Best Mexican Food in Santa Maria Valley
Is there anyone out there who doesn’t enjoy Taco Tuesday? Look no further because the Santa Maria Valley Taco Trail is a taco lover’s dream, where you can enjoy the best and most authentic tacos any day of the week. Exploring taquerias is just another wonderful excuse to visit the Santa Maria Valley.
Check out our Santa Maria Valley Taco Trail Map to chow down at one (or all) of these delicious Mexican restaurants and taquerias on your next trip, because the only thing better than tacos is more tacos! This map shows all of the fun locations you can check off your list. There are 19 mapped out here, and read more below on our featured picks!
In the Santa Maria Valley, there’s so much to do from here. After your day of sampling Mexican food in Santa Maria, hit the road and explore all you can do. The Santa Maria Valley boasts 24 hiking trails, 34 tasting rooms, 6 unique AVAs, 15 beaches, and a growing selection of local breweries, all within a beautiful 30-minute drive. There is no need to venture far if you are looking for sand dunes, cycling and authentic Santa Maria Style dining. You’ll find it’s the perfect home base, where you can eat, drink and do more for less.
Maya Mexican Restaurant
You won’t want to miss Taco Tuesdays at Maya Mexican Restaurant. With more than 50 years serving the Central Coast, it’s no surprise their $2 tacos on Tuesdays are undeniably delicious. Oh, and did we mention that kids and dogs eat free? If you’re looking for a tasty Mexican meal in Santa Maria Valley for the entire family to enjoy, be sure to stop by for their extensive menu, which offers tacos, burritos, enchiladas and their award-winning pozole and menudo. Also, extra brownie points (or should we say, taco points?) for live music on Friday nights! Maya Mexican Restaurant is located at 110 S. Lincoln St. in Santa Maria.
Cielito Lindo Mexican Grill
Cielito Lindo proudly serves the best quality meats in a clean and family-friendly environment. Their award-winning salsa is the freshest around – making them one of the best Mexican restaurants in Santa Maria Valley. Their grilled steak tacos, grilled chicken and shrimp tacos are only a few options to their extensive menu. El Cielito Lindo Mexican Grill is located at 1130 E. Clark Ave. in Santa Maria.
805 Tacos
This taqueria began 45 years ago in Guadalajara, Jalisco and is now the heart of amazing Mexican food in the Santa Maria Valley. Their extensive selection of almost 20 different tacos include chorizo, lengua (tongue), cabeza (head), barbacoa, shrimp, al pastor, asada and many more. Their Jalisco style tacos are perfectly paired up with their micheladas, Mexican sodas or agua fresca! 805 Tacos is located at 1018 W. Main St. in Santa Maria.
El Palenque Mexican Restaurant
If you’re in the mood for traditional soft Mexican tacos, then El Palenque Restaurant was made for you! They pride themselves on serving “real tacos” and traditional Mexican food in a relaxed atmosphere in Santa Maria Valley. Whether you’re looking for asada, carnitas, al pastor, chicken or beef tacos, the possibilities are endless at El Palenque. In addition, if you’re in the mood to mix and match your dishes, try out the Palenque Fries, which are topped with cheese, fresh guacamole and your choice of meat. Yum! El Palenque Mexican Restaurant is located at 715 S. Broadway in Santa Maria.
La Picosita Restaurant
Shrimp tacos? Sign us up! La Picosita Restaurant is a relaxed and casual place to enjoy some quick Mexican fare in Santa Maria. If you’re looking for a late night snack, this is your comfort food taco spot, as it’s open past midnight on the weekends. Do you want tacos at 2 a.m. on a Friday night? Not a problem, just stop by La Picosita for a late night meal and eat from their reasonably priced menu. La Picosita Restaurant is located at 923 N. Broadway in Santa Maria.
Casa Mañana Mexican Restaurant
This family owned and operated Mexican restaurant has been in Santa Maria since 1964 and is considered one of the area’s finest. Whether you prefer the traditional soft shell tacos or hard shell tacos, Casa Mañana has that and more to offer to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Casa Mañana Mexican Restaurant is located at 1640 S. Broadway in Santa Maria.
El Pueblito Restaurant
There is nothing better than a Santa Maria taco, except for Santa Maria tacos with daily-made tortillas! There’s no comparison when it comes to having your tacos on fresh tortillas. The traditional Mexican food at El Pueblito Restaurant is loved by both locals and tourists in search of quality and quantity. Their fresh salsas, daily-made tortillas and amazing customer service are always the talk of the town. El Pueblito Restaurant is located at 603 S. Blosser Rd. in Santa Maria.
Lo Mejor de Jalisco Mexican and Seafood Restaurant
With more than 100 options on their menu, Lo Mejor de Jalisco (The Best of Jalisco) is truly that! The only downside to this restaurant is that you won’t be able to try every single item. This family owned and operated restaurant brings the taste of the Mexican state of Jalisco right to your plate. From tacos to seafood, if you are in the Santa Maria Valley, this restaurant is a must try! Lo Mejor de Jalisco Mexican and Seafood Restaurant is located at 116 Blosser Rd. in Santa Maria.
Taco Ranchero
If you’re ready for real deal Santa Maria tacos, don’t pass up the opportunity to eat at Taco Ranchero and pair your tacos up with their micheladas. Taco Ranchero offers breakfast, burritos, salads and, of course, tacos! They also have some vegetarian meals for all you veggie lovers out there, like their vegetarian quesadilla with fresh guacamole. Taco Ranchero is located at 108 E. Jones St. in Santa Maria.
Taqueria Guerrero
Taqueria Guerrero values the importance of fresh food. They are committed to sustainable methods of raising food and animals and they purchase produce, meats and cheeses from family-owned farms. Fresh ingredients and tacos are the perfect match while visiting Santa Maria Valley. Taqueria Guerrero is located at 123 W. Main St. in Santa Maria.
Taqueria La Coqueta
Homemade style Mexican food is the specialty at Taqueria La Coqueta. With their homemade tortillas and delicious beans, they are a locals’ favorite. Ask for a side of their famous beans when you order your tacos. It doesn’t get any more authentic than this taqueria, boasting some of the best Santa Maria tacos. Taqueria La Coqueta is located at 1610 McClelland St. in Santa Maria.
El Herradero
Ready to try grilled fish tacos or fried tacos? El Herradero is another family-owned restaurant with great customer service that you should add to your Santa Maria taco trail. Their reasonable prices and homemade style is a favorite among locals. Although their al pastor tacos are a must, they have a wide variety of items to choose from. El Herradero is located at 214 N. Blosser Rd. in Santa Maria.
Las Brisas Mexican Food
At Las Brisas restaurant, you’ll be welcomed by friendly staff and warm, crispy chips. They offer the basic options for tacos including asada and al pastor. They pride themselves on their rich-in-flavor al pastor tacos. Their casual environment is a great stop for lunch for Mexican food in Santa Maria. Las Brisas Mexican Food is located at 315 W. Main St. in Santa Maria.
Angeles de Puebla Restaurante
The Angeles de Puebla restaurant offers the flavor of the Mexican state, Puebla. They serve the well-known asada and al pastor tacos, but they offer different options including culequeso, suadero, chuleta and hongos con queso (mushroom with cheese) tacos. Try out a different style of taco at this popular Puebla inspired restaurant. The Angeles de Puebla Restaurante is located at 2255 S. Broadway in Santa Maria.
Taqueria Salsa Brava
This local taqueria’s specialties are in fact, tacos! Whether you want birria, alambre, al pastor or fish tacos, this is your spot. It’s a casual dining experience with a large appetizer selection. Their authentic fare can be found in the heart of the Santa Maria Valley. The Taqueria Salsa Brava is located at 1206 S. Broadway in Santa Maria.
There is so much to do, see and taste here in Santa Maria Valley. Plan your trip and stay in one of our historic hotels. Take the scenic route and come enjoy everything Santa Maria Valley has to offer alongside the best tacos & Mexican food. From wine tastings to family-friendly events to live music, you can eat, drink and do more for less #SantaMariaStyle.
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In Santa Maria Valley, there’s so much to do from here. Hit the road and explore it all with our 24 hiking trails, 34 tasting rooms, seven unique AVAs, 13 beaches, and a growing selection of local breweries, all within a beautiful 30-minute drive. There is no need to venture far if you are looking for sand dunes, cycling and authentic Santa Maria Style dining. You’ll find it’s the perfect home base, where you can eat, drink and do more for less.
