Okay, I'm going to start off by saying that these are NOT the best tacos I have ever had, they are NOT the best tacos north of the border, and they are NOT the best tacos within 100 miles. I mean, come on, LA is only 65 miles away, so let's not kid ourselves. However, what this place does have is the best tacos in Ventura County by far!
Oxnard really disappoints me with so many stands, restaurants, and trucks selling Mexican food. Why are they all mediocre? I mean, really. It is just a big letdown when it comes to tacos in general. The only place I truly enjoy for its authenticity is Carnitas El Rey, but that is only for Carnitas, nothing else.
Now, on to the actual review of this place. I'm pretty sure that "Tacos Al Pastor" is not their official name, but it's okay. I don't mind it. It's kind of catchy. The pastor itself is good, like close-to-Mexico good. Personally, I like it a bit more crispy and with a thicker cut, and they are happy to oblige if you ask.
The Asada is very good, not great, but better than all of the boiled meat in Oxnard taco trucks! I love that they grill it right there and then, and if you ask nicely, they will even give you a freshly grilled piece.
The other meats they have are:
Cabeza
Lengua
Tripas
Suadero
At least these are the ones I know of. I think they also have sesos, but I'm not about that life. The entrees you can order here are:
Tacos (obviously)
Burritos (massive, and I really mean massive!)
Mulas
Quesadillas
Tortas
Personally, I stick with the Tacos and Mulas. Quesadillas are way too big, and I like the tortillas they use for the tacos better. They are actually made of real corn, not like the terrible white, processed tortillas that most taco trucks around here use.
Now, if you just want to order your food, pay, and go, then cool, go right ahead. However, I like to eat there. It's much fresher and much better tasting. I normally stand in line the first time, and then when I want more, I just go up to the guys and ask for another. It's not cutting in line anymore if you know the proper taco-eating etiquette. The people are used to this type of ordering, and they allow you to pay after you are done. They don't really keep track of what you eat. It's kind of on the honor system, just like in Mexico.
The accompaniments are all laid out very well, and the best part of all is that their salsas do not suck! This is a big deal for me because nothing can ruin a taco faster than a crappy salsa. It would be great if they could reorganize, though. The cilantro and onions are right by the cashier, and it makes it hard to get to when you have to wait for all of the people who don't know how to pay. They accept cash and Zelle, and for the love of God, if you don't know how to use Zelle, either learn beforehand or bring cash. Stop holding up the line!
Anyways, I asked the guy, and they are there from Monday to Sunday, from 5:30 PM to midnight. However, they are not on a strict schedule. Sometimes they are not ready until 6:30 PM. It's a taco stand, and they have to set everything up, so don't show up being a Ken or a Karen and expect timeliness.
I think I have visited them about six times now, and it has definitely satisfied my craving for real tacos. Like I stated in the beginning, they are not the best tacos you will ever have. If they are, then I feel sorry for you. But they are the best you can get in the VC. read more