A large burrito, a crisp taco and a basket of chips can make a very persuasive lunch, and Elmer’s Tacos has built a long local following on that plainspoken formula. This Chandler counter-service restaurant is a familiar stop for Mexican comfort food, from quick individual tacos to combination plates that cover much of the table.
The connection runs beyond a passing lunch habit. Former students from the high school across the street return years later, sometimes with their own children in tow. That gives the restaurant the easy, lived-in character of a place families already know how to order from.
A menu made for serious appetites
Burritos are a major reason to come hungry. The bean-and-cheese burrito is a particularly popular order, a simple classic with creamy beans and melted cheese doing the work. It is the sort of uncomplicated choice that remains appealing even on a menu full of more elaborate possibilities.
Carne asada appears in several directions: tacos, burritos and a steak-style taco. The meat is tender, well seasoned and flavorful, giving diners an option that can be folded into a quick taco order or made into a larger meal.
For a plate with a little of everything, the No. 4 combination brings two mini chimichangas, a beef taco, rice, beans and chips. The “mini” chimichangas are substantial, so this is not a dainty snack plate disguised as dinner.
The menu also gives mixed groups plenty to sort through. There are tacos, burritos, mini chimis, rolled fried tacos, beans and rice, along with vegetarian selections that include bean-and-cheese burritos and other clearly marked meatless dishes.
Tacos with crunch, layers and heat
Crispy tacos are among the dependable orders here, and the double-decker taco takes the crunch in a different direction. It combines a crunchy outer shell with a softer layer, cheese and a savory filling, creating a taco with more texture than the usual single-shell version.
The rolled fried tacos arrive crisp and tightly rolled, sometimes described as cone-shaped. They make an appealing counterpoint to a soft burrito, especially for a table that prefers ordering several things and passing bites around.
Crispy chicken tacos and quesabirria-style stewed beef tacos add more routes through the taco side of the menu. Then there are the house “strips,” associated with carne asada, shredded cheese and sauce, with a mild heat that gives the dish some lift without taking it over.
Salsa and hot sauce are recurring companions to the food, with enough flavor to deserve attention rather than merely occupying space beside the chips. One distinctive chips preparation pairs the chips with shredded cold cheese, an unfussy combination that sounds particularly suited to a casual taco-shop meal.
Breakfast before the lunch crowd
Elmer’s carries its burrito habit into the morning. Breakfast choices include an egg breakfast burrito with optional chorizo, a breakfast supreme burrito and a chili relleno burrito.
The breakfast supreme is notably large and filling, suitable for anyone who sees breakfast as a full meal rather than a warm-up for lunch. An egg-and-chorizo burrito comes with a little red sauce and has a flavorful, non-greasy profile.
The chili relleno burrito is another more substantial morning option. It contains a thick pepper and soft cheese, a combination sturdy enough to hold together well for a meal taken home. Fresh horchata is a good cooling addition when chorizo, salsa or hot sauce is in the mix.
A casual room with room for families
Ordering happens at the counter for dine-in or takeout, after which guests receive a number to watch for. The staff can help newcomers make sense of a broad menu, a welcome touch when a family is trying to choose between burritos, tacos and combination plates.
There is indoor seating, including booths, along with an outdoor patio or terrace. The dining room can get lively and loud without becoming impossible for conversation, which suits a restaurant where people often arrive in groups and order a spread.
Chips commonly accompany the meal, including generous portions with takeout. The counter-service setup keeps things casual, but the food invites a slower table rhythm: unwrap a burrito, add salsa, break off a crisp rolled taco, then see what someone else ordered.
The school-day rush and a few useful details
The nearby high school shapes the pace at lunch, when the dining room can become crowded. That bustle is part of the restaurant’s local rhythm, but it can also put pressure on parking during busy periods.
Free parking is available, with additional spaces behind the restaurant. Takeout is an easy option, though a fry bread order has taken 15 to 20 minutes on at least one occasion, so that particular item may warrant a little extra time.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner all fit naturally here. A coffee truck has appeared outside during a breakfast visit, but the steady reason to stop remains inside: generously filled burritos, crisp tacos, creamy beans, rice, chips and plenty of salsa.