Tacos are a popular food item pretty much everywhere in the U.S. Luckily for Californians, this state has some of the best in the country. Nothing hits the spot quite like a basic taco, just corn tortillas filled with meat, then topped with cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime. Since tacos are such a customizable food, you’ll find many options at most taquerias, from carnitas to lengua and even vegan tacos. The best taquerias in Northern California listed below are loved by their communities. They serve some of the best tacos in the area. See if any of these taquerias are close to where you live:
1. Tres Cazuelas Taqueria, Dunnigan
Tres Cazuelas Taqueria, 4960 Co Rd 99W, Dunnigan, CA 95937, USA
You’d never know this amazing taqueria was hiding in this tiny town! The small town of Dunnigan is right off Interstate 5. Tres Cazuelas Taqueria is a favorite of road trippers who rave about the excellent food here. They make more than tacos but are known for their tacos with handmade tortillas. People love their quesabirria tacos as well as their barbacoa tacos.
2. Lucina’s Taqueria, Oroville
Lucinas Taqueria, 3464 Myers St, Oroville, CA 95966, USA
The tacos at this small Oroville taco joint are well-seasoned and generously portioned. Lucina’s Taqueria serves tacos with your choice of meat and cooking styles, including birria. You can dine in or take orders to go. Grab lunch at Lucina’s after a hike at the nearby Table Mountain.
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3. Taqueria El Grullense No 2, Lodi
Taqueria El Grullense No 2, 117 N Sacramento St, Lodi, CA 95240, USA
Located in downtown Lodi, this taqueria is known for its tacos, quesabirria, and breakfast burritos. Choose from several options for taco filling– beef, chicken, pork, carnitas, tongue, tripe, and fish. Regulars really like their barbacoa and carnitas tacos. Tacos come with salsa to add even more flavor!
This hidden little restaurant in the small town of Winton has some of the best chicken tacos in the area. In addition to delicious tacos, this restaurant also has three delicious aguas frescas to choose from– tamarindo, horchata, and jamaica. There is plenty of outdoor seating but be aware, it can get crowded on weekends.
5. Taqueria Los Pericos, Santa Cruz
Taqueria Los Pericos, 139 Water St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
Order a taco or three at this casual counter-service spot in Santa Cruz. Located near the San Lorenzo River and a 23-minute walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, this taco joint has major beachy vibes. Keeping with the beach vibe, go with a grilled fish soft taco. They also have a full menu with many other Mexican food classics, like tamal, quesadillas, and ceviche.
6. Tacos Jalisco, Vallejo
Tacos Jalisco, 3420 Sonoma Blvd, Vallejo, CA 94590, USA
This casual taco spot in the Bay-front city of Vallejo serves tacos and taco platters for a crowd. Order as many tacos as you would like with your choice of meat. For groups, Tacos Jalisco offers platters of 10 and 20 tacos. They also serve burritos, quesadillas, and specials like chile relleno. Their famous salsas come with every order.
7. Taqueria Molcajetes, Santa Rosa
Taqueria Molcajetes, 1195 W College Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, USA
Locals can’t get enough of this taqueria that specializes in food from Guadalajara and Michoacán in Mexico. This taqueria was even on the Food Network show, "Diners, Drive-In, and Dives" hosted by Guy Fieri. Located in a shopping center, next to a Safeway, you could easily miss this incredible restaurant. Taqueria Molcajetes has a large menu that features food served in molcajetes, plus decadent tacos.
California is known to have a lot of great Mexican food, as well as California-Mexican food. Of all the dishes, tacos seem to be one of the most popular at Mexican restaurants in California.
What is your favorite taco restaurant? Tell us in the comments.
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