First photo by Roberto Rodriguez; add'l photos sponsored by restaurant
La Vallesana
On La Vallesana’s Facebook page, the Cherokee Street taqueria also calls itself, in parentheses, “The Taco Stand.” This always makes me smile. Partly, it’s nostalgia for La Vallesana’s original, much smaller building — not much more than a stand, really. Partly, it’s remembering that for all the changes to Cherokee Street over the past few years, traditional Mexican cuisine remains the neighborhood’s heart. And while there are other fine taquerias here, La Vallesana is my go-to for tacos (my typical trio is al pastor, lengua and cachete) and tortas, not to mention the ice cream and paletas. Lounging on La Vallesana’s patio on a warm summer day with a chile-spiked mango popsicle? Divine.
Hours: Lunch and dinner daily
Opened: 2003
Must order: Taco al pastor ($1.99)