If you transplanted this place into the middle of Sacramento, it might actually be the best Mexican food in town. Or at least, it would be in the conversation.
When visiting family in this area years ago, we wanted to take someone out to lunch, and this was one of the very few options without driving out to Fresno. And I must say, it was a very pleasant surprise. Flash forward to now, and we revisited it. I thought for sure that it wouldn't live up to my memory, but it really stood up well. Heck, it may have even surpassed my expectations.
The standard fare is very good. Tacos are crispy and filled to the brim with goodies. The tamales are tasty and have a good meat to masa ratio. The salsa is quite fresh and has a pretty nice zip to it. The chips aren't plain-jane either! Very crispy with a little seasoning mixed in too, which I rarely see. The big winner of the day, however, was the chimichanga. Ho-lee cow! Fried to perfection and jam-packed with meat (we went with the chile verde and enjoyed it immensely) and topped with one heck of a tasty sauce. My wife and I LOVED it. And to top it all off, everything is pretty dang inexpensive!
I can't help but give this a BIG recommendation. Great spot out in the middle of nowhere.
Very quick and friendly service, which is the main reason I gave a 3 star instead of a 2.
I feel a little bad writing this review when everyone else has such great things to say, but... Unfortunately I went with all the good reviews and ordered a Chile Relleno... Maybe it was just a bad day, but it was the honestly worst Chile Relleno I've ever had! :( It was just a pile of mush covered in cheese. No flavor at all. Yucky. The beans didn't have any flavor either, but the rice was very good. Make sure to say no onions if you don't like those. I forgot, but that's obviously my fault.
On the other hand, my husband ordered burritos and they were good. Good shredded beef and chili verde, but not great.
Oh, and make sure you check your order before you leave to make sure everything is there. They forgot a taco we ordered, too.
It was really just an ok meal. If I ever go back, I will write a new review and hopefully a better one. But until then, that's just how it is. Sorry Velasco's. :-/
Very relaxed and casual atmosphere here. Â We would often eat there on the way up or from Shaver, and have never been disappointed. Â Their chicken fajitas are simply ridiculous...in a good way. Â Amazing flavor on these, and if you are still looking for more after this meal you have serious issues.
The salsa is really good too, which let's face it we all judge a mexican restaurant partially on their chips and salsa. Â Chips are the very light/crispy variety, which are my preference.
Great for kids as well, and set up to handle the spills and mishaps that come along with the little ones.
If you're looking for the best fajitas on terra firma, you need to try Velasco's and see how they stack up.
My buddies and I have an annual camping trip up in the Florence/Edison/Ward Lake area, and every year we meet (coming from Orange County, Salinas, and Bakersfield) at Velasco's for our last commercially cooked meal (and flush toilets!) before heading on up the mountain together. Â It has become the official start of our vacation, and while some of it may be the sentimental value of our tradition, we all look forward to getting food there, whether it be a carne asada or chili verde burrito to go, or the excellent chilaquiles or other breakfast offerings. Â Definitely our favorite stop on our way up the hill.
Review Source:This is my favorite place in the hills for lunch. Â I've been there a few times for dinner, but it's crazy crowded then. We drive down the hill from Alder Springs to eat here and are never disappointed. The employees are all very friendly and the service is prompt. I've had just about everything on their menu, but love their chicken enchiladas. The portions are very generous, but you can always order al a cart if you're not that hungry. Good value for your money. Many restaurants have come and gone in the area, but this one remains because they serve good food at reasonable prices. Try it next time you are in the area -- you won't be disappointed. They also have a little joint up the road in Auberry which has the same good food, but it's just a little smaller.
Review Source:Stopped here while on a motorcycle ride up the mountain. Â Had the taco and chile relleno combo. Â The salsa is homemade and good. Â The taco had shredded beef which was good, but the taco shell was of the mass produced kind, like taco bell shells. Â The chile relleno was very very good. Â One of the best CR's I've ever had. Â If I'm ever in the area I'd definitely stop in again.
Review Source:This restaurant enjoys a monopoly in the foothills. But they turn out good food and you can tell by the crowds every night. Stay away from the chicken fajitas as they suck. I would much prefer they change the style of preparation method to grilling a chicken breast whole then slicing it on the cast iron over the deep fried chicken parts they do now on the fajitas. Overall a great dining choice in prather.
Review Source:Good food, lots of it, at great prices AND the service is good. Â I went there for the 3rd time and each time my experience has been the same. Â My son claims he doesn't like Mexican food but while we were there he ate 1 taco, 2 enchilada's and everyone's leftovers. Â By the time we left he was converted and said that Velasco's was the only place he would go to eat Mexican food.
Review Source:I didn't even know this place existed until I kept hearing from my family on my husband's side saying, "You can get the BEST Mexican foods here." All these years, it has been hidden in Prather, CA (bottom of the mtns). Â I went here with one of my friend 2 days ago from posting date. Instead of ordering breakfast burritos, I instead ordered my favorite Chile Relleno plus shredded beef Enchiladas and shredded beef Taco and OMG!! Velasco's food is indeed delicious and the best x1,000!! Â I need to go back there once more before I leave town.
People usually stop here if one has a friend/family living up here in Auberry, Shaver Lake or Huntington Lake, but then it's winter time so there might be others who are from Clovis/Fresno and/or nearby cities visiting Sierra Summit, which is a place where one can go skiing/snow boarding and/or for a nice drive up if the weather is nice.
There are 2 ways in coming up to Velasco's that I know of. One way is Auberry Rd - if you are coming from Fresno or Oakhurst/Yosemite. Then, you can take 168 if you are in Clovis. Then, 168 and Auberry Rd meets in Prather anyways. Velasco's is located right near the Gas station across from the new Shell gas station they are buidling, which the complex also includes a grocery store called Mar Val's, Subway, Pizza Factory, CVS to name a few.
If you are visiting, this is a MUST place to stop by and have a grub.
Totally thought that this place was your typical hole-in-the-wall burrito joint when looking at it from the outside, but up on the top floor it's actually a full-on mexican restaurant!
Big crowd but super fast & friendly service.
I had the chile relleno burrito which was pretty good and cheesy but the fajitas were definitely sizzling hot and tasty!
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