Tacos El Tucan

"As one of those places where everything is good, the go-to move here is to order the “red” tacos, a newer addition to this Richmond staple. Walk up to the window to place your order and choose from adobada freshly shaved from the trompo, grilled carne asada, succulent shrimp, or any other filling, and they’ll put it inside a crispy, handmade corn tortilla with mozzarella cheese, and finish it off with onions and cilantro. If you’re in a hurry, be sure to order online, as it’s common to wait a half hour for your food." - Lena Park, Dianne de Guzman

"Expect long lines at all times of day at this new Richmond taqueria, which practices all the hallmarks of the Tijuana-style taco: handmade tortillas; flame-grilled meats; and, on top of every taco, quesataco, or mulita, a big dollop of guacamole. Both the carne asada and adobada — a red-hued style of al pastor, sliced straight off the spit — are second to none. Since the start of the pandemic, the taqueria has continued to do a brisk takeout business, and it’s also set up some nice patio seating in front." - Luke Tsai, Eater Staff

"Normally the site of long lines at all times of day, this Richmond taqueria practices all the hallmarks of the Tijuana-style taco: handmade tortillas; flame-grilled meats; and, on top of every taco, quesataco, or mulita, a big dollop of guacamole. Both the carne asada and adobada — a red-hued style of al pastor, sliced straight off the spit — are second to none. They’re accepting phone orders and doing delivery via Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates." - Luke Tsai

"And, most recently, Tacos El Tucán, which, if the lines ever die down even just a little bit, is bound to be one of my standbys for 2020." - Eater Staff

"Tacos El Tucán, a new taqueria that opened in Richmond three weeks ago, specializes in Tijuana-style tacos. The restaurant has taken over the former Pup Hut at 12505 San Pablo Avenue. It features handmade tortillas, meats grilled over fire, and tacos served con todo with onion, cilantro, and guacamole. The restaurant grills whole steaks over fire and offers pork adobada, cooked on a vertical spit. El Tucán also serves quesatacos and mulitas and offers a take on LA-style carne asada fries. The restaurant is small, with seating for 18 diners, plus outdoor tables, and is always packed. It's open Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 8 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m." - Luke Tsai