Concord Taco Trail challenge returns, with 24 restaurants in the running

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and the restaurants of the Concord Taco Trail are beckoning.

The seventh annual challenge — to find the city’s Fan Favorite Taqueria, the Best Salsa and the Taco Trail Champion — will run through Oct. 15.

Visit Concord is again hosting the event to highlight the many authentic taquerias and restaurants on the trail. Most are family-owned and have been in business for years. This year’s competition kicked off at Las Montañas on Willow Pass Road, which won two awards last year: Fan Favorite Taqueria and Best Salsa.

Of the 40 restaurants on the official trail, 24 are participating this year. Here’s how the contest works:

— Pick up a free challenge card and map and one of the restaurants listed below or at the Concord Visitor Center, 2151 Salvio St.

— Visit and eat tacos at participating restaurants, making sure to collect a sticker at each stop. The taco lover with the most stickers will be crowned the 2026 Taco Trail Champion and receive the coveted trophy and a $250 taco party.

— Vote for your favorite taqueria and salsa by sending an email to [email protected].

Winners will be announced Friday, Oct. 16.

This year’s participating restaurants:

Ranchero Taqueria
Tortilleria El Molino
Los Portales Taqueria
Lisa V’s
Salsa Verde Mexican Cuisine
Las Montañas Supermarket (Willow Pass Road and Monument Boulevard locations)
Puesto
Mercado Del Sol
Papi Clary’s Kitchen
Taqueria Los Gallos
Guadalajara Grill
El Faro Mexican Food
Taqueria El Escamol
Taqueria Los Gallos Express
Salsa Mexican Grill
Los Piños
Vero’s Taqueria
Alpine Pastry and Cakes
Los Morenrita Market
Pancho Villa
Carillo’s Tacos Mexican Food
Herencia Hidalguense
Cocina Hijole Maria – Oh Whateva

Note: The final participant, Los Tacos in Your Belly, will be a booth at the Concord Pedal Fest at Baldwin Park on Sunday, Sept. 27. Customers who order there should stop by the Visit Concord/Taco Trail booth at the event to request their sticker.

Details: visitconcordca.com/eat-drink/taco-trail