Looking for quick-service tacos/Mexican food but tired of la campana (The Bell)? Don’t want to get out of the car? How about comfortable indoor dining that’s fast but not fast food? An open patio perhaps? Look no further than Rocklin’s new taco spot: Taco Exxpress. Drive-thru, dine outside, or sit inside, and get your Mex fix fast. It’s been years since I’ve had “crunchy tacos,” and I don’t know why—health reasons, I guess? I grew up with my mom frying shells for her six boys and husband—plus a neighborhood kid or two—filling them with ground hamburger, tomatoes, onions and mounded with cheddar cheese. Definitely not authentic but delicious! So, I had to order one chicken and one beef “crunchy-style.” The memories came roaring back: super crispy and full of sabor…grab some extra napkins! I also tried an al pastor burrito; maybe a bit heavy on the rice but overall good flavor. Next time I’ll try the carne asada fries, or one of the other menu items, which run the gamut from breakfast burritos and tortas to nachos, quesadillas, and more. Speedy service, fresh ingredients, and friendly employees, plus complimentary chips and salsa (if you choose to dine in or take out)? I’ll be back!
— by LORN RANDALL

On a mission to try all the region’s top tacos? This list of our favorites found ’round town is a perfect place to start.

 

Tacos de Rajas (cactus, roasted poblano peppers, caramelized onions, pico de gallo, grilled queso fresco, and sour cream)
Mezcalito Oaxacan Cuisine
5065 Pacific Street, Rocklin, 916-701-4772, mezcalitocuisine.com

Tacos Chilangos (sautéed steak and chorizo, onions, jalapeños, mushrooms, tomatoes, and jack cheese)
Cascada
384 Main Street, Placerville, 530-344-7757, cascadainplacerville.com

Corned Beef Street Tacos (crispy corned beef, cotija cheese, chopped onions, cilantro, and fresh lime)
Goose Port Public House
316 Vernon Street, Roseville, 916-886-5080, gooseport.com

 

Pollo en Mole Tacos (shredded chicken simmered in house-made mole with fresh crema)
Nixtaco
1805 Cirby Way, Suite 12, Roseville, 916-771-4165, nixta.co

Steak & Egg Tacos (chili-lime marinated steak, black bean purée, roasted tomato salsa, green onions, and a fried egg)
Mas Taco Bar
450 Palladio Parkway, Folsom, 916-597-2929;

 

Shrimp Tacos (shrimp, cabbage, pico de gallo, cheese, chipotle sauce)
Sutter Street Taqueria
727 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-293-8952, sutterstreettaqueria.com

Tacos del Norte (corn tortilla dipped in California pepper salsa, grilled and stuffed; choice of meat; pico de gallo, cotija cheese, and sour cream)
Paco’s Mexican Cuisine
1224 Broadway, Suite D, Placerville, 530-303-3008, pacosmexicancuisine.com