Welcome to La Esperanza
- 5028 Franklin Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95820 Hotline: (916) 455-0215
Welcome to La Esperanza, a cherished gem nestled in the heart of South Sacramento, where each bite transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico. Located at 5028 Franklin Blvd, this beloved establishment has become a culinary landmark, serving authentic Mexican fare that resonates deeply with the local community.
La Esperanza is not just a restaurant; it's a celebration of rich flavors, traditions, and community spirit. The bustling lines that form daily outside its doors are a testament to its popularity and the high regard it holds among its loyal patrons. Whether you're a long-time customer or a first-time visitor, the warm atmosphere and friendly service invite you to explore a menu filled with mouthwatering choices.
- Burritos: Dive into the hearty Carne Asada Burrito or the savory Chicken Burrito, each generously filled with fresh ingredients like refried beans and rice.
- Tacos: The Carnitas and Asada Tacos, topped with vibrant lettuce and pico de gallo, are a must-try, offering a perfect blend of textures and flavors.
- Enchiladas: For those craving something comforting, the Cheese Enchilada doused in red sauce exemplifies traditional Mexican cooking.
- Specialties: Don't miss the opportunity to taste the acclaimed tamales, a favorite among customers like Michele M., who swear by the pumpkin empanadas for their unbeatable flavor.
What sets La Esperanza apart is more than just its delightful offerings; it is its commitment to authenticity. Patrons rave about the carnitas, chicharron, and the incredible masa available for tamale making, all prepared with care and tradition. As customer Obsidia Y. notes, La Esperanza is a staple that provides not only delicious food but also a vital connection to cultural heritage.
As you savor each dish, you’ll see why La Esperanza holds such a special place in the hearts of its customers. The bustling energy, tempting aromas, and variety of dishes ensure that everyone leaves satisfied, whether it’s a solo meal or a feast shared with family and friends. With prices that won’t break the bank, indulging in a savory meal here is always an affordable delight.
In a world where fast food often overshadows authentic cuisine, La Esperanza stands firm in its mission to deliver genuine Mexican flavors in a friendly, welcoming environment. For those who crave true culinary satisfaction, this restaurant is destined to become a beloved favorite. So, whether you’re planning to dine in, pick up, or simply grab some masa for your own creation, La Esperanza is ready to welcome you with open arms and an irresistible spread of flavors.

La Esperanza is is a much appreciated cultural establishment in South Sacramento. I have patronized the business many years and would do so more often if not for the lines. The only time I will stand in line is during holidays for the maza! I'm trying preorder for the first time for a pickup of some item. The food has always been on point: maza, carnitas, chicharroni, refried beans, buche...just to name a few items. I also appreciate and congratulate them on their expansion! Mom and pop/single owner businesses tend to be the backbone of a community and provide much needed diversity/variety. I certainly appreciate it in this instance...FOOD!

last time i got the cheese/jalapeno tamales they were terrible. There using some sort of vegan cheese that does not melt and has a weird texture. Please change it back to the other cheese!

We brought a dozen of the pumpkin empanadas with us when we visited my sister in LA, and let me tell you , they are the best empanadas you will ever taste! My sister ate about 8 of them, and that night... she went into labor! Coincidence? I think not. We're now convinced that these empanadas have some magical, labor-inducing powers. If you're expecting and want to speed up the process, just grab a dozen of these pumpkin beauties. Not only will they satisfy your taste buds, but they might just help you deliver your baby! Seriously, these empanadas are so delicious, they could start a whole new trend, "Eat an empanada, have a baby." Highly recommend!

Always a great way to cater a dinner party yourself! Carnitas and the Carne Asada my favorites!

Now I know why the line is so long, this place is 100% legit real Mexican food. My go to: Tacos Dorados de Papa, 3 for $5! I suggest you order here and pick it up, also give yourself extra time, parking is hard to find because they're that busy.

La Esperanza hot food deli shop is great! They offer many different authentic traditional Mexican food options. You can order lunch there, or if your like me, you can order online and skip the line, and just walk up to the order pick up counter. You can get stuff like tamales, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas and plenty more. Everything is very affordable. My favorite are the tacos de papa. Basic, yet very tasty! You can also order masa para tamales, fresh tortillas, carnitas and chicharrones. This shop is a Sacramento staple, and is just about guaranteed to always be busy.

Every year I try to make my own masa for tamales but I just can't get it right. So I bolted to La Esperanza to pick up a couple of bags of their prepared masa. Today they had 5 lb and 20 lb bags available so I purchased two bags at 5 lbs each. La Esperanza's masa has the perfect consistency to spread it thinly on the corn husk. It sticks nicely and doesn't unravel during the steaming process. Maybe one day I'll get it right when mixing my own mass but for now I'm happy with ready to go pre mixed bags at La Esperanza.

By far the best tamales in the Sacramento area. They have a full kitchen in the back. This is a Mexican food take away, no dine in. Very clean, good service, but during the holiday there is a line. So plan accordingly. Besides the full market next door they do have a mini market where you can get ingredients for your condiments. I'll also pick up a pound of carnitas too. The atmosphere is what you'll expect for a Mexican market deli in the older part of Sacramento. Plenty of free parking. Everyone is well come.

This place is a staple on Franklin and I've been coming here for years. There is usually a line in the morning until after lunchtime. I always get asada, carnitas, or chili Colorado burritos. The burritos come with meat, rice and beans. They are simple and reasonably priced but on the smaller side. I recommend getting a few as they keep well. The papas tacos are also good if you need a no meat option. Crunchy and cheesy these hit the spot with their hot sauce. If we are doing taco night, I pickup a couple lbs of carnitas, pico, rice, and tortillas and we have a hearty meal really quick. If you're in a rush, you can order online and walk right up front to avoid the line.

I made my monthly trek to Esperanza. I first get a pound of carnitas, and a dozen fresh corn tortillas made on site. Then I go to the bakery, pick my regular pan dulce, elotes (corn) and cuernos (horns). I noticed they had membrillo a dessert made from quince. We had a quince tree in our yard and my grandmother used to make this. Have not had this in ages. Very sweet and can be paired with machego cheese.