Back in the 1970s, Hayward’s taco scene was a humble collection of family-run stands. Now, it’s code for culinary destinations you can use to prove to friends that you know where to find authentic flavors. And whether these spots honor generations of tradition or just exist because Haywardites crave perfectly charred tortillas, it doesn’t matter—we’re still going to hunt them down. Here are the tacos of Hayward, ranked.
Tacos El Camara
$ | (510) 415-0371 | WEBSITE
The only sign that Tacos El Camara exists is the modest food truck parked in a Hayward lot where a grocery outlet stands nearby. And no offense to anyone just grabbing groceries—but ordering tacos from this cheerful, no-frills truck is the better deal. It’s a perfect spot to chat with the friendly staff about everything and nothing over horchata and hot salsa, and momentarily pretend you’re not just steps from a parking lot.
The truck’s short lineup of $15 specials features pastor tacos with pineapple and fixings, shrimp burritos loaded with flavor, and a choose-your-own-meat adventure where tripa, cabeza, or Thursday’s carnitas are up to you.
El Triunfo Pizzeria
$ | (510) 732-8000 | WEBSITE
A simple storefront leads you into this cozy family-owned pizzeria tucked away in a Hayward strip mall. There’s lots of warm lighting and checkered tablecloths, a counter displaying fresh toppings, and pizza ovens creating that familiar comforting aroma like most other neighborhood joints (hidden gem status, notwithstanding).
But pies like the classic pepperoni with stretchy cheese and perfectly baked wings are consistently tasty, and with limited options for great pizza in the area, this place stands out by merit.
Tacos El Poblanito
$ | (510) 975-8857 | WEBSITE
Tacos El Poblanito has a vibe that couldn’t be more different than the manicured greens of the golf course happening just across the street. This taco truck is casual and quick, and you’ll receive a basket of complimentary chips with salsa. Grab a seat under the shade and order a fish taco that comes with a side of spicy salsa meant to personally customize how much heat you like.
Or, leave your order totally up to the friendly staff—it’ll probably be the only time you’ll ever get prescribed a super burrito.
Tachos tacos
$ | (510) 606-2093 | WEBSITE
Don’t come to this industrial-area food truck expecting groundbreaking Mexican cuisine. Instead, come for solid authenticity, reasonable prices, and quick service in the form of tasty burritos, shrimp tacos, and classic tacos. You’ll sit at outdoor picnic tables under the California sun and eat from paper plates. Those include generously filled options with fresh ingredients and satisfying flavors.
While the setup here most likely keeps local lunch crowds happy, everything tastes like the real deal from a neighborhood favorite.
El Rey Del Taco
$ | (510) 397-1057 | WEBSITE
If hidden gems were part of the Olympics, El Rey Del Taco would win a gold medal. To find it, you have to navigate off Main Street, park in the plentiful lot, and enter through the colorful storefront. After you do that, you’ll be greeted by polite staff at the cash register, and finally, into a lively setting with limited seating. There’s no need for a menu, but trust the family-owned kitchen to make you something from their variety of Mexican dishes.
We’ve had excellent carne asada super burritos made with generous portions of well-seasoned meat and chips with salsa, and classic tacos with homemade-tasting fillings that create a nostalgic feel.
The Mexican Restaurant & Bar
$$ | (510) 785-8200 | WEBSITE
Typically, a visit to The Mexican Restaurant & Bar in Hayward means diving into their generous seafood enchiladas—but pause for a moment and look around. Tucked within the beautiful, new-looking building is a spacious dining area with plenty of room for large groups. While some of the menu items have changed or disappeared over time, the Cadillac Margarita with its smooth tequila and orange liqueur is bold and satisfying.
This spot is also a lively non-dive bar option in the area for gatherings of fifteen or more. We’d just suggest arriving early—it fills up quickly.
Carnitas El Rincon – Hayward
$ | (510) 397-6904 | WEBSITE
While everyone at the nearby meat market is grabbing groceries under crowded parking conditions, there’s a cozy spot called Carnitas El Rincon where you should head post-shopping. We love every last one of these dishes, like the carnitas MIXTAS which features tender pork, flavorful meat, different parts of pork, and three types of sauce—and is intensely authentic.
And then there’s one of the best combos in Hayward: the combination plate, a hearty carnitas platter that tastes like what your abuela would make after a long day of preparing family meals. While the carnitas are Carnitas El Rincon’s clear highlight, it would be a shame to come here and not also grab some salsa maria with your rice and beans.
Blue Crown Bar and Bistro
There’s a good chance you’ve walked right past this unassuming spot on B Street after one too many drinks elsewhere in Hayward. At this bar and bistro, unlike many sports bars that just have basic pub grub and cheap beer, Blue Crown said, ‘not on our watch.’ Alongside their drink selection, including the refreshing Karl the Fog Hazy IPA, they serve excellent dishes like hot links, quesadillas, and turkey smoked sausage, plus their signature crispy French fries.
Just note that the quiet atmosphere makes it perfect for unwinding, and with three TVs, it’s ideal for catching the game. Plus, they’re family-friendly and the staff is friendly and attentive—don’t expect to feel rushed here.
La Super Torta
$ | (510) 419-9286 | WEBSITE
La Super Torta is an otherwise-unassuming Mexican spot with a secret. Straight through the ordering area, there’s what appears to be a typical kitchen pass-through, filled with warming trays, prep stations, and stacks of tortillas. (Hint: the tortillas are made fresh daily.) From that bustling window, you’ll receive food that tastes like abuela went to the farmers market, complete with perfectly seasoned meats, fluffy rice, and tortas piled high with crispy chicken and fresh toppings.
We’re fans of the not-too-salty tacos with a side of delicious rice (courtesy of La Super Torta), and if it happens to be lunchtime on a weekday, there’s an added bonus of the owner’s warm greeting.
Jack In The Box
$ | (510) 887-0733 | WEBSITE
It doesn’t matter that finding the drive-thru at Jack In The Box involves navigating a suburban strip that may or may not be dotted with late-night stragglers—this reliable fast-food joint is worth the momentary parking lot shuffle.
Once you’re inside, you can bask in the fluorescent glow and savor burgers that are just as straightforward as they are satisfying, like the Ultimate Cheeseburger Munchie Meal with its remarkable seasoning, or the tacos that give a crunch of nostalgia but go down easy. If you’re celebrating something, like the end of a long shift or rediscovering the joy of curly fries for the first time, you may even want to knock back a soda with extra ice.
Use Jack In The Box for quick bites or friend hangs that start quiet and have the potential to turn cozy, just like the peaceful, clean environment with its spotless bathrooms and plenty of parking.
El Buen Sabor de Mexico
$ | (510) 200-9990 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in the East Bay, El Buen Sabor de Mexico is a Hayward spot we want to eat at regularly. It feels like somebody raided a Mexican market to stock this place with perfectly seasoned chicken burritos, non-oily tortillas, and what might be the best quesadillas in the country—but somehow it all works. The menu is generous and involves things like chicken fajitas, huevos con chorizo, and many different riffs on carnitas tacos.
And the staff will happily bring you free chips and salsa on the spot.
Tacos El Gordo
$ | (510) 690-0477 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a Hayward strip mall, Tacos El Gordo serves up some of the best chicken tacos in the East Bay. It’s not exactly a secret—there’s usually a line snaking out the door during lunch hour, and regulars have likely seen the same smiling faces behind the counter at least a dozen times in the past week. The interior is straight out of a classic taqueria, with bright yellow walls, simple wooden tables, and more salsa options than a condiment enthusiast could dream of.
While it feels like a mariachi band could burst through the door at any moment, this place is really just filled with hungry construction workers, families with excited kids, and taco enthusiasts who came solely for the perfectly grilled burritos with their $3.50 tacos. Use this place regularly for a quick lunch, or to impress any out-of-towner who has a deep love for authentic Mexican street food.