Tacos: Not Just for Tuesdays Here…
Who doesn’t love a warm, juicy, crunchy (or soft) taco? But did you know that Lompoc has a rich history of taco making? From the opening of Lompoc’s first Taco Bell restaurant in 1968 to local favorite and DoorDash Darling Mr. Taco, Mexico’s famous, favorite culinary offering is every bit as Lompoc as rolling green hills, wide-open blue skies, and kaleidoscopic downtown murals.
Today, you can spend an entire afternoon and evening sampling tacos all across Lompoc (assuming you bring a big-league appetite to the table). In fact, we have just the name–and helpful guide–for such a delicious endeavor:
The Lompoc Taco Trail
So sit down. Grab a cerveza or agua fresca. And dig in here.
Then, head out and blaze your own bold Taco Trail…
TACO TRAIL RESTAURANTS
Angela’s Mexican Restaurant
Tacos are even tastier when they’re served on warm, traditional, homemade tortillas. That’s what you’ll enjoy at Angela’s Mexican Restaurant, where they proudly serve authentic Mexican cuisine. Located on 115 South J. Street, Angela’s is open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sundays.
El Palmar Mexican Restaurant
Homemade tortillas. Mouth-watering micheladas. Tacos. Tacos. Tacos. El Palmar Mexican Restaurant has a lot going for it. Conveniently located near the corner of Ocean and A Street, next to DJ’s Saloon, El Palmar is open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
El Toro Bronco
Members of the Magana family proudly and passionately stand behind every bite, sip, and memory at El Toro Bronco. Stop by for lunch, or stay a while and enjoy the full bar, friendly hospitality and cantina vibe. Located at 1030 North H. Street, El Toro Bronco is open 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sundays.
Floriano’s Mexican Food and Fresh Cuts
Tacos. Tacos. MORE TACOS! Floriano’s Mexican Food and Fresh Cuts offers no less than 17 different taco varieties, including ribeye, pork belly, and machaca. If you really love Floriano’s food, you can even become a VIP and enjoy access to exclusive menu items, discounts, and events. Located at 1140 North H Street, Floriano’s is open Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Mr. Taco Mexican Restaurant
Mr. Taco’s stated goal is to provide the best authentic Mexican food in Lompoc—and the family-owned, wildly popular taco spot at 3734 Constellation Road seems to be doing just that. Mr. Taco was started by a family from Aguascalientes, Mexico and has managed to grow into Lompoc’s favorite restaurant on DoorDash the past two years. Tony’s fish tacos, the nacho fries, and every other menu item are made from scratch, to order, with fresh, authentic ingredients. Spend a little time at Mr. Taco, and you’ll feel at home too.
O'Cairns Bistro
O'Cairns Bistro in Lompoc serves delicious carne asada, carnitas, and fish tacos, made with fresh ingredients and flavorful toppings. These tacos are part of a diverse menu that includes burgers, salads, and daily specials. Located at 940 E Ocean Ave, stop by for lunch M-F 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, and dinner Sun-Thursday 5:30-8:30 or Friday-Saturday 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
Tacos El Tizon
Tacos El Tizon has grown to encompass three Central Coast locations, but you’ll find the uber-inviting original at 1145 North H Street in Lompoc. Tacos are the house specialty here, and you can choose from a wide variety of meats, including fish and chorizo. If you have any appetite left over after all those tacos, the nachos here are also a local favorite. Tacos El Tizon is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sundays.
Tacos y Mariscos La Michoacana
Family owned and operated in Lompoc since 1993, Tacos y Mariscos La Michoacana is beloved by many, particularly for its seafood offerings. The breaded shrimp tacos and fried red snapper are particularly popular here. Located at 1009 North A Street, Tacos y Mariscos La Michoacana is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturdays and 8 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sundays.
Taqueria Don Tacho
Mama Angelica and Papa Don Tacho serve up traditional Mexican recipes from their grandparents at Taqueria Don Tacho. The steak and mushroom tacos (along with the cream-stuffed churros) are especially delicious here. Located at 614 North H Street, Taqueria Don Tacho is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., 9 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sundays.
Taqueria La Mision
Known for its juicy, exotic tacos and friendly service, Taqueria La Mision is always a wise, welcoming stop on your Taco Trail. In addition to the amazing variety of tacos (including tongue, or “lengua” and beef head, or “cabeza”), their mariscos rancherita is also quite popular with locals. Located at 410 Burton Mesa Blvd, Taqueria La Mision is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and closed on Mondays.
Toro Loco
Toro Loco’s popular menu features made-from-scratch Mexican food hand-crafted from traditional Arias family recipes. The fish tacos (available either breaded or grilled) and hand-rolled enchiladas are always a good choice here. Located at 200 East Ocean Avenue, Toro Loco is open Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Tortilleria La Reyna
Known for tender tacos and fresh, warm tortillas, Tortilleria La Reyna gets rave reviews for its carne asada, carnitas, and fish tacos. Feeling adventurous? Try the Buche, Lengua, or Trepitas! The homemade house salsa is also a local favorite. Located at 401 West Ocean Avenue, Tortilleria La Reyna is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Valle Eatery + Bar
If you’re staying at the new Hilton Garden Inn in Lompoc, Valle Eatery + Bar is the ideal start (or end) point for your Lompoc Taco Trail. If not…you should definitely still make a stop here along your journey. A stand-along concept co-created with a local Lompoc chef, Valle Eatery + Bar serves up mouth-watering fresh tacos and much more—all made fresh with area ingredients found on the Central Coast. You can also indulge in a creative cocktail and wine menu at Valle Eatery + Bar.
The Birria Boyz
Family-owned and operated, Birria Boyz taco truck is a local favorite known for their comforting food. Saucy, aromatic birria meat lovingly slow cooked and served up on flat-top fried corn tortillas with a handful of ooey-gooey cheese melted inside, topped with a sprinkle of cilantro and onions and a lime wedge. Try it with a side of consomé for dipping. For a perfect pairing, try their house made chilled cucumber lime agua fresca. Follow them on social media to find out where they're setting up shop tonight.