Yelp has compiled a list of “10 surprisingly great restaurants and takeout counters in service stations across the US.” While there are many amazing gas station food spots right here in Maryland, just one made it in Yelp’s national list of “10 Don’t-Miss Gas Station Restaurants 2025.”
Taco Bar El Güero, located at 10003 B Fields Rd in Gaithersburg, boasts a rich history as a family-owned establishment for more than two decades. Renowned for its local, family-owned and operated charm, Taco Bar El Güero underwent an image refresh in 2020, introducing a new logo that highlights Jose Valdivia, a recognizable figure among regular patrons. The restaurant’s success has spurred growth, including the opening of a sister location, Ixtapalapa Taqueria, in Gaithersburg in 2017, La Gula Mexicana in Germantown in 2021, and Mayan Monkey Brewery in Olde Towne Gaithersburg earlier this year.
Soon, Taco Bar El Güero will be relocating and rebranding, albeit just a short distance away. Scheduled for a September/October move, Taco Bar El Güero is set to cross the street to the Downtown Crown development in Gaithersburg, occupying the former BurgerIM and SmashBurger site at 200 Ellington Ave. Along with the move, the restaurant will rebrand to El Güero Mexicano.
Yelp writes, “Jose and Teresa Valdivia have built a small Mexican-food empire in the Gaithersburg area — and it all began at this tiny counter at the back of a gas station, where they’ve been selling “awesome” tacos for 20 years. Today, they’re “still crushing it” with “high-quality food at an unbeatable price,” according to fans. Teresa is the chef, drawing on her Mexico City upbringing for homemade salsas and tacos that are “well-seasoned, [with] no skimping on toppings.” That includes the Yelper favorite Al Pastor, with scratch-made adobo and marinated pork that’s slow-cooked with pineapple and onions. “All the flavors melt together and caramelize,” says daughter Mayte Velasco, who has been working with her parents since 2017.”
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