El Tacostao

El Tacostao is one of the most unique taquerias in Oakland--because it's literally in someone's house. You walk through the front gate, past the house, and into what looks like a converted garage. The setting immediately sets the mood - this place is serious about tacos.The first thing that caught my eye was the menu. They've got all the usuals you'd expect from a taqueria, whether you're in East Oakland or Walnut Creek: asada, pollo, and maybe al pastor (if you're lucky). But then they take it up a notch, offering meats you typically only find in more traditional spots--lengua, cabeza, chorizo. And then, they go even deeper, to a level I've only seen in locals-only taquerias in Mexico City: labio (lips), ojo (eyes), paladar (palate), and sesos (brains) and more. I absolutely love and respect this because it embraces a nose-to-tail approach--using the whole animal rather than just the most common cuts. This isn't just about tradition; it's about honoring the ingredients, reducing waste, and showcasing the incredible flavors and textures that come from every part of the cow. It's a style of cooking deeply rooted in Mexican cuisine, and I appreciate El Tacostao for bringing that to Oakland.The menu is in Spanish only, but don't worry--they speak English (better than me, honestly). If you're unsure about anything, ask! They're super friendly and happy to help.Now, the tacos--absolutely incredible. Perfectly seasoned and cooked al vapor style, they melted in my mouth. The salsa bar was on point, with a great salsa verde, a fiery salsa roja, and all the usual accompaniments like radishes and onions. The tacos were so good they disappeared way too fast--I immediately wanted more. They also have plenty of Mexican drinks like Mineragua and imported Coca-Cola, which just makes everything taste even better.Beyond the food, the vibe was so warm and welcoming. I had a chance to chat with the woman who took my order, and I learned it's a small, 100% family-run spot serving Jalisco-style food. Everyone working there was incredibly kind, and you could feel the passion they have for what they do.Oakland has an amazing taco scene, so it's always tough to rank the best spots, but El Tacostao is without a doubt in my top five--maybe even top one or two.

Second time coming here and it's always a hit. I did order a small consume and I got it in a cup. I thought last time I ordered it small and I got it in a bowl with way more. Anyways, it was delicious. The consume is a must each time I come here. Next time I order a large bowl plus maybe two or three tacos. I did get full off of four tacos and a small consume, only downside about this place is Parking every time I come here there is no parking. I'd have to park all the way down the street to look for parking or if there's no parking, I can't come.I did order Agua de Piña and those were good. This time I ordered Tacos surtida (mixed of cow head) and it wasn't bad. I usually get cabeza. Hubbs did get 8 tacos de cabeza and he killed it .

Instagram put me on and I am so thankful because this is one of the best and unique taco experiences I've had in the bay. Ambiance is amazing. They have cabanas with picnic tables in the yard for you to enjoy your food outside. The daughter of the cook helped us navigate the menu, took our order, and helped clear plates and check in on us outside. Inside area has a TV on and really amazing posters - it looks like the family is photoshopped onto them :) And the food! Tacos al vapor is a very unique style of steaming the meat that brings out the subtle flavors. I had the cabeza, surtido (mixed) and cheek - cheek was my favorite - big chunks of meat and nice beefy flavor. What really blew my mind though was the consumé. I have never had one like this before, the daughter told us it's Mexico City style that you can't get outside of Mexico. It reminded me of Vietnamese rice porridge! It has soft bits of bit, rice, chickpeas and the right amount of diced onion and cilantro. Not too salty, really well balanced.

I got a little bit of everything, I'm not even exaggerating when I say everything I tried was so good, you can tell they put love into their food. The customer service was top tier it really felt like I was at a family members house.

Too bad Joe! Sorry your flite from Oakland changed you missed what I got! Authentico tacos al vapor! cabeza ojo lengua etc plus a complimentary cup of a deep rich beefy consomme with tons of chunks of head beef with rice & garbanzos amazing!! 10 stars! The staff was so friendly & helpful Got 4 tacos there & for home jugs of birria, menudo, & after downing the free beef soup ordered a grande too!!

El Tacostao opens only on friday, saturday, sunday. info taken off instagram posting. listed as a popup as hours are limited. parking in area is limited. entrance leads to posted sign, trailer, seating in a "garage".offerings: tortas, burritos, tacos al vapor, aqua fresca, soups.. food is jalisco inspired. specialities are the head meat torta, consumme, tacos al vaporeats: pastor tacos (2.50) choose the wrong protein :)-meat was tender, not much flavor, didn't add anything from salsa bar. had onions, cilantro, lime squeeze garnish.-should have ordered labio(lips), seso (brains), cachete (cheeks) or cabeza -meats are prepared "al vapor" although simmering is involved here not steaming, thus preserving flavors and tenderizing meats.-4 large house made tortillasmenudo (tripe soup) Lg. 15.-had a flavor neutral red broth that may be simmered from cow heads. had plenty of pig feet, tripe pieces, and pieces that looked like tendon. didn't taste any chiliness initially but felt a burn afterwards...take outs:-small dining area-fabulous value. the chili doesn't taste that hot. it sneaks up on u lately.-reviewed recently in sf chron. in food section. ..

8 tacos for $21 pre-tip, a total steal. The place smells amazing as you approach and everyone is incredibly friendly and helpful. Having no Spanish language proficiency wasn't a problem. Tacos were tasty and it was fun to try some new kinds. Salsas, onions, limes were in generous supply.

El mejor menudo de toda la bahía!!! Siempre viajo para venir a este lugar porque ningún otro se le compara. He probado menudos de muchas partes y este es el mejor sin duda. También los tacos a vapor son demasiado ricos y no se ve nada igual aquí en la bahía. Me encanta que tienen dos cabanas afuera con mesas y tele para que comas afuera y tienen unos columpios y casa del árbol para los niños mientras disfrutas de tu comida. Todos son muy buena onda y siempre atienden muy bien. 10/10

Surtido is the way to go here or one of their other cow head related proteins.Their consumme is just as good if not better than the tacos.

I have done a personal tour of highly recommended taquerias in Tijuana and Tacostao is every bit as good. In fact it might even be blasphemous to say better! And Tacostao has a consumé soup that is heavenly. It also has a setting that is absolutely charming.