Ochoa's Mexican Restaraunt No. 2 in Santa Rosa, CA: A Restaurant Review

First of all, to head off any potential confusion, this is the Ochoa's off of Marlow in the shopping center near Lad's Market. There's another one over in Sebastopol, which is apparently the original location.

Ochoa's is basically Mexican fast food. Though it's better than Taco Bell in that they use real ingredients that I presume are not nearly as processed or shipped as far ... probably not frozen nearly as long or as often either. It's basically a simple working-class taqueria that has some of the fastest food prep time I've ever seen. Seriously, if you get something simple like a burrito or a couple of tacos, it goes from zero to ready in less than three minutes most of the time. That's faster than the Jack In The Box across the parking lot!

It's a fairly small place, but there's eight or nine tables to sit and eat in at, and it's all very basic but clean and pleasant enough. There's usually at least a few people around but it never seems to get super busy. Service is also basic but pleasant.

The menu is your standard line-up of taqueria staples. The two highlights of the menu for me are the tacos and the quesadillas. The tacos are pretty basic, coming in your choice of standard soft or crispy shell, but they really pile on the meat more than any other place I've seen in this price range and you get a generous slathering of everything else as well. The standard pattern for each taco is a huge hunk of meat, lots of shredded cheese, and pico de gallo all over the place. But there's also "grilled" beef and chicken versions that cut out the cheese for a more healthy accompaniment of green peppers, carrots and jalapenos. And I like the quesadillas simply for their hugeness - it's nearly the size of a dinner plate! You literally can't pick the thing up without cutting it first.

Pricing is very much to the low end. Two monster tacos only sets you back five bucks, and a burrito is just about a dollar more. The quesadilla is a little more expensive coming in at about 7.50 after tax, but that is set off somewhat by its sheer hugeness. Unless you have a massive appetite, two people can easily share one and be full, or you can cut it in half and save half for another meal. Also complementary chips and green and red salsa with each meal.

There's no Neiman Ranch meat here and you won't be bowled over by ingredient quality or presentation or anything like that, but the food for the most part tastes good and is satisfying. Add in the highly reasonable prices and the quick service and you have a winner as far as I'm concerned.