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Restaurant Review: Taqueria La Estrella


11/23 Food & Drink - Taqueria Estrella - Ext
(credit: Michelle Ventress)

I love Mexican food. Perhaps it takes me back to my childhood in Arizona where the tortilla chips flow freely and salsa is served extra spicy. Taqueria La Estrella, located in South Sacramento in the shopping center across the street from Cosumnes River College, serves tasty, authentic Mexican food in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

The restaurant seems fairly unassuming from the exterior, tucked beside Kid's Kamp in a busy shopping
center. Inside, the brightly painted walls, personalized tables and booths along with a smattering of televisions that generally have something in Spanish on, are welcoming and add to the dining experience.

11/23 Food & Drink - Taqueria Estrella - Int
(credit: Michelle Ventress)

Service is quick at Taqueria La Estrella, and we've never waited more than about ten minutes for a to-go
order. Even if it's busy during lunch, finding a table isn't difficult and the food comes out piping hot and in time to leisurely enjoy it before returning to work. Don't feel like you need to speak Spanish in order to place a coherent order. Most of the entrée choices are numbered and have pictures on the menu to
accommodate those without Spanish speaking skills.

Happy Hour is Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and they have a r bar stocked with a decent selection of options. Speaking of bars, you can't miss the salsa bar. All of their salsa is made in
house and it's all delicious. In addition to the traditional salsas of varying spiciness, there is a creamy avocado based salsa and some of the best pico di gallo I've ever had. Yes, it's just that good. If you're ordering food to go, you can purchase extra containers of salsa to take along with you.

I can personally attest to the deliciousness of the burritos. I've had the a la carte regular burrito with just about every meat option, and it was amazing every single time. You can also opt up for the super burrito which is even bigger than the regular and has sour cream, cheese and guacamole. My husband
and I frequent Taqueria La Estrella and I very rarely order anything but the tried and true burrito, he
occasionally gets creative with his choices and has yet to order something he didn't love.

11/23 Food & Drink - Taqueria Estrella - Salsa Bar
(credit: Michelle Ventress)

The drink selection is about average for this kind of restaurant with a self-serve soda machine and a
selection of beer you can order right from the register without having to visit the bar. If you appreciate a frosty glass of horchata, you will be pleasantly surprised as theirs is extra creamy.

On the weekends you'll often find a true Mariachi band entertaining the crowd. I've seen them perform
few times and am always impressed. There are also specials on a regular basis. Currently, you can get a
child's meal free with the purchase of an adult meal. They also offer specials on meals that change daily. While it may not be like enjoying a good meal in Mexico, Taqueria La Estrella provides quality food and incredible service in a comfortable, casual dining experience. Now if only I could summon enough will power to order something other than the carnitas burrito.

Taqueria La Estrella
7521 W. Stockton Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95823
(916) 691-0233
Hours: Sunday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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