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Sacramento Boomer

Dining Out: Tacoa

6350 Folsom Boulevard, Suite 300-400, Sacramento, 916-476-3407, tacoasac.com

Whoever came up with the T-shirt: “Buy Me Tacos and Tell Me I’m Pretty” is a genius. It speaks to my affection with the South-of-the-Border staple and the women who proudly wear that slogan (like my girlfriend.) It’s safe to say that tacos have reached the status of pizza and burgers as a beloved food group (yes, I said food group). And although I’ve seen and consumed everything from abalone to zucchini in the form of a taco, when it comes down to it, there’s something undeniably satisfying about simple, expertly prepared pork, chicken, steak, or seafood in a tortilla. This is why Jose Valle opened Tacoa, bringing the flavors his family perfected over many years at their taquerias in San Francisco’s Mission District.
Al Pastor Taco



You’re not going to find chimichangas, fajitas, or flautas here—the menu reads tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and algo mas (something else). I started with an al pastor taco, which featured succulent pork marinated in pineapple, garlic, and chilies. For my money, al pastor is always the go-to when I’m being indecisive. I’ve never had a version I didn’t like, and Tacoa serves up a masterful mouthful.
Jose’s Special Margaritas



I once scoured Oahu for the best fish taco and left disappointed. If the islanders had served me Tacoa’s tostada de ceviche camaron, it could have been a successful trip. As I’m writing this, I’m craving another. The combination of lime-marinated shrimp infused with fresh chilies, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro was impossible to not want more of.

If you’ve ever thought about buying that red tube of soon-to-be-liquified-pork-parts in the grocery store, aka chorizo, let me strongly advise against it. Authentic Mexican chorizo doesn’t liquefy—it’s a soft sausage, usually pork, seasoned with chili, cumin, oregano, coriander, and vinegar. Chorizo also shouldn’t be relegated to the breakfast table; its versatility is only limited by your creativity, as evidenced by its presence throughout Tacoa’s menu. I recommend their burrito with chorizo—a savory, spicy behemoth that’s good any time of day.
Chorizo Burrito



Stop in and have a taco, burrito, quesadilla, tostada, or algo mas—just don’t forget one of Jose’s special margaritas. 

HOURS
Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; closed Sunday

HEADS-UP
Daily happy hour from 4-7 p.m.; $5 margaritas all day on Mondays; vegetarian and vegan selections; patio dining; full bar with TVs; complimentary self-serve salsa bar and chips

ORDER THIS
Carne Asada Fries, Tostada de Ceviche Camaron, Shrimp Cocktail, Chorizo Burrito, Torta, Al Pastor Taco

By Lorn Randall // Photos by Dante Fontana