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Tacos Al Pastor

4.5 (58 reviews)
Closed • 6:30 pm - 11:00 PM

Tacos Al Pastor Photos

TACOS AL PASTOR ATMOSPHERE

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Casual
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Dogs allowed
Good for groups

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Top pollo, bottom asada
MJ T.

10/10 street tacos! PERFECT flavors, juicy tender meat, great char, not greasy, double tortillas, amazing salsa - has the right kick and citrus zing. HIGHLY RECOMMEND Fast service. $3/taco

Zack W.

The Al pastor was fresh and had good flavor. Good sized burrito, rice and beans were good, onions, cilantro, cheese. $12 seemed like a reasonable price. They don't accept credit card though.

a man preparing food
Brandon L.

I ordered 12 tacos and almost all were amazing. The buche was cooked well and the texture was on point. The suadero was really tender and moist. The flavor was rich and perfectly seasoned The al pastor had a really unique and great taste. I love it when places put their own spin on the marinade. It was perfectly cooked and thinly sliced off the trompo. The outside was crispy and the inside was still moist. Definitely one of my favorites. The lengua was a little overcooked for my liking. It still had held its shape, but I like when it has a little chew to it. That said, unlike other places, it definitely absorbed a lot of flavor from the pan. The cabeza was on the mushy tender side. Also perfectly seasoned. The asada had a really nice smokiness from the charcoal grill, but the meat quality poor and was really chewy. Service is nice. The tacos here are as good as many of the better LA/SD taco spots and significantly better than any taco spot in the bay (even Oakland). It was worth the 35m wait in line and I'll definitely come back! Pretty much on par with la Better than all bay Asada chewy

"Menu"
Albert T.

This is a food stand outside of the Target that I'm not sure actually has a name. It's brightly lit and hard to miss but there's no banner displaying the name. If you navigate to it via Google Maps, they actually send you to a random building across the street, so be aware of that. They don't really have a menu or any pricing displayed. There's a banner that's tucked under the tent which the cashier stands in front of it to give you an idea of what they serve, but essentially you can ask for all the regular items that you'd find at a taco shop and they probably can make it for you - tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, bowls, etc. Tacos Al Pastor ($3) - Very simple - they shave off a bunch of the pastor off the trompo and flat top it for extra crispness and char flavor. The meat goes right onto corn tortillas heated up on the same flat top. A slice of pineapple is then added on top as a finishing touch. The pork is delicious - well seasoned, moist, crisp, and smoky. They don't garnish the taco with anything - instead, the rest of the stand is basically a salsa and condiment bar - grilled onions and jalapenos, lime wedges, cilantro, onion, cucumber, pickled peppers and red onion, and three types of salsa. The creamy avocado salsa has a very small kick, barely perceptible if you have a normal heat tolerance, and then a more spicy green one, and a presumably even hotter red one. All are serve yourself, so you can add as much as you want. The plate is your limit. (5/5) Burrito Al Pastor ($12) - We shared 4x tacos but were still hungry afterwards, so we got a burrito next. I love how they build it right in front of you, making sure that you're okay with all the ingredients inside. First they fry cheese on the flat top to crisp it up, then smother the flour tortilla over it. They then shave off a bunch of the pastor and flat top it for extra crispness and char flavor. They put rice and beans in the burrito, then the pork, then cilantro and onion, and finally everything gets rolled up. They add so much cheese that it starts oozing out and almost melding to the aluminum foil wrapping up the burrito. It all works so well together, making a delicious treat. The weakest part of the burrito is the beans - they're aren't very tender and don't seem to be seasoned very well. But it's such a small part of the burrito in the first place, so the weakest link can be overlooked. (4/5) I did see someone get tacos keto-style, that is instead of the tortilla, the chef instead melts and crisps up circles of cheese to use as a base. I'm not sure how to order this, but it seems like they are very willing to accommodate. They also have a small selection of aguas frescas. There is no seating or bathrooms (come on, it's a pop up, what do you expect) and most people eat in their cars. I definitely recommend stopping by and giving this food stand a try! Freshly cooked delicious food. This is probably the best Mexican food you can get until you hit LA.

Just like home..
Michael R.

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.

Al pastor tacos
Michael H.

A million stars if I could. This is the most authentic taco experience I've ever had outside of Mexico. Seriously the best tacos within 200 miles. Quite possibly the best Al pastor tacos I've ever had in my life, and I try pastor tacos at every taco spot I can find. The ordering process can be a little confusing if you've never been to a Mexican taco stand. You order, they cut your meat and make your tacos, and you pay. Then you get your salsas and whatever else you want on your tacos. They don't take credit cards but they do take Zelle. $2.50 a taco is a better deal than any taco place I've been to in years and the quality of the meat and seasoning is out of this world. The char on the meat is so perfect and pineapple is fresh and thin sliced by someone who clearly knows what they're doing. Go here. You won't regret it. Park in target lot opposite target, you can't miss it, long line, but it goes very fast. I'll revise this review if I ever find better tacos, but I highly doubt anything or anywhere else can compete. They're only open 5pm-10pm.

Burrito with beef, lettuce, onions, tomato, beans, and rice

This is, hands down, the best Mexican I've ever had and I'm including Mexican restaurants in that. They don't skimp on the portion sizes, you'll definitely get enough food, but bear in mind a burrito is like $15 or $16 and a taco is like $4 or $5. A drink is like $5 or $6. So yeah the costs can add up fast. I recommend everyone try this place at least once, though.

Mikey C.

First there is a taco stand, then there is no taco stand, then there is. This is a Pop Up restaurant. It only exists from 5-10 pm. If you drive by this location during the day there's no evidence this place exists. But if you drive by at night you can't miss it. Located on E Main, in front of the Target. The restaurant is set up right on the sidewalk, not in the Target lot. Seems like most customers park in the Target lot, get their food, and then eat in or right outside their cars. You can't miss it, mostly because of the lights, but also because of the line. I got lucky tonight, rolling up at 9pm, there wasn't anyone in line. But many times I've driven by and seen lines 20 customers long here. This place is hella popular. Deservedly so. The Al Pastor is authentic AF. The tacos are only $2.50. Yeah, they have other meats besides Al Pastor, but I haven't tried them yet. They have burritos as well as tacos. After you get your tacos or burritos you move down the line of tables and add your own condiments. There have huge containers of lemon and lime wedges, sliced radishes, cucumber slices, cilantro, chopped raw onions, grilled onions, and pico de gallo. There are also three different salsa choices. Serving up aguas frescas too. No doubt about it, I'm gonna be a regular here. The tacos are inexpensive, delicious and about three minutes from my house. LOL Mikey C says: Oh Juanita, oh Juanita, oh Juanita, I call your name

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1 month ago

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5 months ago

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8 months ago

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9 months ago

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2 months ago

One of the best tacos al pastor I tried in a long time. I would drive an hour to come back again.

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6 months ago

Delicious! Al pastor is the best. Quick friendly service and reasonable prices. If there is a line, it's worth the wait.

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3 years ago

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4 years ago

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1 year ago

Food is AMAZING!!! Very quick and very nice people. Little pop up but absolutely worth stopping!!!

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

This is what u Call Greatnees food...Dam is that Dam Gooood....This is spot.there taco of pastor wow ..

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2 years ago

Best Mexican food I've ever had! I go here 2-3 times a week! Burritos and tacos are my go to.

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2 years ago

I'm a fat kid and I love to eat. They make some of the best pastor burritos I've ever had.

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2 years ago

Go. Just go. You won't be disappointed. So delicious. Al pastor tacos, asada quesadilla.. every time- so good!

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Ask the Community - Tacos Al Pastor

Can someone please confirm if they are still in front of Target or if they moved? I have not seen them in a couple weeks as of July 2023?

They are but sometimes they don't get there until 6-7pm

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Review Highlights - Tacos Al Pastor

“The asada had a really nice smokiness from the charcoal grill, but the meat quality poor and was really chewy.”

Mentioned in 5 reviews

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Spencer Makenzie's Fish - Awesome Tempura Fish Taco

Spencer Makenzie's Fish

4.0(2.4k reviews)
3.2 mi
•$$

Had my usual Spicy and shrimp and veggies and some chips and red salsa, always good but today a bit…read morebetter. First, let me say I am not family to anyone that works at Spencer's although I am a long time customer. I'd like to point out how understanding my waitress was today, her name is Jackson. I received my food right away and refills when needed but I'd like to comment on the three women seated in the table next to me and how Jackson handled them. Kindly put these three were demanding and not very understanding of Jackson's time. The MANY times they asked for changes to the food, several other things they "asked" for Jackson kept her cool and quickly gave them what they requested. It's hard being a server and Jackson may have working at a first of second job (she looked 17-18) but she was a star. Well done Jackson...keep up the good work.

I ate a grilled fish taco at Spencer MaKenzie's many years ago and think about it each time we…read moredrive through Ventura. It was a solid grilled fish taco with not a ton of pomp and circumstance. Just unadulterated goodness. Fast forward to my recent visit - it didn't quite hit the same though I'm sure my palette has since evolved. The World Famous grilled fish taco ($7.95) was good, but was only made better with the in house sweet chili fire sauce. Of the things we ordered, I did really enjoy the ahicado ($13.75) which is ahi tuna mixed in lemon infused olive oil on top of avocado and served with wonton chips. I love a wonton chip situation and paired with the fresh ahi, it made for a perfect bite. The guy next to us ordered several Parmesan hard shell tacos ($5.50) so I did too (with shredded chicken). The flavorful chicken was perfectly shredded so you didn't get unmanageable hunks with each bite. These were unexpectedly very tasty. Highly recommend if you like a hard shell sitch. Judging from the lines at 2:00PM on a Saturday afternoon, Spencer MaKenzie's is a Ventura institution even if I won't be thinking about the grilled fish tacos n-e-more. PSA: dining on the patio is the move even if you have to wait.

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Spencer Makenzie's Fish - Inside pic #1

Inside pic #1

Spencer Makenzie's Fish - Tempura Fish and Chips

Tempura Fish and Chips

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Tacos El Diablo - Birria and Pastor Tacos

Tacos El Diablo

4.1(203 reviews)
3.5 mi

Excellent, excellent, excellent! I have no pictures because we ate it all and forgot to take…read morepictures. We had a Gordita with carnitas. Tasted great and lived the crispiness to it. We also had quesobirria tacos. Spot on! A little kick to the jugo and the birria was great. I will be back!

The food is honestly really good but they really pissed me off and I will never be going back which…read moreagain pisses me off cuz the food was great! First off, the parking here is a nightmare. I literally got boxed in and had to ask someone to move their car so I could back out. Secondly, me and my coworker stop here at 11:30am for an early lunch. There is literally 1 other person there who had already ordered and got their meal just as me and my coworker sit down after ordering. We ordered 7 tacos in total... 30 minutes later the food still hadn't arrived. I finally go up to the counter to see if something was wrong and the guy had no idea about our order and said he was sorry that they had a big catering order. As a former business owner I do understand that stuff happens and a large catering order is good for business but ultimately that isn't the customers problem. Especially the customer that is sitting there at your establishment. Rather than tell us while we were ordering that it might take longer than normal, they don't communicate anything and then don't even address the issue until I go up there to complain. Once that happened the tacos came out in less than 5 minutes which is even more upsetting since this is how fast they should have come out to begin with. The gentleman who I think was an owner did apologize and try to offer some free drinks which I politely declined as I knew I'd never be back again. I hope that this business learns to service the customers properly that are actually dining there and if there is an issue at least takes some initiative to address it on the front side. Most working class people only get a 30-45 minute lunch to begin with so it wasn't cool that we literally wasted 30 minutes just sitting there with no explanation. There are plenty of other good places around Ventura for lunch - especially for tacos. Won't be going back here ever.

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Tacos El Diablo - Walk up and order here

Walk up and order here

Tacos El Diablo - No meat, this is very little. The whole burrito was like this a piece of meat here and there.

No meat, this is very little. The whole burrito was like this a piece of meat here and there.

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Ten Tigers - Fresh fries

Ten Tigers

4.7(111 reviews)
3.7 mi

My friend and I decided to meet here for happy hour, and it ended up being a great choice. I'd been…read morehere before, but only in the morning for matcha, so this was my first time experiencing their happy hour. The happy hour menu has a great selection of both food and drinks at really reasonable prices. We ordered the chicken tacos, the spinach and artichoke dip, and a drink, and everything was delicious. The tacos were flavorful, the dip was creamy and perfect for sharing, and the drink hit the spot. Service is pretty straightforward you place your order at the counter, and someone brings everything to your table. There's not a lot of interaction with the staff, but everything was smooth and efficient. One of my favorite parts was the atmosphere. The happy hour crowd was a nice mix of people, and the place had a fun, lively energy without feeling overwhelming. Since it was a warm day, my friend and I chose to sit inside. We had a spacious table with plenty of room for our food and drinks, which made it easy to relax and enjoy catching up. Overall, I had a great experience and would definitely come back for happy hour. It's a great spot for good food, reasonably priced drinks, and a casual place to meet up with friends.

My husband picked a Winner! Usually, I'm the one researching and wanting to try new local…read morerestaurants. Ten Tigers is off the beaten path and I've met friends here for coffee but after 4:00 it transforms into Ten Tigers. Hubby read about their Smash Burgers so we split one and the flavors with chipotle aioli were the bomb! We've been going to Third Window in SB for our Smash Burger fix- no need to drive all that way anymore!! For $17 you get a Smash Burger that feeds 2 and perfectly crispy thin fries fried in beef tallow. They even serve chipotle aioli with fries- Best!! I ordered the special White Sangria which Is so good I had to order on repeat. Since it was Happy Hour, we also ordered the grilled chicken tacos for $8. We both thought those were tasty as well and their avocado salsa verde is the just like the one I make at home. Ambiance is well curated with welcoming outside patio feeling very open and airy with organic Boho accents and wood features. The servers were efficient but very friendly. Ten Tigers is legitimately a 5 Star - will Recommend highly! Since this review, we re-visited on a Friday evening and ordered the same drinks and meal. I can confirm the consistent quality of the food. This Friday night was hopping with several groups celebrating Birthdays. We lucked out and found one of the last open tables. The servers were very busy and took a while to clear off and clean our table - not a big deal because their priority is serving the tables and getting the food and drinks out to the tables. There is a longer line at the counter to order just before Happy Hour ends at 6:00. Tip- plan your evening to arrive earlier. Ten Tigers is now on our repeat list in Ventura.

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Ten Tigers
Ten Tigers - Cheesecake and they fortunately had a candle for us!

Cheesecake and they fortunately had a candle for us!

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Tacos Al Pastor - popuprestaurants - Updated October 2026

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