When we asked Bay Area Telegraph readers where to get great tacos for Cinco de Mayo, the answers came fast — and they were very local.
Martinez got a lot of love. So did Pleasant Hill, Concord and Pittsburg. Some readers shouted out taco trucks, some went with longtime taquerias, and at least one person bravely nominated Taco Bell.
Here are the picks our readers shared. Looking for an expert opinion? Check out this list from our food critic Richard Eber, too.
Cinco de Mayo in Martinez Was the Clear Reader Favorite
The loudest recommendation in the comments was Cinco de Mayo Restaurant in Martinez, with multiple readers pointing to the spot on Center Avenue.
We guess that makes a certain amount of sense–if your restaurant has a holiday in the name, it’s probably a good place to go on that holiday!
Marie K. of Hidden Lakes called it simply, “Cinco de Mayo in Martinez. Best tacos!” Steven M. of Downtown Lafayette said, “Cinco De Mayo Martinez is fire.” Susan H. of Alhambra Valley also recommended the Center Avenue location, while Jessica B. of Maywood added another vote: “Cinco de Mayo!!!”
The restaurant is listed at 514 Center Avenue in Martinez.
El Molino Got Love for Tacos and Catering
Several readers also pointed to Tortilleria El Molino in Concord.
Sandra S. of Wesley Ct Neighborhood said her friend “had a wonderful experience” when El Molino catered a party. Francine H. of Sky West named El Molino as one of her picks, while Dan T. recommended “Taqueria El Molino in Concord.”
El Molino’s own website lists the restaurant at 1500 Monument Boulevard, Suite F1 in Concord, with separate contact information for restaurant orders and catering. Visit Concord describes it as a restaurant and catering company known for fresh, homemade Mexican food, including tacos, burritos and quesadillas.
Want more local food finds from Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Danville, Concord and the rest of the 925? Join the free 925 News newsletter here: https://bay-area-telegraph.ck.page/317a2ba0d5
El Jardin, Los Panchos and Tacos El Patron Also Came Up
David A. of Rossmoor East recommended El Jardin, noting that they have a “huge taco plate to go.” El Jardin Mexican Taqueria is listed at 1980 Tice Valley Boulevard in Walnut Creek. The Infatuation recently described the Rossmoor Town Center taqueria as a spot for affordable tacos and burritos with a salsa bar.
Ronda D. of Canterbury Village shouted out Los Panchos, while Luann S. of Diablo Hills recommended Los Ponchos in Pleasant Hill — likely referring to the same well-known local name, though the spelling varied in the comments.
Francine H. also praised Tacos El Patron, specifically calling out “the best birria.” Mariana R. and Alberto P. also recommended Tacos El Patron. The restaurant’s website highlights birria tacos and lists a Pleasant Hill location, while its menu includes birria tacos served with broth on the side.
Martinez Readers Had More Picks Too
Martinez was not only represented by Cinco de Mayo. Michelle S. of Walnut Heights recommended Mi Casita Mexican Cuisine in Martinez, calling it “delicious.” Mi Casita lists its address as 3210 Pacheco Boulevard in Martinez.
Linda M. of Alhambra Valley recommended Tacos Don Chai on Howe Road in Martinez. The restaurant’s website lists it at 35 Howe Road and highlights tacos, birria, aguas frescas, catering and group orders.
Concord, Pleasant Hill, Antioch and Pittsburg All Got Mentions
A few readers widened the taco map beyond Martinez.
Bienvenido A. of Sunrise Ridge NW recommended “any of the 3 Los Gallos Express locations in PH, Concord or Pittsburg,” along with The New Mecca in Pittsburg. Taqueria Los Gallos Express lists locations in Concord, Pleasant Hill and Pittsburg.
Dan G. of Clayton Valley recommended La Morenita Market in Concord. Juan D. of Cambridge Park recommended El Burro Veloz in Antioch. Jose Q. of the Bay Point community recommended Tacos La Vecina, saying the business operates a taco truck.
Alvaro L. recommended La Grana Fish, while Lois B. of Colony Park went in a more unexpected direction: Lazy Dog, specifically praising the blackened shrimp tacos.
And Yes, Taco Bell Made the List
Not every answer was a taqueria.
Karla H. of Pine Hollow recommended El Pollo Loco, noting its Tuesday taco deal. Jake S. of St. Mary’s Orchard kept it even simpler: “Taco Bell.”
Sometimes Cinco de Mayo plans are about the perfect birria taco. Sometimes they are about a two-taco deal. And sometimes, apparently, the answer is the drive-thru.
To recap, here’s the full list:
- Cinco de Mayo Restaurant — 514 Center Ave, Martinez
- Tortilleria El Molino — 1500 Monument Blvd, Suite F1, Concord
- El Jardin Taqueria — 1980 Tice Valley Blvd, Suite A, Walnut Creek
- Tacos El Patron — 2290 Monument Blvd, Pleasant Hill
- Mi Casita Mexican Cuisine — 3210 Pacheco Blvd, Martinez
- Tacos Don Chai — 35 Howe Road, Martinez
- Los Panchos Restaurant — 232 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill
- Taqueria Los Gallos Express — 1747 Willow Pass Road, Concord
- Taqueria Los Gallos Express — 1974 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill
- Taqueria Los Gallos Express — 266 Diane Ave, Pittsburg
- The New Mecca Cafe — 324 Railroad Ave, Pittsburg
- La Morenita Market — 1120 Meadow Lane, Concord
- El Burro Veloz — 4815 Lone Tree Way, Antioch
- Tacos La Vecina — 3575 Willow Pass Road, Bay Point
- La Grana Fish — 3221 San Leandro St, Oakland
- Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar — 1961 Diamond Blvd, Concord
- El Pollo Loco — 4401 Clayton Road, Concord
