About Us
Rooted in Tradition. Served with Heart.
Tacos Martinez has been a cornerstone of San Antonio’s West Side for almost 50 years. We started off as a small venture and have grown into a beloved local destination best known for our delicious "homemade" cooking served cafeteria-style.
Today, the Martinez family continues to carry on the torch of tradition, keeping the flavors and values of San Antonio's West Side alive for generations to come.
Tacos Martinez is open EVERY day of the year, except for Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Easter. We are dedicated to our clientele, especially our many "regulars", who we've come to know and love.
Our History
Where it Began
In 1976, with $86 and a dream, Jesusa Faz Martinez and her husband Enedino first opened Tacos Martinez. Enedino converted an old tire shop located on Castroville Road and Romero into a four-table restaurant. With her own mother's help, our mother and grandmother worked tirelessly side by side, solidifying our reputation for delicious homestyle cooking served, always, with heart--con todo corazon.
Our Founders
Our founder and matriarch, Jesusa Faz Martinez was born and raised in the heart of San Antonio's inner West Side, on Romero Street, where she lived for 65 years of her life.
She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, businesswoman, and community servant. She loved her church dearly and was a dedicated and active member of San Martin de Porres Catholic Church.
Last, but not least, she was an Edgewood High School graduate (c/o 1961) and THE PROUDEST Edgewood Raider her entire life. She loved her community, and the community loved her.
Enedino Martinez was born and raised in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. His humble upbringing on a ranch led to value hard work, dedication and education. In 1967 he immigrated to San Antonio and began working as a carpet and floor layer. Even with no formal education, his natural talent for math helped Enedino become a very good businessman. Even when the economy makes business difficult, Mr. Martinez has managed to make his business persevere, always making sure his employees are taken care of.
The Dream
As a child, Jesusa learned to cook from her mother and grandmother, whose cooking was renowned in the community and often sought after for celebrations and special occasions. Eventually, our mother realized she had a natural talent for both cooking and enterprise. With our father's encouragement (and know-how), they set off to make her dream a reality. Our mother and grandmother cooked, as our father helped transform the space while also working as a full-time carpet layer and flooring installer.
Throughout the years, Tacos Martinez has moved locations, trying out a variety of spaces, but always staying within our beloved Edgewood community boundaries. From the corner of Castroville Road and Romero, to Castroville Road and Dahlgreen, to a molino on General McMullen, Tacos Martinez finally found its forever home in 1982 at 5034 West Commerce Street, where we've been now for over 43 years!
The Martinez Family
Growth, Progress, Involvement
As our parents grew their restaurant business, they also grew their family and had us, their two children, Marisol and Hector. We were also born in San Antonio and proudly raised in the Edgewood community. Marisol graduated from Edgewood High School (Go Raiders!), and Hector graduated from Kennedy High School (Go Rockets!). Our father always said "el mejor regalo que te puedo dar es una educacion" ("the best gift I can give you is an education"), instilling in us the many virtues of a good education.
Jesusa's Legacy
Our mother and founder, Jesusa Faz Martinez, passed away in 2015. She may not be here physically, but she is always here with us in spirit. Today, along with our father, we proudly carry on her legacy of good homestyle cooking, love, and service to our community.
Community First
Tacos Martinez isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a gathering place. We’ve had the honor of feeding generations of families and supporting our neighbors through good times and tough ones. Whether it’s sponsoring local events or simply serving up a warm meal, we take pride in being part of this community.
The Rules
We are, at our core, a small business operation, and we are often very busy. While we've seldom had to use it over the course of five decades, we do reserve the right to refuse service when we deem it appropriate.
Seating Policy
If you are eating in, we ask that you go through the cafeteria line first before sitting down. Our seating policy does not allow reserving tables or being seated before you've been served and your food has been paid for. Out of fairness to all of our customers, no exceptions are made--you will be asked to move.
Takeout
If ordering takeout, Tacos Martinez only take orders by phone, or in person at the checkout register.
Note: While there are some online ordering services that offer food from our establishment, we are not directly partnered with any online ordering services at the moment.
