Before exploring Vacaville’s historic Nut Tree Plaza or Gibson Ranch Park, plan where to savor authentic flavors. This Central Valley city, nestled between Sacramento and Napa Valley, offers a vibrant culinary scene where family-owned taquerias meet modern cantinas, all serving up the bold tastes of Mexico.
Murillo’s on Merchant
$ | (707) 448-3395 | WEBSITE
They say the best things in life are the simple ones, so don’t feel too guilty about demolishing the generous plates from Murillo’s on Merchant’s time-tested menu. They also say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but my uncle still can’t handle spicy food. Anyways. Plates of the Enchilada with perfectly melted cheese, the Paco Special loaded with seasoned meat, and the Shrimp Fajita sizzling with peppers and onions are as comforting as they are flavorful.
The name suggests a straightforward Mexican spot, but the experience (in hearty portions) is classic family-style dining. It’s cozy and always buzzing, so expect a bit of a wait during peak hours.
Los Reyes Restaurante Y Cantina
$ | (707) 448-2113 | WEBSITE
This authentic Mexican cantina manages to serve up the juiciest-tasting el pastor in Vacaville, and the carne asada would satisfy any carnivore capable of appreciating perfectly grilled meats. There’s a cozy dining room with friendly staff like Mena creating a welcoming experience, but the gorgeous outdoor seating area is where you want to be—there’s ample space with comfortable tables, where the parking lot in the back makes for easy access.
While “quality Mexican” is often synonymous with “hefty prices,” a taco sampler here feels generously portioned for the cost, and the margaritas are some of the most reasonably priced in town. Be sure to try the vegetarian enchiladas with spinach, mushrooms, and spicy cream sauce on the way out.
Shula’s Kitchen 707
$ | (707) 305-6258 | WEBSITE
Shula’s Kitchen 707 is all bold flavors and generous portions, with tacos so packed they look as though they’ve been stacked by hand. How a birria taco ever came out of the kitchen looking that savory, we’ll never be able to fathom. Although dishes are hearty in design and might seem indulgent, the $12 lunch special is much cheaper than many fancier restaurants in the area.
Classic and modern mix harmoniously here: quesabirria tacos served with consomé and carne asada fries with fresh pico de gallo. It’s pretty legendary—arrive early.
Pelayo’s Mexican Food
$ | (707) 449-9365 | WEBSITE
Pelayo’s Mexican Food has been a family favorite in Vacaville for over 20 years, and it’s easy to see why. The atmosphere is cozy and old-fashioned, with warm lighting and rustic wooden tables that add to the charm. Success hasn’t changed their approach, and the $12 lunch specials are an excellent value, often coming with surprise extras like extra chips or a small dessert sample.
The famous shrimp burrito stays year-round, and the salsa bar offers huge variety, with options that change but can include ingredients like roasted habanero and tomatillo verde. The fresh and tangy chips starter is a winner, perfectly complemented by the house-made salsas. The unique sopa sopapia dessert belongs to the same family tradition, with a deliciously sweet finish.
Favela’s Mexican
$ | (707) 447-1120 | WEBSITE
On a sunny afternoon, the California hills roll out beyond Vacaville, and Favela’s Mexican is a vibrant taste of the south right in town. This Mexican restaurant looks just like a cheerful hacienda, and the attention to flavor, like the carnitas shredded into tacos or the guacamole that accompanies quesadillas, lift the place above your average taqueria.
A big part of the appeal here is the fast, friendly service, paired with a kid-friendly atmosphere that makes it a great spot for a family outing. Let it be a welcome break from a mostly predictable meal—if nothing else, it helps brighten up the straightforward burritos and dinner plates and the visually pleasing, bustling dining room.
Baldo’s Mexican Food
$ | (707) 469-1329 | WEBSITE
Baldo’s drive-thru and late-night service hit the spot without leaving you waiting. Most impressive is the sheer generosity of portions—the Super Burrito with Carne Asada, loaded nachos, and, somehow, perfectly fried complimentary chips that keep coming. They’re all great, but the humble carne asada is what you’ll still be dreaming about. A hefty serving is piled with fresh ingredients in a flavor that isn’t humble at all.
Getting to choose your own extra toppings at the indoor seating area is a lovely touch, as are the staff who go above and beyond like when they offered free food during a payment hiccup. Look under your takeout bag to find those chips still warm.
Villa Corona
$ | (707) 451-1230 | WEBSITE
Villa Corona reminds us that the best Mexican food is often the most straightforward. They impress with fresh ingredients—and guacamole so vibrant it would make an avocado look pale. The exterior is, dare we say, unassuming, but the flavors and generous portions are anything but, and will transport you well beyond Vacaville.
The Cazuela Salad with Pollo Asado is served with crisp lettuce and perfectly grilled chicken, the Two Item Plate with Cheese Enchilada and Crispy Carne Taco delivers satisfying crunch and melt, and the Asada Burrito is so flavorful it disappears from your plate. In a welcome break from expectations, the large portions are $12-18 at both lunch and dinner, so head here for a meal when there’s much more atmosphere with outdoor tables and music.
Tacos Jalisco
$ | (707) 446-9206 | WEBSITE
This popular Mexican spot serves positively enormous plates of carnitas and fajitas. When prices are this reasonable (under $15 for a main), it would be rude not to get a selection of salsas to share, and there’s every kind of sauce going, served with unlimited warm tortillas. Walk-ins are welcome, but plan ahead for a coveted spot during peak hours, perfect for soaking in the lively atmosphere and an excellent spot for watching the kitchen in action.
We like going in for a quick lunch and leaving with our bellies considerably heavier and our wallets barely registering the difference.
El Pollo Loco
$ | (707) 452-8292 | WEBSITE
In a town of taco trucks and burrito joints, the chicken offerings at El Pollo Loco are a refreshing alternative. Go for the chicken tortilla soup, the 4-piece meal, the Mexican street corn chicken salad, or the half chicken half shrimp tostada bowl. The classic chicken burritos are excellent too, with a green avocado sauce so vibrant it brightens every bite, and chicken so consistently tender it practically melts.
There are the usual fast-casual favorites like family meals and Taco Tuesday specials, the latter having become quite popular. Less ideal is the seating—it’s clean and bright but feels more functional than inviting, so consider grabbing your order to enjoy elsewhere.
Vasquez Delicatessen
$ | (707) 448-2950 | WEBSITE
At Vasquez Delicatessen, the $8-15 menu features delicious Mexican staples like the beef burrito cold, made with homemade tortillas that taste just like a home-cooked meal, all served in a cozy, no-frills space that takes the edge off an otherwise too-busy day. While the decor in the well-established deli is rather simple, the food is anything but. It’s consistently fresh, flavorful fare that includes options for vegetarians and keto diets, best paired with their friendly service.
Prices have stayed reasonable, especially for the burritos, which are guaranteed to satisfy your craving for an authentic taste of the community.
Burrito Palace
$ | (707) 447-1250 | WEBSITE
Burrito Palace is your friendly neighbourhood Mexican joint, but with a twist: all of the food is fresh and homemade. Prices are rock bottom and portions are hearty, with comforting plates like super burritos big enough for two. The salsa selection is, unsurprisingly, extensive, and much of the menu was made to be shared, like nachos, tacos, and the most delicious pozole ever.
There’s nothing fancy about it (and the dining room is purely functional), but the incredibly warm and friendly service gives it an air of “welcoming family kitchen.” This spot is popular for takeout with locals, but it’s buzziest at lunch, and attracts big groups, families with young children, couples, singles, and even regulars who feel like long-time customers on their first visit.
Taqueria Hecho En Mexico
$ | (707) 446-1013 | WEBSITE
The bustling Taqueria Hecho En Mexico, nestled in the heart of Vacaville, is a bold spot to serve up authentic Mexican classics. It hasn’t stopped this place from becoming a local favorite faster than you can say ‘taco Tuesday.’ It’s a popular destination run by a dedicated team, is also one of the few spots where generous portions actually work for sharing, thanks to the hearty helpings.
The menu offers consistent favorites, but two stars never budge: the legendary wet burrito and the standout El coctel de Camaron. Friendly counter service is par for the course in a welcoming taqueria, but Taqueria Hecho En Mexico also has plenty of charm and respect for all its customers.
Murillo’s Mexican Food -Monte Vista
$ | (707) 447-3704 | WEBSITE
Mexican food in Vacaville is often heavy on the cheese and meat, so locals gave Murillo’s Mexican Food -Monte Vista a little side-eye when it first opened years ago as a longtime family favorite. Originally the haunt of hungry families and regulars, it won over both traditionalists and adventurous eaters with hearty dishes that are more affordable than most sit-down Mexican spots around town.
The cozy, single-level space feels welcoming with dim lights throughout, and salsas sit ready on tables in the dining area. We love the loaded fiesta nachos, super quesadillas with grilled steak, and the Paco Special, which is considered one of the best Mexican dishes we’ve ever had, plus the flan for dessert is smooth and creamy with just the right taste.
Azteca Vacaville
$ | (707) 448-7231 | WEBSITE
A word of caution: the hibiscus margaritas at Azteca Vacaville are so refreshing, you might lose track of how many you’ve had. Known for its fresh Mexican food that keeps customers coming back, this restaurant serves the ideal balance between generous portions and fast service—think Chile Verde burritos that can fill you for the whole day, or fiesta salads with easy options for dietary restrictions.
The atmosphere is comfortable and clean, and the efficient staff attentive (and very committed to making sure your homemade chips and salsa basket is never empty).
Taqueria Los ARCOS
$ | (707) 474-9037 | WEBSITE
Forget the calendar—Mexican food in Vacaville doesn’t really satisfy until you’ve tried this taqueria’s signature dishes. From morning to evening, folks eagerly line up at the outdoor seats, but the show they’re here to see is the super tacos with their amazing presentation and flavor. Taqueria Los ARCOS easily has the best carne asada fries in town, so we don’t mind the cost of a breakfast burrito at $12.50 a pop (that’s reasonable, by Vacaville standards, but they make up for it in heft).
The food won’t win any awards, but it’s authentic, and the tripa tacos with grilled onions, carnitas gorditas, and Salsa de Tomatillo are tasty enough.
California Burrito
$ | (707) 474-4913 | WEBSITE
The frequent smiles at California Burrito aren’t just customer service—it’s the manager personally checking on tables, offering extra salsa or a warm tortilla to anyone who looks even slightly unsure about their order (ask for his recommendation even if you know what you want, we won’t tell).
It’s a true Vacaville spot that hasn’t changed much since it opened on Monte Vista, and feels a little like a cheerful neighborhood diner with bright yellow walls, simple wooden tables, and a long counter with red stools. It’s affordable, the menu is straightforward, and while the food is tasty and comes in generous portions, it won’t reinvent Mexican cuisine.
Come for the friendly service instead, and either visit when the manager’s present or be prepared for a slightly less attentive experience, no matter the time.
Que Onda Tacobar
$ | (707) 203-2420 | WEBSITE
The family-owned warmth at this Vacaville taqueria feels like a neighborhood kitchen, except here, instead of basic weeknight dinners, you’re diving into quesabirria tacos and michiladas. There isn’t much for those avoiding meat, except for the generous customization options and handmade tortillas that make every bite feel personal, but they’re accommodated with the same friendly attention all the same.
The service is announced with genuine care from the owner who often checks in, and you’re encouraged to chat with nearby tables while passing around shared salsas and toppings. As a result, it’s lively, and since it’s equally beloved by regulars and newcomers, the buzz is full of laughter and satisfied murmurs.
Burrito Express
$ | (707) 446-2469 | WEBSITE
Come to this spot for morning burritos and more than a dozen hot sauces that you’re encouraged to mix. The menu’s descriptions and tiny, emoji-like illustrations of meats and toppings will school you on their origins and flavor profiles, and the staff are always happy to help you decide before they wrap your custom creation.
Once you’ve blended your carnitas with chorizo, order some generous breakfast burritos, tacos, and other often meat-heavy options to share and gear up for a flavor-induced haze. This place stays consistently cozy both indoors and at the counter right up until closing time, so go ahead and ride that dreamy spice train to the last bite. There are many Mexican spots: we like Burrito Express for satisfying meals.
Taqueria Los Perrones
$ | (916) 664-9866 | WEBSITE
Most visitors to Vacaville stick to the main drag, but it’s worth venturing out to this taco stand where many locals get their authentic Mexican food fix. The spot is known for its clean environment and friendly staff, so take your time to suss out the options, hear the recommendations, and figure out if you want a full meal of suadero tacos and flavorful agua frescas, or just a few Al Pastor tacos with well-seasoned meat and fresh toppings.
After your order, grab one of the limited seats for a quick bite that’s very good despite being affordable by Vacaville standards. Be sure to time your trip with patience for the potential language barrier, but know you’ll leave with amazing food.