Top 9 Stops for Tacos in Stockton, California
Explore the best taco trucks and small shops to satisfy your cravings for tacos de camarón, birria, al pastor, and more.
We only eat tacos on days that end in 'Y', so thankfully, we have lots of special spots to choose from in Stockton. Tacos are a very personal thing here—everyone has their favorite stop. We created this "best of" list based on social media recommendations, various online reviews, and personal taste-testing. So, read on to find the taquerias with the hottest tacos in our flavor-filled city!
If we missed your favorite place, hit us up on social and tell us about it! @visitstockton
Don Rafas Taco Shop
The cool thing about Don Rafas is that their Miner location has a great setup that feels more permanent than a simple taco truck. You can enjoy your food at one of the picnic tables during the day and take in outdoor lighting with live music at night. The menu offers various price levels and types of tacos, catering to your specific cravings. Meats range from asada (grilled steak) and pastor (marinated pork) to tripa (cow stomach) and lengua (cow tongue), so you are sure to get a myriad of flavors AND textures during your visit. You can also catch them at the Stockton Open Air Mall & Flea Market on the weekends.
1248 E Miner Avenue; check them out on social @don_rafas_taco_shop
El Frutal
Every part of the El Frutal shrimp taco is the definition of homemade with LOTS of flavor. Choose between homemade corn or flour tortillas for a crispy, creamy, and zesty shrimp taco. It is definitely a favorite, but there are other options if seafood is not your ideal choice for a taco. Whatever your taco choice, wash the goodness down with an El Frutal favorite, Agua Preparada. If you love Tajin and agua fresca, this combination marries the two together in an ever-so-delicious way.
1101 E March Lane, Ste. G; check them out on social @elfrutal
Octavio's
Octavio's is a must-visit for quality Mexican cuisine. If you're in the mood for tacos, Octavio's offers a fantastic lineup of options, including tacos de birria, fish tacos, shrimp tacos, carnitas tacos, and many more. Plus, there's a late-night taco menu served on Friday & Saturday until 11 pm featuring a street taco flight—in case you're out late and in need of a taco fix.
3201 W Benjamin Holt Dr Suite 155; follow them on social @octaviosrestaurant
Taco House Mexican Grill
Here, you can find the most delicious homemade tortillas, along with a salsa bar featuring a variety of salsas and condiments. Taco House Mexican Grill offers mouth-watering birria de res/shredded beef tacos with consommé (a dipping stew) that are truly amazing! To add to the flavor, open up the tacos to add some guacamole salsa, a squeeze of lime, and some spicy salsa. Be sure to wash down these tacos with a delicious michelada or horchata.
5066 West Lane, Ste. B; check them out on social @tacohousemexgrill
Tacos Chapala
Tacos Chapala is best known for its quesatacos. Yes, you read that right! Get any taco "queso style"—grilled to crisp and gooey cheesy perfection with any meat. Highly recommended is their pastor or their birria (shredded beef). The combination of textures and flavors will leave you satisfied. The asada in their tacos is tender and pairs well with the sauce and melted cheese. We promise you it's worth the wait you might encounter during your next visit.
3008 E Hammer Lane; check them out on social @tacoschapala
Tacos El Mayita
The most popular location for Tacos El Mayita is their truck, parked at the 76 Station, just west of Interstate 5 at March Lane. Be prepared to wait in line to place your order for your delicious tacos. The tripas tacos keep coming up in conversation, so adding one of those and the tacos de al pastor would be your best bet on your first visit. Do you like extra salsa, grilled onions, and/or vinegar jalapenos? Just ask.
Three locations: 2701 W. March Lane; 2518 E Fremont Street; 3055 E Hammer Lane
check them out on social @tacoselmayita
Tacos La Palmita
The asada tacos at Tacos La Palmita are some of the best you'll find. If you like them spicy, we recommend adding their green sauce, as it's the king of sauces. The wait here can be longer than in other places, but it is worth it to experience what everyone is talking about. Portion sizes may be on the smaller side, so ordering more is always a good bet.
810 Douglas Road; check them out on social @tacoslapalmita209
Taqueria El Azteca
When you look up #birria on social media, you are sure to find Taqueria El Azteca. You need to try the Birria Pizza and quesatacos filled with birria for the whole experience. Their IG account is filled with mouth-watering photos and videos if you are looking for inspiration. Be prepared; they only accept cash, and their Jamestown location is inside a Mexican Market. Enjoy!
123 E Jamestown Street and 1430 E Weber Avenue; check them out on social @taqueriaelazteca
Xochimilco
This downtown Stockton staple has been feeding generations of locals. If you like to eat like a local to get the real feel of a city when you visit, Xochimilco is the spot you need to try. It's all about authenticity here, both in terms of excellent Mexican food and the incredible service. Bring a big appetite, though, because the portions here are beyond generous.
36 South San Joaquin St @xochimilco-cafe
A few more awesome taco stops...
- Casa Flores 1032 E Hammer Lane; @casa_flores_hammer_lane
- Taqueria Los Mezcales 2208 E. Main Street; @taqueria_lm
- Tacos El Grullense 2251 E Main Street; @tacoselgrullense
- Tepa Taqueria 1205 W March Lane; @tepa_taqueria
And here's some Visit Stockton staff picks!
Asada tacos from Tacos El Rey Azteca, Carnitas Tacos from Carnitas El Rincon, & the Al Pastor Tacos at Tacos Chapala.Diana NuñoEvents & Community Engagement Manager
El Pastor Tacos from Fuego, Birria Tacos from Octavio's, and Keto chicken tacos from La Cosinita.Christa GriffithOffice Manager & Volunteer Program Manager
Quoted spots mentioned above: Tacos El Rey Azteca, Carnitas El Rincon, Tacos Chapala, Fuego Taqueria, & La Cosinita.
With so many tacos spots to choose from, why not extend your visit by checking in somewhere? Stockton is home to numerous fantastic hotels located in key parts of the city, making it easy to savor these delicious food spots, take part in a shopping spree, and enjoy our beautiful parks. Discover the outstanding hotels in our city by clicking here!
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