California Tacos and Mexican Food
The vibrant Mexican and Cal-Mex food of the West Coast - street tacos, burritos and the Mission burrito, born of deep cross-border roots.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
California's Mexican food, rooted in deep cross-border history and a huge Mexican American community, is among the best eating in the country: soft street tacos of carne asada or al pastor from a taco truck, the fat foil-wrapped Mission burrito of San Francisco, fish tacos from the coast and fresh salsas and guacamole. Vibrant, cheap and everywhere.
What you actually see
- Street tacos - soft corn tortillas with grilled meat, onion and cilantro from taco trucks.
- The Mission burrito - the large, rice-filled foil-wrapped burrito of San Francisco.
- Fish tacos - the battered or grilled fish tacos of the coast.
- Taquerias and trucks - the taco trucks and family taquerias where it is best.
When to go
Year-round; taco trucks and taquerias serve all day and late, and it is everyday food. The best is often from a truck or a modest family taqueria rather than a fancy restaurant.
Honest expectations
The best is usually the humblest, a taco truck or a hole-in-the-wall, rather than a smart restaurant. Cal-Mex and Tex-Mex differ from and are looser than the regional cuisines of Mexico itself. Salsa heat is real, so ask if unsure.
Nearby
Los Angeles, San Diego and the whole state are full of it; the border region and San Francisco's Mission district are heartlands.
What to pack for California Tacos and Mexican Food
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
