Sacramento, dubbed the #15 Best Taco City in the US by Clever, hosts a vibrant taco scene awaiting exploration. From traditional joints to avant-garde havens, these five spots redefine taco excellence.
The 5 best places to eat tacos in Sacramento
Choosing the absolute “best” is always subjective, but here are 5 highly-rated taco spots in Sacramento that frequently top various “best of” lists and have rave reviews:
Chando’s Cantina
Nestled in Tijuana-style vibes, Chando’s Cantina excels with their traditional Carne Asada taco while thrilling adventurous palates with premium meat selections and a crispy cheese quesataco. Make Tuesday taco days unforgettable with their enticing offer of three classic tacos for $9.
Chando’s Cantina seems like a great contender for your taco quest in Sacramento! Here’s what I found out about it:
Locations:
- Chando’s Cantina has two locations in the Sacramento area:
- El Dorado Hills Town Center: (916) 933-3898;
- Hacienda Madrigal (Woodland): (916) 400-3929.
Cuisine:
- They specialize in “Gastronomia Callejera,” which translates to “street food.” This means you can expect authentic Mexican flavors and dishes, likely including a variety of tacos;
- Based on their online presence, they seem to be particularly known for their:
- Adobada Torta: A fan favorite filled with pork marinated in their homemade adobada sauce, topped with veggies and sour cream;
- Torta Thursdays: This is a special event where they offer discounted tortas, making it a great time to try one.
Their social media also shows delicious-looking photos of other taco options, including al pastor, carnitas, barbacoa, and more.
Mas Taco Bar
Mas Taco Bar beckons with an array of unconventional taco delights—pork belly, Korean fried chicken, even roasted cauliflower and fried oysters. Slide in during happy hours for tempting deals on select tacos and drinks.
Mas Taco Bar beckons with an array of unconventional taco delights—pork belly, Korean fried chicken, even roasted cauliflower and fried oysters. Slide in during happy hours for tempting deals on select tacos and drinks. With locations sprawled across R Street, Watt and Fair Oaks, and Folsom, it ensures a tantalizing taco experience conveniently accessible from various parts of Sacramento. Whether you’re a traditionalist or an adventurous eater, Mas Taco Bar is a haven for those seeking a flavorful taco escapade.
Locations:
- Mas Taco Bar has three locations in Sacramento:
- R Street Corridor: (916) 706-1330;
- Midtown: (916) 285-5754;
- Folsom: (916) 597-2929.
Nixtaco
Embracing a “farm-to-tacos” ethos, Nixtaco in Roseville tantalizes with locally sourced ingredients, crafting comfort food that takes taste buds on an exhilarating journey. Brace yourself for distinct flavors like pork belly, octopus, and bacon.
nother strong contender in the Sacramento taco scene. Here’s what I know about them:
Location:
- Nixtaco is located in Roseville, just outside of Sacramento at 1805 Cirby Way, Ste. 12, Roseville, CA 95661.
Cuisine:
- Nixtaco focuses on “progressive Mexican” cuisine, blending traditional recipes with innovative touches. They use high-quality, local ingredients whenever possible and pride themselves on fresh tortillas made daily with stone-ground nixtamalized corn;
- Their tacos are the star of the show, with a wide variety of fillings to choose from, including both classic options like carne asada and al pastor, as well as more unique creations like duck confit carnitas and roasted cauliflower barbacoa;
- They also offer other Mexican favorites like burritos, quesadillas, and tlayudas (large, Oaxacan-style flatbreads), as well as a selection of appetizers, sides, and desserts.
It’s been featured in the Michelin Guide and won numerous local awards, further solidifying its place among Sacramento’s top taco spots.
Zócalo
Zócalo, an upscale Mexican restaurant, infuses classic dishes with a contemporary twist. Their acclaimed fresh fish tacos, fried Baja-style with a hint of spice, steal the show. Don’t miss their happy hour treats from 3-6 p.m.!
West Coast Taco Bar
Exploring Sacramento’s food truck scene, West Coast Taco Bar offers a mobile flavor fiesta. Indulge in gourmet, hand-crafted street tacos, available both on wheels and at their brick-and-mortar spot in Elk Grove, promising an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Zócalo is a Mexican restaurant with four locations in Sacramento. They offer a variety of Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, bowls, and salads. Their tacos are known for their fresh, flavorful ingredients and authentic Mexican flavors.
Locations:
- Zócalo has four locations in Sacramento:
- Midtown: (916) 441-0303;
- Roseville: (916) 784-8226;
- UV: (916) 252-0303;
- Folsom: (916) 989-8226.
Zócalo offers a variety of Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, bowls, and salads. Their tacos are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and cooked to order. They offer a variety of fillings, including traditional Mexican favorites like carne asada, al pastor, and carnitas, as well as more unique options like grilled shrimp and roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
Sacramento’s taco landscape, as voted by locals and acknowledged by national rankings, thrives on diversity and innovation. Whether savoring traditional classics or diving into bold, inventive flavors, these taco havens ensure an unforgettable culinary journey through the heart of Sacramento.
