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Walnut Creek Magazine

Ten Essential Taco Spots To Get A Carnitas Or Quesabirria Fix 

Apr 19, 2023 11:26AM ● By Julia Hong

Taqueria Los Gallos has been dishing up authentic Mexican food from Pleasant Hill for decades. Marinated meats are drizzled with smoky salsas on soft or crispy shells then topped with guacamole and sour cream. Super burritos, fresh pico, and chile rellenos round out the menu. 



Tacos El Patron is the place to get your quesabirria taco fix—braised beef and melted cheese folded into corn tortillas and served with a side of consommé for dipping—but call ahead to order takeout and avoid the long lines. They also serve burritos, enchiladas, ceviche, and refreshing sangria from their Monument Boulevard location. 


 

If it’s Tuesday, tacos are $1 all day at Dulces Antojitos, a solid spot at The Orchards in Shadelands for carne asada, birria, and al pastor tacos, as well as a nopal tortas. Order online for pickup or delivery.  

Grilled, stuffed, and tortilla-wrapped tacos are a three-bite delight at Tacos Walnut Creek, a casual family-owned downtown cantina. Chicken, beef, pork, chorizo, or veggie tacos start at $3. 


 

La Mordida This tiny taqueria touts soft shell carnitas tacos made with tender slow-cooked pork, cilantro, diced onions, and mild salsa verde. For vegetarians, the crispy-shelled potato taco tantalizes; order it with a side of refried beans. They also do huevos and burritos at breakfast. 



Taqueria La Plaza, a new arrival from Concord to Walnut Creek’s Palos Verdes Mall, churns out expertly fried mounds of fish and shrimp dressed with lettuce, red onion, and a squirt of cream. on grilled corn tortillas. They also do decadent chile rellenos and enchiladas.


 

Taco Tuesday deals are big at Capullo Cocina, when the $15 house taco plate with four steak, chicken, carnitas and al pastor tacos are 50% off, and house margaritas go for $7. It's also a great spot to eat shrimp tacos on the outdoor Bonanza Street patio pop-up.

Another Pleasant Hill gem, Tortilleria El Molino gets raves for its savory carne asada and crispy carnitas on tortillas made from scratch. Bags of fresh tortillas, still warm from the pan, are ready to take home. 

 

Meats are locally sourced from Mary’s Chicken and Homestead Farms at Pleasant Hill's El Aguila. Plenty of veggie standouts and healthy taco twists also on the menu. Indulgent fillings like potato or poblano are seasoned with signature spices and wrapped in fresh corn tortillas. 

Tucked away on a stretch of Mt. Diablo in Olympia Place is Taqueria Extra, (formerly Taqueria Limon 3) a no-frills diner-style taqueria with tasty food. The crispy and soft shell chicken and beef tacos are cheap and garnished with cilantro, onion, and lime. 

 


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