Get excited, Orinda, a new taqueria has opened at Theatre Square

Comelones Tacos, a taqueria serving cortido-dressed carnitas and massive nacho fries, has come to Orinda Theatre Square in Orinda.

The taco shop from friends Eric Galindo and John Batesting opened earlier this month in the former Lava Pit Hawaiian Grill at 2 Orinda Theatre Square, Suite 142, in Orinda. The menu features tacos, burritos, quesadillas and tortas with six protein offerings, including asado, pollo and vegan and halal options. Comelones Tacos is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday, and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Take a peek at the menu on Facebook.

The duo chose the cozy, 880-square-foot space for its central location and opportunity to bring quality, affordable Mexican food to a small town, Galindo says. Tacos are $3 each.

“Orinda’s a nice town and we kept hearing from our friends that there weren’t a lot of options,” he says. “In a small town, you get a lot of people who are kind and appreciate the food.”

The recipes are mostly from Galindo’s mother, who comes from Jalisco. But the family has been in the restaurant business for a long time. Galindo’s uncle, Enrique, is the owner of Mi Grullense, a taco truck that’s been in Oakland for 40 years. His parents, Maria Galindo and Hector Montes, are behind El Trompudo, a Mexican restaurant they opened in El Sobrante about six years ago. That’s where Eric learned the ropes.

But the carnitas — pressure-cooked with beer and served with house-pickled cabbage, carrots, onions and serrano peppers — are his creation. Look for more menu items coming soon, including a possible birria, vegan jackfruit tacos and halal chicken.

“I want to cook food that all my friends can eat,” Galindo says.