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Taqueria Extra
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Taqueria Extra
8.1
Counter-service taqueria known for bright salsas, plancha-seared meats, and swift tickets late into the evening. It’s a dependable under-$15 stop for al pastor and hefty burritos downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Quesabirria, Super asada burrito
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Full salsa bar and late grill runs keep flavors lively.
Who should go: Burrito loyalists and night owls
When to visit: 9–10 pm for shortest lines
What to order: Quesabirria; al pastor; super asada burrito
Insider tip: Blend roja with avocado salsa for a smoky-creamy kick.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mt. Diablo Boulevard and side streets is generally available but can be tight during dinner hours; nearby public lots on Locust and Bonanza offer short-term free spaces after 6 pm.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are; most diners stop in post-work or post-bar with jeans, hoodies, or tees.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—expect a steady hum from the open grill and late-night crowd but still fine for casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes during peak hours, with quick turnover even when lines form.
Weekday lunch: No wait for most of the day; service moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie tacos or burritos available on request.
Vegan options: Limited—grilled veggie tacos and chips with salsa are the main options; ask to skip cheese and crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are used for most tacos, but burritos and quesadillas use flour; no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your idea of a date is casual and quick—think grabbing tacos before a movie or bar hop, not a sit-down romantic meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service only, and tables are first come, first served. Even during peak hours, turnover is fast enough to find a spot within minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu, quick service, and affordable prices make it fine for families with kids 6+. Space is tight, so strollers may be awkward during rush hours.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burritos, fast service, and a wide salsa bar make it ideal for quick, satisfying meals when other spots have closed.
Skip if: You’re looking for cocktails, a quiet atmosphere, or table service—go to La Ezkina Grill & Cantina instead.
Taqueria Extra
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Late Night Legends
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Counter-service taqueria known for speedy tickets, bright salsas, and late hours. Al pastor off the plancha and hefty burritos make it a dependable under-$15 stop downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Quesabirria, Super carne asada burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Full salsa bar and fast late-night grill runs.
Who should go: Burrito loyalists and night owls
When to visit: 9–10 pm for shortest lines
What to order: Al pastor tacos; quesabirria; super asada burrito
Insider tip: Blend roja with avocado salsa for a smoky-creamy kick.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Mt. Diablo Blvd and side streets is free after 6 pm but fills fast on weekends. Small public lot nearby behind Main Street stores.
Dress code: Completely casual—jeans, hoodies, or gym clothes all fine.
Noise level: Moderate during peak hours—mostly takeout chatter and salsa bar sounds but still easy for quick conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for orders; tables turn fast even late.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically—grab-and-go counter stays efficient.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie burritos and quesadillas available.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for veggie burrito or tacos with beans and guacamole, no cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes—tacos use corn tortillas, but cross-contact possible on shared grill.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s a counter-service taqueria with fluorescent lighting and quick pacing. Better suited for casual meetups or post-event bites.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Always—no reservations needed or offered. Most guests order at the counter and eat within minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick family meals—simple menu, mild options, and fast service, but limited seating and no high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Faster and cheaper than sit-down Mexican spots downtown—great for solo meals or late-night cravings under $15.
Skip if: You’re seeking a polished dining atmosphere, craft cocktails, or patio seating—head to Bar Camino or 5 Tacos & Beers instead.
Taqueria Extra
8.0
Counter-service taqueria known for swift tickets, bright salsas, and late-night hours. Go for al pastor off the plancha and hefty burritos that land well under the $15 mark.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria tacos, Al pastor tacos, Super carne asada burrito
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Speedy late-night counter with a full salsa bar.
Who should go: Burrito loyalists and night owls
When to visit: 9–10 pm for shortest lines and fresh grill runs
What to order: Quesabirria; al pastor tacos; super asada burrito
Insider tip: Blend roja with avocado salsa for a smoky-creamy kick.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small private lot behind the strip mall plus street parking along Mt. Diablo Blvd—easy access after 7 pm.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, ball caps, and late-night attire all fine.
Noise level: Moderate—mostly kitchen clatter and chatter, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes for counter orders during the late rush.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; food comes out within 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean burritos, cheese quesadillas, and veggie tacos available.
Vegan options: Limited—can build custom veggie tacos or burritos without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most tacos use corn tortillas, but burritos and quesadillas contain flour; no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless you both love low-key taquerias—it’s more about speed and flavor than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations needed; order at the counter and grab any open table inside or on the small patio.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual meals—high chairs available and kids’ burritos or quesadillas are easy hits.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burrito cravings and quick taco fixes under $15—faster and cheaper than Bar Camino or 5 Tacos & Beers.
Skip if: You’re looking for cocktails, table service, or a sit-down date environment.
Taqueria Extra
8.1
Counter-service taqueria known for fast tickets, bright salsas, and late nightly hours. It’s the budget-friendly answer for quick tacos and super burritos after downtown events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria, Al Pastor Tacos, Super Carne Asada Burrito
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Speedy late-night service with a full salsa bar.
Who should go: Burrito loyalists and night owls on a budget
When to visit: 9–10 pm for shortest lines and fresh grill runs
What to order: Quesabirria, al pastor tacos, super carne asada burrito
Insider tip: Mix roja and avocado salsa for a smoky-creamy kick.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot and limited street parking along Mt. Diablo Blvd; tends to fill by 8:30 pm on weekends.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, gym wear, and post-event outfits all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate buzz from orders and grill activity; outdoor tables quieter for conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes during peak 9–10 pm hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait; service usually under 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, veggie, and cheese burritos available with salsa and guac add-ons.
Vegan options: Limited—grilled veggie tacos and bean plates can be customized sans cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most tacos use corn tortillas; burritos and quesadillas not suitable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date’s into casual taco runs; it’s more fast-service than romantic, but ideal for a fun, low-key nightcap.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Always—this is a walk-up taqueria with counter service and self-seating; tables turn fast even late.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids or teens; simple menu, quick service, and mild salsa options make it approachable.
Best For
Better for: Late-night takeout and quick post-show meals—it’s faster and cheaper than most downtown Mexican spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for cocktails, polished plating, or a sit-down dinner vibe; head to Xicote or Bar Camino instead.
Taqueria Extra
8.1
Counter-service taqueria known for fast tickets and extended daily hours. Portions run generous, salsas are bright, and late-night burrito cravings are reliably covered.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super carne asada burrito, Quesabirria with consomé, Al pastor tacos
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Speedy late-night service with a full salsa bar.
Who should go: Burrito loyalists and budget-minded night owls
When to visit: 9–10 pm for shortest lines and fresh grill runs
What to order: Quesabirria, al pastor tacos, super carne asada burrito
Insider tip: Mix roja and avocado salsa for a smoky-creamy kick.
Taqueria Extra
8.2
Counter-service taqueria known for hefty super burritos and quick ticket times. Solid meats, generous add-ons, and late hours make it a reliable downtown staple.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Burrito (carnitas), Chile Verde Burrito, Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Big, customizable burritos turned fast with plenty of meat choices.
Who should go: Lunch crowds and downtown workers
When to visit: Beat peak 12–1 pm rush on weekdays
What to order: Carnitas super burrito; chile verde; breakfast burrito
Insider tip: Ask for light rice and extra salsa to balance richness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Mt. Diablo Blvd. and nearby cross streets; easiest before noon or after 6 pm.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are, work clothes or weekend wear both fine.
Noise level: Moderate—counter chatter and takeout traffic but still easy for quick conversation.
Weekend wait: Minimal wait; service is counter-order and fast turnover.
Weekday lunch: Busy 12–1 pm with short lines; usually under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian burritos, quesadillas, and veggie tacos available.
Vegan options: Limited—can build a custom burrito with beans, rice, and salsa (no cheese or sour cream).
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but burrito tortillas contain gluten; cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into casual eats—this is more quick lunch stop than date-night setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Always—walk-up counter service with fast turnover and small dine-in seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu, quick service, and mild options make it fine for kids over 5; limited seating for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Faster, bigger, and cheaper burritos than sit-down spots downtown.
Skip if: You’re looking for margaritas, ambiance, or a long sit-down meal.
Taqueria Extra
7.8
No-frills counter spot known for fast service and reliable tacos at friendly prices. Expect classic proteins griddled to order, warm tortillas, and salsas that skew bright and spicy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Taco, Carne Asada Taco, Carnitas Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Speed, price, and steady execution on the classics.
Who should go: Lunch crowds and commuters
When to visit: 11:00–1:00 or after 6:30
What to order: Al pastor, carne asada, carnitas
Insider tip: Grab extra salsa—green runs mild, red carries the heat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared plaza lot nearby with 2-hour free parking; fills up during lunch rush.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are, from office wear to gym clothes.
Noise level: Moderate at peak lunch hours, but conversational; quiet later in the day.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes depending on takeout orders.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; counter moves fast even when busy.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—beans, cheese, and veggie tacos available by request.
Vegan options: Limited—try veggie tacos without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most tacos use corn tortillas, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates low-key taco joints—it's more practical than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service only with quick turnover; no reservations accepted or needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids who like tacos will be fine, but there’s limited seating and no high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable taco fixes where flavor and speed matter most.
Skip if: You’re after cocktails, ambience, or an extended sit-down meal—head to La Ezkina instead.