Mexican food worth the short drive from campus
Between classes, after practice, or when the dining hall isn't happening — El Gordo's is a straightforward drive from the Liberty University area out Forest Road. Order online, pick a time and grab it.
A campus-adjacent option that isn't a chain
Student food in any college town tends to converge on the same handful of chains. A taquería is a different proposition: cheaper than sit-down, more interesting than a drive-thru, and portioned so you can eat well without ordering a giant combo.
Tacos are the value play — order two or three and you've got a real meal. A burrito is the one-hand option for eating between commitments, and quesadillas are the safe pick when you're bringing food back for a group with mixed tastes.
Ordering online matters more when your schedule is chopped up. Pick a time that fits between classes and the food is ready when you get there instead of you standing at a counter during your only free half hour.
- Three street tacos for a solid, cheap meal
- One burrito for eating on the move
- Loaded fries or nachos to share in a dorm lounge
- A Jarritos or horchata instead of the usual soda
What to order
Chicken taco
The simple, affordable staple — order a few.
Chicken burrito
One-handed and filling; good between classes.
Chicken quesadilla
Easy to split, easy to reheat.
Quesabirrias
Worth trying when you want something above the usual.
Loaded fries
Shareable food for a group hangout.
Horchata & Jarritos
Something different from the soda fountain.
Why it works for a campus schedule
Pick your time
Order online and choose the slot that fits your gap.
Short drive
Straight out Forest Road from the Lynchburg side.
Group orders
Add names in the notes when you're picking up for friends.
Portable food
Tacos, burritos and quesadillas all travel.
Made to order
Not sitting in a warmer waiting for you.
Local, not a chain
A family-run kitchen instead of another franchise.
Getting here from the Liberty University area
From the campus area, head out toward Forest on Forest Road (Route 221). We're at 17980 Forest Rd Ste D in Forest, VA, with parking right out front.
Plan around our hours: 11am–8pm Tuesday through Saturday, 11am–3pm on Sunday, closed Monday. Sunday afternoon runs short, so go early.
Bringing a group back to campus? Loaded fries and burritos hold heat best on the drive.
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
Order before you leave campus
Set a pickup time, drive out, grab the bag and go.
Frequently asked questions
How far is El Gordo's from Liberty University?
We're in Forest, VA on Forest Road — a short drive west from the Lynchburg campus area.
Do you have student-friendly portions?
Tacos are ordered individually, so you can build a meal to the size and budget you want.
Can I order for a group?
Yes — put names in the order notes so everything is labeled. For bigger groups, use the catering page.
Do you deliver to campus?
Our own ordering is pickup-based. Order online and choose a pickup time that fits your schedule.
Are you open late?
We close at 8:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday and 3:00 PM on Sunday.
Do you hire students?
We post openings through our application page — send one in and we'll be in touch if there's a fit.