Best Tacos in Petaluma, CA

Ask anyone in Petaluma where to get the best tacos in town, and Taqueria Los Potrillos is the answer you will hear most often. Since 1993, this family-owned taco shop on Washington Street has been turning out authentic street tacos that are simple, honest, and deeply satisfying. No gimmicks, no fusion twists, just real Mexican tacos done the way they have been made for generations.

With prices starting at $3.90, the tacos at Los Potrillos are not just the best in Petaluma but also some of the best value. Here is a closer look at what makes them worth seeking out.

What Makes a Great Street Taco

A great street taco is a study in simplicity. It starts with a warm corn tortilla, doubled up for structure. On top goes well-seasoned, properly cooked meat. Then a scattering of fresh cilantro and diced white onion, a squeeze of lime, and a spoonful of salsa. That is it. When the ingredients are right, nothing else is needed.

At Taqueria Los Potrillos, each element receives the attention it deserves. The corn tortillas are soft and pliable, warmed on the flat top so they pick up a little color and flavor. The meats are marinated and cooked using recipes that the Murillo family brought with them from Mexico. The salsas, both the green tomatillo and the smoky red, are made fresh every morning in the restaurant kitchen.

The Taco Menu: Every Variety Worth Trying

Carne Asada Tacos

The carne asada taco is the flagship. Thin-cut beef is marinated in a citrus-garlic blend, grilled over high heat, and chopped into bite-sized pieces. The meat has a nice char on the outside and stays juicy on the inside. It is the most popular taco at Taqueria Los Potrillos, and for good reason. If this is your first visit and you are not sure what to order, start here.

Al Pastor Tacos

Al pastor is one of the great achievements of Mexican street food. Pork is marinated in a dried chile and pineapple adobo, then slow-cooked until it develops deep, caramelized flavors. The taste is a balance of sweet, smoky, and savory that is completely unique. At Los Potrillos, the al pastor is cooked in the traditional style and served with a touch of pineapple, cilantro, and onion. It is a must-try for anyone who considers themselves a taco enthusiast.

Carnitas Tacos

Carnitas are made by slowly braising pork in its own fat and seasonings until it becomes incredibly tender and pulls apart with ease. The best carnitas have crispy edges and a rich, savory depth that comes from hours of patient cooking. The carnitas at Taqueria Los Potrillos deliver exactly that. These tacos are especially good with a generous squeeze of lime and a hit of the green salsa.

Chorizo Tacos

Mexican chorizo is a fresh pork sausage seasoned with dried chiles, vinegar, and spices. It is removed from its casing and cooked until crumbly and deeply colored. Chorizo tacos have a bold, slightly spicy flavor that stands up well to fresh onion and cilantro. They are a favorite among regulars who like a taco with a little more kick.

Lengua Tacos

Lengua, or beef tongue, is a traditional Mexican delicacy and a sign of a taqueria that takes its craft seriously. The tongue is braised low and slow until it becomes meltingly tender, then diced and served on corn tortillas. The flavor is rich and beefy, with a silky texture that is unlike any other cut of meat. If you have never tried lengua, Taqueria Los Potrillos is the place to start. It is one of the best tacos in Petaluma for adventurous eaters.

Fish Tacos (Pescado)

The fish tacos at Los Potrillos offer a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. Battered and fried fish fillets are served on corn tortillas with shredded cabbage, a drizzle of crema, and fresh pico de gallo. They are crispy, bright, and refreshing, a perfect choice on a warm Petaluma afternoon.

Pollo Asado Tacos

Grilled chicken is marinated and cooked until it has a light char and stays moist inside. Pollo asado tacos are a solid choice for anyone who prefers chicken, and they pair beautifully with the housemade green salsa.

How Tacos Are Served at Los Potrillos

You have a few ways to enjoy tacos at Taqueria Los Potrillos:

• Street tacos (a la carte) -- individual tacos starting at $3.90, served on doubled corn tortillas with cilantro and onion
• Taco plate -- three tacos with rice and beans, a full meal
• Soft taco (flour tortilla) -- same fillings wrapped in a larger flour tortilla for a different texture
• Crispy taco -- a hard-shell option with lettuce, cheese, and tomato

Each style has its fans, but the street tacos on corn tortillas are the way to go if you want the most traditional and authentic experience. That is how tacos are eaten throughout Mexico, and it is how they taste best at Taqueria Los Potrillos.

Fresh Ingredients, Every Day

What separates the best tacos in Petaluma from ordinary ones is the freshness of the ingredients. At Taqueria Los Potrillos, nothing sits around. Meats are marinated daily. Salsas are made each morning. Cilantro and onion are chopped fresh throughout the day. The tortillas are warmed to order. That kind of daily preparation is what gives each taco its vibrant flavor, and it is something you can taste from the first bite.

Being in Sonoma County gives Los Potrillos access to excellent local produce year-round, which makes a real difference when your dish relies on just a handful of ingredients. When every component matters, quality is everything.

A Petaluma Taco Tradition

For over 30 years, Taqueria Los Potrillos has been the place where Petaluma comes for tacos. Workers stop in during lunch for a quick pair of carne asada tacos. Families order plates on weekend evenings. Late-night crowds grab tacos on their way home. The restaurant is also a popular choice for taco catering at local events, where the same quality that defines the restaurant kitchen travels to backyards, offices, and event venues across Sonoma County.

If you are searching for the best tacos in Petaluma, the search ends at 355 E Washington Street. Come hungry, bring friends, and be ready to order more than you think you need.