Merced Mysteries & Minutiae: Taking suggestions for Merced County’s best tacos

Hi Mercedians,

Once again, I’m turning to you for recommendations.

While many in the U.S. – but maybe not so many in Mexico – celebrated Cinco de Mayo last week, they likely feasted on tacos, nachos and other stereotypical Latino dishes, paired with copious amounts of tequila.

Personally, I don’t need a misrepresented holiday as an excuse to eat some delicious Mexican food. My husband and I regularly choose tacos as our first choice for dinner. Sometimes we mix it up, making enchiladas, burritos, ceviche or tortas.

I’ve said in this column before that I’m fairly new to Merced. I haven’t quite lived here a year. So I’m always on the lookout for new experiences and treasures here.

One thing I’m always willing and eager to try is new-to-me restaurants. Suggestions from locals are always a good place to start, which leads to my question for you, readers.

Q: Where in Merced County can the best tacos be found?

I’m a bit of a taco snob.

I’ve lived in the San Joaquin Valley my whole life and have tested countless tacos prepared a bunch of different ways. I can vouch that within the area from Bakersfield to Modesto, there are some pretty unbeatable tacos.

In my non-Latino household growing up, we ate ground beef tacos with seasoning from a package. Those are good, but they’re not what I think of when I think of good tacos. Luckily, on nearly any corner in my hometown I could visit a taco truck or taqueria and get something more authentic.

And my in-laws make some of the best enchiladas I’ve ever had. Since my husband is Latino, naturally he has some pretty high expectations as well.

But so far, we’ve been to very few Mexican restaurants and taco trucks in Merced County. I need some guidance on where to go.

We live in the Valley, where there’s a high Latino population that has generously brought along their savory and spicy recipes from the homeland just south of California.

Though Los Angeles has gained a reputation for its tacos and Mexican cuisine, the valley doesn’t trail far behind. After all, there’s speculation that Fresno is the state’s taco capital. Fresno even has a contest each year to see who has the best tacos in town.

Merced has a higher percentage of Latinos than Fresno, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. While Fresno’s population is about 52 percent Latino, Merced’s is about 58 percent.

So I wonder where is the place, truck or taqueria, Mercedians flock to for superb tacos? I want to know what your favorite place is, what to try and what makes it so good. Send me your suggestions!

I can’t wait to eat all the the yummy tacos in Merced.

Sincerely,

A hungry reporter

This story was originally published May 8, 2016 at 3:26 PM with the headline "Merced Mysteries & Minutiae: Taking suggestions for Merced County’s best tacos."