More Tacos

Taqueria Ramiro and Sons

A couple of Fridays ago, I wrote about San Francisco’s Mission District and the search for the perfect taco and I though it only fitting to give a plug to couple of my local Alameda Taquerias. These are no Taco Bells or sitdown Mexican restaurants; these are quick in-an-out places that serve fresh, quality food. So if you visit this little Island, I have two places for you to grab a taco and/or burrito.

Best Taco – Calaifa Taqueria at 1445 Webster Street

These are best tacos in town. A corn tortilla, perfectly seasoned grilled steak or chicken, a little onion, cilantro and salsa. Two tacos and a beer and this is a perfect meal. The place is small, but always clean, with about eight tables inside and two outside. A salsa bar an assortment heat levels to spice up your order or dip in the free chips. The owner’s son is a huge soccer fan and there is almost always a game on the TV. The tacos are fantastic but if you are not in the mood try the tamales. Three pork or chicken tamales for $5.00 and you won't be disappointed. On Tuesday afternoons, you can go to the farmers market in the parking lot next door and then head over to grab a taco.

Best Burrito – Taqueria Ramiro and Sons at 2321 Alameda Ave at Park Street

A taqueria has been in this location since 1982, before the big ass burrito was a staple for college students, and the staff works the steaming quick and efficiently. Ramiro took over a few years after the initial shop opened and with the change in ownership it has been an Alameda institution since it rolled its first tortilla into a burrito. The Super Burrito will tame the hungriest person and must way close to two pounds. If you are picky about Beans, Ramiro offers refried, whole and black unlike other locations in town. Ramiro is known in the area for their Carnitas and people will travel from neighboring cities just to get their fix. They chop up the fried pork in front of you and drop a heaping mound into you tortilla. You want to reach over and grab a piece; the meat cleaver keeps all hand at bay. My staple is the carne asada, just because the carnitas is way over the top. Not a big fan of the chicken, boiled. If you have a small appetite, try the child’s burrito it is a good option when you are not looking to blow out your stomach. If you are not in the mood for a burrito, can’t believe that, try the super quesadilla. The place can get flooded when the High School, half a block away, is in session, avoid the place from 12:15 to 12:40. They have four or five tables, not a great place to sit and eat, but the burrito is worth the stop.