Mexican cuisine holds a cherished spot in our souls. It feeds our unquenchable craving for vibrant flavors and warm tortillas, while offering a chance to reflect on the rich tapestry of culture and community. These thirteen establishments showcase some of our most beloved Mexican dishes in Concord, and each will inspire you to joyfully explore your connection to tacos, enchiladas, salsas, and beyond.
Tortilleria El Molino
$ | (925) 687-7066 | WEBSITE
Here are two Concord rules to live by: always bring an extra container for impromptu takeout orders, and always say yes when the server at Tortilleria El Molino asks if you want extra salsa with your tacos. This Mexican restaurant is a fantastic spot that serves some of our favorite carne asada and homemade tortillas anywhere in the area. We recommend coming with a friend and ordering the chicharrón tacos and tamales, which gets you two plates filled with fresh, delicious food.
But no matter what, you should always save room for their house green salsa and red salsa with lots of bright flavor to help balance out the richness.
Taqueria Mariscos
$ | (925) 375-1955 | WEBSITE
One of our go-to spots for a quick weeknight taco fix is also somewhere you can find excellent vegetarian options. This Concord favorite gives you the choice to get Huitlacoche or Flor de Calabaza quesadillas, and we recommend trying both since choosing between those two fillings is like picking between Mario Kart and Diddy Kong Racing – it’s impossible.
The beer-battered tacos also have shrimp mixed in, and if you get your order with the spicy salsa (which you should), the heat will clear up your sinuses. We love the generous portions, fresh ingredients, and friendly service that help balance out the whole experience.
Taqueria Los Arcos
$ | (925) 825-1262 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving something truly authentic and vibrant before your meal at this Mexican spot in Concord, the electrifying brightness of their green salsa will successfully wake up your taste buds to a level typically reserved for a Taco Tuesday celebration. Each scoop is fresh and bursting with tomatillo, cilantro, jalapeño, and blended herbs.
There’s so much zesty flavor in this little bowl that, if you close your eyes, you may come to the conclusion that you’ve been transported straight to a mercado in Mexico City. When your palate needs a breather, return to the self-serve chips and chicken soup on the counter.
Lisa’s V’s
$ | (925) 687-7527 | WEBSITE
We can sometimes be skeptical of long-standing local spots. The menus are often stuck in the past, the quality might have slipped over the decades, and the atmosphere can feel tired from years of wear. You won’t have to worry about any of that at Lisa’s V’s in Concord. The Mexican-inspired comfort food, highlighted by their famous hot dogs, is all delicious.
In their classic chili dog, you’ll find a premium beef frank with that signature snap, smothered in hearty chili, topped with shredded cheese and diced onions on a soft bun. This one is the real standout, but if you’re looking to try something else – the steak street tacos with chimichurri and cilantro sauce on fresh corn tortillas are a satisfying choice as well.
Herencia Hidalguense
$$ | (925) 676-6450 | WEBSITE
Herencia Hidalguense is a vibrant Mexican restaurant in Concord that’s filled with rustic wooden tables, colorful papel picado banners, and traditional pottery displayed on shelves like treasures from a family kitchen. If you need another reason to come here, know that they have a standout barbecue dish you can eat for lunch or dinner every day.
Our favorite is the Hidalgo-style barbecue, filled with tender, smoky meat that has an earthy, savory flavor unlike all the other barbecue options you’ll find around town. It’s all served with complementary chips alongside beans and cheese that perfectly balance the rich, authentic taste.
Molli Restaurant & Lounge
$$ | (925) 676-5252 | WEBSITE
Whenever we dine at Molli Restaurant & Lounge in Concord, we go all-in on margaritas and shareable plates. They dedicate their menu to crowd-pleasing favorites, like birriarollos and lamb rack that arrive perfectly cooked alongside nachos and sliders. This is a great spot to gather for a special occasion (especially if you’re tired of the same predictable spots with your friends or family nearby).
It’s always welcoming, there are plenty of options for groups who want to share—including their Brussels sprouts and large-format margaritas—as well as individual entrees. We’d recommend booking their private event space if your party isn’t up for the bustling main dining room.
Kabuli Kabobs
$ | (925) 483-2848 | WEBSITE
Kabuli Kabobs’ beef kabob, which is the star at this Concord spot, is better than almost any grilled meat in the area. But what deserves just as much praise is the excellent lamb shank. You can enjoy generous portions depending on your appetite, and each order comes on a massive plate that could easily be described as a serving dish.
And considering that this restaurant offers affordable prices, we appreciate that the kabobs, lamb shank, and rice in their Kabuli palaow taste like they were just prepared with care.
La Tapatia Méxican Restaurant and Cantina | Concord
$ | (925) 685-1986 | WEBSITE
According to their local reputation, La Tapatia is one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in Concord. So if you’re looking for a Concord establishment that knows how to serve up a plate of classic Mexican food, this is the spot to try. Come here for a reliable version of steak fajitas with generous portions on the side, along with some decent carne asada, shredded chicken chimi, and mildly spicy salsa that will satisfy your craving.
The cozy ambiance and quick, friendly service make it a consistent choice for a satisfying, old-school Mexican meal with reasonable prices.
El Pollo Loco
$ | (925) 969-9280 | WEBSITE
At this point, El Pollo Loco keeps its menu consistent and reliable. But no matter what you order at this Mexican spot in Concord, you should always get the chicken. Whether it’s the Wing/Thigh meal, a flavorful combo, or some variation of all their options, the staff will probably bring your food quickly and correctly.
Recently, we tried the hot sauce, mixed with traditional spices, lime, and a bunch of other ingredients we wanted to drizzle over everything like the last bit of salsa from your favorite jar.
Guadalajara Grill
$ | (925) 672-4430 | WEBSITE
Guadalajara Grill is the longtime reliable Mexican spot to visit in Concord. And a big reason is for their consistently great-tasting dishes, especially the Al pastor tacos. After one bite, the warm chips and tasty salsa made us smile in a good way. Thin, crispy flautas mingle with fresh toppings, generous portions of seasoned meat, and that welcoming atmosphere that soaks up all the everyday stress.
Instead of a bland carne asada to end our meal, we long to take a sip of Guadalajara Grill’s michilada since it’s so full of flavor and might even inspire us to linger at the table for another 30 minutes.
Rancheros Taqueria
$ | (925) 685-7110 | WEBSITE
If Rancheros Taqueria is the cousin who’s been perfecting street tacos since childhood, their breakfast plates are its equally impressive sibling who decided to specialize in morning feasts. They’re from the same authentic roots, and they both thrive in the Walnut Creek area. In addition to Rancheros’ amazing al pastor tacos, the delicious and notably filling tamales here are a must-order.
We always go for the birria tacos with handmade tortillas, as recommended by manager Alex, all coming together in one delightfully satisfying meal from the outdoor kitchen.
Los Tacos De Pancho
$ | (925) 827-0517 | WEBSITE
Any conversation about the best Mexican food in Concord needs to include Los Tacos De Pancho. So, naturally, any discussion about the best burritos should as well. The massive Super Burrito is filled with a generous portion of flavorful meat, perfectly seasoned beans, and melted cheese. But the real reason you should order this is for the homemade tamales – each bite tastes like it’s been wrapped in a warm corn husk blanket like a cozy Sunday morning.
Pairing an order with one of their ice-cold beers is the perfect setup for a satisfying, no-frills kind of meal.
Casa Del Alfajor – Rico Pan Bakery
$$ | (925) 822-3014 | WEBSITE
Casa Del Alfajor – Rico Pan Bakery has several great baked goods options, but a visit to this Mexican bakery in Concord isn’t complete without an order of guava shortbread cookies. These delicate rounds of buttery shortbread get filled with sweet guava paste and then dusted with a perfect sprinkle of powdered sugar. And they’ll transport you to a cozy neighborhood panadería in Mexico City. While you’re here, don’t miss their Cajeta stuffed Alfajores.
The rich sandwich cookies get their decadence (and name) from a generous layer of caramelized goat’s milk dulce de leche that you’ll see peeking out between two tender shortbread rounds. Both treats come with a side of freshly brewed coffee so you can enjoy the sweet cookies with the bakery’s affordable, delicious sourdough bread that the owner has been recognized for in the local newspaper.
