Restaurants
“After 25 years and good memories, it’s with a heavy heart that we have decided to close our Fenway location.”
El Pelon Taqueria has closed in the Fenway. Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff
El Pelon Taqueria, a cheap-eats staple in the Fenway, has closed its original location after 25 years of serving stuffed burritos and fish tacos to students, residents, and tourists that make up the neighborhood.
The Mexican restaurant announced its closure on Instagram on Sunday. Its last day open was Saturday, according to social media.
“After 25 years and good memories, it’s with a heavy heart that we have decided to close our Fenway location,” the post read. “This was a difficult decision.”
On Instagram and Reddit, social media users responded to the news with memories of the restaurant and their grief over the quick shuttering.
“Thank you for so many memories and so much good food! My boyfriend of six years and I had our first date here. You will be dearly missed,” commented derasilvestre on Instagram.
“…That’s such a bummer. [I] had a lot of friends at the Fenway colleges and have great memories bumming around that area like 12 years ago. Wild how much has changed so quickly,” commented lemonaderobat on Reddit.
As many users noted, it was known for being relatively inexpensive in a neighborhood that has seen explosive growth and redevelopment over the years. Justin Burke, a pastry chef formerly of Boston, told Eater Boston in 2015 that El Pelon was his favorite cheap bite, when the El Guapo — the restaurant’s signature burrito — cost $7.95.
The restaurant was also victim of two fires, one in 2007 and the other in 2009, before reopening again in 2011, according to The Boston Globe.
Fish Tacos are served at El Pelon Taqueria in Boston, Massachusetts. (Kayana Szymczak for the Boston Globe)
Fans of El Pelon can still get the El Guapo — now $12.50 — and other Mexican cuisine staples at its Brighton location.
Restaurant staff said on Instagram that they would “consolidate our efforts” at the location near Boston College, and El Pelon would continue to offer catering and delivery services.
“We want to express our gratitude for all your support throughout the years,” the post read. “You have made this journey incredibly special, from celebrating proposals to anniversaries and all in between.”
Tell us: Do you have a special memory of dining at El Pelon Taqueria? What were some of your favorite dishes? Let us know what you’ll miss about the restaurant. Share with us in the survey below or e-mail us at [email protected], and your response may appear in an upcoming Boston.com article.
What will you miss about El Pelon Taqueria in Fenway-Kenmore?
Katelyn UmholtzFood and Restaurant Reporter
Katelyn Umholtz covers food and restaurants for Boston.com. Katelyn is also the author of The Dish, a weekly food newsletter.
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