Restaurants

La Taquerita

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

1720 R St, Merced, CA 95340, United States $10–20
4.7
39 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Nestled in the heart of Merced, CA, La Taquerita is a culinary treasure for lovers of authentic Mexican street food. This vibrant spot specializes in traditional tacos bursting with bold flavors and expertly crafted ingredients, offering an irresistible dining experience that keeps customers coming back for more.

La Taquerita’s menu is a celebration of Mexican classics, with standouts that have earned raving reviews from locals and visitors alike. Their famous birria tacos, especially the quesatacos—a heavenly fusion of quesadilla and taco—are a must-try. With a lovingly melty cheese pull and tender, richly seasoned meat, each bite delivers a fragrant, indulgent rush of savors that feel both comforting and exciting. Priced affordably at around $3 per piece, these tacos offer an excellent value without compromising on quality.

But the delights don’t stop there. From the generous servings of carne asada and el pastor tacos overflowing with juicy, well-marinated meat to the crisp, veggie-packed rolled tacos, there's something for every palate. Diners appreciate the thick cuts of meat in burritos, with smoky, charred edges that add a satisfying texture and depth of flavor. The rich, undiluted birria sauce complements the meats perfectly, enhancing rather than overpowering the natural tastes.

Beyond the food itself, La Taquerita exudes an inviting and casual atmosphere. Located conveniently next to a Shell gas station on R Street, the unpretentious setting is a hidden gem where genuine hospitality shines through. Customers often praise the quick service and friendly staff, creating a welcoming environment that feels like a local secret shared among friends.

Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or indulging in a variety of dishes to savor every unique flavor, La Taquerita delivers an authentic and memorable Mexican dining experience that tantalizes the senses with every mouthwatering bite. As Jorge puts it, “I order about 4/5 different items from here. Nothing disappoints.” For anyone craving real, soulful tacos in Merced, La Taquerita is not just a choice—it’s a destination.

03 Notes from regulars

39 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.7
Based on 39 verified notes
5 34
4 4
3 2
2 0
1 1
All Birria Tacos Quesabirria Tacos Al Pastor Torta Burritos Asada Carne Asada Burrito Affordable Veggies Truck Flavor
Jorge.
3 month ago
My favorite place to eat ever. I usually get stuck ordering one thing from somewhere. I order about 4/5 different items from here. Nothing disappoints.
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Jonathan Shade.
3 month ago
Fantabular!!! I was lurking for some tacos. My usual go to place, El Sope, wasn’t open so I decided to give this place a shot. My oh my! You guys I mean it when I say, do not sleep on this place! Try their birria tacos(quesatacos) which are like a mix of quesadilla and a taco. They’re only like $3 a piece. You won’t be disappointed!
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Willie Moses.
4 month ago
This business offers great quesabirria tacos, i mean amazing!! Its right next to the shell gas station, we didnt expect much, but it blew me away. burrito is also good, i prefer my carne asada burirttos with a thicker cutt. but meal was great and affordable!
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Bou Lor.
4 month ago
The birria tacos had so much meat with a nice cheese pull. The sauce was rich and full of flavor, not watered down. The el pastor and carne asada tacos had so much overflow of meat, but the flavor was not as crispy as I'd like, but overall taste was a 4 out of 5. The roll taco was nice and crispy and full of veggies which I love. They have chicken or potato option for tbe rolled tacos.
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Elizabeth Hernandez.
5 month ago
LA TAQUERITA is a must-visit hidden gem for anyone in the area. With a variety of tacos. The tacos are flavorful and well-prepared. The service is quick and the staff is always welcoming. I HIGHLY recommend the asada, birria, and pastor! I had to go back for seconds! The green salsa was amazing!!!
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Leif Brazell.
5 month ago
I wasn't about their pricing at first cause it was 12 dollars for a burrito, but I was pleasantly surprised. I got a burrito supreme de carne asada, and that was one BIG Burrito. Super delicious, it was made quickly and service was friendly.
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Joshua.
6 month ago
I've been here a few times and i believe i've been here enough to give an honest review. I always get the Asada Tacos and sometimes the Asada Burrito Supreme. The tacos are always tasty, and the Asada is never dry. I love that everything you order comes with jalapeno's, radish, carrots, and grilled onions. Make sure you get extra salsa when you get the tacos, their salsa is really good. The only reason i don't give it 5 stars is that there's flavor missing from their burritos, the rice inside is a little bland so it's like you're eating white rice instead of Mexican rice. Maybe next time i'll order it with extra meat and that'll give it a better flavor profile. I definitely like this place for a quick fix when i'm craving Mexican and the prices are great too! It's right by the Shell Gas Station so no need to worry about drinks, and i love that they accept electronic forms of payment (i.e. Venmo/Cash App)
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Chief's Tortiperros.
6 month ago
The ladies there are super cool.. Everything I've tasted their is great. I had the al.pastor torta with a carne asada burrito. Definitely be back.
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday 10:30 AM - 07:00 PM
Tuesday 10:30 AM - 07:00 PM
Wednesday 10:30 AM - 07:00 PM
Thursday 10:30 AM - 07:00 PM
Friday (today) 10:30 AM - 07:00 PM
Saturday 10:30 AM - 07:00 PM
Sunday 10:30 AM - 07:00 PM
Finding the door

1720 R St, Merced, CA 95340, United States

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Popular for
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
  • Comfort food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
Dining options
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Atmosphere
  • Casual
Crowd
  • Groups
  • Tourists
Planning
  • Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Debit cards
Children
  • Good for kids
Parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Parking
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