Scared of the roach coach? Don't be. What you can't see won't hurt you, and what you can see is just extra protein anyhow. Some of the tastiest and most authentic Mexican food in the city comes from the local taco trucks. But also some of the nastiest, so use this guide and your better senses to discover what the day laborers and true chowhounds have known all along.
The Ultimate Truck Crawl
See if you can hit up all of these in one day. I keep tryin’...
Despite the rumors, Oakland taco trucks aren’t always about authenticity, as El Ojo De Agua proves. While the tacos and common Mexican dishes remain simple, the gringofied burritos contain a mash of refried and pinto beans, fluffy rice, a fistfull of cheese, lettuce and bits of cucumber. Purists should let loose and realize that one person’s bastardization is another person’s fusion. The tacos are more than proficient. Exotic fresh fruit cocktails and smoothies are a highlight, and I can’t wait to try the Cuban and Italian tortas especiales. YUM.
Despite the rumors, Oakland taco trucks aren’t always about authenticity, as El Ojo De Agua proves. While the tacos and common Mexican dishes remain simple, the gringofied burritos contain a mash of refried and pinto beans, fluffy rice, a fistfull of cheese, lettuce and bits of cucumber. Purists should let loose and realize that one person’s bastardization is another person’s fusion. The tacos are more than proficient. Exotic fresh fruit cocktails and smoothies are a highlight, and I can’t wait to try the Cuban and Italian tortas especiales. YUM.
Mi Grullense
INTERNATIONAL BLVD & 29TH AVE OAKLAND, CA 94601
Mi Grullense, which floats around the blocks surrounding International Blvd. and 29th Ave—not the nicest area, but worth the trek. This place will truly test your tolerance for grease, yet the food is so flavorful, you might not mind. The fried tortillas dripped with oil, but the meat holds an unparalleled texture, and slathered in rich salsa roja, the mixed juices is almost good enough to drink. The burrito is simple; only sour cream, cilantro and onions accompany the staple ingredients, but the sum is definitely more than its parts, and the moist burritos are hauntingly tasty.
Liz and Gaby's
MARIPOSA ST & CAROLINA ST SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107
Despite the name Liz and Gaby’s, on Mariposa and Carolina is the closest you get to a real Mexican taco in the city. Equipped with seating and located near Jackson Playground, the tacos can be taken to the park (in case you want to class it up). The meat is perfectly limed, and the salsa, cilantro and onions give all the food clean, fresh taste—not what you’d expect from a truck. The burritos are also huge and super tasty. Head to Thee Parkside around the corner to wash it down.
Hardly under the radar, El Tonayense trucks are easily the city’s most popular. Located on Harrison and 22nd, Harrison and 19th, and Shotwell and 16th, you have more than apple opportunity to fill your face. The carne asada is delicious, and reportedly, the trucks’ specialties are the al pastor and the tripitas (intestines), which bode promising. The veggie burrito might only appeal to the purist of burrito purists, for while massive, it contains only salsa, beans and rice. A lot of rice.
Hardly under the radar, El Tonayense trucks are easily the city’s most popular. Located on Harrison and 22nd, Harrison and 19th, and Shotwell and 16th, you have more than apple opportunity to fill your face. The carne asada is delicious, and reportedly, the trucks’ specialties are the al pastor and the tripitas (intestines), which bode promising. The veggie burrito might only appeal to the purist of burrito purists, for while massive, it contains only salsa, beans and rice. A lot of rice.
If you’ve never had a pupusa, you’re missing out. They’re cornmeal patties with fresh cheese baked in the middle, and guacamole and pickled cabbage slathered on top. Seriously: Eat one now.
Along with salsa, most trucks give you grilled garnish or pickled carrot and jalapenos in baggies.
La Pachanguera
HARRISON ST & 14TH ST SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103
To go beyond the burrito, head to La Pachanguera on Harrison and 14th which has a rather extensive menu, featuring Cuban sandwiches, outstanding pupusas and the usual suspects. The generous taco was far too weighty for the single tortilla, but the meat made for lovely finger food. The burritos are grilled, stuffed with avocado and contain about a gallon of sour cream. Delish.