Why TikTok Fans Are Traveling to Anchorage for Rafelitos Tacos
When The Taco Fiend posted about us on TikTok, we had no idea what was coming. Overnight, the comments exploded. People tagged friends, planned road trips, and even talked about flying to Alaska just to eat tacos at Rafelitos. For us, it was exciting, humbling, and honestly a little overwhelming, but in the best way.
Comments That Made Our Day
The love in the comments on TikTok was unreal. Some of our favorites:
“Best tacos in Anchorage, Alaska!”
“Coming from Willow this week to try your tacos.”
“MY FAVORITE TACOS IN THE US.”
“I’ve tried just about all the horchata in Anchorage that I can find and Rafelitoes is hands down the best!!”
“OK I’m coming over from Wasilla.”
Watching people plan trips for our tacos reminded us that food is meant to be shared, and it has the power to connect us.
Tacos With Tradition
Every taco at Rafelitos has roots in family and history. Our story began in Tijuana, where our family ran a little taquería called El Pilón right next to our dad’s mechanic shop. In Mexico, taquerías are community hubs where neighbors gather, families celebrate, and friendships grow.
That same spirit lives on in Anchorage. From the trompo turning with al pastor to carne asada sizzling on the grill, everything we make still starts with time, seasoning, and technique. Guests often tell us the small details make the biggest difference:
🌮 Handmade tortillas that hold every flavor together
🌮 House-made salsas with just the right kick
🌮 Carne asada grilled to smoky perfection
Hearing these things always makes us proud, but The Taco Fiend took it even further when he said we could “compete in California easy.” Coming from someone who travels the country in search of the best tacos, that meant the world to us.
That kind of recognition motivates us to keep giving people our very best every single day.
Or, as he summed it up:
“Alaska has one of the top spots in the entire tour” right here at Rafelitos!
Al Pastor Tacos at The Trompo That Got Everyone Talking
One thing The Taco Fiend made sure to capture was our trompo! Al pastor tacos are made by marinating thin slices of pork in a blend of spices, then stacking them on the trompo, or a vertical spit. As it turns, the heat caramelizes each layer until the meat is shaved thin and served on a warm tortilla.
Our famous trompo, a vertical rotisserie.
The aroma fills the room, the sizzle pulls you in, and the first bite delivers bold Mexican flavor the way tacos al pastor are meant to be.
He gave our al pastor taco a 9.0 rating, which is no small thing coming from someone who has eaten tacos across the country. Some people in the comments even said that score convinced them to stop by. A shout-out like that reminds us why we do what we do.
TikTok as the New Word of Mouth
Back in the day, word of mouth meant neighbors and coworkers sharing their favorite spot. Today, TikTok does the same thing, only faster and louder. One short video introduced Rafelitos to thousands of new guests. No scripts. No ads. Just honest reactions.
We never expected a viral moment, but it showed us how powerful it is when people share food they truly love. For us, it is not about views. It is about people enjoying Mexican food in Alaska and connecting with the roots that inspired Rafelitos.
See The Taco Review for Yourself
If you haven’t seen The Taco Fiend’s TikTok review or Rafelitos, you can watch it here. We owe a huge thank you to The Taco Fiend for stopping by and sharing us with the world. TikTok may have spread the word, but it’s our guests, our community, and our food that keep it alive. We appreciate you all!
Now it’s your turn to taste it for yourself. Come dine in with us, order ahead for pickup, or order online via DoorDash if you want Rafelitos delivered right to your door. However you get here, we’ll make sure you’re getting nothing but authentic Mexican cuisine.
