Reader Submissions Northern California TAQUERIA: COMMENTS: Salsa Taqueria 3612 Delta Fair Antioch CA 925.778.9281 This is the best!!! I have lived in New Mexico, Arizona, and I now live in Northern California. I don't think I will ever find a better place. All of their food is superb. It is very authentic Mexican food. It is like going to someone's house and eating the best meal they can cook. Out of all the restuarants I've been to of all ethnic foods it has to be #1. It is family run. Their ingredients are very fresh and the spices are the right combination so you can taste each individual ingredient. No burning your mouth off here unless you want to. How good is this place? They originally started in one store space. Then they knocked out a wall to expand into another store space. Then just recently they did the same thing again!!! I still find it difficult to believe how good it is. If you find a better place let me know!!! - Ray Michael Tacos Moreno 1053 Water Street Santa Cruz, CA You need not list any other. Lines form early, stand in parking lot at 9am and get a pre-burrito wiff of pleasure!! Al pastor burrito con chili con cervasa. Their secret is the cabbage that accents the other spices to perfection. Also on at boardwalk. - Bubba El Farolito Mission Street San Francisco, CA I'm now living in Amsterdam where there's a serious case of taqueria deprivation. I used to live in San Francisco where there was El Farolito on 24th St and Mission, by the BART station. When my boyfriend (who's Swedish) and I were just starting out, he told me that he'll take me to THE best taqueria in the world. All I thought at the time was 'What would you know? You're a Swede!' But was I impressed. The place was your typical hole-in-the-wall taqueria where the staff hardly spoke any English, although the food was not typical at all. I don't want to do the experince any injustice by describing it, you just gotta go and taste for yourself. Anyway, so my boyfriend and I are now in Amsterdam, stupid missing El Farolito. All the 'taquerias' (if you can even call them that) here have baked burritos, much too fancy for us El Farolito folk. We want the aluminum foil-wrapped babies. - Candice El Grullense Redwood City, CA There are about 5 of them in Redwood City. They are all just a little bit different but the one on Middlefield and Woodside Road is the best. Carnitas, chicken, steak, pastor -- you can't go wrong. They even have tongue and brains. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas and sopas...that's it. Cheap and awesome! - Porkmuncher Mexican Burrito Monument Blvd. Concord, CA If you’re not into “gringo style” burritos from the local mini mall, then this is the place for you. It’s the best authentic burrito north of San Diego. I’ve lived all over the Bay Area and Sacramento and it’s ridiculous how far I’ve driven to get one of these. The Super Burritos are actually huge, not this 20oz crap you get elsewhere. The hot sauce will bring tears of joy to your eyes. To my surprise, I’ve found the second best Burrito north of San Diego about a mile down the road at El Faro. - Randall K Guadalajara Grill 19 Laurie Meadows Dr. San Mateo, CA (650) 573-6933 The burrito is my favorite food. And my favorite burrito is the super burrito (chicken) at the Guadalajara Grill. Give it a try. - Brian Warren Taqueria Eduardo #3 1657 McKee Road San Jose, CA Coworker told me about this place a few years back. Finally got the chance to dine at their #3 store. One of the best carne asada burritos I've ever had. Their grande burrito was huge and wrapped nice and tight (this sucker will not fall apart on you)! With a can of Coke, total came out to $5.90. Bargain for what you get. Can't wait to try their chile verde. - Ed Cheng Jalepenos Santa Cruz, CA I am a Canadian and I used to live in the Bay area ... man I miss the football sized burritos. I had my favorite taqueria where I lived in Santa Cruz. I suggest you check it out ... it is called Jalepenos. There are two in town, the one next to the theatre is the best one. There are NO taquerias (go figure) in Canada and I'm thinking 'man I need to open one of these up here.' Anyways, I commend your efforts on the book and I hope to order it in Canada -- I hope your publisher ships here. Great work and I look forward to trying to make my own Cali-style burrito .. in Canada. - Jeff 3 Amigos Half Moon Bay, CA Killer food, mostly Mexican cleintele and the best carne asada tacos. I drive here from Sacto just for the food. - Bennyboy Taqueria Santa Cruz Mission Street (HWY 1) Santa Cruz, CA Al Pastor burritos (regular, not super. The super has too much stuff added. I like my al pastor pretty well unadulterated) at Taqueria Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, CA. They are salty, spicy, tangy/sour, and drip orange-colored juice down your arm. They only add rice, pinto beans and salsa so the flavor of the al pastor is not overshadowed. If it were going to be overshadowed, Taqueria SC's salsa would be the way to do it, as they make the best salsa in town too. My children (all three under the age of six) love these burritos, too, and my littlest one will cry over the heat of the salsa all the while spooning more into her mouth. Washed down with a tangerine penafiel, what could be better? Oh, it is on Mission Street (highway 1) on the far west side. Drive on Mission as if you are leaving town and driving to San Francisco. Just past Safeway on the left (ocean) side of Mission, sharing a building with a Subway is IT! Yum! - Jenney "Taqueria" Walnut Creek, CA "Taqueria" in Walnut Creek, California has the best burritos I have ever had. I have lived all over and tasted every type of burrito, and these are the best. - Peter Clancy Taqueria Cancun Mission Street San Francisco, CA What is Best Burrito IN THE UNIVERSE currently? If you visit San Francisco, you must try Taqueria Cancun in the Mission district, or you will miss out on one of life's most precious experiences. I have tried every Taqueria in the Mission district of San Francisco, and elsewhere in order to rid of my terminal addiction to Cancun's Burritos. I regretfully report that I have failed miserably, and still drive and hour and half, twice a week to go to Cancun. Beware, it takes one hit to get hooked for life. - Payam Amazon Burrito 1791 Marlow Road Santa Rosa, CA They have creative burritos with stuff like shrimp, mahi mahi, and interesting sauces. The food is always fresh and delicious. I could eat there every day (but my wife won't let me). - Ted Tacos Moreno 1053 Water Street Santa Cruz, CA The al pastor is the best burrito I have ever tasted. But then again I dont get out much. - Kevin Taqueria Corneta Glen Park, CA This fine establishment need nothing more to distinguish itself than to be located in the exclusive town of Glen Park, California. But they do not rest on the laurels of their address; they produce succulent wrappings of burrito goodness. All the standard fare is available, as well as the finest steak & prawn and grilled salmon burritos you'll find in the City. Ingredient proportions are well measured and their hot salsa has just the right amount of freshly diced jalepeno. And what better way to top off your meal than to saunter next door to the Glen Park Station for a cerveza with Glen Park's finest. - Esteban Herrerias El Farolito San Francisco, CA In SF, El Farolito is the best I've tried and I was ecstatic to find your recipe for their salsa verde on the page. The veggie burrito with no sour cream and alot of guacamole cannot be beat. The fact that they are open really late is just icing on the cake. The burrito is steamed and includes s***loads of cheese and rice as well as the perfect pintos. I don't know how they prepare the rice & beans, but it is infallible. On occasion they put both guacamole and fresh slabs of avocado on it, which is immaculate and often I must immediately go to the nearest Catholic church to confess, for I do not deserve such a taste of heaven. The salsa fresca on there is pretty damn good too. I think it's best to gradually slather the verde on after every few bites. My other favorite taqueria is Gordo on College in Berkeley, but I will tell you another time... - King Sexy Burrito Muchos 72 E Santa Clara Street San Jose Ca (408) 277-0333 Across the street from work. [Ed. note: Don't we all wish!] Pretty damn good chicken burritos. - Quique Garcia No comments submitted. - Costas Schuler El Amigo Burrito 4485 Stevens Creek Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 95050 (408) 248-3113 Absolutely the very best burritos anywhere. Beef, Chicken, Pork, or Veggie - all GREAT! You must try or you haven't really investigated. - Connie Pick Las Palomas 3rd/B St. San Mateo, CA Try the pollo asado orthe carnitas. The meats are well cooked and seasoned and not fatty. - Geri Shing El Faro Monument Blvd Concord, CA The term "super burrito" barely scratches the surface for their fine product. - Caren "a place in San Jose" Alum Rock Ave./Jackson Ave. behind Carls Junior San Jose, CA The best burrito I have ever bought comes out of a place in San Jose, at the corner of Alum Rock Ave. and Jackson Ave. behind Carls Junior. The lengua will melt in your mouth. They make tortillas there, so they are fresh too. My wife does not even know she is eating beef tongue. I like beans and rice in my burrito, but not too much. No other stuff; I have had some bad experiences from bad sour cream. Cilantro is always good to bring out a nice fresh smell and flavor. I would enjoy a copy of your book. I would like to invite you guys to a dinner at my moms for some very special food. I have been trying to accomplish her cooking, I have her style down, and it's the love that makes it so much better. - Randy Pangelina Tres Amigos Corner of Kelly St. and Hwy 1 Half Moon Bay, CA You gotta check out Three (Tres) Amigos in Half Moon Bay on the corner of Kelly St. and Hwy 1. There's another 3-A's in San Mateo, but I forgot the address. They not only make great burritos, but their dinner plates (carne asada, pollo, etc.) are mouth watering. Drinks? Cerveza, soft drinks, and the BEST fresh squeezed orange and carrot juices. Service? - Well, for a taqueria, excellent. You place your order, move down the counter to get your chips and pico de gallo, and sit down to the beat of very loud mariachi music from the jukebox. Before you have a chance to eat the second chip, or suck down some fresh oj - your meal is there before you. Their super burritos are slathered with tons of guacamole and sour cream. I often am in a hurry and get mine to go for the drive down to Santa Cruz. Two warnings if you eat and drive - wear a raincoat and carefully peel the aluminum foil wrapper off before driving. I once made the mistake of biting into some foil, and had to quickly roll down my window and blow a huge mouthful of carnitas out on Hwy 1. - Mike Kitahara Taqueria La Bamba Mountain View, CA I highly reccomend the mesquite chicken super burrito with fresh pico de gallo. It'll make you cry, but it's worth it! - Jordana Schneiderman I gotta tell you about the quesadilla zuiza that I had there yesterday. I'm pretty sure that it was a little slice of heaven. Not to mention the super burrito I had the day before and will have today! ¡Cielos! - Jason Ream Best Burritos I've had. End of Story. - Quique Garcia Taqueria Eduardo 3123 Williamsburg Dr San Jose, CA You've got to try this little hole in the wall named "Taqueria Eduardo" located at 3123 Williamsburg Dr, San Jose, CA. It is on Winchester Ave between Hamilton and Payne (behind the McDonalds). Their meat is so seasoned you hardly need the salsa (and I like it hot). For $3.00 you get a burrito that takes two people to carry out! - Joseph M. Brajkovich La Costiña 2078 Old MiddleField Road Mountain View, CA (650) 967-0507 No comments submitted. - Dave Huang La Cumbre Valencia and 16th The Mission San Francisco, CA Cancun may just be the best Taqueria in the Bay Area, but the best burrito resides at La Cumbre. Their savory BBQ chicken burrito is amazing, not to mention somewhat addictive (I'm still trying to identify its 420th ingredient). - Tortuga Caballo Blanco Fruitridge and Franklin Blvds. Sacramento, CA About 10 years ago we sent a friend away for a six month stint in Vermont, but before she left we gave her a "Last Supper" at Caballo Blanco in Sacramento. It's a 20 year old total dive in the seamier part of Sacramento: Fruitridge and Franklin Blvds. Great place... they'll stay open late (like 1 am) for you if you call and beg. And their food is authentic and NOT for gringos and gringettes. Try it, if you're ever in town. I think you'll agree. - Stacy Selmants The Burrito Shop 3843 College Avenue Oakland, CA Something about their super chicken burrito with sour cream, cilantro, tomato and hot peppers... It is a stewed chicken that is sooo good. - Richard Spott Mexxi's Taqueria San Ramon, CA They have the best Carne Asada, Carnitas, Grilled Chicken, and Shrimp burritos there are! Try one of the Camarones Quesadillas too, they're the bomb! - Andy Freeman Taqueria Zamarona Taco Wagon Corner of High Street and East 14th St. Oakland, CA There's a taco wagon at the corner of High Street and East 14th St. in Oakland, CA, run by Taqueria Zamarona, and their burritos may be the best deal in North America. - Derk Richardson Tito's Taco's Washington Place Culver City, CA ...but it's hard to forget our college years aliegiance to Tito's Taco's and the beef-and-bean burrito that to this day can't be beat, especially with lots of their red salsa. - Derk Richardson El Balazo Haight Street, San Francisco, CA The decor is pretty fun too. You've got to love the Balazo sign that turns different colors. ¡Viva el Burrito! - Edward Saenz Viva Mexico Tropical Sebastopol, CA Lots of interesing additions to the boring burritos of the past. Colorful atmosphere, good music, and multi-colored tortilla chips await you. - Luther Lane El Michoacano Franklin Blvd. Sacramento, Ca. No comments submitted. - Alice Woodside Tacos de Acapulco 5th and Ivy Streets Chico, CA No comments submitted. - Jason Gouveia Sal's W. Sacramento, CA No comments submitted. - Shawn Bloomer Pancho Villa Valencia & 16th St Mission District San Francisco, CA No comments submitted - Alex Harm Back to the Readers' Submissions Main Page. Back to the Top Taquerias Page. All material ©1998-2004 Gibbs Smith, Publisher