How to Do: Tacos on the Cheap

With such close proximity to Mexico, it's no surprise that tacos have become the alpha food group and an integral part of the California lifestyle. Whether you're happy, sad, achieved something great, got your heart broken, on a budget, or simply hangry, tacos are always there for you. With your wallet and appetite in mind, we rounded up the best deals in the Bay so you can get your fix on Taco Tuesday and beyond!


San Francisco 


The Taco Shop at Underdogs (1824 Irving St)

From 4:30pm  - 6:00pm, enjoy $2 street tacos, $3 Tecates, $4 Margaritas, $1 off well drinks.


Taquerias El Farolito (2779 Mission St)

This quintessential taco shop serves up the tacos of your dreams until 2:30 am.


La Taqueria (2889 Mission St)

Your choice of any meat taco for $3.75


The Blue Light (1979 Union St)

Tacos for a buck fifty and $2 Coronas every Tuesday. What more do you need to know?!


El Tonayense (Harrison & 14th/17th/19th)

This award-winning fleet of taco trucks is serving up the best $2.50 tacos in SoMa. 


Taqueria San Francisco (2794 24th Street)

Tender chunky carnitas tacos for only $2? Yes, please!


Dr. Teeth (2323 Mission Street)

Double the trouble on Tuesdays at Dr. Teeth in the Mission where you can sip on two for the price of one margarita and chow down on some of the Bay's best $1 tacos. Sold!


El Gallo Giro Taco Truck (parked at 23rd + Treat)

Some of the best $2 tacos in town. We recommend opting for the 3 taco plate.






East Bay 


Tacos Mi Rancho (1434 1st Ave, Oakland)

Arguably one of the best taco trucks in Oakland, if not the whole Bay Area.


Cholita Linda (4923 Telegraph Ave, Oakland)

Perfectly crispy Baja Fish Tacos for $3.50.


Tacos el Gordo (4201 International Blvd, Oakland)

Tacos with any choice of meat for just $2. Get at them.


Taqueria La Familia (2971 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley)

Your choice of 3 crispy or soft tacos for $7.50.


La Mission (1255 University Ave, Berkeley)

Grab a few Baja fish tacos and a horchata to kick back and relax for easily under $11.


Taco Truck @ Guadalajara Parking Lot (Fruitvale Ave/San Leandro St, Oakland)

$1.50 for the tastiest little tacos you'll find around.






South Bay / Peninsula 


Metro Balderas 1 (688 S Almaden Ave, San Jose) 

Authentic tacos just like you'll find in Mexico but also incredibly spicy.


Iguana's (Multiple South Bay Locations)

Grab a pair of regular tacos for $2.79 or upgrade to super for $3.69.


La Victoria Taqueria (San Jose, Hayward)

Taco or not, smother their special orange sauce all over everything.


Sancho's Taqueria (491 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto)

1 taco for $1.85. Try their amazing Baja-style fish tacos for $3.95.


Angelou's Mexican Grill (21 N. 2nd St, San Jose)

Living in the shadow of La Vic's, Angelou's has tacos for $2.95 (make it super for just $0.60 more), free chips, and their own orange sauce. I think we all know who the real winner is here.


La Costa (1805 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose)

Get yourself a taco (or 7) for $1.95 each or if you're really hangry, make it a taco plate with 2 tacos + rice and beans for $6.50! Note: cash only!






North Bay 


Mi Pueblo Taqueria (800 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma)

Tasty tacos, strong drinks, and an incredibly sweet owner make this place a great time.


Taqueria San Jose (615 4th St, San Rafael)

Try the tacos dorados or the fish tacos, which are made with lettuce and salsa instead of mayo and cabbage.


Joe's Taco Lounge & Salsaria (382 Miller Ave, Mill Valley)

2 tacos with your choice of any meat for $7.50.


Salsalito Taco Shop (1115 Bridgeway, Sausalito)

Funky spot with good Mexican eats. Tacos for $3.85.



Written by Blake Bejan






Need something to wash down that taco? Check out our Margarita Guide!