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Taqueria Extra
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Taqueria Extra
8.2
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Counter-service taqueria on Bernal turning out quick al pastor and asada with a self-serve salsa bar. Happy-hour taco pricing and speedy tickets make it an after-work staple.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada tacos, Michelada
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Fast, affordable tacos with a generous salsa bar.
Who should go: After-work taco runs on a budget
When to visit: Weekdays 3–6pm for HH prices
What to order: Al pastor, carne asada, michelada
Insider tip: Grab patio seats early—sunny days fill fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot in front of the center with ample free spaces; overflow parking available along Bernal Avenue.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; work clothes and jeans are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate during meal rushes, but outdoor patio seating stays conversational.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes for food after ordering; lines can build slightly during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait—most orders are ready within 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, veggie, and cheese-based tacos and burritos are available.
Vegan options: Limited—can build vegan tacos with beans, rice, guacamole, and salsa.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact may occur in shared prep areas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it’s more of a quick, casual taco stop than a sit-down experience. Great for a low-key hangout or casual meetup.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations are needed. It’s counter-service, and you’ll usually find a spot quickly either indoors or on the patio.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common here. Kids can share combo plates or tacos, and outdoor seating makes it easy for groups.
Best For
Better for: Quick, inexpensive tacos and casual group meals without the wait or fuss of Main Street spots.
Skip if: You’re after a sit-down dinner with table service or upscale margaritas—try Oyo or Blue Agave instead.
Taqueria Extra
8.2
Counter-service taqueria known for a 3-for-$6 taco happy hour and quick turnarounds. Straightforward al pastor and asada lead the lineup, with a help-yourself salsa setup that keeps costs low.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada tacos, Suadero taco (weeknight special)
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Weekday happy hour with 3-for-$6 tacos served fast.
Who should go: After-work taco runs on a budget
When to visit: Mon–Fri 3–6pm for the taco deal
What to order: Al pastor, carne asada, michelada
Insider tip: Grab patio seats early—sunny days fill fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot shared with nearby shops; easy midday, tighter during dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; most guests in jeans or workwear.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly counter chatter and kitchen sounds.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes at peak; turnover is quick.
Weekday lunch: No wait; orders come out in under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie tacos available.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for veggie tacos without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes—corn tortillas used, but cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it's fast-casual and more practical than romantic, though fine for a quick, low-pressure meetup.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—counter-service only; tables turn fast even at peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—casual vibe, quick food, and mild options make it easy for families; patio seating helps with strollers.
Best For
Better for: Faster and cheaper than most sit-down Mexican spots downtown; ideal for quick weekday meals.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for cocktails, polished service, or elaborate plating.
Taqueria Extra
7.6
Counter-service taqueria known for weekday happy-hour taco deals and speedy pacing. Straight-ahead meats and a help-yourself salsa setup make it a value play.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada burrito, Michelada
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: M–F happy hour tacos (3-for-deal) with quick counter service.
Who should go: Budget-minded taco hunters
When to visit: Mon–Fri 3–6pm for happy-hour pricing
What to order: Al pastor tacos, asada burrito, michelada
Insider tip: Hit happy hour early; patio tables go first on sunny days.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared plaza lot with plenty of free spaces; usually easy except around weekday lunch rush.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; work clothes or shorts are fine.
Noise level: Moderate—busy counter chatter and music, but you can still talk comfortably.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes max; quick turnover since it’s counter-service.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; orders are filled within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie tacos and burritos are available.
Vegan options: Limited—veggie tacos without cheese or sour cream work, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most tacos use corn tortillas; no separate prep area, so cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless you’re keeping it ultra-casual—it’s more of a quick taco stop than a sit-down date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations here; it’s walk-up only and tables turn over fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—fast service and familiar food make it easy for kids, though outdoor tables are limited.
Best For
Better for: Quick, cheap taco runs with solid al pastor and speedy service.
Skip if: You’re after margaritas, ambiance, or a sit-down dinner—try Blue Agave or Alberto’s instead.
Taqueria Extra
8.3
Counter-service taqueria turning out hefty Mission-style burritos with a quick line and a clean salsa bar. Portions and pricing make it a weekday staple near Bernal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Super Burrito, Carnitas Breakfast Burrito, Chile Verde Burrito
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Fast, generous burritos with a proper salsa bar.
Who should go: Hungry commuters and weekday lunch crowd
When to visit: Weekdays 11:30–1:00 for shortest lines
What to order: Al pastor super, carnitas breakfast, chile verde
Insider tip: Order salsas on the side to keep tortillas from sogging.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot in the small Bernal shopping center with reliable midday availability; fills slightly around peak lunch hour.
Dress code: Ultra casual — come as you are, work clothes or gym wear both fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly takeout and quick dine-in traffic, easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: Usually no wait; steady flow but quick turnover.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes at peak noon rush, otherwise immediate service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burritos, quesadillas, and rice/bean plates available.
Vegan options: Limited — can customize veggie burrito without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Partially — corn tortillas are safe, but shared surfaces not certified gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date — better for casual lunches or post-work meals where quick service and hearty food matter more than ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-in only and typically open seating; no reservations accepted or needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — relaxed counter setup with basic seating; fine for kids who can handle casual dining, though no children’s menu or booster seats.
Best For
Better for: Fast burrito service with big portions and fair prices — ideal for weekday value seekers.
Skip if: You want a sit-down experience, table service, or plated presentation; head to Blue Agave Club instead.
Taqueria Extra
8.4
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
Modern taqueria with a big menu and consistently fresh toppings. Birria, grilled fish, and handmade-style tortillas make it a popular stop near Pleasanton Gateway.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Tacos (with consommé), Grilled Fish Taco, Carnitas Taco
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Birria and grilled taco options with quick service and plenty of seating.
Who should go: Busy families and birria fans
When to visit: Late lunch 1:30–3:00 for faster turnaround
What to order: Birria tacos with consommé, fish taco, carnitas
Insider tip: Request tortillas lightly crisped on the plancha for extra texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface lot with plenty of free spaces within Pleasanton Gateway; easy access during lunch and dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — jeans, tees, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — lively with background music and chatter, but you can hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours; counter orders move quickly once seated.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait — service is fast and efficient even during rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — grilled veggie tacos, cheese enchiladas, and customizable rice bowls available.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 solid options if you skip cheese and crema; salsas and beans are vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas and most fillings are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or daytime meet-up than a formal date — bright, open setting with self-service style.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — all seating is first come, first served; large tables turn quickly even on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely — plenty of seating, quick service, and mild options make it great for families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Fresher toppings, faster service, and more spacious seating than most local taquerias.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, candlelit setting or full-service dining experience.