Ramon’s Tacos, Planada

Ramon’s Tacos

Truck Info:

8973 CA-140, Planada, CA 95365

In the parking lot of El Campo Market on Central Yosemite Highway and Plainsburg Road

209-996-9736

Operating Hours: Monday, Wednesday - Sunday, 10:30am to 10pm, Closed Tuesdays

Metrics:

Tortilla Type: Corn, fried off rather dry, very good intense corn flavor

Garnishes: Lemon, slightly grilled onions, avocado

Salsa: Green, very deep roasted tomatillo flavor

Meats: Asada, Pastor, Lengua, Pollo, Cabeza

Spice Level: 2/5, not too much spice, very approachable

Accepts card: Cash Only

Ramon’s Tacos are always a treat to stop by, whether you are making the trip up to Yosemite or you are a Planada regular. They have been a mainstay for many in Merced for quite a while, and often warrant a trip for no extra reason other than great tacos.

The first thing to mention is just how great their tortillas are. This is a common thread for me by now if you haven’t noticed, but good meat can only carry a taco so far if the tortilla isn’t also high quality. Safe to say, Ramon’s has tortillas with great corn flavor. The are warmed up rather dry on the plancha, and for good reason: the tacos are juicy. If the tortilla didn’t have the structural integrity it does, these tacos would fall apart in minutes. But instead, all those beautiful juices soak right into the tortilla so not a single drop is lost.

The asada is cooked off without too much heavy charring, probably to ensure a lot of that fat and moisture is preserved for serving. The chicken was heavily marinated, leading to a more yellow tone from the spices, and the flavors shine through clearly. But the star of the show has to be the cabeza. Ramon’s is actually one of my go to’s for cabeza tacos close to Merced. The meat feels as if it has been stewed rather than fried off with how moist it is and how easily it falls apart. The decadent salsa verde and charred sauteed onions complement it perfectly, and most importantly, the cilantro and avocado provide the necessary freshness to cut through what would otherwise be almost too much richness.

But as always, my recommendations can only go so far, and tasting is believing. Even if this place is out of your way, its worth a detour. Check it out!

Date Visited: 9/4/22

Remember: ImpressiveChart7171