As most people who live in Orange County are aware, tacos are an important staple in Southern Californian cuisine. However, there are a plethora of Taco options which should be avoided where possible. This list covers the top 5 tacos in Orange County to save your boring date night or hungry family’s lamentations.

Daniel’s Fave Five Taco Spot in Orange County

5. The Original Taco Factory: 14455 Newport Ave., Tustin, CA

The Original Taco Factory kicks off this list at number seven. It doesn’t pretend to be what it’s not. It keeps to the satisfying basics of the art of the taco. The fact of the matter is, you cannot go wrong with tasty tacos, at a decent size, for just $1.50 each. You can get better tacos elsewhere, as I’ll cover ahead, but the Original Taco Factory needs to be included due to it’s fundamentally sound taco nature. It’s too good to ignore, but not good enough to exceed it’s number 5 spot. That’s not to say that these tacos aren’t delicious-they can definitely stand on their own two taco-feet-it’s just that there are better taco places in other single taco categories (like size, taste, price etc.) that I’ll cover as we move along this list.

4. Tacos El Chavito Food Truck: Residential neighborhood, On Slater between Beach & Gothard, Huntington, CA

Coming in at number 4, Tacos El Chavito is the best budget oriented taco in Orange County. I promise this list gets to several “high-end” or “luxurious” tacos later on, but in terms of being the best street-food tacos, Tacos El Chavito is far and away the king. These delicious tacos are 60 cents each. Five dollars practically buys you a delectable taco buffet. On top of that, while they don’t run out, free pineapple juice. Super nice management as well. The tacos are technically on the small side of things-but come on, you can order five more if you’re starving. Absolutely delicious.

3. El Toro Bravo Tortilleria: 745 W 19th St, Costa Mesa

At number three, I have the tacos from El Toro Bravo Tortilleria. I strongly recommend the $5.99 taco combo plate-super filling and equally scrumptious. The carne asada and chicken are both juicy and tender and the size of their tacos are above taco-par. Remember to order in line though if it’s out the door-a few times customers have been accidentally over-looked in the crowded line and got to the counter only to be told they had to get back in line. Ouch. That being said-it was probably completely worth it once they got their delicious tacos and inevitable afternoon nap after they chowed down.

2. Soho Taco Gourmet Taco Truck: Needs a touch of research-sometimes at the Irvine Spectrum.

If Tacos El Chavito was the Pacquiao of taco food trucks, this taco truck is the Mayweather. Boxing references aside, these tacos are down-right amazing. Coming in at my number 2, are the tacos from the Soho Taco Gourmet truck. Meat seasoned to perfection, fantastic salsa, and home-made tortillas that are light and fluffy-you can’t go wrong. Please sample the exquisite Jalepeno Sauce. Sadly, the Soho Gourmet Taco Truck disqualified themselves for the number 1 spot due to their occasional music malfunction. Must be a glitch, I don’t know-I can’t listen to drake while I try to enjoy good tacos. Excusing my own personal musical tastes, you won’t regret dedicating a night or two feasting here. Go at least once if you’re in the area.

1. Taqueria El Zamorano: 925 W Warner Ave, Santa Ana

Demanding the number 1 spot on my top 5 taco list in Orange County: the Sultan of Salsa, the Magician of Mexican, the Forerunner of Folded Food is Taqueria El Zamora. It has to be. There’s no way I would vouch for a super ritzy taco establishment for the number one spot. Even if their tacos are better. That’s not the essence of the taco-the true soul of the taco is in the hands of the masses and the innocently unassuming and hungry. This place is family owned and authentic to the core-check. Amazing prices-check. Absolutely delicious food-double check. I dare you to not be impressed by the taco goodness ordered from Taqueria El Zamorano. I would be eating there now but I’m currently writing this article.

This concludes the the top 7 best tacos in Orange County-I hope you to see you at some of these places in the very near future! If you’d like more food updates, please frequent the site to gain more foodie insight. Till next time!

- Daniel Williamson, Passionate Foodie and Basketball Blog Writer

Comments

comments