Hot take: it’s time to break free from the vice grip of Taco Tuesday. Sure, back when we were innocent, taco-deprived souls, “Taco Tuesday” was a sweet little reminder to indulge. But those days are behind us; we’ve officially been taco-pilled as a culture, and we should act accordingly. After all, how can we possibly enjoy all the incredible tacos this region has to offer if we limit ourselves to just one day a week? The truth is, we’ve got so many amazing tacos here, and Tuesdays just don’t cut it anymore. So why not embrace “Taco Month” and make every day Taco Tuesday? Breakfast tacos, lunch tacos, dinner tacos—taco everything! 

Breakfast Tacos

Lincoln’s Rebel Hen Café is a cozy barnyard hang serving delicious breakfasts. Tacos? You betcha! Try their fan-favorite Taco Doodle-Do: two flour/corn mix tortillas grilled with parmesan cheese and filled with chorizo or bacon, scrambled eggs, cheese, house “Rebel” pico de gallo, and feta cheese, plus cilantro crema on top. (Gluten-free corn tortillas are available upon request.) Or take advantage of their “Brunch Combo” and mix things up with a chicken taco as well. 436 Lincoln Boulevard, Suite 102, Lincoln, 530-602-9513, rebelhencafe.com

Sociology Coffee in Folsom’s Historic District has a buzz all their own that has nothing to do with caffeine, but rather their excellent Breakfast Tacos. (Caffeinated tacos? Hmm. Could that be a thing?) Said tacos include your choice of bacon or mushrooms, served with scrambled eggs, onions, microgreens, and special sauce on corn tortillas (two per order). Pair that with one of their buzzworthy iced coffees with homemade syrups (hello, bourbon vanilla), and you’re off to a solid start. 705 Gold Lake Drive, Suite 390, Folsom, sociologycoffeebar.com

Don Quixote’s Mexican Grill has been doing upscale fast-casual dining with an authentic Mexican flair since 2006, and the worst-kept secret is that you absolutely cannot go wrong with their breakfast menu for the best burritos and tacos. Try their 3 Breakfast Tacos for a hearty, flavor-filled way to kick off your day: soft corn tortillas with your choice of eggs, along with refried beans, potatoes, cheese, cilantro, sour cream, chipotle ranch, and spicy salsa—followed by a hard-earned nap, of course. 2164 Sunset Boulevard, Rocklin, 916-773-1800, therocklindon.com

People flock to Mario’s Early Toast for everything from French toast to Benedicts, but did you know they also offer a full menu of Mexican breakfast choices? Their Morning Tacos are a fan favorite, and for good reason: three soft corn tortillas stuffed with scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, pico de gallo, and a side of taqueria salsa. You know what they say: the early bird gets the taco! Locations in El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Granite Bay, Rocklin, and Roseville, mariosearlytoast.com

House-Made Tortillas

Nixtaco is one of the region’s best Mexican eateries (they now have a location in Folsom, too!) and it’s not just the Michelin rating (though that helps). Their handmade blue corn tortillas set the tone, and they’ll just keep impressing you until you tell them to stop (but why would you?). Dig into their Octopus Taco served with parboiled then sautéed octopus, serrano-infused butter, peanut chipotle sauce, toasted chile oil with sesame seeds, and grilled cheese, plus a garnish of green onions. I’m not sweating: these are tears of joy. 185 Placerville Road, Suite 150, Folsom; 1805 Cirby Way, Suite 12, Roseville, 916-771-4165, nixta.co

Zócalo exemplifies Mexican hospitality through stunning décor, friendly service, and a truly excellent menu featuring flavorful, familiar favorites and bold upscale specialties. Their locally made tortillas are a combo of corn and flour and best enjoyed as a delivery system for “Sacramento’s favorite” Baja Fish Tacos, featuring Mexican beer-battered fish, fresh cabbage, pico de gallo, and chipotle aioli. Who doesn’t love a crunchy, creamy, slightly spicy bite? 2739 East Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-618-0303; 1182 Roseville Parkway, Roseville, 916-788-0303; 466 Howe Avenue, Sacramento, 916-252-0303; 1801 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, 916-441-0303, zocalosac.com

The Char Market opened in August of 2023 and they rocketed to the top of everyone’s list for great grilled meats with a Mexicali flair. Tacos, burritos, elote…it’s all super flavorful but deceptively simple. Locally made tortillas are just the tip of the iceberg: try their Bone Marrow Tacos served with cilantro, cotija cheese, crema, lettuce, and salsa, with your choice of corn or flour tortillas. Yes, we said bone marrow. (Swoon). Lord, have mercy. 4717 Whitney Avenue, Carmichael, 916-291-6903 thecharmarket

Salsa’s Taqueria is tucked in the heart of Folsom, and they keep things simple and tasty with their take on authentic Mexican cuisine. One of their most popular items is the Shrimp Tacos featuring tasty handmade corn tortillas packed with freshly grilled shrimp, cabbage, and cotija cheese, plus homemade pico de gallo and chipotle sauce. Make sure you sample one of their delicious margaritas and keep an eye out for their churro ice cream specials, too! 1760 Prairie City Road, Suite 130, Folsom, 916-936-4300, salsas-taqueria.res-menu.com

Street Tacos

Taco Exxpress is the regional one-stop taco spot, located in Rocklin and now pulling double-duty in Folsom with not one but two locations (count ‘em!). Try their Al Pastor Street Tacos with thinly sliced marinated pork topped with classic onions and cilantro for the perfect bite. The best news? On Tuesdays, they’re only $1! You can even roll on up to their drive-thru if you’re on the go. 181 Iron Point Road, Folsom, 916-805-5941; 706 East Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-790-8171; 4885 Granite Drive, Rocklin, 916-259-1233,  tacoexxpress.com

La Rosa Blanca has been serving classic Mexican cuisine in the Sacramento region for over 30 years, and they’re still reliably great for any kind of Mexican comfort food craving. If you want a reliably tasty street taco, try their fan-favorite Carnitas Street Tacos. And if you really want to do it up right, order the street tacos specialty plate: three street tacos with double corn tortillas, topped with carnitas, onions, and cilantro, plus a hefty helping of rice and beans (whole or refried). 402 Natoma Street, Folsom; 2813 Fulton Avenue, Sacramento, 916-673-9085, larosablancafolsom.com

Rudy’s Gourmet Mexican Cuisine prides themselves on their authentic, scratch-made cuisine, and if menu items like Grandma’s chicken tortilla soup and Mom’s almond flan are any indication, they’re drawing on time-honored recipes made with love. Taco-wise, it’s all about good flavors and quality ingredients, and their Street Tacos with Molida (seasoned ground beef) are a favorite, topped with cilantro, onions, and hot sauce. Try Rudy’s signature strawberry margarita, too (they pair great with street tacos, just saying)! 6011 Stanford Ranch Road, Suite 107, Rocklin, 916-435-4050, rudys-gourmet.com

Unique Tacos

Roseville’s Taqueria La Nueva Vallarta comes with a huge menu of authentic Mexican cuisine full of big flavors—both classic favorites and more creative, hard-to-find fare—all cooked to perfection with an extensive, super fresh salsa bar to boot. Their Pollo Desbrado Street Tacos are a winner: delicious corn tortillas served with tender shredded chicken, onions, cilantro, and pico de gallo. But hit them up at least once for the pina loca fajitas (served in a pineapple) because…you heard me say it’s served IN a pineapple, right? 10305 Fairway Drive, Roseville, 916-749-3791; 3305 Northgate Boulevard, Sacramento, 916-418-4386, lanuevavallarta.com

La Popular is an elevated, energetic dining destination whose menu features traditional Mexican dishes crafted using high-quality ingredients, adventurous flavors, and innovative preparations. The Campechano Tacos—featuring carne asada, chorizo, chicharrónes, onions, salsa Lorenza (grilled tomatoes, onions, serrano chilies, and jalapeño peppers), and guacamole all piled into three corn tortillas—can’t me missed. And with over 80 tequila and mezcal labels behind their big, beautiful bar, you bet they know how to mix up a stellar margarita, too! 234 Gibson Drive, Suite 120, Roseville, 916-952-2869, lapopularcdmx.com

Birria Tacos

Taqueria Ay Jalisco is your foothills go-to for authentic Mexican food—excellent flavors with a friendly vibe. Rumor is they’re the best tacos in Cameron Park, and their Quesatacos de Birria are the proof: two tacos stuffed with tender stewed birria beef and cheese, paired with a healthy supply of consommé for essential dipping. You want more birria? They’ve also got birria noodles, birria burritos, and birria seca (a plate with birria, rice, beans, tortillas, and consommé on the side). Birria every day of the week? I’ve had worse ideas. 3958 Cambridge Road, Cameron Park, 530-387-7045, taqueriaayjalisco.com

Bibi’s Enchiladas & Grill started as a humble food truck and now serves the region with two brick and mortar locations. Roll up to either one and try their great tacos (and Mexican pizza!) all stuffed full of flavor, fresh ingredients, and maybe even just a little love! You can’t beat their famous Quesabirria Tacos, featuring flavorful corn tortillas, perfectly seasoned beef, cheese, onions, cilantro, and some good ‘ol consommé. Pro tip: Make it “Bibi’s Way” (with sour cream and cotija) for an extra tangy taste explosion. 2220 Gold Springs Court, Suite 120, Gold River, 916-559-4309; 1948 Sutterville Road, Sacramento, 916-662-7990, bibisenchiladas.com

Family-owned La Calle Bar & Grill keeps locals coming back with authentic Mexican food, friendly service, and a full-service bar. Rumor has it that their jalapeño margaritas contain magical healing properties: who can say. But coincidentally they pair nicely with their famous Birria Tacos: crispy grilled corn tortillas filled with tender marinated stewed beef birria and melty jack cheese, served with rich, flavorful consommé. And if you’re still on the fence, we’ve got two words for you: churro donuts. 6608 Folsom-Auburn Road, Suite 1, Folsom, 916-293-9677, lacallefolsom.com

Located in the heart of Folsom, Taqueria La Fogata is your friendly, local fallback for great tacos and authentic Mexican food. Love quesabirria? You’re in the right place! Check out their beloved Birria Tacos: three crispy corn tacos stuffed with tender marinated beef and jack cheese, grilled, and then served with their signature savory consommé to leave a trademark shiny smile on your face! And if their social media postings are to be believed, they’re branching out into birria noodles as well (gasp!), so hit them up for some of that, too. 1010 Riley Street, Suite 1, Folsom, 916-510-1931, lafogata-folsom.com

Mexquite is a family-friendly spot with over 100 tequilas, so ordering a margarita is a must, obviously. Taco-wise, one should never pass up the opportunity to devour a Sinaloa-style taco when you see them on a menu: first off, because we love a crispy taco; and secondly, because potatoes. Mexquite’s Tacos Sinaloenses are crispy-fried corn tacos filled with mashed potatoes (see?) and shredded chicken or beef, topped with iceberg lettuce, marinated onions, sour cream, and queso fresco—alongside refried beans and Mexican rice. Happiness! 25095 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom, 916-984-8607, mexquite.com

Lorenzo’s Mexican Restaurant has been serving the Roseville area since 1979, and thanks to their warm, friendly service, they’re the local Mexican restaurant where everybody knows your name. Their best-kept secret, though, is their special “sweet carnitas” (Friday and Saturday only, folks!): marinated in cola and brown sugar, they’re a crispy, sweet, and savory flavor bomb. Order the Sweet Carnitas Tacos with corn or flour tortillas, lettuce, and cheese; and be sure to load up on their delicious salsa. Come early for the carnitas, stay late for the atmosphere. 135 Sunrise Avenue, Roseville, 916-786-8900, lorenzosmex.com

Roseville’s Roundhouse Deli is a family-owned hidden gem that low-key serves some of the best sandwiches and smoked tri-tip in the area. Everyone raves about their sandwiches and special offerings, but personally, we’ve never gotten past the amazing Smoked Tri-Tip Tacos—because they really are that good. Available Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; basically, if the smoker is on the sidewalk (and if you can smell that smoke), roll up, and get the combo: three corn tortillas topped with smoked tri-tip, shredded cheese, and iceberg lettuce. 604 Church Street, Suite A, Roseville, 916-786-9023, roundhouse-deli.res-menu.com

Meatless Tacos 

Masa Masa is woman-owned and dedicated to spreading kindness through tacos (carnivore and non-carnivore): every taco you order donates proceeds to local organizations like the Sacramento Food Bank, Jaws and Paws, Single Mom Strong, Placer LGBTQ+, and many, many more. Try their Adobo Cauliflower Tacos featuring Filipino adobo-braised cauliflower topped with pickled cucumbers and carrots, green onions, and citrus crema for a tangy fresh bite of deliciousness. And perhaps even a churro donut for dessert? 2310 Pleasant Grove Boulevard, Suite 130, Roseville, 916-305-7865, masamasatacos.com

Nectar Café has been serving vegan and vegetarian cuisine for over 10 years (some might say “since before it was cool,” but they’re too classy to say the quiet part out loud) with delicious menu items bursting with flavor and creativity. Try their awesome Vegan Tacos, served with your choice of vegan chorizo, portobello mushroom, or a tasty combination of both served on two soft corn tortillas with guacamole, cabbage, lime crema sauce, and cilantro, alongside beans and rice. Trust and believe that you won’t leave their establishment hungry. 948 Lincoln Way, Suite A, Auburn, 530-820-3314, nectar-cafe.com

Mas Taco Bar is all about spinning tacos in new ways, with great vegetarian and vegan-friendly creations, too. Make the impossible possible with their Impossible Asada Taco, filled with plant-based asada, cabbage, roasted red salsa, onions, and cilantro. While you’re there, check out their craft margaritas (it’s a thing) and 50-plus tequilas on offer. 450 Palladio Parkway, Folsom, 916-597-2929; 3535 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Suite A, Sacramento, 916-285-5754; 1800 15th Street, Suite D, Sacramento, 916-706-1330, mastacobar.com

El Dorado Saloon & Grill offers a little bit of everything on their menu, but one thing you can be certain of is sophisticated flavors and high-quality ingredients. Something they’re NOT doing is ignoring the non-carnivores, either; even blessing them with a few truly tasty menu items, including Veggie Tacos with zucchini, fire-roasted corn, black beans, pico de gallo, shredded cheese, and sliced avocado. 879 Embarcadero Drive, El Dorado Hills, 916-941-3600, eldoradosaloonandgrill.com

by Sharon Penny

Don Quixote's Mexican Grill, Sociology Coffee and Mario's Early Toast photos by Jyo Bhamidipati ©stylereadersmedia. Rebel Hen Café photo courtesy of Rebel Hen Café. Zócalo photo by Tom Paniagua. Nixtaco photo by Jyo Bhamidipati ©stylereadersmedia. Other photos courtesy of their respective restaurants. Taco Exxpress photo courtesy of Taco Exxpress. La Rosa Blanca photo by Jyo Bhamidipati ©stylereadersmedia. La Popular photo by Anna Wick. Other photos courtesy of their respective restaurants. Mexquite photo by Terry Carroll. Lorenzo's Mexican Restaurant photo by Jyo Bhamidipatio ©stylereadersmedia. Roundhouse Deli photo by Taylor Allred ©stylereadersmedia.Other photos courtesy of their respective restaurants. Taqueria La Fogata photo by Heath Seabourn. La Calle Bar & Grill photo courtesy of La Calle Bar & Grill. Nectar Café photo by Katie Schleder. Masa Masa photo by Rachel Valley. Other photos courtesy of their respective restaurants.