Whoever is in charge of the artistic direction at Taqueria Vallarta needs to be poached immediately by one of those hotshot tech companies like Google or Twitter.  The guy (or gal) has repeatedly proven to be on the cusp of genius, as evinced by “batshit insane” 49ers tribute mural, as well as the various exterior drawings and aesthetically pleasing color scheme.

Now he’s outdone himself again with another game-changer:  this amazing lit-up pop-out sign that can be seen from blocks away by anyone walking on 24th St.  Depicting a serene ocean scene that reminds you of vacation, complete with lazy seagulls, it also manages to extol the virtues that make this one of the most popular taquerias in the neighborhood.

For instance, top billing goes to the Tacos al Vapor, which are the closest thing you’ll find to the tacos served in Tijuana.  Likewise, a keen sense of knowing your audience is demonstrated by the deft placement of (what appears to be) “Vegan Burritos,” always a popular choice in the Mission.  My only regret is that they don’t mention the champurrado (which makes a delicious treat on a cold night, of which you can be sure we’ll soon have plenty).

Back when our band LA CORDE went down to play a show in Tijuana, we had the pleasure of hanging out with our friend Jason, a former San Franciscan who’s been living there for the past few years. 

We’re planning on going back there for more shows over Labor Day weekend, so to get in the mood, I’ve been checking out Tijuanalandia, Jason’s  blog.  It’s pretty awesome.  You should do yourself a favor and check it out yourself.

Tijuana Critical Mass

Just like the Mission

TIJUANALANDIA

Previously:

Mission Taquerias Need to Step it Up

Mission Bar Treats Need to Step it Up

One thing that I noticed right away about the hipsters in Tijuana was that their style was a few years behind that of San Francisco hipsters, who themselves are a few years behind New York hipsters (this is a good thing).  LA hipsters are not included because they never know what the fuck they’re doing anyway.

Hoping to buck the trend, this one is carrying around a unicycle.  The new fixie, anyone?  I feel like it’s been tried before.

Previously:

Hipsters Live in the Mission

Costco Hipster

Hipsters Don’t Deliver

Hipster Pizza

The Modern San Franciscan Has Real Boobs and Lives in the Mission