If driving to the Lava Beds National Monument, chances are good you’ll head through the cozy farming community of Merrill. If so, make time to stop at the family-owned-and-operated Tacos A La Méxicana along Merrill’s main drag.

‍The bustling taqueria, whose walls are painted a bright blue, sells all the greatest hits—including hulking burritos, perfectly spiced enchiladas, hearty tacos (with your choice of five meats), and savory sopes. Meats are well-spiced and cooked until tender, and it all pairs well with house-made salsa and guacamole.

‍If you finish your meal and are somehow still hungry, the taqueria sells a variety of road-trip snacks—including sodas, Mexican candy, and paletas (which are frozen snacks, similar to popsicles, that are typically crafted with fresh fruit and imbued with creative flavors).

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There’s a lot to love about downtown Klamath Falls; you can enjoy a short hike along the Link River Trail, view our public art, grab a drink at locally owned bars, and more. 

Part of downtown’s allure is its active restaurant scene—led, in part, by Girasol Family Mexican Restaurant. There's something for everyone at Girasol, where an exhaustive menu covers all your favorites—such as sizzling fajitas, filling enchiladas, and a variety of seafood dishes—along with a few surprises. Some of the less common dishes on Girasol's menu include albondigas (a traditional meatball soup) and campechana (similar to ceviche—and starring a lineup of shrimp, scallops, and octopus).

Wash it all down with a well-balanced margarita; several flavors—such as mango and pomegranate—are available.

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‍Jalapeño's Taco Shop is a local taqueria chain with four locations around Klamath County. The quick-stop eatery uses fresh ingredients to craft all the classics—like tacos, tortas, quesadillas, and tostadas—but stands out for its incredible burrito selection.

The lineup at Jalapeño's includes 24 burritos that can be enjoyed for all three meals. A few highlights include a breakfast burrito (with ham, eggs, beans, and cheese), a machaca burrito (with shredded beef, tomatoes, bell pepper, onions, and beans), and even an Oregon burrito—which comes stuffed with steak, eggs, cheese, beans, and crisp potatoes.

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Lucero's sits in the midst of a quiet, semi-residential neighborhood—but that unassuming location hides what might be some of Klamath Falls' best-loved Mexican dishes.

The tiny taqueria, featuring just a few indoor seats, boasts an appetizing food menu that includes a mix of classic dishes—including tamales, freshly fried chimichangas, and fajitas—alongside several trendier items (like birria tacos and quesabirria). Order a fresh, housemade horchata to complement the cuisine.

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With a food menu that includes burritos, quesadillas, and tostadas, you can't go wrong with whatever you order at Tacos La Fogata. (As the name implies, the crispy tacos are genuine highlights.) But one of the stars of the food truck's menu is the torta—a hearty sandwich crafted with fresh bread, onion, cilantro, pickled jalapeños, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and your choice of seven juicy meats (including carne asada, al pastor, and carnitas). The bread is soft and chewy, yet strong enough to contain its many fresh ingredients.

Tacos La Fogata sits a short walk away from the OC and E Woods Line State Trail—which, at more than 100 miles long, is Oregon’s longest state park. That close proximity makes the food truck a fun stop after a day of cycling or walking the scenic path (which is one of several state parks in Klamath).

Getting hungry? Start planning your next trip, and make these taquerias part of an epic weekend getaway in Klamath County.

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