Best Tacos in the Valley?
I'm embarking on what could end up being a tummy-twisting excursion next week. Our food writer Joan Obra and I are going on a search for the best tacos in the Valley. But to make sure our journey passes by the best spots in the Valley and uncovers all the hidden gems, we're going to need some help: We need your suggestions.
It's not quite the John Muir Trail, we know, but tacos are a frequent topic of discussion between Joan and me, dating back to our quick trips to Chris' Meat Market.
I'm a bit of a taco explorer, always on the lookout for a new great taco shack. Joan, on the other hand, dissects tacos for evidence of regional Mexican cuisine and culture here in the Valley. Together, we're a formidable taco-trouncing troupe.
Our journey is not meant to be contained in Fresno. We're looking for road-side taco trucks in Goshen or hidden shacks in Madera. The plan is to start out in the South Valley and travel north, stopping for tacos numerous times along the way.
So drop some recommendations for us. Please be as specific as possible with names, addresses, locations, landmarks, smells, etc. that will help us find these places.
Comments:
Margie's Tacos at El Rosal Mexican Restaurant, Visalia, YUM!
Posted by: Johanna at September 26, 2006 2:21 PM
There is a taco stand (not really a truck or a restuarant) on Belmont and ... Maple. Near the Red Lantern, down that way. I've only been there on Friday nights after midnight, but it was tasty for sure.
Posted by: Joshua at September 26, 2006 3:33 PM
Josh, I've seen that one out there after Meatball Magic. I tried to go look for it during the day once, but it wasn't there. Maybe it was just that one day, I dunno. I was bummed.
Posted by: Mike Oz at September 26, 2006 4:08 PM
Al Rico's Tacos at Ventura and Hazelwood. mentioned in an old Sunset Magazine. Cabbage not lettuce!
Posted by: Steve at September 26, 2006 7:31 PM
The place that used to be Al Ricos on Cedar and Kings Canyon next to the car wash. I believe the building is painted pink now. There is also one on Marks and Ashlan next to the Arco. The tacos there are awesome!
Posted by: pedro romero at September 26, 2006 9:07 PM
Man Mike you know nothing can ever see Chris's Meat Market. I dont even live in Fresno anymore, When I come to visit you can best believe that the first thing I will be doing once I arrive
Posted by: Peter at September 26, 2006 9:08 PM
I can't remember the name, but the newer taco shop in river park has a very interesting fish taco. Its around the corner from the ceramic shop, it faces the big parking lot. I wish I could remember the name, but I am thinking the name has somehing to do with fish tacos.
Posted by: Katie at September 27, 2006 7:39 AM
Taco Elegante in Chinatown has the best tacos in Fresno.
Posted by: BobR at September 27, 2006 8:47 AM
Haven't tried it yet, but there is a drive through "stand" that I have heard has the best taco's... Rico's Taco at the North/West corner of Ashlan and Marks....
Posted by: Kelli at September 27, 2006 10:15 AM
Rosa Lindas in Selma or in Fresno on Bullard and marks.
Posted by: alyson at September 27, 2006 10:35 AM
El Taco Rapido is not to be missed. It is at First and Tulare in the Uncle Tom's shopping center. They started out doing festivals on the mall (remember Passport Fresno?) and opened a restaurant in the 1990s. They have won numerous awards. My favorite is the carne asada tacos with cabbage and cilantro.
Posted by: Linda at September 27, 2006 11:00 AM
Carne Asada tacos at Guadalajara, and all the tacos at Chipotle!!!!!
Posted by: Eric at September 27, 2006 11:01 AM
Just to chime in a for a second here:
My top three in Fresno are:
Chris Meat Market
Guadalajara
and El Taco Rapido
So for the people who put those ... I know. We'll gladly be comparing those with others.
I've gotten a lot of recommendations for Al Ricos, and ya know, honestly I don't think they're that great. They're a good value, being two for $1.25, but the taste reflecs the cost.
Katie: I believe you're talking about Rubio's.
Everybody, keep the suggestions coming. Joan and I appreciate it.
Mike
Posted by: Mike Oz at September 27, 2006 11:05 AM
Daniel's in Reedley (right across the street from Reedley College, in the Long's Shopping Center) has a wonderful taco called the "Pirate Taco". The price is a little much for what I would normaly pay for a taco, but it's good for a once-in-a-while treat.
Posted by: Ann at September 27, 2006 2:37 PM
Al Rico tacos at Ashlan and Marks. Cheap and fantastic.
Posted by: Miranda at September 27, 2006 10:38 PM
I was in Firebaugh late one evening (after 9:00) and we couldn't find a place to grab a bite. We asked some local folks and they pointed us to a taco truck that looked somewhat permanent. It was very busy. So busy that we didn't stop because we, like always, were in a rush. I don't know if it was that good or if it was the only place to eat, but it would be a nice drive for your research.
Good luck and have fun!
Posted by: Tim at September 28, 2006 8:03 AM
Gotta try Jimboys Tacos on Herndon and Willow in the Target Shopping Center.
Posted by: Brian at September 28, 2006 8:07 AM
Country Faire Cafe.. southside of Belmont near Maple! Some of the juiciest chicken tacos I've ever had!!
Posted by: Care at September 28, 2006 11:12 AM
Shredded beef tacos at Velasco's in Prather or Al Rico's beef tacos in Fresno. Different from each other, but both superb.
Posted by: Charlie Waters at September 28, 2006 5:31 PM
the one by the red lantern here in town is pretty good... there's also this joint behind el molino rojo on fresno and belmont that's pretty delish. on alta between dinuba and reedley, there's a pretty good stand by the market there... then on mountain view, just outside of dinuba, the second stop on the way out of town (towards the 99) has pretty good ones, too. the el pastor is el mejor :) tacos are yummy!
Posted by: lori at September 29, 2006 12:47 AM
I might be chiming in too late on this one.
The taco truck on the very Eastern Edge of Kingsburg. It's called The Flowers of the Earth and it's just past Madsen on Conejoy (the main exit into Kingsburg)--just turn east off the freeway and go about 1 1/2 miles--it's on your right. Almost exactly between 99 and the Kings River.
Posted by: Blake at September 29, 2006 2:35 PM
La Elegante on Kern. Hands down best carne asada tacos in town. Cheap, spicy and no-nonsense. Used to eat there weekly when I worked downtown.
Posted by: janes at October 17, 2006 2:19 PM
The best tacos I can think of are at El Monte in Reedley (the chicken flour taco is the one I have in mind) and the tri-tip tacos at CJ's in Orange Cove - oh man, gotta have one.
Posted by: Greg at October 27, 2006 12:53 PM
CJ's in Orange Cove is my parent's business and i think we have some of the best food in the valley, including our tacos. check out the website i put up @ www.myspace.com/cjsrestaurant. we also do catering! we are in a small, but growing, town. We also have some of the best cheeseburgers too! We have remained "Mom&Pop" restauraunt for almost 20 years now. stop by! (559) 626-4687
Posted by: Ashley at January 5, 2007 2:13 PM
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