{"id":10854,"date":"2021-12-03T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-03T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osiddevelopment.flywheelstaging.com\/oceanside-ca-taco-tour\/"},"modified":"2024-03-06T14:45:02","modified_gmt":"2024-03-06T22:45:02","slug":"oceanside-ca-taco-tour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/blog\/oceanside-ca-taco-tour\/","title":{"rendered":"Oceanside, CA Taco Tour"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>\r\n

Oceanside Taco Tour<\/h2>
<\/hr>

\n

Contributing Writer & Photographer: Jordan Younis<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Believe it or not, more than a few US cities and states compete for the title \u201ctaco capital\u201d, but we think it\u2019s safe to say that California takes the crown. After all, our state boasts the highest Hispanic population in the nation — some 15 million strong.<\/span>\n\nDown here in Oceanside, just a stone\u2019s throw away from our Mexican neighbors, the taco scene is filled with variety, undoubtedly helped by the city\u2019s steady transformation, or should we say, evolution. Over the last few years, swanky oceanfront <\/span>hotel<\/span>s<\/span> and chic fine dining restaurants have nestled in among long-time local institutions, bringing diners new cuisine options and, you guessed it, more tacos. <\/span>\n\nEvery local has their favorites and most likely a list of recommendations to rattle off at the ready. Baja street-style, birria, modern, vegan, vegetarian, fish\u2026 The battle for the best is contentious, but there\u2019s no need to choose just one. Here are a few of Oceanside\u2019s must-try taco spots to add to your Taco Tuesday (or any day) agenda. <\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>

Carte Blanche Bistro & Bar<\/h2>
<\/hr>
<\/div>

We love traditional tacos, but sometimes a little inventiveness can take classics to a whole new level. That\u2019s what you\u2019ll get at Carte Blanche Bistro & Bar<\/a>. In the heart of downtown Oceanside just steps from the city\u2019s iconic pier, Carte Blanche puts a unique French twist on Mexican cuisine. The concept may seem unorthodox, but when brother-owner duo Ryan and Brandon Ross began studying Mexican cuisine, they discovered a rich history of French influence. With that in mind, Carte Blanche came to life.<\/span>\n\nThe restaurant\u2019s sole taco dish is the Duck Mole Tacos. Combining a classic French protein with traditional Mexican mole sauce, these tacos are in a class all their own. They consist of warm corn tortillas brimming with tender mole-marinated duck, topped with tangy pickled onions and smoked cotija cheese. What\u2019s more, the dish employs a cooking technique where every part of the animal is used in some way: the duck skin and meat as the filling, the bones and carcass simmered in a savory stock that create flavor and tenderness. <\/span>\n\nThough this is technically the only straight taco item on the menu, diners have another option for getting their taco fix: the Mexican Hot Pot. An ideal plate for the table to share, the hot pot comes with a cauldron of chicken and forbidden rice stewed in a saucy adobada broth, and comes with a side of warm corn tortillas for assembling your own street tacos.<\/span>\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for an unpretentious fine dining experience and a little departure from the tacos you\u2019re used to, head to Carte Blanche and prepare to have your palette expanded.<\/span><\/p>

<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>

The Rooftop Bar<\/h2>
<\/hr>
<\/div>

With year-round perfect weather and unbeatable views, how could we not recommend a stylish rooftop hotspot. Located on the top of the luxury Mission Pacific Hotel<\/a>, The Rooftop Bar<\/a> is bringing seaside swankiness to Oceanside\u2019s downtown waterfront. Sweeping ocean views allow diners to watch dazzling evening sunsets and afternoon surf competitions while soaking up plenty of sun, boozy cocktails and, of course, tacos.<\/span>\n\nFamed Valle de Guadalupe Chef Roberto Alcocer created the menu for this stylish seaside gem. It features the Baja-style street food North County residents know and love, from tacos, to ceviche, to grilled elote, along with vibrant cocktails and craft beers. <\/span>\n\nFor a sampling of tacos, order the Taco Trio, which, as the name suggests, comes with three tortillas that are nearly overflowing with fresh elements. Choose from fish, shrimp, carne asada, grilled octopus or avocado, and do pair them with a delicious signature cocktail. We recommend the creamsicle-hued Hora Dorado, which balances premium tequila and blood orange, or the refreshing cucumber-pineapple infused Pacific Time.<\/span>\n\nFor casual daytime drinks, hard-earned happy hours, intimate date nights and everything in between, The Rooftop Bar is making a name for itself as an Oceanside highlight for vacationers and locals who want a taste of simple California luxury and beautiful Baja cuisine.<\/span><\/p>

<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>

Sancho\u2019s Tacos<\/h2>
<\/hr>
<\/div>

Sancho\u2019s Tacos<\/a> is one of those places that\u2019ll stick in your mind long after you’ve finished your last taco or sip of beer. For one thing, its haunted circus decor is probably like nothing you\u2019ve ever seen in a taqueria. But its quality and freshness leave even more of an impression (not to mention its famous Chubbie sauce, but we\u2019ll talk about that later).<\/span>\n\nSancho\u2019s is a fast-casual California favorite. Aside from their Oceanside shop, four other locations are stationed throughout OC, so it\u2019s no wonder the local institution has somewhat of a cult following in SoCal. The menu is extensive, but not overwhelming, with nine taco options, plus burritos, nachos, quesadillas and beers on tap.<\/span>\n\nEach creatively named taco is a vehicle for made-to-order protein fillings. Choose from meat-filled options like the the tri-tip \u201cO.G.\u201d, slow-roasted carnitas \u201cFederale\u201d and grilled chicken \u201cYard Bird\u201d, or the seafood-forward \u201cSkrimps\u201d, \u201cSurf & Turf\u201d, \u201cSkrimps Carnal\u201d and \u201cPounder\u2019s Carnal\u201d. The \u201cFlaco Taco\u201d is also available as a vegetarian option.<\/span> Whatever you do, don\u2019t skip the signature Chubbie sauce. Most Sancho\u2019s tacos come with it, but if your order doesn\u2019t, make sure to ask for some on the side. The chain\u2019s famous sauce is slightly sweet and tangy with citrusy notes, but we may never know how it\u2019s made. It\u2019s a closely held secret only known to a few in the Sancho\u2019s clan. Regardless, you\u2019ll be thankful they created this secret sauce to compliment whatever you order.<\/span>\n\nWith every delicious, quality taco under $6 and bursting with flavor, Sancho\u2019s Tacos is sure to become a staple in your O’side Mexican lineup.<\/span><\/p>

With a mix of casual local staples and trendy spots with spectacular views, Oceanside\u2019s taco trail has something for every palate and preference. Be sure to check out these restaurants and more to get a taste of authentic Mexican and some innovative O\u2019side flare.<\/span><\/p>

<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>

\n\n \n\n \n\nAbout the Writer & Photographer<\/strong>\n\nJordan Younis is a San Diego-based writer and photographer. She spends her days working in the world of biotechnology, but outside of work, you can find her doing personal writing projects, cooking, taking photos of food, local entrepreneurs and landscapes, and exploring the great outdoors. Connect with her on Instagram @jordanyounis<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>

<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Get a taste of must-try taco hotspots in Oceanside, CA! With options ranging from luxury to fast casual, you’re sure to find a taco flavor that will satisfy your craving.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":10855,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[396,616],"tags":[606,10,607],"class_list":["post-10854","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-food-and-drink","tag-downtown-oceanside","tag-food","tag-mexican-food"],"yoast_head":"\nOceanside, CA Taco Tour - Visit Oceanside<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/blog\/oceanside-ca-taco-tour\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Oceanside, CA Taco Tour - Visit Oceanside\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Get a taste of must-try taco hotspots in Oceanside, CA! With options ranging from luxury to fast casual, you're sure to find a taco flavor that will satisfy your craving.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/blog\/oceanside-ca-taco-tour\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Visit Oceanside\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/VisitOceanside\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-12-03T00:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-03-06T22:45:02+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Taco-Tour-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1230\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Andrew Sumichan\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@VisitOceanside\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@VisitOceanside\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Andrew Sumichan\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Oceanside, CA Taco Tour - Visit Oceanside","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/blog\/oceanside-ca-taco-tour\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Oceanside, CA Taco Tour - Visit Oceanside","og_description":"Get a taste of must-try taco hotspots in Oceanside, CA! With options ranging from luxury to fast casual, you're sure to find a taco flavor that will satisfy your craving.","og_url":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/blog\/oceanside-ca-taco-tour\/","og_site_name":"Visit Oceanside","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/VisitOceanside\/","article_published_time":"2021-12-03T00:00:00+00:00","article_modified_time":"2024-03-06T22:45:02+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1920,"height":1230,"url":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Taco-Tour-1.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Andrew Sumichan","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@VisitOceanside","twitter_site":"@VisitOceanside","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Andrew Sumichan","Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/blog\/oceanside-ca-taco-tour\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/blog\/oceanside-ca-taco-tour\/"},"author":{"name":"Andrew Sumichan","@id":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/#\/schema\/person\/2bab69a6c74e4543fe0e578d9b6ce4d7"},"headline":"Oceanside, CA Taco Tour","datePublished":"2021-12-03T00:00:00+00:00","dateModified":"2024-03-06T22:45:02+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/blog\/oceanside-ca-taco-tour\/"},"wordCount":1077,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/blog\/oceanside-ca-taco-tour\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Taco-Tour-1.jpg","keywords":["downtown Oceanside","food","mexican food"],"articleSection":["Blog","Food And Drink"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/blog\/oceanside-ca-taco-tour\/","url":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/blog\/oceanside-ca-taco-tour\/","name":"Oceanside, CA Taco Tour - Visit Oceanside","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/blog\/oceanside-ca-taco-tour\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/blog\/oceanside-ca-taco-tour\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Taco-Tour-1.jpg","datePublished":"2021-12-03T00:00:00+00:00","dateModified":"2024-03-06T22:45:02+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/blog\/oceanside-ca-taco-tour\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/blog\/oceanside-ca-taco-tour\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/blog\/oceanside-ca-taco-tour\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Taco-Tour-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Taco-Tour-1.jpg","width":1920,"height":1230},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/blog\/oceanside-ca-taco-tour\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Oceanside, CA Taco Tour"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/#website","url":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/","name":"visitoceanside.org","description":"Destination Marketing Organization for Oceanside, CA","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/#organization","name":"Visit Oceanside","url":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Visit-Oceanside-Logo-Originals_LG.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Visit-Oceanside-Logo-Originals_LG.png","width":741,"height":200,"caption":"Visit Oceanside"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/VisitOceanside\/","https:\/\/x.com\/VisitOceanside","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/visitoceanside\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/visit-oceanside"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/#\/schema\/person\/2bab69a6c74e4543fe0e578d9b6ce4d7","name":"Andrew Sumichan","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f6ac269251d18ac037cc16004ef3f9f7e406c3a11f620c372f2d5826426e8372?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f6ac269251d18ac037cc16004ef3f9f7e406c3a11f620c372f2d5826426e8372?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Andrew Sumichan"},"url":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/author\/andrew_squarem\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10854","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10854"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10854\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10855"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10854"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10854"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visitoceanside.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10854"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}