Everyone who lives in Santa Maria has a favorite taco spot in town. Poll 20 people on the street and you’ll get almost 20 different answers. At least once a week I’ll have a reader or friend tell me that I need to check out “the absolute best most amazing Mexican restaurant,” and it’s usually one I haven’t heard of yet.
People have different reasons for selecting a favorite. Some choose theirs because they love the tacos. Others because their favorite Mexican place has the best burrito. Others because the dishes are uniquely authentic and remind them of their family’s home cooking.
It’s hard for me to pick a favorite because there are just too many good ones. It’s like picking a favorite picture of Ryan Gosling. I just love them all equally as much as the next.
But if I really had to celebrate one that stands out for me, I’d go with Señor Taco. Located at the corner of Blosser Road and Stowell Road, the venue is small and brightly lit, surrounded by large windows. Inside, a long counter separates the kitchen from the main dining area, which holds about 10 or so more tables.
To talk about Señor Taco is to talk about their tacos. The carne asada tacos, topped with cilantro and onion, are quite simply some of the best I’ve ever had. I think the secret is in the seasoning; they’re not too salty and the seasonings they use really pick up on the notes of the char on the meat. They’re served with a side of radish and lime wedges. It’s a beautifully simple dish with a zest of elegance.
Plus, they are perfectly sized. I hate the new American food trend of putting so much food on a plate you can’t physically put the whole thing in your mouth (this trend needs to die along with putting anything in Mason jars).
But it’s really the green sauce that is absolutely life changing. I pour it on everything I order; I can’t get enough. If you’re sensitive to spicy food (hey, I get it, some of us are getting older and our stomachs are not up to the chile challenge anymore) and you still want to savor their sauce, try adding a little sour cream to cut the heat.
I’m a huge fan of their torta de milanesa, a tenderized beef cutlet lightly breaded and fried, served with avocado, cheese, lettuce, and tomato. It’s like taking a chicken-fried steak and putting it on a sandwich, and I love it. The torta Cubana, while a little messy, is also good if you’re looking for something other than a taco.
I also particularly love a dish they serve known as huarache, which is a long oval-shaped masa base fried and topped with salsa, beans, your choice of meat, tomatoes, and lettuce. Plus, of course, the green sauce. Breakfast fans can look forward to dishes such as chilaquiles (one of my personal favorites), huevos a la Mexicana, and more.
It gets busy there, so if you come around the lunch or dinner rush, expect to wait a bit for your food. Prices are pretty reasonable, with tacos for $1.50 each. Plus, they have beer on tap, including Dos Equis, Modelo, 805, and more.
So while I’m still not able to hammer out an absolute favorite (and I’m sure after this runs I’ll get another flood of recommendations), Señor Taco gets as close to the top as possible. For now.
Arts and Lifestyle Writer Rebecca Rose’s old roommate once almost burned their house down trying to make chilaquiles. Contact her at rrose@santamariasun.com.
• Solvang Brew just released Citrus Cerveza, a Mexican style ale, which is a perfect seasonal beer for the last days of summer. Try a glass for yourself at 1547 Mission Dr., Solvang.
• Bell Street Farms’ summer special features a peach and crescenza tartine. Crescenza is an Italian cow’s milk cheese sometimes referred to as stracchino with a tart taste that pairs well with fresh fruit. Definitely don’t miss this dish at 406 Bell St., Los Alamos.
This article appears in Aug 31 – Sep 7, 2017.