Patricio's Taqueria - Kailua-Kona

Authentic and homemade-style Mexican food. It reminded me of the rice, beans, and pozole from my mom's kitchen. I’ll definitely return when we visit the island again.

I stopped by this restaurant before heading back home to Southern California, and I have to say, it exceeded my expectations. The food here is as authentic as it gets when it comes to Mexican cuisine. If we ever have the opportunity to return to the Big Island, we will definitely make it a point to visit this place again.

After landing at Kailua-Kona Airport during my layover while traveling from San Francisco to Oahu, I was ready to unleash my vocal talent as the lead singer of the Grindcore band YUH. But first, my hunger urged me to seek out Patricio's Taqueria, which was a short trek from the airport. The walk was filled with anticipation, each step increasing my excitement for both the upcoming performance and the delicious meal ahead. As I strolled through the charming streets of Kailua-Kona, I felt the vibrant energy of the Mana around me, driving me onward. Finally, I arrived at Patricio's Taqueria, a delightful destination for Mexican cuisine. The bean, rice, and cheese burrito called my name, offering a wonderful combination of flavors and textures that delighted my senses. It was a moment of pure culinary pleasure that prepared me for the exciting Grindcore show at Battlehaus the following night. Feeling satisfied yet still charged with anticipation, I made my way back to the airport, where I went through an extensive security check. I relished the aftertaste of my wonderful meal alongside the thrill of the upcoming performance. The blend of food and music resonated in my mind, crafting a rich tapestry of experiences that was anything but ordinary. Ultimately, this multifaceted adventure captured the spirit of Kailua-Kona—a place where diverse passions come together. From the relaxed vibe of Patricio's Taqueria to the energetic chaos of a Grindcore concert, the experience was a celebration of both culinary delight and musical expression. So, fellow travelers, when you find yourself drawn to the charm of Kailua-Kona, let your curiosity lead you to Patricio's Taqueria. Savor the combination of flavors and rhythms, allowing the harmony of food and music to enhance your senses. It’s an unforgettable journey that blends the raw energy of Mana with the artistry of cooking—an experience that will leave a lasting impression as you explore the vibrant streets of Kailua-Kona. Let the spirit of Hawaii and the irresistible charm of Patricio's Taqueria guide your path as you dive into the rich world of food and music in this enchanting part of the Big Island.

I love Patricio's Taqueria — authentic food of good quality; and, the atmosphere makes me feel like I'm back in Mexico with the swanky music played inside. You can also get fantastic Mexican beer like Modelos of all flavors (ice cold from the bottle)! Order for pickup and ready in 10-15 minutes! Patricio's is conveniently located on the Queen K Hwy and easy to get to driving from the north or south... check it out! Always good!

There is no excuse for serving such lousy Mexican food when there are so many cookbooks and so many recipes out there telling you how to make really good Mexican food. I lived in Texas for well over 40 years, TRAVELED in Mexico (not Baja but THE TRUE MEXICO), and I know what good Mexican food is. In Austin, we frequented restaurants like Fonda San Miguel and Santa Catarina. In Dallas we went to Jalisco Norte. In San Antonio, we went to Mi Tiera. Look those up and you'll find some REAL Mexican food. My cleaning lady is from Mexico (not Tiajuana, but the REAL MEXICO). She once worked at this restaurant and told me that she and her friends brought them recipes, but they wouldn’t listen to her. She also said that everything you eat there is frozen and then nuked to warm it up. From this owner's reply, I'm not sure if that's true, however, my husband ordered a pork tamale that came out a gigantic glob of half-cooked soupy Masa with very little filling. That is not a tamale. I ordered the Chile Relleno and it was so yucky, I could not even eat it. All I can say is this: we will not go back until they learn how to make real Mexican food. Anyone I speak to about this place agrees with me, that is, people who actually know what good Mexican food tastes like. It's very sad that the Big Island has no place to go when you have a yen for Mexican food. And I don't mean Tex Mex, I mean REAL Mexican food, like they serve in Real Mexico, not across the border from San Diego. As for this owner's accusation that I'm being vindictive, what I am is I'm teed off that we wasted our time and money going there in the hope of finding decent Mexican food on the Big Island. Not!