0 Followers
Tacos Walnut Creek
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Tacos Walnut Creek
7.9
Family-run taco shop turning out classic street-style tacos, mulitas, and plates with friendly counter service. A practical pick for quick, affordable bites steps from the Locust bar strip.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Mulita, Shrimp burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Straightforward Jalisco-leaning tacos with fast pacing downtown.
Who should go: Casual late bites with friends
When to visit: After 9 pm for quick turnaround
What to order: Al pastor; mulita; shrimp burrito
Insider tip: Add grilled onions and jalapeños on the side.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Locust and nearby Civic Drive; easiest after 8 pm or in the free garage on North Main.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, tees, and sneakers are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — upbeat chatter and grill sounds, but conversation still possible at most tables.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes for a table, longer if large groups arrive post-bar crowd.
Weekday lunch: No real wait — orders move quickly at the counter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese quesadillas, veggie burritos, and plain bean tacos available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few sides and bean tacos can be made vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas used on most tacos, but shared griddle means cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangs than formal dates — quick counter setup and bright lighting keep the tone relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Always — no reservations taken; tables turn fast, especially during weekday lunches.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple menu, highchairs available, and portions easy to split for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Speed and price — one of the fastest and cheapest taco stops downtown with consistent quality.
Skip if: You want craft cocktails, patio seating, or extended sit-down service — try La Ezkina or 5 Tacos & Beers instead.
Tacos Walnut Creek
7.9
Family-run spot turning out classic tacos, mulitas, and hearty plates with friendly counter service. It’s a practical downtown choice for quick, affordable bites near the bars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne en su jugo, Al pastor tacos, Mulita
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Straightforward Jalisco-style plates with fast pacing.
Who should go: Casual late bites with friends
When to visit: After 9 pm for quick turnaround
What to order: Shrimp burrito; al pastor tacos; mulita
Insider tip: Add grilled onions and jalapeños on the side.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Locust and nearby side streets; easiest before 6 pm or after 9 pm when turnover is high.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—jeans, tees, and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate during meal rush; lively but conversational inside, quieter on patio tables.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes at peak, quick counter turnover keeps lines moving.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait—walk right up and order.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie burritos or tacos are available upon request.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for grilled veggie tacos without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most tacos use corn tortillas, but avoid burritos and fried items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic setting—better for casual hangs or quick bites before drinks. The counter setup is informal and fast-paced.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations are accepted or needed. Most diners grab a quick seat inside or outside within minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids are welcome. Portions are manageable, and staff are friendly with families. Simple menu suits picky eaters.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and lower prices than fancier taco spots nearby; reliable late-night choice with consistent flavors.
Skip if: You’re looking for craft cocktails, table service, or a quiet date-night atmosphere.
Tacos Walnut Creek
7.9
Family-run spot turning out classic tacos, mulitas, and hearty plates with later-than-average hours. Friendly counter crew and swift pacing make it an easy nightcap option near the bars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne en su Jugo, Al Pastor Tacos, Mulita
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Jalisco-style al pastor and comforting carne en su jugo.
Who should go: Casual late bites with friends
When to visit: After 9 pm when the grill moves fast
What to order: Carne en su jugo, al pastor tacos, mulita
Insider tip: Add grilled onions and jalapeños on the side—worth it.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Locust and nearby garages on Cypress are easiest after 8 pm; limited curb spots fill quickly near the bars.
Dress code: Completely casual—t-shirts and sneakers are fine after-hours.
Noise level: Moderate to lively depending on bar traffic; you can still chat comfortably inside.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for counter orders around 9–10 pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; service is fast and efficient.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean tacos, cheese quesadillas, and veggie burritos are available.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for veggie tacos without cheese or crema; rice is typically vegan.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most tacos use corn tortillas, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it’s more of a casual late-night counter spot than a sit-down experience. Great if you’re keeping things informal after drinks.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s walk-in only with quick turnover. Even on weekends, finding a table or counter spot doesn’t take long.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for early evenings—simple menu, fast service, and friendly staff. After 9 pm, it skews more to the bar crowd next door.
Best For
Better for: Late-night taco cravings and casual post-bar meals when you don’t want to wait for table service.
Skip if: You’re looking for polished cocktails, table service, or a quieter dinner setting—try Xicote Cocina Mexicana instead.
Tacos Walnut Creek
7.9
Family-run taqueria on Locust turning out classic tacos, mulitas, and hearty plates with later-than-average hours. Friendly counter crew and swift pacing make it an easy nightcap stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne en su jugo, Al pastor tacos, Mulita with asada
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: House specialties like carne en su jugo alongside taco staples.
Who should go: Casual late bites with friends
When to visit: After 9 pm when the grill turns orders fast
What to order: Carne en su jugo, al pastor tacos, mulita
Insider tip: Add grilled onions and jalapeños on the side—worth it.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Locust is usually available after 8 pm; nearby garage at Locust & Civic is free after hours.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; shorts and hoodies are fine after a night out.
Noise level: Moderate buzz from dine-in traffic and takeout orders, but easy to hold a casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak late hours (9–10:30 pm).
Weekday lunch: No wait—service is counter-style and quick.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian tacos and quesadillas available on request.
Vegan options: Limited—customize veggie tacos without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but kitchen is shared.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless you’re both taco lovers who appreciate casual spots—better suited for low-key or post-movie hangs.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s walk-in only. Small tables turn quickly, especially after 9 pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu, quick service, and family-friendly staff make it easy for kids 6 and up.
Best For
Better for: Late-night taco cravings and quick-service speed over sit-down ambiance.
Skip if: You’re looking for cocktails, upscale atmosphere, or a long dinner setting.
Tacos Walnut Creek
7.6
Compact downtown spot serving straightforward, meaty burritos with quick counter service. Late-ish hours and central location make it a convenient grab-and-go.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Super Burrito, Carne Asada Burrito, California Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: No-frills, satisfying burritos right off Locust Street.
Who should go: Late lunchers and downtown errand runs
When to visit: Mid-afternoon lull 2–4 pm
What to order: Al pastor super; carne asada; California burrito
Insider tip: Ask for grilled tortillas for better texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Locust and nearby public lots; easiest before lunch rush or after 6 pm.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are, jeans and sneakers welcome.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch; quiet enough for conversation mid-afternoon.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes depending on to-go volume.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even at peak times.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie burritos, bean & cheese, and customizable builds available.
Vegan options: Limited—request no cheese or sour cream; rice and beans are safe bases.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free tortillas, but bowls can be made GF upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s a quick counter setup with minimal seating. Better suited for casual bites or solo meals.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Always—walk-up service only; seating is first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, for quick meals. Simple menu and mild options suit kids, though limited high chairs or stroller space.
Best For
Better for: Fast, filling burritos in the downtown core with generous meat portions and quick service.
Skip if: You’re after a sit-down experience, craft cocktails, or polished ambiance—try LITA or Maria Maria instead.
Tacos Walnut Creek
7.6
Compact downtown taquería turning out street-style tacos with a few regional specials. It’s a convenient grab-and-go option steps from Locust Street’s bars and theaters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne en su Jugo, Al Pastor Taco, Carne Asada Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Downtown walk-up tacos plus regional plates like carne en su jugo.
Who should go: Budget-minded taco seekers
When to visit: Late afternoon pre-dinner rush
What to order: Carne en su jugo, al pastor, carne asada
Insider tip: Good for takeout before shows on Locust Street.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is available on Locust and nearby side streets, but fills quickly after 6pm. The closest public garage is at the Locust Street Parking Garage on Civic Drive, about a two-minute walk.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are. Streetwear, jeans, or even gym clothes are fine.
Noise level: Moderate during peak hours with background chatter from takeout orders and nearby nightlife, but still manageable for quick conversations.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes during peak dinner rush; faster for takeout.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; orders ready in 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—options like veggie tacos and cheese quesadillas are available.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize a few tacos by omitting cheese and crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most tacos use corn tortillas; confirm prep if highly sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual meet-up or movie pregame than a full date—there’s limited seating and a quick-service vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations accepted or needed. Seating is first-come, first-served, with most diners opting for takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu and fast service make it easy for families with younger kids, though space is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Faster, cheaper downtown taco fix than full-service spots nearby—ideal for pre-theater or post-shopping bites.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal with cocktails or extended seating time—try La Ezkina Grill or 5 Tacos & Beers instead.