By Mike Kinney
Tacos La Michoacána, a popular outdoor eatery that has been located in front of The Blue Store and next to Richmond High School for the past three years, is true to its name.
Prior to serving the Richmond-San Pablo communities, Ismael Lopez and his father conducted this type of business in their native Mexican state of Michoacán, according to Ismael’s daughter Giselle Lopez.
“He wanted to continue our family tradition here in the Richmond and San Pablo area,” said Giselle.
Tacos La Michoacán specializes in Al Pastor tacos. The San Pablo family operating it has lived between San Pablo and Michoacán off and on over the years. The authenticity of the dishes is key to the taco stop’s popularity.
“We have people coming to eat from all over the Bay Area,” Giselle said, adding, “My parents, my brother and I work long hard hours to bring the very finest and freshest tacos anywhere.”
Nash Alawdi, owner of The Blue Store, said he recently spoke with a customer who drives from Hayward weekly to Tacos La Michoacana to pick up food for their family.
Besides El Pastor tacos, Tacos La Michoacana serves Torta, Quesadilla, and Pequenos Volcanes (Little Volcanos). The small meat tacos are $3 each, the Torta and Quesadilla are $10 each and the hard-shell Torta is $ 3.50 each.
When they’re not working hard, the family likes to shop locally and dine at other eateries such as Mariscos La Playita on 23rd Street in San Pablo.
Taco’s La Michoacana is located at 1170-23rd Street and is open Thursday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. You can call (415) 261-2548 to place an order for pick up.
