In California, Mexican food reigns supreme with the humble taco its most iconic dish. It hits the spot any time of the day or night. The flavors of Mexico are brought north of the border and made uniquely Californian by local Visalia chefs. Mexico, like the US, is made up of individual states: 32 of them. And each offers a unique blend of flavors.
Take this self-guided walking tour of downtown Visalia and explore the diverse taco flavors, both traditional and innovative, at these local restaurants. Along the way, you will learn about the different flavors that have influenced our chefs and made us all passionate believers.
You can start the tour at any location or follow our map. Let us know what your favorite taco flavor is!
Start your self-guided Taco Tour with this list of great restaurants. We've included some that aren't Mexican restaurants because Latin flavors have influenced their menus as well. Whether you sit at a table, stand up at the bar, or take your tacos to go, you will enjoy this walk through downtown and this taco tasting trip.
Need a map of the locations? You can download one here: Lets Taco About It Taco Tour Map.
There are only a few seats inside this pint sized restaurant. The appeal of this walk-up is the casual outdoor seating. The surprise is the choice you have in tacos here. You can try their Pork Belly Tacos made with homemade tortillas, fire roasted salsa and pickled onions. OR try their Vegan taco. That’s right, Vegan! The Portobello Mushroom taco comes with veggies, fire roasted salsa and guacamole sauce. Sounds good even for non-vegans.
After 30 years in business, Colima knows what customers like. They use recipes from their home state of Colima, Mexico, south of Guadalajara near the Pacific coast. Their coastal influence makes it no surprise that their most popular taco is their Fish Tacos. What makes them even more special is that all the tortillas are freshly made, right when they’re ordered.
Vibrant tile work on the exterior of the restaurant will let you know you have arrived. For a change of pace, try their chicken crispy tacos!
Not a traditional Mexican restaurant but one that grabs its flavors from around the globe. Tacos are a popular item on the menu, especially on Taco Tuesday. Pick your favorite grilled chicken, steak or halibut. What makes them special is the house made Chipotle sauce. It doesn’t need to be Taco Tuesday to enjoy these that include grilled meat, cheese, shaved red cabbage, cilantro, fire roasted salsa and their famous chipotle sauce.
Talk to the owner, Saul Espinosa, about his food and you will want to order everything on the menu! His family is from the Michoacan state along the Pacific coast, but they love to share flavors from many different states throughout Mexico. If they make it there, he will make it better here. But for tacos, try Tacos Governador. Corn tortillas with shrimp and fish sauteed in garlic butter. Then, add in monterey Jack cheese, their special cabbage with a hint of lime, and topped with avocado.
Using locally grown and farm fresh ingredients, Maximos' Taqueria prides itself in their fresh food, and top of the line produce. From meats to vegetables. From their Mariscos to their Tres Leches cakes, Maximo and his son Jorge make sure all food is fresh, local, and delicious.
A little off the beaten path on Center Street one block from Main Street but well worth the effort, is Left of Center. They have a unique blend of southern food mixed with Latin flavors. Try their Achiote Grilled Chicken taco with tomatillo salsa and a cumin lime crema. Served with rice and escabeche.
When 'taco' is in your name, it has to be good. These street style tacos hit the spot. And FYI: They have a second location down Mooney Blvd.
Visalia has lots of great restaurants that serve delicious tacos. If you want to explore more of Visalia, try out these restaurants. Here are a few that are definitely worth checking out.
If you like bacon, try their signature Tacos Puntas: carne asada, bacon, grilled onion, bell peppers and a sprinkle of Jack cheese.
Within walking distance from the Lamp Liter Inn, this family run restaurant has just the taco you are looking for.
Download a map of the locations of these restaurants here: Taco Tour of Downtown Visalia.
