From the blue-ribbon best to food truck favorites, here's where to get your fix of deeply flavorful marinated pork.
The Blue-Ribbon Best—Taqueria Las Palmas: A little bit of heat with plenty of spice. Brilliantly colored with serious depth, and fresh tomatoes make the whole thing sing. 415 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-546-3091. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Best From a Truck—Delicias Elenita: The orange truck just outside La Fondita is tops for price, speed, and flavor. Also grab some elote (grilled corn) and a jamaica (hibiscus drink). 816 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-575-7021. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Fan Favorite—Luduka’s Café: Though their quesabirria is number one, there’s no denying their al pastor gets the same careful attention. 7285 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park, 707-664-5919. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Best Old-School—Taqueria Santa Rosa: Always one of our favorites, especially for takeout. Problem is, they're so flavorful, they rarely make it home. 1950 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-528-7956. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Best Newcomer—Cielito Lindo: Juicy and generous, the al pastor tacos here are a top-two contender. 52 Mission Blvd., #110, Santa Rosa, 978-2070. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Sleeper Hit—Tonayan: This Rohnert Park surprise brings the flavor. Make it a plate with top-notch beans and rice. 500 Raley’s Towne Centre, Rohnert Park, 707-588-0893. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Best Spit-Roasted—El Fogon: One of the few pastors actually roasted the traditional way, with slices of sweet pineapple included. 6650 Commerce Blvd., Suite 5, Rohnert Park, 707-585-1623. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Best Late-Night—La Bamba Taco Truck: Is it the midnight availability that makes us love them? Nah, they’re seriously the bomba. 18155 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, 707-322-1070. (Abigail Peterson / Sonoma Magazine)
Tostado Al Pastor from Juanita Juanita in Sonoma. (Photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Al Pastor and Chicken Tacos served at Juanita Juanita on Arnold Drive in Sonoma, Wednesday, November 26, 2014. (Crista Jeremiason / The Press Democrat)
Ramiro Morales prepares tacos al pastor that was cooked the traditional way on a trompo, right, at Taqueria Molcajetes, in Santa Rosa, California, on Wednesday, April 25, 2018. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)
Inspired by the shawarma of Lebanese herders who immigrated to Mexico, al pastor — literally meaning “of the shepherd” — is a deeply flavorful marinated pork with chiles and (if you’re lucky) cooked on a vertical spit with bits of sweet pineapple. Click through the gallery for our favorite spots for al pastor.
What’s your favorite spot for al pastor? Let us know in the comments.
