Exploring the Best Mexican Eats in California’s Central Valley

This popular taquería is a favorite among local college students, serving up generous portions of nachos and taquitos alongside their tacos.

This large Mytoury always has a queue, but it’s well worth the wait. While you’re in line, check out the walls adorned with newspaper articles and customer praise.

This fantastic barbacoa spot offers delicious chilaquiles and a selection of three freshly served salsas. You can enjoy your meal in the restaurant or grab it from the take-out counter.

This modern take on the classic Cal-Mex diner features regional Mexican specialties such as tortas ahogadas (a sandwich drenched in spicy red salsa) and aguachile (shrimp marinated in chilled lime juice).

Set in a charming downtown spot, Streetzlan offers a dynamic menu featuring everything from Sonora dogs to burgers. Arrive early, as they often sell out by 2 p.m.

This food truck operates from a strip mall and specializes in tacos de canasta, a Mexico City staple where tacos are steamed to create a rich, confit-like texture.

This lonchera (lunch truck) from a Stockton favorite sets up in a lot that often features an ice cream stand and a fruit vendor for added convenience.

Don't forget to grab some freshly made tortillas to take home when you visit Arroyo’s, a beloved Cal-Mex spot in Stockton, so you'll have them ready when you leave.

Step back in time at this classic Cal-Mex diner with a comprehensive menu. Be sure to start with chicanas (steak ranchero) as a must-try appetizer, regardless of your other choices.

More than just a convenience store with an ice cream shop, this spot also features a dining area. While the overall food is decent, the guajolota stands out as a remarkable choice.

This grocery store features a modest buffet and breakfast burritos that are absolutely exceptional.

A daily gathering of taco trucks by the railroad tracks, offering a diverse menu from seafood and tacos to delicious weekend birria.

You could dine here for a year and still find something new to enjoy. Start with the delicious gorditas trucks, but for the best agua fresca, check out the other stalls.

Arrive early for weekend brunch and be cautious with the drinks—they're quite strong. The mole here is exceptional.

If a trip to San Francisco isn't on the horizon, don’t miss out on the carnitas burritos from this Turlock location of the renowned La Taqueria. Named the best burrito in the U.S. by FiveThirtyEight in 2014, it's truly worth every bite.

Visit on weekends to enjoy La Michoacana's tented setup with delicious birria and menudo, served with homemade, thick corn tortillas.

This spot feels like home with its cozy couches in the back. Try the michoacanas enchiladas, served like folded quesadillas with corn tortillas, offering a light and satisfying meal.

While their tacos, burritos, and lunch specials are tasty, the highlight here is the Tex-Mex-style flour tortillas — incredibly buttery and flaky, stealing the show.

Inquire if they have pulque (they typically do), and order a tlayuda to share; it’s as large as a pizza and generously topped.

Experience taco bliss like never before. The asada and adobadas tacos are absolutely essential.

Check out chef Martin Franco’s invigorating aguas frescas alongside the seasonal menu—ideal for beating the intense Central Valley heat.

These fantastic tacos are definitely worth navigating the parking situation. (Pro tip: You might find easier parking across the street at the Sisavang Vatthana Center—they’re usually quite accommodating.)

Conveniently located right off the freeway, this cozy sit-down restaurant offers a great place to unwind and recharge after a lengthy drive.

Located conveniently off Highway 99, this spot is a must-visit. Don't miss out on their complimentary frijoles to take with you for the road.

Housed in a converted gas station convenience store, El Burrito House crafts its own flour tortillas on-site. Don't miss the steak ranchero burrito, a massive treat best enjoyed fresh to fully experience this Central Valley staple.

Specializing in Michoacán cuisine, this spot is a must-visit for carnitas, aporreadillo (a dish with eggs and cecina, or dried beef), and their famous birria.

Be prepared for a wait at this food truck, especially on Sunday afternoons when travelers heading back to Los Angeles flock here. Don’t miss out on the vampiro, a delectable cheesy tostada made from freshly fried corn tortillas.

Typical Mexican offerings here, including tacos and menudo on weekends. However, don’t miss their fettuccine alfredo topped with carne asada, and make sure to add some of their secret salsa picante for extra flavor.

Featured in the 2015 film McFarland USA starring Kevin Costner, this spot is known for its delicious potato tacos. Each order includes five tacos paired with a flavorful salsa roja.

This iconic Cal-Mex spot in downtown Bakersfield features a lively bar that kicks off margarita service bright and early at 8:30 AM.

This Bakersfield favorite offers a variety of tacos, burritos, and inventive Bro-Mex dishes, including a burrito packed with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos that surprisingly hits the mark.

Whether you dine in or opt for takeout, the service is swift, and the Mexico City-style tacos are consistently excellent.

Parked on the fringes of a bustling industrial area, this food trailer serves only brisket and charbroiled chicken—because that's all you really need.

La Perla is a traditional panaderia offering an array of conchas, gorditas, and other sweet breads. Don’t forget to use the tongs, or you might get a scolding.