Editor’s note: Originally published January 5, 2021. Updated September 23, 2021 to reflect name change from Los Tamaahles to El Mariachi Birria.

I don't remember how long ago I followed El Mariachi Birria (formerly Los Tamaahles) on Instagram but it's been low-grade torture every time they post. Their food looks absolutely amazing and I knew I just had to go get some, but I'm mostly staying in. Finally I decided I'd go check them out at At Large Brewing, but that didn't work out after a police chase ended with a car hitting their building, shutting them down temporarily. 

Since I'd finally set my mind to it, I drove out to Josh's Taps and Caps in Snohomish the next day instead. It's always a lovely trip down the Lowell-Snohomish River Road anyway. At first I thought they had more bad luck and didn't make it out because the trailer said Chappies instead of El Mariachi Birria, but the menu options looked right.

Turns out their new trailer is previously used and just needs a paint job. They're already at home in their new digs. Using teamwork and a giant bucket of cheese, they masterfully turn out order after order of hot, gooey goodness that's crispy around the edges. The queso tacos (which do have meat) and torta (a giant sandwich if you aren't familiar) were natural choices, but I was especially excited to try the birria ramen. I hadn't even had birria tacos with their hearty stew for dipping yet, but I knew using that stew for ramen would be an instant favorite.

If you want to hang out and have some beers, get there early because you can only fit so many tables in a properly-spaced tent. 

The drive home felt like it took twice as long because of the delicious smells wafting from the bag. Opening all the boxes felt like Christmas morning.

My advice is simple: plan to go several times. The food is so good that you'll be back for more, whether it's for the torta's soft roll with its crown of crackling cheese from the grill or the gooey layer of cheese holding each of the queso tacos together.

Don't think my obsession with their cheese means their meat is substandard, either. We had birria in everything and it'd clearly been cooked for a long time and with lots of love to make it so good. I'll be back for the al pastor and chorizo options, and anything else they might come up with. And that birria ramen? A hot, brothy dream I'm looking forward to drinking up again. My only warning: if you don't like cilantro, say so when you order because they are very generous with it.

Find El Mariachi Birria on Street Food Finder

Christopher Bragg works from home in Everett and loves walking, swimming, and cats. You can find him all over town, but only if you keep weird hours and avoid crowds like he does.