11 Best Taco Stands in California

You may consider this a controversial opinion, but we’re going to stand our ground anyway: California’s tacos are the best in the country—period. From traditional to hipster creations, there’s a taco somewhere in the Golden State to satisfy your cravings. Shrimp tacos? You got it. Craving a classic carne asada? We’re right there with you. Perhaps you like al pastor best? No worries—you’ll find everything you need and more when you know where to look. Prepare your tastebuds for a flavorsome explosion because you’re about to taste the best tacos in California.

The Best Taco Stands In NorCal

1. El Azteca Taco Truck

Location: 22043 Highway 33, Crows Landing

Don’t underestimate the deliciousness of El Azteca Taco Truck—people drive for hours to munch on their famous Azteca, asada, shrimp, and cheese tacos. The salsa is fiery but we know you’ll pull through; the stuffing is a little extra, just the way you like it. Everything that El Azteca prepares is fresh, flavorful, and finger-licking good; trust us when we say it’s worth your time and money. 

2. Beto’s Taco Truck

Location: 1310 Rosemarie Lane, Stockton

You’ll never know how mouthwatering Mexican food can be until you try Beto’s Taco Truck. This taco place always has a long line of customers waiting to get their order, so you’ll definitely find it easily. Beto’s most popular items are the carne asada tacos, chorizo tacos, and tacos de cabeza. But as delicious as they are, the lengua taco gets an honorable mention—it comes with just enough crisp, crunch, and spice. And when tacos aren’t enough to satisfy, order their humongous burritos and you just might fall in love. 

3. Tacos El Noa Noa

Location: 208 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Sunnyvale

Sure, Taco Bell is delicious, but the hidden taco spots is where it’s at. Located in a small parking lot in Sunnyvale, Tacos El Noa Noa will indulge your taste buds in Mexican deliciousness. People wait for hours in line to get to taste the popular quesabirria tacos with a side of heavenly beef broth—tender slices of meat paired with a crispy shell is what dreams are made of. And if you’re a vegetarian, give their veggie tacos a try; they’re just as divine.

4. Taqueria Maya's

Location: 2700 Broadway, Sacramento

A traditional taqueria full of appetizing lunch options, Taqueria Maya’s is where you need to head next time you crave Mexican food in Sacramento. We recommend trying the good, old-fashioned carne asada—you’ll be surprised at how much meat and salsa can come out of a shell. If you’re willing to try as many options as possible, their pollo, pastor, and buche tacos are to die for.

5. Tacos el Catrin

Location: 19766 Highway 88, Pine Grove

Just when you think you won’t find decent Mexican dishes outside San Diego, Tacos El Catrin surprises you with iconic food. Here, you’ll indulge in the most appetizing tacos in California that will treat your tastebuds to mouthwatering goodness. The chicken tacos supreme and asada quesadilla supreme are tasty options you can’t go wrong with. Anything you try at Tacos El Catrin, you’ll realize with every bite that the chef adds extra flavor to every dish to keep you hooked and coming back for more.

6. El Norteño Taco Truck

Location: 801 Bryant Street, San Francisco

We wish we could have everything on El Norteño Taco Truck’s menu in one sitting. This is not your average food truck; it is an authentic food experience you need to have ASAP. Offering arguably the best tacos in San Francisco, El Norteño features options such as carnitas, pastor, and veggie tacos that are heavenly. Their chorizo tacos don’t disappoint either—that is if you don’t fear getting a little messy. Expect to pair your meals at El Norteño with nachos, quesadillas, tortas, burritos, breakfast sandwiches, or chips with salsa.

Cool Taco Stands in SoCal

7. Ricky’s Fish Tacos

Location: 3061 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles

Ricky’s Fish Tacos stands out as the number one spot for Mexican fare. As one of the most crowded taco trucks in the Greater Los Angeles area, this place delivers authentically delectable tacos that impress people from all over the state. Order the fish and shrimp tacos or get the Ricky’s special—you’ll understand from the very first bite why Rickey’s serves the best tacos in Los Angeles.

8. Leo’s Tacos Truck

Location: 1515 South La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles

Leo’s Tacos Truck is known for being the place to get the best al pastor tacos—the meat is juicy, the toppings are generous, and it packs yummy surprises you won’t expect in a taco. While al pastor is this food truck’s must-try, their chicken tacos are equally delish. Once you’re done having the best tacos in L.A., try the torta Hawaiian and tostadas.  

9. Tacos y Mariscos El Culichi

Location: 801 West Laurel Avenue, Lompoc

Tacos- y Mariscos El Culichi is famous for its seafood options; however, we think the birria tacos here are the best you’ll ever have in the entire state. Order your birria tacos with cheese and quench your hunger with flavorful, crispy, and juicy bites. Besides the birria, give the fish tacos and shrimp quesadilla a go for an unforgettable food experience at this popular taco spot near you.

10. Mariscos Mi Gusto Es

Location: 4425 Home Avenue, San Diego

Looking for the best tacos in San Diego? Make your way to Mariscos Mi Gusto Es. Our favorites include the pescado and asada, which are fried to perfection and served with the tastiest salsa you’ll ever have. The campechana tostada, on the other hand, is exquisite—the concoction of fish, scallops, octopus, and shrimps will please your taste buds.

11. SD Taco Tuesday

Location: Chula Vista, San Diego

Every day is Taco Tuesday at SD Taco Tuesday. Home to the best fish tacos in San Diego, this place deep fries their shrimp tacos and tops it with the most tempting sauce. They also serve adobada and carnitas tacos, which will exceed your expectations when it comes to Mexican food. Vegetarians are up for a pleasant surprise—order the special nopales (cactus) tacos and enjoy the most creative bites ever. P.S. don’t forget to ask for the special deal on Tuesdays.