How One of Oakland’s Best Taco Trucks Makes Quesabirria - The Experts

La Santa Torta is one of Oakland’s most popular trucks for quesabirria tacos, fatty beef consommé for dipping, and other Jalisco-style Mexican dishes. See how friends Leo Oblea and Victor Guzman embark on the laborious, slow process of making juicy, cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth tacos every day.
Credits:
Producers: Francesca Manto, J.P. Dobrin
Director: J.P. Dobrin
Camera: J.P. Dobrin, Serginho Roosblad
Editor: J.P. Dobrin
Executive Producer: Stephen Pelletteri
Development Producer: McGraw Wolfman
Coordinating Producer: Stefania Orrù
Audience Engagement: Daniel Geneen, Terri Ciccone
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[@SteelHex]

Wow, this is deeper than just food, it’s about getting acceptance in your new home while still being anchored to the old.

[@reginaldhuckstable9797]

This isn’t their new home they’ve been here for life

[@SteelHex]

@@reginaldhuckstable9797 new and old are relative. If I buy a used car, that car is new to me even when it’s old to the previous owner and the factory.

[@SteelHex]

@Brad1156 so if I love Italian food, I’m suddenly Italian and has to move out to Italy?

[@Yarmox]

@Brad1156 if u aint mixed your culture remains at heart regardless of if u are in the US.

[@MysteryScienceGaming]

yeah, it is a story about two people breaking the law every single day of their life by being in a country they are not legally allowed to be in; and the idiot sheep who support them.

[@ayishagerussi9382]

I live in Australia and while we get spectacular food from all over Asia, we just don't have anywhere NEAR this level of quality Mexican food. Really wish I could taste this! Love from Aus and wishing these guys all the success.

[@chezraks]

True!

[@frisco9568]

You should also look into something called Barbacoa de Res. It’s super similar but prepared differently depending on the region of Mexico.

[@ayishagerussi9382]

@@frisco9568 Oooh thank you! I'l have a look!

[@frisco9568]

@@ayishagerussi9382 I swear you need a proper authentic experience🇲🇽🔥birria is know to be either goat or lamb, but barbacoa is usually beef.

[@luisescalante14]

Good to know! Should set up shop in australia

[@swordlink96]

Hell of an origin story.

[@idrisie6720]

Fr tho

[@TheOriginalArchie]

you know thats gotta taste good

[@Gameboyreaper]

IKR

[@ericktellez7632]

@@TheOriginalArchie The sister or the birria?

[@dippitydab8270]

@@ericktellez7632 both

[@user-xn7jc7ym2j]

"I started to use my real name for the first time." - that hit me.

[@ithaka9564]

@@HomeSkillit Try working in the fields. I have and even as a citizen I can say the society is wired that way. No one wants those jobs no matter how vital they are.

[@diabeticpanda8979]

I’ve never broken the law 😂😂😂😂😂

[@RyukoKiryuin510]

@@diabeticpanda8979 only some laws protect normal people most laws protect multi billion dollar corporations xD

[@edwardjohnston974]

I am in Oakland for business from Florida. After watching this video I had to give this food truck a try. I travel a lot and love to try tacos from all over the U.S. This truck by far has the best tacos Ive ever had. I went with the quesabirria with three tacos and dipping juice. I actually drank the left over juice from the cup . Unbelievably good. Please check this place out. I will be back every time I’m in Oakland.

[@tr3louis]

I'm from Oakland and I confirm their Tacos are Official!

[@ree3197]

Lucky

[@Zoltan82]

I want to like this, but can''t ruin the ration. LOL Also in the East Bay, guess I need to try them.

[@mrfanatic2292]

Is this truck in the dubs ? I go to the one on 27th e14

[@tr3louis]

@@mrfanatic2292 Nah, I go to the one next to Nation's downtown, by Jack London. No where near the murder dubs.

[@Vpeezy66]

Next time I come to see you cousin you should take me to get some of these tacos #AFNF

[@georgewilley9609]

Birrias not ready, crank up the music 🤣🤣🤣 love it

[@Astelch]

Nothing better than working a job that you enjoy. The dream!!

[@kristian4803]

These guys are so genuine and real. They seem to have an amazing bond.

[@kristerkyle]

These type of people are the backbone of America!!

[@0utpatient]

Exactly! That's some Republicans don't seem to understand.

[@pennypincher7383]

@Big Al Glad these guys are talented in the kitchen and the food looks delish, but that doesn't justify coming to the states illegally while others respect the process. Some of my family in the Philippines are still waiting to come here LEGALLY - and it's been over 10 years! This guy laughing it off that he got a fake identity and SS is a bit disturbing to me.

[@TomJones-zm3kz]

Illegal immigrants selling tacos are not the backbone of America.

[@riserobot21]

@The Joker that was actually the whole point of America. guess you never got the memo.

[@riserobot21]

@@TomJones-zm3kz Maybe they are and maybe they're not. But shitbag coward bigots like you certainly are not the backbone of America.

[@josuerodriguez7703]

Him speaking about being under daca hit home. People don’t talk about it enough. God bless.

[@unknownpapa3116]

@Brad1156 Shut up Brad

[@joebro175]

@Brad1156 im mexican and i agree with most of what you said

[@gergogaal568]

@Brad1156 no you are stupid. most countries work like thiat. if you are born in it you are automatically a citizen. and dont forget that your country is build on people seeking better life and succeeding because they are hard working ... after all a lazy person wouldnt leave their home country

[@Astrohhh]

Anytime I think about complaining, I remember how incredibly privileged I have been considering I was born here and given every opportunity to succeed. So many people come here with nothing but a dream.. not even an identity. They're forced to start 10 steps behind while most of us are 20 steps ahead, and yet they still find success and are able to make something so fulfilling. It's really inspiring, and it serves as a reminder that the only thing stopping me, is me. What's your excuse?

[@arbiter1010]

So much respect for these guys. This right here is what America is and should be all about. I wish them the best of luck. I will DEFINITELY lookout for your restaurant next time I'm in Oakland.

[@FinalDenial]

“And this guys crazy so he did it” 💯💯💯

[@aroundtheworldinaprildays]

Truly inspiring life story. And funny too with the guy saying he would've hated anybody dating his sister. 😆

[@RaginYak]

*baby sister is the word :)

[@jackzirkelbach-ngai6522]

I’m from Oakland and this is actually the place I get my birria tacos what a coincidence I saw this on YT

[@anthonyh7499]

Where can u find the truck?

[@davidsims916]

@The Cuban yea. They are insanely good.

[@KevinRay_man]

This. This right here. This is why I hate it when people refer to DACA applicants as 'anchor babies' and all that other nonsense. This is why programs like DACA are important, that man is twice the American that most are. Respect.

[@MarkT923]

I've never tried their food, but after watching this video I am rooting for them and wishing them all the success! I was excited to learn that they are in Oakland. We've tried tacos all over the bay area, but to see that they are close, we'll have a new go-to spot. Thank you Eater for connecting me to these guys

[@mazayashah213]

The food looks amazing!!!! Congratulations to them for the growth and success of the business. Hoping it only gets better for them. I don't know anything about DACA and I thought it was cool how they used this opportunity to share about their experiences.

[@pncne]

i’m a simple person: i see taco, i click taco

[@timisrael7945]

That "Ratatouille moment" is just incredible.

[@Riotdrone]

everything about this makes these tacos seem like they'd be the most flavorful things ever, looks delicious

[@najibelkarmach3225]

Wish these guys a lot of success!

[@occultustactical6138]

That looks awesome. Congrats to you both for working so hard. This is what America is all about. Giving people an opportunity to showcase their potential.

[@y313ss]

Doesn’t get more American than this. Viva la raza🇲🇽

[@drskelebone]

Anyone else see this pop up just after a Babish episode about this exact thing? Glad to see how authentic he was. :D

[@stephenhope7319]

I am from Sacramento, we have great trucks too. Next time I am in Oakland I will check you out. Thanks for the video.

[@sincicalpvp9252]

"Yeah so he was dating my sister and I hated him, I tasted his food and then *I cut off my sister and me and him started dating.*"

[@nyclastking1156]

LMFAOOO

[@hung141110]

😂😂😂

[@Astelch]

💀💀

[@yourdadsotherfamily3530]

What really happened’ xD

[@sincicalpvp9252]

Woah 300 likes in 2 nights

[@lmjustsaying]

Now this is the American dream

[@billyyank5807]

This is some true authentic Mexican food. Looks absolutely delicious!!

[@Benjiforthemoon]

Wish KZbin had a love button The like doesn’t feel enough for this

[@CyberDocUSA]

These f-ing dudes are rocking! Dang. I wanna try everything they make now! Keep on keeping on, guys!

[@gomez_8317]

Orgullosa de mi sobrino Leonel oblea sigan puro para adelante

[@joewojcik258]

Thats awesome that u guys got together and made a great business for yourselves and give other people a taste of their culture thats they havent had in a long time. Keep up the great work.....

[@123nachito123]

DACA Brothers! 💪🏽 Keep doing your thing fellas

[@VirtualRecalll]

The media would have you believe this isn’t the current America. This is the ACTUAL definition of this great country and amazing to see the success of those who believe in themselves and put in the actual work to see success. Awesome!

[@yan.broccoli]

I really cannot see why anyone would dislike this video. Awesome story! I swear I could smell the food! SmellaVision!!

[@matteframe]

Vegans love this video!!

[@gregbowen617]

These guys are so great and I wish them every success… they deserve it!

[@JJL3EE]

Eater, yall been giving Oakland so much love! I love it! 🤍🤍🤍

[@DavisOnABike]

Thank you for the Oakland lunch suggestion Eater. Went out and found the truck on Broadway near Jack London Square. Delicious! Would have liked a little more kick from chilis but still an amazing meal! Paired it with a Boba Tea from Chinatown. Food coma!!

[@BuffaloNickel9]

Haha great comment! the only thing that would have made it really awesome & funny is, if you finished it by saying "And then I got on the plane back to North Carolina" or somewhere far from Oakland😂

[@rgdssd]

So California! I live in an area that is like half Mexican/half Filipino. I go get my Mexican food and then head to the Boba shop for my milk tea or passionfruit green tea! 🤤

[@CarlDeanWallace]

This story plus my Budweiser makes me miss my friend Julian a Canadian guy who had the same heart as these fellows much respect ✊ Godspeed

[@minetlav5110]

Best chef I ever seen for along time

[@hkbabel]

Thank you, incredibly this docuseries continues to sustain award worthy level of quality, beauty and generosity of talent and spirit. DAM I want a taco made with that much love

[@johnchernabcinterviewandca3153]

I'm from Alamo, 20 minutes from Oakland. Good seeing my old weekend stomping grounds.

[@jordanbabcock9349]

Okay. Cool?

[@CasperMhax]

“ I don’t want to put to much liquid” proceeds to fill the pot up

[@colleenkaralee2280]

I would eat that. It was great hearing your story of from hardship to success.

[@K-9xray]

This video tells no lies!!! LA SANTA TORTA TRUCK ON BROADWAY IN OAKLAND BE BUSSIN!!! Me and my homies made several trips from Vallejo to Oakland JUST for their tacos🥵🥵😩🤤🤤🤤

[@crabmansteve6844]

Food looks amazing, I'm a birria addict. Beef is great, but I like goat and lamb birria the most.

[@parthkansara4510]

The story and the inspiration is so great behind their work.

[@meow-meow-beans]

welp, its 2am where I live and I’m aching for those tacos, then I realised, I don’t any place that has those either, great.

[@starkparker16]

More things should be dipped in birria consommé.

[@konalily]

I would def put noodles in there after finishing the tacos 💯 I’ll wipe that bowl clean!

[@karencarpenter5845]

Absolutely or just drink it

[@ericktellez7632]

How about yo momma

[@JasonPuckettNY]

we gotta protect these guys at all costs

[@Jayro440]

Happy for these fellas and I’m glad it’s in Oakland.

[@jo2e]

this is true my parents have been making birria for over 20 years and its always a long process

[@PhilthyCards]

Obviously the food looks great, but I really enjoyed the part about him speaking about DACA transparently - it allowed him to get a job outside of being a laborer, it allowed him to build credit, and create a business.

[@nacs]

Loved hearing about the DACA stuff. Great to see the positive side instead of the hate the mainstream media tries to feed you about immigrants.

[@carolynkovacs5412]

Good for you guys, we like ppl who work

[@TCY-jn9nw]

They seem like fun dudes

[@whipslayerz]

Best story I’ve heard in a long time

[@Gmoon917]

Man California has the BEST Mexican food . I’m in Texas and this Tex Mex is not in that level

[@laceysammy]

Those tacos look AMAZING !

[@heisenbergkierkegaard3982]

Anyone else wondering if the other guy is still with the girl? Hahaha

[@liz2880]

If he’s not with the girl he’s with her brother

[@rubyguzman6518]

They are it’s my sister lol I’m one of the Guzman’s

[@ethernet69]

Exactly! 😂

[@StevenPGonzalez626]

@@rubyguzman6518 prove it

[@user-dg7sy8cz3b]

Babish stole your recipe. And released his video first. I like your process better! Looks delicious. So much time, pride, and love, Terrific!

[@tettettettettet]

Birria is a typical Mexican recipe, he didn’t steal them from them everyone has their version but birria tacos aren’t original

[@user-dg7sy8cz3b]

@@tettettettettet Humor is lost on some people. Seriously, lighten up. It was meant as complement to these guys. They are the real deal. Have a great day. Hope you find a comfy bridge to hide under until your next encounter.

[@seemransunil2145]

Yeah I just came here from watching that.... And was like hold up 😂

[@sschannel6922]

Thanks for sharing the story.

[@rubijacczak8498]

What a wonderful story, so proud of these young men!!! Y qué comida más deliciosa 😋. I grew up in Oakland….i will look you up🙏

[@Try_The_Soup]

Zacatecas! Love our jalisco primos!

[@dstyer6128]

I often get into debates with folks that ask "What good has DACA done America?" THIS, these gentleman are a perfect example.

[@foofoocuddlypoops4260]

Tried their food when their truck was parked at East Brothers, sooooo good. Congrats on the new restaurant!

[@nathaneyears508]

What an awesome story. Really wish I didn’t live in australia right now! I’d travel all that way just to eat their food 🤤

[@QuestioningYourSanity]

These dudes made us tacos. They deserve citizenship.

[@reginaldhuckstable9797]

I make food too. Do I deserve citizenship in another country?

[@QuestioningYourSanity]

Give it a try somewhere. People will like you better for that than trolling youtube comment sections.

[@recoil53]

IKR? I remember a couple elections ago when some said if we voted Democrat we'd have taco trucks on every street. Well bring me tacos.

[@luisescalante14]

Thank you eater for always giving new and upcoming chefs the spotlight, in every cuisine not just fine dining.

[@JohnVC]

I'd buy these guys some beers if I could

[@asjfjvnfjfivkf9944]

These guys pass the vibe check

[@Verkehrskegel.87]

What a coincidence that binging with babish posts a video about exactly these tacos just one hour earlier.. or is it?

[@tiacho2893]

Food, ya gotta respect the ingredients, process, and the backstory. I'm on the other side of a border and thousands of miles away and I want one of those tacos bad.

[@MrJunebug49]

Go hard or go home!!! Congratulations to both of u. Thank u for sharing your story and your Quesabirria tacos look good!!!

[@danielcrocker9378]

Their birria red tacos are the best I’ve ever had....and I’ve eaten a lot of tacos in my time

[@TheRedjerries]

Bay Area taco trucks hit way different

[@iboremytherapist]

got quesabirria tacos tonight friday night for dinner cause of this video! so good. hope to try their quesabirria tacos someday

[@errr.antiez]

From Sacramento: Hechale ganas LST dudes! 💪🏼

[@bodyandsoulinconstanttrans9190]

Just love your shows! Some I´d wished the lasted for hours :) Thx guys !

[@Baki_and_Friends]

What a story ..can be a movie

[@VidaEats]

That's what I'm talking about !! We need to put them on Taco Tours!

[@Sorrowsofthemoon]

Love Oakland :)

[@papacinoooo]

GSW babbyyyy

[@marcozuniga8163]

La santa torta is hands down the best Quesabirria spot for sure in the Bay.

[@carmelcapricorn7701]

So many ways 2 enjoy this classic. 🌮 Tuesdays. 🥑🍅🧅🌽🥬🧄🌶️🧀🥃

[@josephsum7070]

"this guy is crazy so he did it"...lmfao

[@kam7056]

Good for you. You are as American as any other American . You did not inherent it, you earned it

[@714milky]

Looks good. But if it ain't Goat birria....not my jam. ¡Viva Mexico!

[@pualemi23]

These tacos are life. If you find yourself in the Town, make it a point to give em a go.

[@andresvaldevit3692]

Hay muchas cosas que podría criticar de está birria pero lo más importante es: la birria no necesita queso!

[@archexeros]

Wish them nothing but success! and hopefully they expand all the way up here in PNW

[@TripleSkeleton]

This looks so so good

[@fuckitimsayingit3335]

I love these guys

[@jeffatgorbysgrill9480]

It's 3am here in Louisville and I wanna hop a plane to Oak Town and get some of that awesomeness.

[@jeffatgorbysgrill9480]

@Uncle Grandpa Raider Nation don't scare me.

[@rashidali_abuali99]

tough journey but you made it🙏.....keep on....love the food looks yummy.....watching from Kenya🇰🇪

[@michaelalmaraz3750]

Seemed like such nice, fun people

[@yosephb287]

Would love to try a taco of that sort!!!! You guys keep it up!!!!

[@Lostit777]

One of hte biggest things I miss about Oakland are the Taco Trucks. Guadalahara on Fruitville was my go to.

[@wavez415]

When i eat these they will taste so much better knowing the actual love put into them.

[@Mike-xj7dz]

La Finca all day mayne. Yeee