Hayward has plenty of Mexican food options in nearly all sections of town, but these are some of the standout places within a few miles of campus.

Acapulco Taqueria
19950 Hesperian Blvd.

Near the intersection of Hesperian and A Street, Acapulco Taqueria is a local hot spot for great Mexican food. This is a newer location, as the original is on West A Street, but has the same owner. This location is larger than the original, offering a large dining room and a side banquet hall for private parties.
When dining in at Acapulco, each table receives chips with homemade salsa and a refried bean dip with queso fresco on top. At Acapulco, you can get two items on their menu, with rice and beans, for ten dollars. A large cheese quesadilla with grilled chicken or carne asada inside with guacamole and sour cream is just five dollars. This location offers a larger menu than the A street location, including a variety of seafood, including ceviche, paper-thin sliced fish marinated in citrus with fresh vegetables.
Local Hayward resident Gabe Ronquillo, just recently tried Acapulco and it has slowly become his new favorite spot.

“The food is awesome,” said Ronquillo. “They don’t skimp out on the meat, which a lot of taquerias do for whatever reason. The atmosphere is also really pleasant, and there is plenty of parking.
“Plus, I love the bottles of Coke from Mexico. They just taste better than from a fountain.”
In addition to the usual sodas and Mexican beer, Acapulco has one of the largest tequila bars in Hayward, so needless to say, they are known for their energetic nighttime scene.

Chavez Market and Taqueria
1157 W. Tennyson Rd.

Along with selling imported Mexican groceries, Chavez Market has a taqueria conveniently located inside. Known for their al pastor burrito and carne asada French fries, Chavez Market offers tasty traditional Mexican fare, along with some Americanized varieties with familiar flavors. Chavez is very generous with meat filling in all of their menu items, along with providing plenty of salsa, guacamole and sour cream.
Although this isn’t the most inexpensive taqueria in Hayward, the quality of the ingredients make it worth paying a bit more. A large burrito that could easily feed two people is just under six dollars.

Chavez Market is also known for their fast service. I went in for Friday lunch rush, and went from the back to the front of the line in under five minutes. Deciding to listen to my stomach and not my arteries, I ordered the carne asada fries: medium-cut French fries, marinated beef, cheese, sour cream and guacamole. Although nowhere near a traditional Mexican experience, it was quite tasty nonetheless.

For a more traditional Mexican meal, I recommend getting one of their tortas. A torta is kind of a Mexican sandwich. My personal favorite is the al pastor torta: tender, juicy marinated pork with shredded lettuce and tomato on round, flat white bread.

Pepe’s
27915 Mission Blvd

With a wide selection of burritos all under $5, Pepe’s will fill you up without emptying your wallet. Although Pepe’s is a small place, the bright yellow paint will catch your eye from Mission Boulevard.
This is the best spot I have found in Hayward for a breakfast burrito, which comes with scrambled eggs, ham, chorizo and either rice and beans or hash browns. These are good-sized burritos that will keep you full and satisfied.
Along with burritos, Pepe’s has other simple, typical food, like tacos, flautas and nachos. Exceptional items include fajitas with marinated vegetables and fish tacos that stand up to those from any taco truck.

Whether you’re near campus or not, Hayward’s Mexican food is something worth going out of your way for.