Update: Paulina’s, sadly, is no longer in business. Happily, Eladio’s is nearby. Give it a try. RIP, Paulina’s.

I always think you can judge the popularity of a restaurant by the number of cars in its parking lot. Paulina’s parking lot is always packed. With tasty breakfast tacos that cost $1.75 for two (87 cents each), you can understand why.

Your choices are bean and chorizo; potato and egg; bean and cheese; chorizo and potato; bean and egg; or chorizo and egg. You may order as many as you’d like from 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. After 11, you’ll have to pay $1.15 each.

Un montón (heap, pile) of other breakfast tacos are on the menu, too. Avocado, barbacoa, bean and bacon, carne asada, carne guisada, chicharron, chicharron and egg, chilaquiles, beef fajita, chicken fajita, ham and egg, huevo a la Mexicana, lengua, machacado, migas, papa a la Mexicana, papa ranchera, picadillo, pork chop, rice and bean, tripa and more range in prices from $1.25 to $1.95. The homemade flour tortillas alone are worth the trip, not to mention the friendly staff.

Javier, a student from Spain my family hosted in the Fall of 2009, fell in love with Paulina’s breakfast tacos. They are one of his fondest memories of San Antonio. I like to pick up a bag para llevar (to go) on my way into work. Paulina’s staff will equip you with salsa (red or green), salt and napkins for a desktop picnic.

Paulina’s also features breakfast specials, like Nopal and Egg, for $3.95 a plate. Other plates include bacon and egg, barbacoa, chicharron, chorizo and egg, country and egg, country guisado, ham and egg, huevos rancheros, steak and egg, pancakes and more with prices that range from $3.25 (huevos rancheros) to $5.95 (steak and egg).

I’ve never been to Paulina’s for lunch, but they offer a full menu, including hamburgers and chicken enchiladas. A cheese enchilada plate will set you back $4.25. Caldo de res (beef soup) is $6.15 for a heaping bowl.

Paulina’s is located at 1438 W. Hutchins. Take the Zarzamora exit off of I-35 South. Head east down Zarzamora to the first light, Hutchins. Take a left. Cross the railroad tracks. Paulina’s will be on your right. Their phone number is (210) 928-2499. Paulina’s is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays (except Tuesdays) and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. They are closed on Tuesdays.