Where to find the Bay Area’s best regional-style tacos

It seems like the Bay Area is getting a new region-specific taco spot every other week.

We’re in a golden age of tacos, with options from Hidalgo, Jalisco, Nayarit, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tijuana, Michoacan and Puebla. Now Oakland has reputable al pastor, shaved thin from a trompo and topped with a shard of pineapple. Looking for life-changing carnitas? You have two options! Always wanted to see what Tijuana’s tacos look like? There are a few to choose from.

The pandemic was the catalyst for this new age of tacos, most of which are found in Oakland and San Jose. (Read more about why here.) From smoky carne asada to tender lamb barbacoa to suckling pig complete with lechon, it’s all here.

For this list, I focused on 13 taquerias, each focused on a regional style, that have emerged within the past few years. There’s gold being produced at these spots — go and get some for yourself.