Petaluma's Mexican food scene punches above its weight, with everything from elevated modern Mexican to no-nonsense taquerias serving Sonoma County's farm workers and families.
These seven spots represent the best of what this wine country town offers, from innovative chef-driven concepts to authentic neighborhood joints that locals guard jealously.
📍 All 7 Locations
⚡ Quick List
- What A Chicken — Elevated Chicken Specialists
- Quiote — Modern Mexican Excellence
- Chunky's Taqueria and Grill — No-Nonsense Taco Champion
- Don Pancho's — Traditional Family Favorite
- La Azteca Taqueria — Neighborhood Taqueria Staple
- El Gallo Taqueria — Authentic Street Food
- Taqueria Los Potrillos — Local Workers' Choice
1. What A Chicken
✨ Best for: Elevated Chicken Specialists
📍 Petaluma · ⭐ 4.4 · 612 reviews · $$
What A Chicken elevates Mexican poultry dishes to an art form, drawing crowds who appreciate their sophisticated approach to traditional preparations. The rotisserie chickens emerge with crispy, chile-rubbed skin that crackles when you bite into it, while their chicken mole showcases deep, complex flavors built from scratch daily. Families pack the dining room during weekend dinners, while weekday lunch brings office workers craving something more refined than typical fast-casual Mexican. The chicken pozole verde arrives steaming with hominy and fresh oregano, proving that comfort food can be elegant.
Must-Order:
Rotisserie ChickenChicken MolePozole Verde
Insider Tip: Call ahead on weekends – their rotisserie chickens sell out by 7 PM, especially during football season.
2. Quiote
✨ Best for: Modern Mexican Excellence
📍 Petaluma · ⭐ 4.7 · 230 reviews · $$
Quiote represents the new generation of Mexican restaurants in Sonoma County, where traditional techniques meet wine country sensibilities. Their carnitas tacos feature pork so tender it falls apart at first touch, topped with pickled onions and micro cilantro that adds bright acidity. The mezcal selection rivals any bar in San Francisco, with knowledgeable bartenders who can guide you through smoky sips that pair perfectly with their house-made salsas. Young professionals and visiting wine tourists fill the modern dining room, drawn by Instagram-worthy plating and flavors that back up the beautiful presentation.
Must-Order:
Carnitas TacosMezcal FlightHouse Salsas
Insider Tip: Sit at the bar for the best mezcal education and ask your bartender about seasonal agave selections not on the menu.
3. Chunky's Taqueria and Grill
✨ Best for: No-Nonsense Taco Champion
📍 Petaluma · ⭐ 4.2 · 326 reviews · $
Chunky's Taqueria proves that sometimes the best Mexican food comes from the most unassuming places, where the focus stays squarely on generous portions and bold flavors. Their carne asada burritos are legendary among locals – massive flour tortillas wrapped around perfectly seasoned beef, rice, and beans that could feed two people. The al pastor spins on a proper trompo, with pineapple caramelizing at the top and adding sweetness to each taco. Construction workers line up during lunch hour, a sure sign that this place delivers authentic satisfaction at prices that won't break the bank.
Must-Order:
Carne Asada BurritoAl Pastor TacosHorchata
Insider Tip: Hit them during lunch rush (11:30 AM-1 PM) when everything's fresh and the al pastor trompo is at peak performance.
View Chunky's Taqueria and Grill →
4. Don Pancho's
✨ Best for: Traditional Family Favorite
📍 Petaluma · ⭐ 3.9 · 196 reviews · $$
Don Pancho's has been feeding Petaluma families for decades with the kind of reliable Mexican-American comfort food that never goes out of style. Their combination plates arrive sizzling on cast iron, with cheese enchiladas drowning in rich red sauce and Spanish rice that tastes like someone's grandmother made it. The margaritas pour strong and cold, perfect for washing down plates of chiles rellenos stuffed with melted cheese. Middle-aged couples claim their regular booths on Friday nights, while extended families gather for birthday celebrations in the back dining room.
Must-Order:
Combination PlateChiles RellenosHouse Margarita
Insider Tip: Friday nights fill up with regulars, so arrive before 6 PM or be prepared to wait for a booth.
5. La Azteca Taqueria
✨ Best for: Neighborhood Taqueria Staple
📍 Petaluma · ⭐ 3.6 · 267 reviews · $$
La Azteca Taqueria serves the Mexican community with authentic regional dishes that transport you straight to Michoacán or Jalisco. Their pozole rojo simmers all day Saturday, creating a rich pork and hominy soup that locals line up for on weekends. The tacos dorados arrive golden and crispy, stuffed with shredded beef and topped with crema and salsa verde. Spanish conversations fill the air while families share massive platters of food, and the jukebox plays regional Mexican music that makes every meal feel like a celebration.
Must-Order:
Pozole RojoTacos DoradosCarnitas Plate
Insider Tip: Saturday pozole sells out by 3 PM – locals know to call ahead and reserve their bowl.
6. El Gallo Taqueria
✨ Best for: Authentic Street Food
📍 Petaluma · ⭐ 4.0 · 151 reviews · $
El Gallo Taqueria keeps things simple and does it right, focusing on perfectly executed basics that satisfy without pretension. Their fish tacos feature beer-battered cod topped with crunchy cabbage slaw and tangy white sauce that drips down your fingers. The carnitas quesadillas come loaded with melted cheese and tender pork, served with dollops of guacamole and pico de gallo. Day laborers grab breakfast burritos before dawn, while families stop by for affordable dinners that don't compromise on flavor or freshness.
Must-Order:
Fish TacosCarnitas QuesadillaGuacamole
Insider Tip: Get there before 8 AM for the crispiest fish tacos when the oil is fresh and clean.
7. Taqueria Los Potrillos
✨ Best for: Local Workers' Choice
📍 Petaluma · ⭐ 3.9 · 140 reviews · $
Taqueria Los Potrillos caters to the early-rising workforce with hearty breakfast burritos and authentic Mexican comfort food that fuels long days. Their chorizo and egg tacos pack serious heat from house-made sausage that's properly spiced and crumbly. The menudo appears on weekend mornings for those brave enough to tackle the traditional tripe soup that's supposed to cure hangovers. Construction crews and landscapers fuel up here before heading to job sites, appreciating portions that stick to your ribs and prices that respect working-class budgets.
Must-Order:
Chorizo Breakfast BurritoCarnitas TacosMenudo
Insider Tip: Weekend menudo disappears fast – serious soup lovers arrive by 9 AM to guarantee their bowl.
Tips for Finding Great Mexican Food in Petaluma
Follow the Workers: The best taquerias are packed with construction crews and farm workers during lunch. If locals are lining up, the food is authentic and priced right.
Weekend Specials Matter: Many places serve traditional weekend dishes like pozole and menudo that showcase their true cooking skills beyond everyday tacos and burritos.
Ask About Salsas: House-made salsas separate great Mexican restaurants from mediocre ones. Always sample the verde and roja before ordering your main dish.
Time Your Visit: Popular items sell out at authentic spots, especially slow-cooked specialties like carnitas and barbacoa that take hours to prepare properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Picked These Spots
We ranked these restaurants based on consistency, local word-of-mouth recommendations, and authentic flavor profiles. Special weight was given to spots that serve Petaluma's Mexican community alongside attracting broader audiences.
Every restaurant on this list has a full profile on our site with photos, hours, reviews, and insider tips.
Last updated: February 2026
