TACO TUSSLE The

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

We here in Southern California are blessed to be surrounded by an abundance of amazing taquerias.

A simple Google or Yelp search for “tacos” in the immediate area reveals there’s no shortage of shops, stands or restaurants to pick up some tacos for lunch and dinner—or perhaps even breakfast.

So how do you decide which taco shop to visit? Well, that’s where we here at Picket Fence Media have come in to give our thoughts on the tastiest tacos in our three towns.

Because of the sheer volume of eateries that serve delicious and renowned tacos in South County—Ricardo’s Place, Sole Agave, Asada Cantina + Kitchen, Sancho’s Tacos, among many others—we’ve limited this list to just some of the area’s notable (and lesser-known) grab-n-go taco stands and shops.

33621 DEL OBISPO ST. DANA POINT, 949.558.5430. EATLUPES.COM

Starting off strong on this list of taquerias is Lupe’s—which shouldn’t come as a shock, considering it’s won six overall medals, including this past year’s Gold Lantern, for Best Taco in our annual People’s Choice Awards.

Using handmade corn tortillas, Lupe’s takes the simplicity of a street taco and adds a bit of its own flair.

Each is filled with your choice of protein, such as beer-battered fish, grilled chicken, carnitas, shrimp—or spicy shrimp—and steak, just to name a few. There’s even a Surf & Turf taco with both shrimp and steak.

Lupe’s also has Signature Tacos, offering customers the opportunity to try octopus, steak and cactus, ahi tuna, or a combination of octopus, smoked tuna and shrimp— which Lupe’s has dubbed the Oceanside Taco.

And though it varies by the protein, each taco is topped with other flavorful ingredients including, but certainly not limited to, cotija or mozzarella cheese, onions, cilantro, and guacamole or avocado, cabbage, as well as red, white and chipotle sauces.

Despite all these great choices, my Hispanic roots are always going lead me to the al pastor. And, órale, Lupe’s does not disappoint. The pork is marinated to perfection and is oh-so tender. It’s hands down my favorite meat on the menu.

2313 S. EL CAMINO REAL, SAN CLEMENTE. 949.498.5904; 550 N. EL CAMINO REAL, SAN CLEMENTE. 949.498.5908. PEDROSTACOS.COM.

This San Clemente staple is all about the stoke by supporting the local surf vibes, earning the title of Best Taco in our annual People’s Choice Ole Awards for several years running—and deservedly so.

With two locations in San Clemente, both along El Camino Real, Pedro’s Tacos epitomizes the local taco stand, serving up soft tacos that are inspired by flavors of the Baja peninsula. Since 1986, surfers have visited the stands hungry and left satiated.

From carne asada to the highly popular shrimp, these tacos are filling and full of taste as they include a healthy serving of protein, and a generous amount of cabbage, pico de gallo and sauce. These tacos are great for us carnivores, as well as pescatarians and even vegetarians—try the potato taco, mmhmm

27124 PASEO ESPADA, SUITE 803, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO. 949.240.3440; 34069 DOHENY PARK RD. CAPISTRANO BEACH. 949.240.8659; 400B CAMINO DE ESTRELLA, SAN CLEMENTE. 949.240.9011. LASGOLONDRINAS.BIZ

Another local staple with multiple locations around our three towns, Las Golondrinas is the place to go if you’re searching for some stuffed tacos—especially on Taco Tuesdays, when it sells tacos at a discounted price.

Here, taco connoisseurs will find the standard stalwarts—carne asada, chicken, carnitas and fish. But what sets Las Gol apart? It sells mole, a traditional sauce used in Mexican cuisine to marinade meats, particularly chicken.

Customers can also get chile verde and potato tacos. And if you’re in the mood for some more crunch, Las Gol also offers crispy tacos with either shredded beef or chicken that are topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato and salsa.

31921 CAMINO CAPISTRANO, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, 949.240.3141. ELCAMPEONINC.COM.

A taqueria, a carniceria, a panaderia, and a market all in one, El Campeon has got everything you need to enjoy some delicious Mexican cuisine on the go or prepare your own meals for later.

But as far as the tacos are concerned, well, El Campeon is a tough one to beat. It’s got so many options from your standard carne asada, pollo and carnitas to the more traditional Mexican offerings including chicharron (pork skin), cabeza de res (beef head) and lengua (beef tongue).

No matter what your preference, each taco, served on soft corn tortillas with onion and cilantro, are flavorful, tender, juicy and well-marinated.

And, of course, you’ve got to wash it all down with your favorite aquas frescas. Be sure to head over to the panaderia (bakery) side to grab some pan dulce, or Mexican sweet bread.

700 S. EL CAMINO REAL, SAN CLEMENTE. 949.441.7584

Adolfo’s is your typical no-frills, hole-inwall Mexican eatery that serves up all your favorite dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner—and then a late-night dinner (early breakfast?) after an evening in Downtown San Clemente’s “Triangle.”

These soft tacos are not for the faint of heart. They are packed with your protein of choice, so much so that you can practically make another filling taco with all the meat that spilled out as you were grubbing.