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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Taco and salsa spots in El Rancho

Made for those who judge a kitchen entirely by the quality of its tortillas and the heat of its salsa.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated May 2026
01
Aqui Es Texcoco Pico Rivera image 1
Aqui Es Texcoco Pico Rivera image 2
Aqui Es Texcoco Pico Rivera image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Large space with plenty of seating suits groups and parties. Comfortable, homey vibe with a mix of classic and modern Mexican music. Known for lamb barbacoa, soft tortillas, and rich consomรฉ, it offers an authentic taste with a welcoming atmosphere.

Tacos feature barbacoa, cabecita, and lamb rib meat with solid presentation. Options include sesos and mixiote de borrego for variety.

Two salsas stand out: a dark red salsa with smoky flavor and a green salsa that brings heat. The black table salsa tastes burnt and lacks balance, while the green salsa is just fine.

People are saying

"You have to try the lamb barbacoa; it's like traveling to Mexico."

"The lamb barbacoa taco is tender and comforting."

"The barbacoa lamb melted in my mouth with warm tortillas and salsa."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

2

There is no wait time and plenty of seating available.

3

There is plenty of parking in the lot.

02
Baja Mar Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with limited seating and a simple menu focused on fish and shrimp tacos. Atmosphere feels hot and dull without music or air conditioning, creating a low-energy vibe. Daily specials and a salsa bar add variety, while parking is ample.

Shrimp tacos and fish tacos stand out with fresh ingredients and warm servings. Soft tacos come in a good size without greasiness, paired with great salsa for authentic Baja-style flavors.

Salsa comes with green and red options plus sliced lemons and pickled onions. A jalapeรฑo toreado adds extra kick, and salsa verde pairs well with tacos like de papa and camarรณn. Takeout salsa portions are small and priced around $3.95 for 4 ounces.

People are saying

"The shrimp tacos here are packed with flavor and so delicious."

"I found the shrimp tacos here to be very good."

"The fish tacos here are so good, I'm going back for more."

Good to know

1

Ordering 15-20 minutes in advance is recommended to avoid long waits.

2

The restaurant is small, so seating is limited during lunch hours.

3

Daily specials are available from Monday through Thursday.

03
Taquearte image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy space with mismatched furniture and a contemporary, homey vibe. Atmosphere feels lively and personable, though loud music can make conversation difficult. Offers a panaderรญa and a cute patio for dining.

Tacos come in large portions with generous amounts of meat like chorizo and steak. They offer street taco quality with soft tortillas and bold flavors, including a campechano taco packed with meat and chorizo.

A variety of homemade salsas add a special touch, including a spicy house salsa, avanero salsa, and cucumber salsa. The salsa flight offers a great way to sample different flavors, with both green and red salsas standing out as delicious.

People are saying

"The chilaquiles here are authentic and truly delicious Mexican food."

"I found the chilaquiles to be delicious and truly authentic."

"The chilaquiles here are delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait up to 45 minutes for a table during peak hours.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

All dishes are made fresh, which can lead to longer wait times for food.

04
Taco Boy image 1
Mexican restaurant

Walk-up counter setup with first-come, first-served seating creates a casual, bustling environment. Busy lines form early, reflecting a loyal crowd drawn by authentic Mexican tacos and burritos at reasonable prices. Energy stays lively with a mix of early birds and late-night diners in a compact space.

Fish tacos stand out as a favorite with authentic home-style Mexican cooking. Prices stay reasonable and the tiny drive-thru setup serves solid tacos and burritos late into the night.

Rojo salsa stands out with a good kick that adds bold flavor. Chips and salsa come together as a tasty combo, with the raw salsa offering a fresh twist.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and incredibly affordable."

"The chilaquiles rojos and chilaquiles with meat were something special."

"I thought the fish tacos here were the best."

Good to know

1

Taco Boy is closed on Tuesdays.

2

Expect a wait time of about an hour during peak hours.

3

Order preparation sometimes takes about 20 to 25 minutes.

05
Santo Fish image 1
Seafood restaurant

Modern seafood restaurant offers a spacious, beachside-inspired decor with blue and white colors and wood tones. Atmosphere is vibrant and lively, often loud with live guitar music and active social interaction. Separate bar area and event space provide ample seating and versatility.

Shrimp tacos stand out with their bold flavor. Marlin tacos come with Monterey cheese, offering a smoky and cheesy taste. Tacos Gobernador deliver rich, savory notes with a mix of seafood and vegetables.

People are saying

"I loved the smoky, flavorful Zarandeado fish."

"I'd be back for the rich, savory shrimp tacos."

"The Pescado Zarandeado is huge, charbroiled white fish with lots of bones."

Good to know

1

Karaoke starts on Sundays, which is their busiest day.

2

Expect long wait times on Sundays due to high traffic.

3

Prices are generally high, with meals costing around $160 for two without drinks.

06
El Super Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican restaurant with a family-owned charm and quiet atmosphere. Known for affordable prices and exceptional carne asada gorditas that stand out in flavor. Offers a simple menu with some standout dishes like wet burritos and golden tacos.

Tacos come in small size but pack a lot of flavor, especially the hard shell shredded beef and asada tacos. The green salsa pairs well, and specials offer good value with meals like 3 tacos and a drink for $6.

Green salsa pairs well with tacos and adds a fresh kick. Spicy salsa stands out alongside Gorditas, offering a bold flavor contrast.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and packed with flavor."

"I found these tacos to be the best I ever had."

"I loved their spicy salsa with the Gorditas."

Good to know

1

A meal of 3 tacos and a small drink costs $6.00.

2

Carne Asada is only flank or skirt steak.

3

The prices at El Super Taco are good and reasonable.

07
Karina's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic dishes with affordable prices and a cozy atmosphere. The vibe is somber and it attracts locals who appreciate consistent, flavorful tacos and burritos. Spanish dominates phone orders, reflecting a strong cultural presence.

Lengua and tripas tacos stand out for their flavor and texture, with tripas cooked crispy and flavorful. Tacos de papa and birria tacos also offer solid options, all priced around $2 to $3.50.

Salsa has a unique flavor with the right amount of heat. Only one type is served for multiple tacos.

People are saying

"You have to try the tripas taco; it's the best Mexican food I've had."

"You have to try the tripas taco; it's crispy and flavorful."

"I loved the salsa; it had the right amount of heat."

Good to know

1

Most tacos cost a little over $2, and the lengua taco is $3.50.

2

Credit cards are accepted, but there is a $0.50 fee for using one.

3

Karina's Mexican Food is wheelchair accessible.

08
La Mano Tortilleria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican eatery offers authentic market-style tacos with fresh masa and warm tortillas. Outdoor patio provides casual seating with a local, old-school vibe reminiscent of traditional tortillerรญas. Known for delicious carnitas and chicharrones, it attracts those seeking genuine flavors.

Carnitas tacos stand out with a market style that feels authentic and rich. The beef birria and chicharron tacos also deliver solid flavors, while tamale tacos add a tasty twist to the mix.

Salsas come fresh and vibrant with just the right amount of heat. A variety of choices include tomatillo salsa, red salsa, and options at the salsa bar that complement dishes like carnitas and birria.

People are saying

"These homemade tortillas taste amazing and are super fresh."

"The carnitas here are great and fresh."

"I thought the carnitas tacos were the best in the business."

Good to know

1

Parking is only available on the street; be cautious of towing.

2

Expect long lines on weekends due to high customer volume.

3

There is no restroom available for customers.

09
The Burrito Exchange image 1
Mexican restaurant

Converted Taco Bell offers a small, clean space with a warm atmosphere and handmade fresh tortillas. Music plays softly, creating a relaxed vibe, while a drive-thru adds convenience. The place feels quiet and empty at times, giving it a calm but somewhat lonely energy.

Carne asada and chorizo tacos feature fresh ingredients and strong flavors. Shrimp tacos also appear on the menu alongside a variety of burritos and quesadillas.

Salsas here have a fresh flavor and are not watered down. The habanero salsa adds a spicy kick that makes burritos stand out, while other options balance heat and savoriness well.

People are saying

"These burritos are amazing because of the handmade flour tortillas."

"The salsa here is really good and adds a savory taste."

"The tacos here have the freshest ingredients and handmade tortillas."

Good to know

1

Expect higher prices than average for burritos and combos.

2

The drive-thru service is convenient for quick orders.

3

Handmade tortillas are a unique feature of the menu.

10
Casa Garcia image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a well-organized open kitchen and a friendly, lively atmosphere where young staff joke and laugh. Space feels cozy and sometimes crowded, creating a quiet, easy-to-talk-in vibe despite the bustle. Known for generous portions and authentic dishes, especially standout nachos.

Hard shell tacos stand out here, offering a crunch not found everywhere. Soft carnitas and asada tacos deliver solid flavor, while crispy tacos and flautas add variety to the menu.

Salsas come with chips and orders, often placed right next to the food. Both red and green salsas are available, sometimes for an extra fee, and the red salsa pairs well with dishes like chilaquiles.

People are saying

"The Chile Verde nachos here are amazing and loaded with toppings."

"I loved the crispy tacos and the nachos here."

"The salsa here is worth it and has good flavor."

Good to know

1

The online ordering system often causes delays; expect to wait an extra 10-15 minutes.

2

The restaurant has persistent cleanliness issues, including dirty floors and trash bins.

3

Parking is limited and can be challenging during busy hours.

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El Rancho, Pico Rivera

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