me of the local fast-taco restaurants in the Los Angeles area. The service is friendly and quick and the food is priced well for the level of quality and portions. There is a convenient drive-up window. Javier’s also prepares food for large parties and groups.
Cost: Combination meals for lunch and dinner range from $5.50 to $9.99. A la carte items start at $2.75 and top out at $9.99. Sides are $1.99 to $5.50. Soups are $4.50 to $9.99. Breakfast burritos cost $5.25. Beverages cost $1.75 to $2.25.
Hours: 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday.
Where: 11115 N.E. Fourth Plain Road, Vancouver.
Telephone: 360-892-2222.
Health score: Javier’s Tacos received a score of 25 on Feb. 2. Zero is a perfect score. Clark County Public Health closes restaurants with a score of 100 or higher. For information, call 360-397-8428.
