Buried in the suburbs of Terra Linda, Sonora Taqueria features many tables for a classic dining experience. It’s a pickup-style restaurant; therefore, the atmosphere inside is dry and uninviting, but their food makes up for the lost ground. 

At nine dollars, their carne asada burrito was the best deal we could find. They loaded the burrito with tons of meat; however, the poor meat quality overwhelmed the positives. Their carne asada was quite tough and abnormally chewy for a usual tender texture. Comparing this to some of our other spots, like El Roy’s, surfaces an intriguing conversation about quantity vs quality.

For our specialty item, we tried their tacos al pastor. Coming in at 3.25 dollars per taco, they were a hit. If you can handle the spice, these are amazing tacos with a smoky and mildly sweet flavor. The meat’s inconsistent texture was interesting, as some parts were tender, while others were crispy. But this abnormal contrast surprisingly works and gives layers to the tactic. While the al pastor flavor was brightly acidic, the cilantro garnish cut through its intensity. The taco’s simplicity is what made it effective, and it left us craving more. 

Dining at any of the six El Roy’s locations around the Bay involves a crowded atmosphere with constant lines. However, this food truck’s high-energy atmosphere has made this family-owned “Express Mex” empire a Sonoma County institution.

Known for their consistent quality and affordable prices, with their carne asada burrito coming in at 12 dollars, El Roy’s has built a massive following that spans from their iconic food trucks to their brick-and-mortar restaurants. The burrito was solid… but it did not blow us away. Nearly every bite featured a huge chunk of rice and beans, with the most prominent flavor being salt. The second bite offered much more as we got to try their tender yet crispy carne asada. The meat was the one-man show of this burrito, offering a unique texture and smoky flavor. 

For our specialty item, we tried their tacos dorados for 4.25 dollars per taco. The tacos featured El Roy’s signature carnitas under a bed of cilantro, lime, radish, and queso fresco. Despite a variety of ingredients, the flavors were one-dimensional and overpowered by salt. Although El Roy’s cooks their carnitas fresh in-house, the crispy tacos’ temperature did not reflect this. Overall, El Roy’s Express Mex fulfills its promise by delivering fast Mexican food. 

Traveling south of San Rafael, few Mexican restaurants offer an authentic Mexican taste, with most serving one-dimensional cooking. Grilly’s stands out from the pack. Located on Miller Avenue at the gateway to downtown Mill Valley, the restaurant presents itself as a semi-traditional Mexican spot with a California inflection. The space is inviting without feeling too busy, and while prices trend above competitors, the food justifies the premium. 

Sitting at just over 13 dollars, the carne asada burrito distinguishes itself through its construction: Rather than shredded or finely chopped beef, the burrito offers larger seared cubes. Although this choice impeded “biteability,” the beef nevertheless had a pronounced textured flavor. A medium-spicy salsa introduces a refreshingly acidic complexity, and the accompanying Spanish rice and pinto beans provide a stable, conventional foundation. For the specialty item, Grilly’s offers a refreshing chicken-lime soup at 6.50 dollars. The soup serves as an elegant counterpoint to the heavier burrito, providing a sharp, citrus-driven acidity that is elegantly balanced with tender, shredded chicken. Light yet layered, we found Grilly’s chicken-lime soup to be the star of our visit. 

Mi Familia, located just off Miracle Mile in San Anselmo, offers up authentic, cozy Mexican cuisine. Upon entering the newly renovated establishment, the slick, minimalist walls and handcrafted wooden furniture offer up a luxurious dining experience. Whether you’re seated near the bustling counter or tucked into a corner booth, the space feels welcoming and familiar. 

The burrito has the proportions just right with the perfect amount of rice, beans, and carne asada, ensuring that no single ingredient overpowers the rest. The beautifully seasoned carne asada pairs perfectly with pico de gallo to create a well-rounded burrito. 

Everything was far from bland with the Quesabirria tacos offering an intensely savory experience. When dipped into the consommé, the taco truly shines, creating a beautiful blend of spices. Overall, Mi Familia delivers a satisfying dining experience, with a focus on robust, well-seasoned food rather than presentation. 

Located in the divide between San Rafael and San Anselmo, Betzy’s Tacos offers a low-key vibe, small interior, and outside seating with colorful chairs and tables. Despite its size, Betzy’s Tacos falls right into the classic burrito vibe.

The carne asada burrito followed this colorful vibe with a distinct pico de gallo that separated itself from competitors. Instead of the classic refried pinto beans, Betzy’s has whole black beans and an unusual slab of cheese. However, we loved these quirks and found their burrito not only enjoyable but also one of the most flavorful in the North Bay. However, at 13.50 dollars, Betzy’s was the most expensive burrito we reviewed. Though burritos are often considered a “healthy food,” we noticed that Betzy’s did not leave us with the classic burrito aftermath that causes heartburn, which justified the price tag. 

For our speciality item, we tried their famous pupusas, which are brightly marketed on their chalkboard-style menu. Their pupusa revelta, featuring pork, beans, and cheese, was a hit. That first bite is quite sensational as the pork and beans come through in a gooey cheese that melts in your mouth. The tortilla had a comforting, authentic flavor, and mixed with the stuffing for a simple yet incredible bite. Coming in at 15 dollars for three pupusas, these are enough for a meal and a good one that leaves customers craving more.