A family kitchen cooking for other families
El Gordo's is run by a family, which shapes how we think about feeding one. There's something plain enough for the pickiest kid, something interesting enough for the adult who wants birria, and a way to order that doesn't involve wrangling everyone through a line.
Eating out with kids, made simpler
The hard part of family meals out isn't the food — it's the logistics. Somebody won't eat anything green, somebody wants only cheese, somebody's hungry now. A taquería menu handles that better than most, because almost everything is built from the same components in different combinations.
A cheese quesadilla, a plain bean burrito or a simple taco covers the cautious eaters. Meanwhile the rest of the table can order quesabirrias, loaded fries or a torta. Same kitchen, same order, no separate kids' menu of reheated nuggets.
Ordering ahead helps too. Choose a pickup time, load everyone in the car once, and eat at home where spills are somebody's ordinary Tuesday problem rather than a restaurant emergency.
- Cheese quesadilla — the safest bet
- Plain bean-and-rice burrito
- A single chicken taco with no onion or cilantro
- Chips on the side to keep hands busy
Something for every seat at the table
Cheese quesadilla
Crisp, simple and reliably eaten.
Chicken taco
Ask for it plain and it's kid-friendly.
Bean burrito
Filling, mild and vegetarian.
Quesabirrias
For whoever at the table wants the interesting order.
Loaded fries
The shared middle-of-the-table item.
Tres leches
Dessert everyone agrees on.
Why families order from us
Actually family owned
A small family operation, not a chain concept.
Customizable plates
Nearly everything can be ordered plain or built up.
Order ahead
Skip the line entirely — pick a time and collect.
Vegetarian friendly
Bean, rice and cheese builds across the menu.
Easy to share
Trays and shareables stretch across a table.
Simple parking
Park out front rather than circling downtown.
Near Lynchburg, easy with a car full of kids
We're on Forest Road at 17980 Forest Rd Ste D in Forest, VA. Parking is right out front, which matters a lot when you're unloading a family.
Weeknight dinners run until 8:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday. Sundays we close at 3:00 PM, so plan Sunday meals earlier in the day.
Birthday coming up? We cater — a taco bar is one of the easiest ways to feed a room of kids and adults at once.
17980 Forest Rd Ste D, Forest, VA 24551
- MondayClosed
- Tuesday11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Feed the whole table
Order online, pick a time, and eat at home without cooking.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have a kids' menu?
Not a separate one — but simple builds like cheese quesadillas, bean burritos and plain tacos work well for kids.
Can I order food without onion or cilantro?
Yes. Note it on your online order or tell us on the phone.
Is the food spicy?
The base dishes aren't. Heat comes from the salsas you choose, so it's easy to keep mild.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes — bean, rice and cheese builds across tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos.
Do you cater kids' birthday parties?
Yes. A build-your-own taco bar works well for mixed groups of kids and adults.
What are your family-friendly hours?
Tue–Sat 11am–8pm and Sun 11am–3pm. Closed Mondays.