TACO TUSSLE The

YOUR GUIDE TO (A FEW) OF THE BEST TAQUERIAS IN SOUTH OC

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

We here in Southern California are blessed to be surrounded by an abundance of amazing taquerias. A simple Google or Yelp search for “tacos” in the immediate area reveals there’s no shortage of shops, stands or restaurants to pick up some tacos for lunch and dinner—or perhaps even breakfast.

So how do you decide which taco shop to visit? Well, that’s where we here at Picket Fence Media have come in to give our thoughts on the tastiest tacos in our three towns.

Because of the sheer volume of eateries that serve delicious and renowned tacos in South County—Ricardo’s Place, Sole Agave, Asada Cantina + Kitchen, Sancho’s Tacos, among many others—we’ve limited this list to just some of the area’s notable (and lesser-known) grab-n-go taco stands and shops.

LUPE’S MEXICAN EATERY

33621 DEL OBISPO ST. DANA POINT, 949.558.5430. EATLUPES.COM

Starting off strong on this list of taquerias is Lupe’s—which shouldn’t come as a shock, considering it’s won six overall medals, including this past year’s Gold Lantern, for Best Taco in our annual People’s Choice Awards.

Using handmade corn tortillas, Lupe’s takes the simplicity of a street taco and adds a bit of its own flair.

Each is filled with your choice of protein, such as beer-battered fish, grilled chicken, carnitas, shrimp—or spicy shrimp—and steak, just to name a few. There’s even a Surf & Turf taco with both shrimp and steak.

Lupe’s also has Signature Tacos, offering customers the opportunity to try octopus, steak and cactus, ahi tuna, or a combination of octopus, smoked tuna and shrimp— which Lupe’s has dubbed the Oceanside Taco.

And though it varies by the protein, each taco is topped with other flavorful ingredients including, but certainly not limited to, cotija or mozzarella cheese, onions, cilantro, and guacamole or avocado, cabbage, as well as red, white and chipotle sauces.

Despite all these great choices, my Hispanic roots are always going lead me to the al pastor. And, órale, Lupe’s does not disappoint. The pork is marinated to perfection and is oh-so tender. It’s hands down my favorite meat on the menu.

PEDRO’S TACOS

2313 S. EL CAMINO REAL, SAN CLEMENTE. 949.498.5904; 550 N. EL CAMINO REAL, SAN CLEMENTE. 949.498.5908. PEDROSTACOS.COM.

This San Clemente staple is all about the stoke by supporting the local surf vibes, earning the title of Best Taco in our annual People’s Choice Ole Awards for several years running—and deservedly so.

With two locations in San Clemente, both along El Camino Real, Pedro’s Tacos epitomizes the local taco stand, serving up soft tacos that are inspired by flavors of the Baja peninsula. Since 1986, surfers have visited the stands hungry and left satiated.

From carne asada to the highly popular shrimp, these tacos are filling and full of taste as they include a healthy serving of protein, and a generous amount of cabbage, pico de gallo and sauce. These tacos are great for us carnivores, as well as pescatarians and even vegetarians—try the potato taco, mmhmm

Las Golondrinas

27124 PASEO ESPADA, SUITE 803, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO. 949.240.3440; 34069 DOHENY PARK RD. CAPISTRANO BEACH. 949.240.8659; 400B CAMINO DE ESTRELLA, SAN CLEMENTE. 949.240.9011. LASGOLONDRINAS.BIZ

Another local staple with multiple locations around our three towns, Las Golondrinas is the place to go if you’re searching for some stuffed tacos—especially on Taco Tuesdays, when it sells tacos at a discounted price.

Here, taco connoisseurs will find the standard stalwarts—carne asada, chicken, carnitas and fish. But what sets Las Gol apart? It sells mole, a traditional sauce used in Mexican cuisine to marinade meats, particularly chicken.

Customers can also get chile verde and potato tacos. And if you’re in the mood for some more crunch, Las Gol also offers crispy tacos with either shredded beef or chicken that are topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato and salsa.

El Campeon

31921 CAMINO CAPISTRANO, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, 949.240.3141. ELCAMPEONINC.COM.

A taqueria, a carniceria, a panaderia, and a market all in one, El Campeon has got everything you need to enjoy some delicious Mexican cuisine on the go or prepare your own meals for later.

But as far as the tacos are concerned, well, El Campeon is a tough one to beat. It’s got so many options from your standard carne asada, pollo and carnitas to the more traditional Mexican offerings including chicharron (pork skin), cabeza de res (beef head) and lengua (beef tongue).

No matter what your preference, each taco, served on soft corn tortillas with onion and cilantro, are flavorful, tender, juicy and well-marinated.

And, of course, you’ve got to wash it all down with your favorite aquas frescas. Be sure to head over to the panaderia (bakery) side to grab some pan dulce, or Mexican sweet bread.

ADOLFO’S MEXICAN FOOD

700 S. EL CAMINO REAL, SAN CLEMENTE. 949.441.7584

Adolfo’s is your typical no-frills, hole-inwall Mexican eatery that serves up all your favorite dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner—and then a late-night dinner (early breakfast?) after an evening in Downtown San Clemente’s “Triangle.”

These soft tacos are not for the faint of heart. They are packed with your protein of choice, so much so that you can practically make another filling taco with all the meat that spilled out as you were grubbing.

SUDS and SUN

SOAK UP SOME COLD BREWS AND WARM SUN AT SOUTH COUNTY’S OUTDOOR BREWERIES

Adolfo’s doesn’t try to sell you on specialty tacos, either; rather, it keeps things simple by offering the standards: beef, chicken, carne asada, carnitas and al pastor, topped with pico de gallo, as well as shrimp and fish, served with cabbage.

Primo Foods San Clemente

2801 S. EL CAMINO REAL, SAN CLEMENTE

This hidden gem found on the south end of San Clemente markets itself as the home of the 69-cent Taco Tuesday and Friday. Any other day of the week though, customers can order these fantastic tacos for 99 cents each—still an exceptional bargain for South Orange County.

Primo mainly operates as a small, corner grocery store, but in the back, customers can order from a menu of delicious Mexican eats such as tortas, burritos, quesadillas, rolled tacos, nachos and menudo, in addition to the tacos. And for those looking to host parties and gatherings, Primo also offers catering services.

But back to the reason we’re all here: tacos. These street-style tacos, topped with cilantro and onion with salsa and limes on the side, certainly pack a flavorful punch no matter the protein choice.

Treating yourself to a plate of six, eight, or—what the heck—even a dozen carne asada, pollo asada, al pastor, adobada, cabeza or carnitas tacos, just name to a few, won’t break the bank and will most definitely satisfy your hunger.

I should warn, though, that Primo’s tacos are known to attract a large gathering of customers for lunch—most notably on Tuesdays and Fridays. But if you have the time in your lunch break, the wait is well worth it.

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

As the summer months come upon us and the sun finally starts to break through the cloudy days, we may never be more eager to get out to our local patios and soak in some rays. South Orange County has increasingly become a hotbed for local breweries and craft beers. Many of these local spots also offer patio space and outdoor seating to make for a perfect summer weekend adventure, including a handful hosting special events and live music. If you’re looking for a place for yourself, your friends or even your furry companions to cool off with some cold suds, check out our rundown of the outdoor spaces at some of South Orange County’s best breweries.

San Juan Capistrano

CAPISTRANO BREWING CO.

31721 CAMINO CAPISTRANO

Nearly a completely open-air location, Capistrano Brewing Co. may offer the best full-sensory experience of the outdoor locations with a full view of Mission San Juan Capistrano, the smells and tastes from its partner, Heritage Barbecue, and, of course, the taste of its own beers on tap.

DOCENT BREWING

33049 CALLE AVIADOR, SUITE C

While there’s plenty of room inside with activities upstairs at Docent Brewing, the craft brewing pioneer also offers plenty of tables out back to take in the summer sun along San Juan Creek.

THE DOG PAWRK BREWING COMPANY

27122 PASEO ESPADA, SUITE 904

A tucked-away secret to some, the Dog Pawrk Brewing Company is a standout. Dog Pawrk also offers outdoor seating and, as the name implies, is a fully dog-friendly facility featuring live music on Saturdays.

Dana Point

DANA POINT ALE HOUSE

24479 DEL PRADO, UNIT A

In celebration of its first year in business, the Dana Point Ale House is opening its outdoor seating area and beer garden with an event on June 24 with live music, specialty beers and barbecue.

DELAHUNT BREWING

34901 LA PLAZA

Another location that opens its doors wide open is Delahunt’s Taproom and Taqueria in Dana Point. There’s patio seating outside that’s dog-friendly.

STATION CRAFT

34150 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY

Absorb the sunshine along PCH on the elevated patio at Station Craft. As you may notice as a running theme in these locations, Station Craft has the wideopen doors to let that coastal breeze through, and it’s an easy spot to pull off the street in the busy Lantern District for a wide array of brews and food.

San Clemente

ARTIFEX BREWING

919 CALLE AMANECER, SUITE A

Artifex offers an outdoor patio area to enjoy some original San Clemente brews, plus there are regular food trucks throughout the summer and the occasional night of live music.

LOS MOLINOS BEER CO.

151 CALLE DE LOS MOLINOS

On a warm summer day, there may be no more open spot than Los Molinos Beer Co. With plenty of patio seating and the walls opened wide to let that coastal breeze flow through, it’s a perfect spot to guzzle some grog. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, and live music is offered on Saturdays.

LOST WINDS BREWING COMPANY

924 CALLE NEGOCIO, SUITE C

Through its taproom, Lost Winds has the back door open to a patio to enjoy its local brews, but the outdoor area also hosts some must-see events. The headliner is Lost Winds’ monthly Pints & Pistons car show on the fourth Sunday of each month with classic cars and pint specials on tap.

BY COLLIN BREAUX

South Orange County is full of history and places to see.

One interactive way to learn about anecdotes from the past and check out the sights of the area is through historical tours given by docent organizations. Volunteers are available to guide people in San Clemente, Dana Point, and San Juan Capistrano and teach them about the unique legacies and features each city offers.

San Clemente Historical Society

As the “Spanish Village by the Sea” founded by Ole Hanson, the beachside town and surfer spot is a rich area for historic tours.

The San Clemente Historical Society will host a walking tour on July 1 that will begin at 9:20 a.m. The Historical Society asks participants to meet at the Historical Society Booth during the Village Art Faire on 100 N. Calle Seville.

The walking tour will give visitors and locals a chance to learn about the “vibrant history of Avenida Del Mar and surrounding buildings,” according to the Historical Society’s website.

The tour is expected to last about 45 minutes. Additional tours will be held on Aug. 5 and Sept. 2.

The Historical Society also does private and company tours for five or more people. To make an appointment, email info@sanclementehistoricalsociety.org.

Dana Point Historical Society

The Dana Point Historical Society shares Dana Point’s history at the DPHS Museum in City Hall Plaza three days a week: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, from 1-3 p.m. Tours can also be made by appointment.

“The museum is free and manned by volunteer docents, most of whom are retired,” DPHS President Barbara Johannes said. “We believe that historic buildings, sites and historical photographs give a sense of continuity and appreciation to the citizens of Dana Point.”

Docents also provide walking tours by appointment in the Historic Lantern District that include historic homes, parks and the history of Dana Point and DP Harbor below.

“Donations are suggested for these tours to benefit the DPHS, a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer nonprofit,” Johannes said. “To arrange for visits or tours by appointment, call 949.248.8121 during museum hours or leave a message.”

San Juan Capistrano Historical Society and Friends of the Library

San Juan Capistrano docents regularly give walking tours in the city, which is full of historic buildings—from the numerous