Ever thought fast food could be healthy? Most scoff at the idea ? especially if someone claims that a small taco joint offers fresh meals without the trans fat and deep fryer.

Jimboy’s Tacos, however, is the real deal. Located at 605 West Herndon Ave., the fast food joint prepares all of their Hispanic dishes fresh daily. Jimboy’s gives customers a taco they can eat without all of the fattening ingredients.

The first Jimboy’s Tacos opened on May 29, 2006, the creation of owner Andrew Schantz and his wife. The popular Mexican restaurant now has two locations in Fresno along with 38 others throughout Northern California and Nevada.

I heard of the hole-in-the-wall restaurant only recently and I wanted to investigate these “cheap and delicious” tacos. The patio at Jimboy’s was full of teenagers eating and finishing homework. Inside, the Mexican colors were prevalent, with beige walls, black ceilings and maroon cement flooring. Wooden chairs and tan tables added ethnic flavor to the atmosphere along with a large fish tank containing colorful fish. Besides a meal, Jimboy’s also offers t-shirts at $7.50 or two for $10 printed with Jimboy’s logo.

The menu itself offered the regular Mexican meal, and though such items like grilled burritos, enchiladas and cheese quesadillas may seem stereotypical, the cheap prices (ranging from about $2-$5) made up for the predictable options.

I decided to order a No. 5, which came with refried beans, rice, salad and a grilled burrito. My friend ordered a simple chicken taco for $2.04. My total came out to be $13.40, including drink and tax.

Our food was prepared in less than 5 minutes and served hot. My combo came on a huge plate equally portioned. Though the sides were a little disappointing (the beans offered nothing extraordinary and the rice was dry) the main meal saved the plate.

The cheese enchilada was completely stuffed with chicken and perfectly toasted. The melted jack cheese and the chili sauce accented the enchilada perfectly with its spicy flavor.

The side burrito came wrapped in hot foil and was full of refried beans, rice, chicken, diced onions and jack cheese. However, the burrito was also grilled, a new aspect of the dish I have never experienced before. The preparation made the burrito crunchy and added a whole new dimension to a classic dish.

Though I ultimately enjoyed my choices, my friend was unhappy with her chicken taco. The toppings were dry and the chicken inside was overdone as well. Not even the packages of mild sauce could sufficiently salvage the taco to our liking.

For dessert, we both ordered a cream cheese churro. I expected a long sugar stick straight out of Disneyland but instead faced a short and fat deep fried dessert covered with sugar and stuffed with melted cream cheese. Some came out burnt and the others were a little tough but the dessert was unique and a nice finish to the meal.

Overall, the prices accurately reflect the food itself. Though Jimboy’s remains a great place to hang out with friends and family because of the relaxed atmosphere and healthier menu options, customers should not expect an oustanding meal.

Besides a relaxing lunch, Jimboy’s Tacos also offers catering and party items. For more information, contact them at (559) 324-1900. For more restaurant reviews, visit Danielle Ricchiuti’s Apr. 30 article, Subs bring Big Apple flavor.