Championing a favorite taqueria is a popular pastime for Sonoma County residents. It’s all about the perfect spit-grilled al pastor, the best salsa bar, the heftiest burrito or the crispiest carnitas. And if you dis someone’s quesabirria spot, be ready for a fight.
El Fogon is my newest obsession. It features the epic Machete, a forearm-length corn tortilla filled with meat (al pastor!), cheese, sour cream, tomato and cilantro. A Mexico City street food, the blade-shaped Machete can easily feed two.
![Michelada at El Fogon Taco Shop in Santa Rosa on Friday, April 14, 2023. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)](https://www.sonomamag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2GBr9G0esM2yD7xaVyhezcG4IcQ.jpg)
El Fogon’s salsa bar is stocked with spicy sauces for dipping or dousing that add kick to the Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (shrimp in a creamy garlic sauce). The biggest winner, of course, is the crispy, cheesy quesabirria.
623 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-575-0574, elfogonca.com.