Members’ Favorite Tacos in the West

“The Machaca de Tres Chiles is a house specialty at Teresa’s Mosaic Cafe in Tucson and also available as a taco filling. The meat is cooked and seasoned perfectly (shredded beef is sauteed with roasted green chiles, bell peppers, and poblano chiles), and the tortillas are made by hand on the premises. I add salsa, avocado, lettuce, and tomato.” —Mary C. Funk

“There are three Roundhouse Deli locations around Sacramento, and they all serve tri-tip tacos. The meat is sliced thin, tossed in a smoky-sweet barbecue hot sauce, and topped with lettuce and cheese. I’d drive an hour for those tacos, but there’s a location 10 minutes from my home and a different one 20 minutes from my work.”  —Scott Starkey

“My favorite taco is the beer-battered local rock cod taco at Rocker’s Roadhouse in Valley Ford, California, a cute old hotel and restaurant on the way to Bodega Bay. The fish is topped with apple-fennel slaw and remoulade sauce—what’s not to love! You can dine on the wonderful patio that’s sheltered from the fog and wind.” —Karen Winters

“For over 30 years, Lone Star Taqueria in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, has been serving exceptional fish tacos—and I have been a customer for at least 25 of them. The taco of the day varies every few hours because new fresh fish is constantly being delivered. They use the freshest produce and ingredients to go with the high-quality fish and meats. If you are just a chips-and-salsa type, no problem: Lone Star has homemade chips and tortillas along with a salsa smorgasbord. The name may be Lone Star, but it’s a five-star place.” —Chris Seibert

“Daddy’s Tacos NV in Reno! It started as a food truck, and now there is also a restaurant. I love the quesabirria tacos. Getting it “quesa style” means they grill the cheese like a quesadilla, then add in the birria meat and an onion cilantro mix. It’s very tender, and the consommé is rich. There’s a birria burger, too!” —Rachelle Marquez

“My favorite taco place in the West? Well, it’s a place that has a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean with its prime beachfront location along California’s scenic Highway 1. Media outlets have dubbed it the most beautiful and most scenic of its kind. One can dine on its famous outdoor patio while watching surfers and migrating whales. I speak of the Taco Bell Cantina in Pacifica, California! My friends and I refer to it as ‘Taco Bell Sur la Mer.’ I order pretty basic things like the soft taco or chicken quesadilla. After we eat, we throw a Frisbee on the beach.” —Mark Inouye

“Although I have lived my entire adult life in Northern California, Tito’s Tacos in Culver City, California, is my favorite taco place. The food is authentic and delicious. My favorite entrees are the shredded beef tacos and tostadas, topped with mild salsa. I need lots of napkins because they are so messy and juicy! Writing this makes me want to hit the road and drive 400 miles for a Tito’s Tacos taco.” —Holly Moore

“If you find yourself at Jalisco Taqueria in San Jose, order the carne asada taco. The flavor of the meat along with the onions and cilantro, and the house hot sauce, plus the soft corn tortillas with the edges slightly toasted ... it’s street taco heaven.”  —Jonas Nolasco

“I live over an hour away, but Kito’s Taco Shop in Corte Madera, California, is always worth the drive. It has a colorful, cozy ambience and amazing street tacos with the freshest guacamole and chips. Plus, there’s great elote and, of course, sangrias and mimosas to add to the relaxed vibe. It’s a popular spot with families in the neighborhood, too!” —Elaine Haggerty

“The Smoked Taco, a barbecue-Mexican fusion chain with locations around Utah, has several unique taco options. Most of them are not ground beef, and they are delicious. I like ‘The OG,’ with pulled pork, slaw, sweet red peppers, and teriyaki sauce. My hubby likes ‘The Gringo,’ which has barbecue brisket, crispy fried onions, candied jalapenos, and cotija cheese. So good!” —Bonna Belliger