October 4 is National Taco Day and, if you’re like us, you can’t wait to celebrate. We’ve put together a list of great places to get tacos in Orange County on National Taco Day, Taco Tuesday, or just because…tacos!
Taco Maria
3313 Hyland Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Located in SOCO & The OC Mix, Chef Carlos Salgado has been receiving awards since opening Taco Maria in 2013, including a highly coveted Michelin star in June. You can find seasonal options on the a la carte menu. Summer 2019 includes tocino (pork check with piloncillo glaze, salsa de aguacate and peaches) and jardineros (shiitake mushroom chorizo with crispy potato and queso fundido).
Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen
141 South Glassell Street
Orange, CA 92866
You won’t see a sign if you’re walking by Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen in Old Towne Orange, but you will see diners lining up for this local favorite. The tacos are served on house-made corn or flour tortillas and come with a choice of black or borracho beans. We recommend the asada with red onion, grilled peppers, cheese and a chimichurri sauce, but you can’t go wrong with the newly named Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Las Brisas
361 Cliff Drive
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Las Brisas specializes in coastal California cuisine, infused with Mexican flavors. Their tacos are served on homemade corn tortillas with rice and beans. Try their sautéed shrimp tacos with pickled red onions, avocado and salsa roja or their grilled rockfish tacos with radish, cabbage and a chipotle mayo. If you want tacos at Las Brisas go early because they only serve them at lunch.
Taqueria El Zamorano
925 West Warner Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92707
Stop by Monday-Saturday for their large selection of taco options. They specialize in al pastor and carnitas, as well as their homemade tortillas. What makes Taqueria El Zamorano unique, though, is their Sunday vegan pop-up, Vegan by El Zamorano. Try their hibiscus tacos with pineapple, guacamole and salsa verde.
La Vegana Mexicana
201 East 4th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
La Vegana Mexicana serves traditional Mexican food that is vegan, gluten-free, soy-free. The tacos de cantina are stuffed with their house-made garbanzo bean-based chorizo, pickled chiles, carrots and shredded lettuce. They are located in the 4th Street Market.
Come see Taco Maria, Las Brisas and La Vegana Mexicana at TASTE Costa Mesa, presented by The Los Angeles Times and Travel Costa Mesa. Join us for Orange County’s ultimate 21+ culinary block party featuring unlimited food and spirit tastings, chef demos and live music! Learn how you can receive 2 free tickets to TASTE here.
