Taco and empanada spots in California

Family-owned restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and clean, stylish interior. Seating includes half booth/half table options but tables often connect closely. The vibe suits casual dining with a calm, pleasant environment.

Fish tacos come grilled or blackened with perfectly cooked mahi and salmon. Shrimp tacos offer a delectable, fresh seafood option alongside brisket and carnitas varieties.

Beef empanadas stand out with their rich flavor and excellent quality. Salmon empanadas also appear as a notable option.

Small, cozy space offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. Patio invites guests to relax with their dogs, adding a dog-friendly touch. Cuisine blends South American fusion with dishes made from scratch, creating a family-style vibe.

Shrimp tacos stand out with unique seasoning and the carne asada tacos come with a spicy verde salsa. Chicken tacos and burritos also offer rich flavors that make the tacos especially tasty.

Golden, flaky pastry wraps around savory fillings like carne and queso. Empanadas have a good amount of meat, are well seasoned, and never dry.

Mexican seafood restaurant offers fresh, well-seasoned dishes like ceviche, empanadas, and black aguachile with large portions. Atmosphere feels family-friendly and very clean, with friendly energy and lively music. Space can get hot due to lack of air conditioning.

Fish and shrimp tacos come stacked and crunchy with a light breading that keeps them fresh. Tacos al gobernador feature perfectly seasoned shrimp topped with a zesty cream sauce.

Shrimp empanadas stand out with rich seasoning and bursting flavor. They pair well with the cocktail de camarón and offer a delicious seafood taste.

Mexican restaurant offers authentic Yucatán cuisine with homemade corn tortillas and spicy habanero sauce. Spacious and humble interior creates a homey atmosphere that feels welcoming rather than trendy. Open early and late, it serves affordable, flavorful meals throughout the day.

Relleno negro and poc chuc tacos stand out with rich flavors. Pork carnitas and tacos dorados also feature on the menu alongside empanadas.

Cheese empanada and chilindrina stand out as tasty vegetarian options. Empanadas here pair well with tacos and tamales, all delivering solid flavor.

Food truck offers fresh, hand-prepared seafood with a lively, enthusiastic atmosphere. Dishes like aguachiles and shrimp empanadas stand out for their quality and flavor. The place draws a crowd looking for some of the best Mexican seafood in the area.

Shrimp and gobernador tacos stand out with fresh seafood flavors. Arrachera taquiqueso and taco de pescado offer rich, savory tastes. Guacamole adds a creamy touch to several tacos.

Shrimp empanadas stand out with their bold flavor and frequent praise. The camarón empanada pairs well with dishes like arrachera and gobernador, creating a delicious combo.

Mexican restaurant inside a lively market with open seating and a cute patio area. Atmosphere feels relaxed and happy, welcoming dogs and featuring live music. The place fills up at lunchtime and offers a self-service style in a spacious setting.

Tacos come with flavorful fillings and a variety of toppings for easy customization. Options include vegetarian tacos and a notable pork pineapple taco.

Empanadas come with a crispy outer shell that stays somewhat soft inside. They arrive hot and are surprisingly filling for just one, often served with sour cream on top unless requested otherwise.

Casual eatery with diverse menu featuring tacos, Cuban sandwiches, and smoked dishes. Quiet atmosphere with a dog-friendly outdoor patio and cute pig-themed decor. Food highlights include juicy burgers and flavorful empanadas.

Tacos feature marinated beef and pork belly with balanced toppings and spicy dipping sauce. Shrimp tacos and street tacos offer rich flavor and well-crafted tortillas.

Empanadas come with dipping sauces and pack a lot of flavor. Varieties like a la pastel brasileiro stand out alongside options like pork belly and tacos.

Small space blends sports bar and upscale restaurant styles with tasteful decor featuring Mexican destinations on the wall. Atmosphere feels vibrant and welcoming, though street noise can intrude when windows open. Known for exceptional ceviche and creative drinks like micheladas and coconut alcoholic raspados.

Ribeye tacos come with a perfect sear and char on the steak, paired with stewed beans, cilantro or Chile mayo, and pico de gallo. Shrimp tacos feature plump, perfectly cooked shrimp, while tacos de canasta offer a tender texture and rich flavor.

Small empanadas pack fish and shrimp flavors instead of the usual chicken or beef. Only two come per order, so they suit a light snack rather than a full meal.

Small open-air restaurant with patio tables and a beachfront view creates a cozy, relaxed vibe. Outdoor seating fills with a busy, charming atmosphere near the promenade, often accompanied by good music. Family-run feel adds warmth to the casual, walk-up service experience.

Fried fish tacos come out crispy outside and tender inside, topped with fresh onions, cilantro, and balanced sauces. Sea bass tacos stand out with a flavorful touch, and ceviche sauce adds a bright kick when used as a topping.

Beef empanadas feature a delicious sofrito base with beef mixed with caramelized onions and tomatoes. They stand out as rich and flavorful compared to others in the area.

Bright, colorful space filled with Mexican decor and art creates a cozy, eclectic vibe. The atmosphere stays chill and welcoming, with a small sidewalk patio adding outdoor seating. Food offerings focus on authentic Mexican street dishes with standout fish tacos and empanadas.

Fish tacos stand out with their crispy texture, flavorful seasoning, and generous size. Other options include empanadas, sopes, burritos, and huevos rancheros, covering a broad menu range.

Steak and beef empanadas stand out with exceptional flavor. They pair well with other items like fajitas and fish tacos for a solid meal.

Small tapas bar with rustic wooden tables and warm lighting creates a cozy, romantic atmosphere. Music ranges from soft and chill to loud, sometimes reaching nightclub levels. Tables sit close together, making it lively and packed, especially during busy times.

Pork belly tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender texture. Tacos de lengua offer a unique, underrated taste. The menu includes a good variety alongside excellent appetizers like corn and dates.

Empanadas come with a flavorful filling but feel a bit hearty. They pair better with a lighter verde sauce than the red one served.

Mexican restaurant offers authentic cuisine with amazing margaritas and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Seating includes outdoor cabanas and dog-friendly areas, creating a chill vibe for groups or intimate meals. Decor is chic and beautifully designed, making it a standout spot in its area.

Tacos come with juicy fillings and explosions of flavor. Options like the chicken mole taco and Branzino Frito stand out for their rich taste and satisfying portions.

Empanadas come light and crispy with a fantastic garnish. The chicken ones are especially notable for being crispy outside and juicy inside.

Black-painted walls create a super aesthetic Mexican restaurant with a laid-back, fun atmosphere. Music comes from a jukebox featuring 80's hits and oldies funk, adding to the bussing energy without overwhelming noise. Seating accommodates big parties, making it a lively spot for groups.

Tacos feature El Gobernador, Pulpo Zarandeado, and marlin with a standout green salsa. Fish, octopus, rib eye, and lobster options offer variety and bold flavors.

Shrimp empanadas stand out with their very tasty flavor. Fish empanadas pair well with the green sauce, adding extra zest.

Mexican restaurant offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a chill vibe and plenty of seating. The menu features seafood specialties like grilled fish and spicy aguachiles that stand out. Music is minimal, creating a calm dining experience.

Huge tacos feature perfectly cooked shrimp and melted cheese with fresh toppings. The Taco Gobernador stands out alongside shrimp tacos al gobernador.

Grilled fish and shrimp empanadas stand out with their large size and very good flavor. Shrimp empanadas appear as a popular choice.

Mexican restaurant with beautiful ocean views and an outdoor patio creates a relaxing atmosphere enhanced by live guitar music after sunset. The vibe is family-friendly and pleasant, drawing people who enjoy fresh margaritas and flavorful dishes in a scenic setting.

Tacos come with bold and bright spices that stand out. Options like the pork belly taco, vampiro, and gobernador deliver strong, flavorful bites.

Tinga empanadas stand out with their delicious flavor and are consistently praised. They pair well with other dishes like chilaquiles and birria grilled cheese.

Small, casual seafood spot with a hole-in-the-wall atmosphere and Sinaloa style dishes. Menu offers fresh ingredients and a wide variety, including aguachiles, birria, and sushi rolls. Space is limited, air conditioning is strong, and prices tend to be on the higher side.

Fish tacos stand out for their flavor and value at $4.50 each. Shrimp tacos also deliver strong taste. The menu includes tacos de birria alongside other seafood options.

Empanadas de camarón stand out and bring people back. The empanadas are good but come with excessive prices for their size.

Small restaurant with an open kitchen and authentic Mexican decor creates a chill atmosphere. Outdoor seating is pleasant but limited to a few groups. Tacos and margaritas stand out as flavorful highlights.

Birria tacos and Baja fish taco stand out with rich flavors. Soft carnitas tacos and campechana tacos offer excellent variety and freshness.

Shrimp empanadas stand out for their huge size and rich flavor. They deliver a memorable taste that pairs well with other seafood options.

Spacious, modern interior with ample outdoor seating including a small front patio where dogs are welcome. Atmosphere balances elegant and comfortable with live music enhancing a relaxed, warm vibe. Skilled bartenders craft distinctive cocktails that complement the lively environment.

Fish tacos feature flaky white fish with a light crisp exterior and vibrant slaw. Tacos de Birria stand out as legit with rich flavor. Shrimp tacos have plump, perfectly cooked shrimp with delicate seasoning.

Solid empanadas come with a tasty filling. They pair well with papa rellano and drinks like Mezcal.

Mexican restaurant with an open, welcoming atmosphere and family-friendly vibe. Interior is clean and well lit, featuring great music and plenty of seating. The space balances casual comfort with a touch of charm, making it feel inviting beyond its strip mall exterior.

Fresh tacos include tacos de papas made off-menu and a standout Calamari taco. The carnitas taco impresses with rich flavor, while combo plates feature shredded beef tacos with beans and rice.

Homemade empanadas come generously filled and flavorful. Tinga empanadas offer a good size with plenty of filling.

Small restaurant with around 8-10 tables offers a quiet, cozy atmosphere with Latin TV channels playing at a comfortable volume. The space feels welcoming and authentic, evoking a sense of being in Mexico. Friendly energy suits both solo diners and groups seeking authentic Mexican cuisine.

Tacos come with handmade tortillas featuring cheese on the outside. Varieties include marlin, octopus, birria, asada, pastor, and shrimp gobernador, all fresh and flavorful.

Shrimp empanadas come in a small size that feels more like a kid's portion. Each costs about $4.50, totaling $15 for a few. The actual empanadas do not match the menu images.

Small restaurant offers authentic Mazatlan Sinaloa style seafood with fresh ingredients and scratch-made sauces. Atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with most orders taken to go. Menu features a wide variety of seafood options, including standout ceviche and shrimp empanadas.

Shrimp tacos and empanadas stand out with bold flavors. The tacos gobernador and asada tacos offer a delicious variety worth trying.

Shrimp empanadas stand out as a popular choice with a mix of opinions on taste. Other empanadas like asada also appear alongside tacos as common picks.

Persian and Mexican flavors blend in a fusion cuisine setting with modern elegant decor and cozy booths. The atmosphere is lively with live DJs playing Persian music and a full bar offering creative cocktails. Outdoor patio seating includes heaters, creating a warm and inviting space.

Tacos feature a variety of meats like lamb birria, beef birria, koobideh, and fish. The koobideh taco blends Persian and Mexican flavors for a unique taste.

Empanadas come with beef, chicken, and potato fillings. Chicken empanadas feature baked cranberries on top. The flavors include a Persian twist that stands out.

Entrance through an alley leads to a beautiful outdoor garden with covered seating and heaters. Atmosphere feels relaxing and aesthetic with music enhancing the vibe. Space welcomes dogs and suits parties well.

$1 Taco Tuesday offers a variety of tacos including shrimp, fish, salmon, carne asada, and birria. The tacos deliver solid flavor and good value, with shrimp and birria standing out for their taste.

Seafood empanadas have a creamy filling and a fried crispy breading that is a bit thick. They serve well as an appetizer and pair nicely with salsa during happy hour.

Seafood restaurant offers fresh seafood with live music that can be loud in a small space. Decor creates a comfortable atmosphere reminiscent of Nayarit, suitable for families. Cocktails like micheladas complement the flavorful dishes.

Shrimp, fish, and pulpo tacos stand out with good portions and solid flavors. Tacos gobernador also appear on the menu, but grilled taco options are not available.

Shrimp empanadas stand out with generous sauces and a seafood focus. They pair well with micheladas and seafood cocktails.

Seafood restaurant offers authentic Nayarit-style decor with an option to dine indoors or on a spacious patio. Atmosphere feels cozy and family-friendly with great music enhancing the vibe. Fresh, flavorful ceviche and large, refreshing micheladas stand out as signature highlights.

Shrimp ceviche and fish tacos stand out with fresh seafood flavors and crispy textures. Some fish tacos come soaked in oil, which affects their taste.

Empanadas come hot and soft with a delicious taste that invites ordering more. Options include empanadas de camarón alongside other fillings.

Live mariachi music creates a vibrant energy throughout the space, which includes a chic, recently remodeled interior with lush tropical greenery. Different areas offer varied moods, from a lively bar to a calming outdoor section and a cozy main dining room. The atmosphere feels safe and welcoming, blending festive sounds with comfortable, stylish seating.

Tacos feature tender octopus with char, juicy gobernador with crispy shell, and flavorful marlin. Chef Sergio shares the story behind the special sauce for Taco Bajas.

Empanadas come in small portions but pack a lot of flavor. They pair well with other dishes like tacos gobernador and fajitas, making for a delicious mix.

Small seafood restaurant offers a calm, relaxed atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. Fish tacos and micheladas stand out as best in town, drawing a crowd that appreciates authentic, fresh seafood. The vibe stays chill, making it a comfortable spot to enjoy legit LA mariscos.

Fish tacos stand out with lightly battered shrimp and generous toppings like cabbage and pico de gallo. Sauces add flavor without too much spice, and one-dollar tacos are available on certain days.

Shrimp empanadas offer bold flavor but can arrive burnt and after a long wait. They stand out among other dishes like devil fires and fish tacos.

Spacious interior with comfortable seating and rancheras music creates a cozy atmosphere. Cleanliness stands out in this small Mexican seafood restaurant. Affordable prices accompany dishes like shrimp tacos and Governor tacos that highlight traditional flavors.

Shrimp tacos come with cheese and generous portions. Governor tacos blend fish and cheese well without being messy. Prices stay low, with shrimp tacos around $2.

Shrimp empanadas have a crispy golden outside and a soft fluffy inside with a good amount of cheese and shrimp. Some shrimp empanadas can be stale.