Taste of Mexico

Our Favorite Mexican Eats

As Californians, we have so many perks: the scenic landscapes, the coastal climate, Disneyland, the list goes on. When it comes to food, our proximity to the Mexican border definitely gives us bragging rights. Unlike so many other states, Californians have access to some of the most authentic Mexican food available, save for crossing the border. After conducting some spicy research, we've put together a list of nine local restaurants serving up plates that are muy delicioso.

Pricing Key for dinner for one:

Tacos Vampira

Tacos vampira can be translated to vampire tacos. Why vampire? Well, it's hard to say, but some have speculated that the way they grill the tortilla makes it look like a batwing. At Hacienda Suhuaya, the tortilla is coated with hot sauce before hitting the grill, and is charred until crispy. Then it's loaded with smoky, well-seasoned carne asada, and topped with cheese, cilantro, onions, and long slices of avocado. This is not your average taco. With its combination of flavors and textures, it's no wonder that the vampire taco is becoming en vogue. If spicy isn't your thing, Hacienda Suhuayo has an entire menu of excellent dishes, including their very cheesy, and perfectly cooked chile relleno, another favorite among regulars. Aside from their exceptional food, families will enjoy their festive décor. The restaurant looks like a themed Vegas attraction, with the inside decorated to resemble an outdoor hacienda in Mexico, complete with a real fountain in the middle of the room.

Hours: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. $-$$

Fish Tacos

The fish tacos at La Palma on the Miracle Mile are a surefire choice for those wanting to elicit an emphatic mmmm from their dinner date. Also a great place to stop for lunch after a shopping spree down Pacific Avenue, you simply can't beat a good fish taco, and La Palma has you covered. Hot and crispy fried fish tenders are placed in a soft corn taco, drizzled with a tangy, creamy aioli, and topped with crisp, shredded lettuce and juicy, diced tomato. The flavors meld together to give you an array of textures and flavors that make this savory dish a gem for any fish taco lover. Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top for an added zing. Each dish comes with three tacos, rice, and a choice of refried beans or pinto beans. For the record, the refried beans here are also mighty tasty. Sit in their quaint dining room, or grab a seat at their bar, which has windows from floor to ceiling for lots of natural light and a great view of the neighborhood.

Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m. $-$$$

Carne Asada Burrito

The La Costa burrito is, without a doubt, a major staple when it comes to the diets of Tracy locals. Around lunch and dinner time, this small, outdoor take-away joint is filled with hungry high school kids, workers on their lunch breaks, and parents who need dinner on the fly. For just $3.50, La Costa serves up one mammoth burrito. A huge flour tortilla is filled with tender, salty, carne asada, and then packed with rice, beans, sour cream, cilantro, salsa, and onions. If you want extra goodies, you can also add cheese and guacamole. Each burrito is wrapped up with a lime, and sure to keep you full for several hours. If you go, don't forget to try one of La Costa's unique Mexican beverages to wash it all down. Choose from the tamarindo, a tangy, earthy beverage made from tamarind pods; horchata, a sweet, milky rice drink that's flavored with cinnamon; or jamaica, a slightly tart beverage made from Mexican hibiscus flowers.

Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. $

Shrimp Fajitas

La Villa is the perfect eatery if you want fast service, reasonable prices, satisfying portions, and flavorful food. Locals may debate their favorite dish on the La Villa menu, but we love the shrimp fajitas. Served with perfectly grilled onions and green bell peppers that are sweet and slightly crunchy, and tossed with sautéed, marinated shrimp, each dish comes with a pile of Mexican rice and a side of refried beans topped with gooey melted cheese. Served with a basket of warm tortillas, the shrimp fajitas are even better when wrapped up with a little bit of La Villa's homemade guacamole. The décor is modest, but there's rarely a wait, and once you've stopped in for a bite, you'll be hooked.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. $-$$

Chili Verde

With their romantically lit dining room, sizzling entrees, and impressive tequila bar, Casa Flores Marina is a favorite in Stockton. One of the most popular dishes on the menu is their signature chili verde. Tender chunks of pork are stewed in a smooth sauce that's made from the flavorful combination of green chiles, tomatoes, and garlic. The ingredients are well blended to produce layers of flavor. As the pork falls apart in your mouth, diners will taste the freshness of the vegetables and the tanginess of the green tomatoes. This dish is also moderately spicy, with enough heat to give fiery food lovers the kick they crave. Served with a side of refried beans, rice, and warm tortillas, this dish is flavorful and oh-so-satisfying.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m-9 p.m. $$-$$$

Beef Quesadillas with Gravy

This charming little establishment has a community vibe. The open layout, colorful décor, and downtown Stockton location make it feel old school, in a good way. We love their beef quesadillas with gravy, and true to the name, they are absolutely cheesy, chewy, meaty, and delicious. Locals often rave that they could drink Xochimilco's gravy, but the real star here is the tortillas. The café makes their own, and they're thick, soft, fluffy, and delicious. As such, anything wrapped in them (like the quesadilla) is ten times more delicious, but even if you ordered a side of the tortillas by themselves, you would not be disappointed. Then again, everything on Xochimilco's menu is homemade and authentic, so next time you're in the Stockton area, don't let this local gem pass you by.

Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. $$

Pork Tamales

What would a Mexican food roundup be if we didn't pay homage to a true Mexican classic? That's why we've chosen to showcase the tamale. Many people growing up in San Joaquin have enjoyed this fast, filling, and inexpensive food by ordering from tamale street carts for a quick lunch while at the park, or a late night snack outside the bar. At Casa Mexicana in Lodi, they sell their tamales by the dozen. A soft corn husk is filled with flavorful masa, or corn meal, and then wrapped up with very tender pieces of marinated pork. Casa Mexicana's tamales are a favorite for Lodi locals, who can grab twelve for just $16. Meaty and tasty, these pork tamales are inexpensive comfort food at its best.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. $-$$