Best Authentic Mexican Tacos in Sonoma County
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
Odds are you know about Sonoma and Napa because of our world class wine industry, but did you know you can also get some of the BEST mexican food in the country here? Both Italian and Mexican immigrants were pivotal in building and (still) maintaining the thriving agricultural and viticulture industries we have today. Well established families not only share their incredible skills with the community, but their rich cultural heritage via age-old recipes and techniques that deserve recognition alongside some of the top culinary competition in the area. Here are some of our staff’s favorite authentic tacos in Sonoma County.
Image Courtesy of Jalapeños.com
Quesabirria Tacos from Jalapeños Mexican Grill
Cazares and his sons started serving Birria long before the trend came around in 2020, so when the wave hit, they had their recipe perfected. Cazares, who recently expanded to a brick and mortar restaurant and upgraded their food truck after a destructive fire, describes the immense blessing the business has been to him and his family, and we are so glad to have someone as passionate about their product as him and his sons. His quesabirria tacos are a reflection of this passion and seasoned to perfection with a rich, warm, Chile sauce, loaded to the brim with gooey melted cheese, cilantro, onions and salsa, all within the perfect marriage between a soft and crispy tortilla.
1630 Sebastopol Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95407, (707) 393-7900
Image courtesy of www.thislifeoftravel.com
Bohemian Fish Tacos at El Molino Central
Tucked away in the little district of Boyes Hot Springs in Sonoma, sits a Michelin Guide restaurant, El Molino Central. Named after the mill used in Mexican towns to grind masa, El Molino is known for their truly hand made tortillas, using fresh masa, and the highest quality ingredients. “Although not of Mexican heritage herself, owner Taylor Waikiki is a disciple of Diana Kennedy, one of the foremost authorities on Mexican cuisine, and credits the longstanding success to her staff of Latino immigrants whom she regularly collaborates with to create new dishes on the menu.” (inspiration taken from Hutcherson, Aaron, “Hidden Gems: El Molino Central”) Utilizing some of Sonoma counties freshest ingredients and skilled technique, El Molino is able to perfect something as simple as their Bohemian Beer Battered Fish Tacos. Substantial pieces of flaky white fish are fried in a beer batter, resulting in an ultra crispy exterior and flaky interior. Paired with a pile of paper thin shredded cabbage, avocado crema and fiery chile de arbol salsa, this is light, but satisfying, and fantastically complex taco you have to try.
11 Central Ave, Sonoma, CA 95476, (707) 939-1010
Image courtesy of @tacoselpelonsr on Instagram
Tacos de Vampiro with Cochinita Pibil at Tacos El Pelon
Tacos vampiros are a classic Sinolan street food in which a corn tortilla is slowly crisped on a seasoned plancha and topped with melting Mexican cheese. At Tacos El Pelon, our staff suggests topping it with their famous cochinta pibil, a sweet and earthy braised pork, and allowing them finish it with their delicious salsa and pickled red onions. This is a taco not many have had the privilege of trying, but we promise you, it will be one of your new favorites in town!
44 Sebastopol Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95407, (707) 294-4453
Image courtesy of Marcos Fuentas Jr via Google images
Tacos de Lengua at La Bamba Taqueria
Locals swear by this late night taco truck along Highway 12. Known for their super burritos as big as a small baby and affordable prices, our off-duty chefs can’t get enough of their lengua tacos and Gorditas. Braised for hours, the tender beef tongue has a distinct, rich, beefy flavor, and nearly melts in your mouth. Pair it expertly with a squeeze of lime and a few thinly sliced radishes, and you’ll be ordering a few more just to quench your palate.
18155 Sonoma Hwy, Sonoma, CA 95476, (707) 322-1070
Image courtesy of Leah Moreaux via Google Images
Super Taco at Taqueria Las Palmas
We’re sure you’ve heard of a super burrito, but have you heard of a super taco?! Taqueria Las Palmas has been serving up these hefty tacos since the early 2000’s, but this isn’t the kind of place you just stumble upon. A true hidden gem, one of the two owners, Juan, has done stints at some of the most beloved eateries in the bay, including Zazu, and Zin and Michele Marie’s, and their food is a reflection of his experience. One of our favorites on the menu is their super taco. We suggest filling it with their crispy carnitas or slow braised Chile verde, and watch them pile on their frijoles de olla , pico de gallo, fresh guacamole and salsa roja.
415 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, (707) 546-3091