La Comida del Barrio Heads to Santa Clara for the Big Game
Just south of San Francisco, there’s a city that’s about to be on everyone’s radar: Santa Clara, California. The reason is simple—and huge. The Big Game is coming to town, and with it, thousands of fans ready to cheer, celebrate, and eat really, really well.
So naturally, Chef Aarón Sánchez had to see the barrio for himself.
In the latest episode of his content series La Comida del Barrio, Aarón heads to Santa Clara to explore the Latino-owned food spots that will be feeding fans during Big Game weekend—and long after the final whistle blows. Because if there’s one thing la comida del barrio does best, it’s show up when it matters most.
Santa Clara: More Than a Game-Day Destination
Santa Clara is often associated with tech campuses and stadium crowds, but the city has deep cultural roots that go far beyond game day. Originally part of Spanish and later Mexican California, Santa Clara developed around the Mission Santa Clara de Asís and grew into a diverse community shaped by waves of immigration, particularly from Latin America and Asia.
That layered history lives on today in neighborhood restaurants, panaderías, and food trucks—the kinds of places where la comida del barrio isn’t trendy, it’s essential.
And that’s exactly what Aarón is looking for.
First Stop: Pedro’s — A Barrio Classic Since 1972
One of the cornerstones of la comida del barrio in Santa Clara is Pedro’s, founded in 1972 by Pedro Ramirez. What began as a Sonoran-style kitchen slowly evolved, expanding its menu while staying true to its roots.
Aarón dives right in. The nachos Santa Clara immediately win him over, thanks to what he calls their perfect “texture and creaminess.” Then come the tamales de elote, which he praises for being “perfectly balanced” between sweet corn and tomatillo salsa.
But the moment that truly stops him? The mole negro.
This dish hits especially close to home for Aarón, as it features the rare chilhuacle negro chile, a very special ingredient in traditional Mexican cuisine. One bite in, his reaction says it all. For him, this mole captures “the real flavor of Mexico in one bite.” That’s la comida del barrio at its finest—deeply rooted, deeply emotional, and impossible to fake.
Lupita’s Taquería y Panadería: Sweet Traditions, Barrio-Style
Next up on the La Comida del Barrio trail is Lupita’s Taquería y Panadería, open since 2018 and owned by Joanna. Their baker is originally from Michoacán. Here, the barrio leans sweet—and nostalgic.
The shelves are filled with pan de elote, manjares, huaraches, and flor de queso. Armed “with all the necessary tools”—a.k.a. the tongs—Aarón goes straight for the classics: chocolate and vanilla conchas, empanadas de calabaza, and strawberry rieles.
This stop sparks a personal memory for Aarón, who reflects on Saturday mornings growing up, crossing over to Juárez to buy pastries with his family. He also highlights the role of the panadería in any barrio: “You’re going to bring something if you tailgate.” Because la comida del barrio doesn’t just feed you—it shows up with you.
La Burbuja Food Truck: Resilience Before the Big Game
Just steps away from the Big Game stadium sits La Burbuja, a food truck that’s been in business since 2022. It’s run by Costantino Lara and his wife, Vidalina, who previously lost their original truck to a fire.
Even so, Costantino doesn’t hesitate when he talks about starting over: “It’s like everybody else—we fall and we rise up again.”
That resilience shows up on the plate. Aarón tries their carne asada taco, calling it “the real deal.” But it’s the slow-cooked barbacoa tacos that seal the moment. Aarón is adamant: “This is what you have before the Big Game.” No question.
A Quick Pass… Literally
After all that amazing treats, Aarón decides it’s time to burn off a few tacos by tossing around a football in the barrio. How does he do? Let’s just say this: as a football player, Aarón Sánchez is a great chef.
Final Stop: Mezcal Food Truck
The episode wraps up at Mexcal Food Truck, open since 2013 and run by Carlos, who is originally from Oaxaca. Aarón digs into tacos al pastor, praising the citrusy marinade as “the way it should be.”
Another barrio. Another lineup of unforgettable flavors.
Why La Comida del Barrio Matters
As Aarón puts it, in Santa Clara “what truly shines is the people”—whether they’re in a kitchen, behind a taco window, or out on the field. And that’s the heart of La Comida del Barrio.
This episode isn’t just about food before the Big Game. It’s about the hands that cook it, the stories behind it, and the neighborhoods that keep culture alive one plate at a time. Because no matter the city, la comida del barrio always tells you exactly where you are—and who you’re with.