Posted: Tuesday, Sep 5th, 2023
Updated: Thursday, Mar 27th, 2025
Where To Find The Best Tacos In Ventura: A Complete Guide to the Avenue Taco District
Ventura is known for a lot of things: our beautiful beaches, our expansive green spaces for biking and hiking, and our tendency to enjoy quality cuisine with an ocean view. And we’d like to emphasize the third item on that list because one of our favorite things to do is walk on the beach with a taco in hand. Can you imagine anything better? Luckily, there are plenty of taco spots in Ventura, creating a delicious taco trail in Ventura that locals and visitors should check out. And the Ventura Avenue is a popular area in town to have authentic, fresh, and delicious tacos in Ventura — you can find some of the best tacos in Ventura on the Avenue.
Thanks to the Westside Community Development Corporation (WCDC), a Community Based Development Organization that promotes the beauty of Ventura’s Westside, we have a complete list of tacos and taquerías on the Ventura Avenue. These are locally owned and operated spots, many of which are family businesses.
Read on for a list of tacos— in no particular order— in Ventura on the Ventura Avenue. Don’t worry, you don’t have to try them all in one day. But we’re warning you: you may be tempted to!
Maggie’s On the Avenue
What you should try: Asada and Al Pastor tacos, corn burrito
Probably the farthest up the Ventura Avenue/Avenue Taco District, you’ll find an unsuspecting taco spot that really only the locals know about. Also known to be skateboard pro Curren Caples’s favorite place to get a taco, Maggie’s is incredibly affordable.
When you walk up to order, you’ll look up to find an extensive menu with breakfast options, combo plates, many different tacos, and maybe surprisingly, burgers too. Maggie’s is a to-go type of spot as there isn’t any seating outside. Grab your tacos and head to the beach!
Lalo’s
What you should try: Taco de Lengua
Pulling up to Lalo’s, you’re transported to another time: oranges, reds, blues, yellows, and greens make you feel like you’re in classic vintage California. A bit drive-in-esque, Lalo’s is a Ventura Avenue staple offering some delicious tacos. There’s tons of space to eat outside on some cute orange tables and enjoy your food, or, head inside for indoor seating as well. Serving breakfast all day, and offering catering, you can’t go wrong with Lalo’s. Try their taco de lengua (aka beef tongue) for a unique taco. It’s juicy, tender, and flavorful — don’t get too wrapped up in the type of meat!
Taqueria Ventura Doña Raquel
What you should try: Empanada taco
A little hole in the wall, Taqueria Ventura Doña Raquel is a small taquería on the Ventura Avenue — so small you may miss it. Luckily, if you talk to any Ventura locals and ask where you should get tacos, they’ll probably mention Taqueria Ventura because it’s truly a local favorite and on many people’s lists as some of the best tacos in Ventura. With only outdoor seating available, you’ll take a seat on gorgeous tiled tables surrounded by tropical palm trees and plants which sets the perfect vibe to dig into some tacos. This taquería is known to make its tortillas from scratch and you can also order a late-night bite on Grub Hub.
Pablito’s Tacos
What you should try: Birria queso taco and keto birria taco
As one of the only taco trucks on this list, Pablito’s Tacos packs a punch despite its small size. Nestled in between a local church and a rehabilitation center for men on the Ventura Avenue, Pablito’s Tacos serves delicious food for a good cause. A co-op of sorts that benefits the rehabilitation center it’s connected to, the friendly men behind the order window are working towards something bigger than tacos. Try their delicious birria queso taco or their keto birria taco. There’s limited seating so you can enjoy your taco before continuing on to the beach or Downtown Ventura.
Taqueria Cuernavaca
What you should try: Veggie taco and mushrooms and papa taco
Looking for a vegetarian taco? Give Taqueria Cuernavaca’s veggie taco or mushroom and papa taco a try (both amazing vegetarian-friendly taco options). With plenty of seating inside and outdoors, Taqueria Cuernavaca has a more modern aesthetic but the food tastes completely authentic.
Taqueria Tepatitlan
What you should try: fish fajita taco and a Michelada
Family-owned and operated, Taqueria Tepatitlan is a local spot known for its fish tacos and known as one of the only taquerías in the Ventura Avenue Taco District with a full bar and beer on tap (try their killer Michelada!). Sit inside for a fun sports bar vibe or head outside and sit in their cute outdoor patio. Check out their daily specials for lunch or dinner and try some of the best tacos in Ventura here at Taqueria Tepatitlan.
Red Barn Market
What you should try: Carnitas and Chicharrón tacos
An unsuspecting spot to grab fresh tacos, Red Barn Market is a full-scale local grocery store on the Westside with fresh produce, a deli, and aisles and aisles of food. Grab your groceries and delicious tacos (head to the very back of the store for tacos) and even a scoop of Thrifty ice cream.
El Asadero
What you should try: al pastor queso taco
One of the only taco spots on the Ventura Avenue that is known for its trompo style al pastor (the style of al pastor that rotates around a fire), El Asadero is a classic taquería spot in Ventura’s Taco District. Sit inside or enjoy the sunshine on their smaller outside patio seating surrounded by beautiful flowers. El Asadero also has an event space for parties or large gatherings (ask about having a taquero for your party).
Indian Rasoi
What you should try: Naan tacos (chicken tikka masala or chicken vindaloo)
Yep, you read it right. Tacos are universal and we had to include Indian Rasoi’s taco offerings. But first, let’s talk about the inside: it’s a super cozy vibe with beautiful chairs and seats. Want to spend lunch eating and doing some work? Indian Rasoi is the place to study and keep your stomach full of good food. You might miss Indian Rasoi as you walk along the Avenue but don’t overlook what’s inside. And better yet, don’t overlook what you’ll get to eat from Indian Rasoi. It’s a family restaurant that puts a lot of love and thoughtfulness into each meal that goes on the plate.
PS. Order their ginger basil limeade to go along with your naan taco!
El Jarocho Seafood
What you should try: fried fish taco, fried shrimp taco, and grilled shrimp taco
Another hidden spot in the Ventura Taco District is El Jarocho Seafood, known for its seafood inspired by the Veracruz state in Mexico. With plenty of parking in the parking lot out front and inside seating, try each of their salsas at the salsa bar (the avocado salsa is out of this world!). And, you might even be able to meet el Jarocho himself when you stop in to order.
Angie’s Deli & Mexican Food
What you should try: Chicharron taco, Cabeza taco, and Asada taco
Hidden inside the Red Barn Liquor store, Angie’s Deli & Mexican Food is about as local as you can get. Inside, it’s a full liquor and convenience store — similar to the bodegas you might walk into in New York City. Journey to the right side of the store and order tacos you can only dream about. A great late-night spot, Angie’s tacos are fresh and delicious.
Johnny’s Mexican Food
What you should try: hard shell beef taco
Ask anyone who is even relatively into tacos in Ventura and they’ll probably mention Johnny’s as one of the places you have to check out for good old-school SoCal Mexican food. Not only is Johnny’s Mexican Food one of the oldest restaurants in town (established in 1947 in Santa Paula and moved to the Avenue in 1963), it truly is a staple. Great for a quick and affordable bite to eat, you can take your taco to go and head down to the beach or grab a seat indoors/outside. Try their corn burritos and their hard-shell beef taco.
Other Taco Spots in Ventura/Taco District to Try…
Also worth mentioning are Panadería Herrera (closed during Taco Week 2023) and El Taco de Jerez. Panadería Herrera, a green business, has been family-owned and operated for 30 years and you can check out their daily specials. El Taco de Jerez, a super local spot, is known for its cheap eats and a wide variety of tacos and food. And good news! El Paraiso Bar & Grill has recently reopened for your taco cravings. And last but certainly not least, don’t overlook 4 Way Market next to Kellogg Park for some good eats.
A little history of Avenue Taco Week
Avenue Taco Week was created by local resident Richard Carradine and produced with the support of WCDC, the City of Ventura, and the Westside Community Council (WCC). A chance to feature the local businesses and the beauty of the Westside is what Taco Week is all about. And it’s fun that you get to fill your stomach while doing so! Though Taco Week comes once a year, every day is Taco Day in Ventura, thanks to the diverse taco spots and taquerías in the Taco District and also all across the city.
Ventura Avenue’s Taco Trail with Ozomatli
We tracked down the irrepressible (and kind) Gerardo Gallegos, long-time Ventura Avenue resident, community activist and possessor of a non-stop buzzsaw creative mind (see Question #1). Gerardo runs the non-profit Restore Ventura, which includes a community garden (to encourage healthy eating), as well as the Avenida Surf Club, which connects kids from Ventura Avenue with the joy of surfing.
He also came up with the concept of the Taco District, shining (more) light on one of the tastiest assemblages (strung along Ventura Avenue, all the restaurants are within 3 miles of each other) of Mexican restaurants you’ll find anywhere.
That’s the short version of Gerardo’s efforts because we want to get to his answers. Suffice to say that Gerardo is the kind of person every community needs. He’s the kind of person you can trust. So trust this. Here (as he deftly puts it) is the 411 on Ventura Avenue (and beyond). And how to better understand a community. And make it better.
Visit Ventura recently toured the Taco District with Gerardo and band members (and all-around nice guys) of the Grammy award-winning Ozomatli. Masters of Latin, Hip-Hop, Funk and everything between, the boys in the L.A.-based band were also just plain great company, and the Westside tour was a great look at a Ventura gem — our town’s oldest — and one of its most delicious — neighborhoods. The tour finished with lunch at Taqueria Ventura “Doña Raquel,” and fish tacos that stack up against any place on the globe.
Possibly something to sing about? Stay tuned…
So Gerardo, who came up with the name “Taco District?”
“I was at a conference in Reno a couple of years ago, and I realized how much I love my neighborhood. At home, I could walk to 15 Mexican food establishments within minutes, and here I was in Reno running around trying to find a decent burrito. Then the light bulb turned on, and the rest was history.”
Are all of the restaurants in the Taco District family-owned?
“Yes, they’re all family-owned and operated. I would consider all of them to fall into the Mom & Pop category.”
Where is a good place to get pan dulce in Ventura? Close your eyes and describe the taste.
“Two places I can think of… Panaderia Herrera and Panaderia Lala’s. Think about your favorite muffin. Then think about your favorite donut. What if they had a baby? Pan Dulce!”
Why do you think Ventura’s Hispanic culture is different from Hispanic cultures in some other places, for example, Los Angeles?
“Because L.A. is so big, Hispanic culture is easily influenced by other surrounding cultures. Ventura is unique because the families that call Ventura home have been in the neighborhood for generations, and all the family traditions continue to be passed down.”
How is Hispanic culture celebrated in Ventura?
“Bell Arts Factory has a great Baile Folklorico program. They do a lot of events in our community. Most recently, a new event called Va Por La Avenida has been celebrating our culture with Aztec Dancers, Music, Art & Car Shows. This is a quarterly event. The next one is March 21st when we celebrate Primavera (Spring).”
Where would you recommend people go shopping for authentic Hispanic knick-knacks? Places like, say, La Catrina Folk Art?
“Red Barn Market has a few things, but honestly, on the weekends the Ventura College Swap Meet is the best place. That’s where our community likes to shop because it has the feeling of being back home at a “Tianguis (open-air market).”
What other events celebrate Hispanic heritage in Ventura?
“Sometimes the Museum of Ventura County will have art exhibitions celebrating Hispanic heritage.”
What advice would you offer Ventura visitors (and locals) who really want to delve into our Ventura culture here?
“Volunteer. This will give you an idea of what we are passionate about, and it will help you build relationships with others who love this city. It can also give you the 411 on things to do and places to visit.”
What are the essential “to do’s” on the Avenue and in and around Ventura?
“We have it all, from the beach to the mountains…
- Surfers Point
- Patagonia Storefront
- Grant Park aka The Cross
- Bell Arts Factory
- The Restore Garden
- Kellogg Park
- Ventura River Bike Trail
- Foster Park
- Take a Mural Tour
- 1st Fridays Art Walk“
Is there anything you’d like to add?
The Westside Community Council is a great place to participate if you live or work on the Avenue. Meetings are the first Wednesday of each month, at 6:30 pm at Bell Arts Factory.
For more on the Taco District, check the Taco District Facebook page and Instagram account. For information about Restore Ventura, and what it does for the community, please click here.
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