Life at MA

Who Is Betzy of Betzy’s Tacos?

By Jai Moorthy ‘27 in Spring 2026

Most students grab their food, take a bite of Betzy’s Tacos, and head out without a second thought. But in that quick moment, the warmth of the tortillas, the flavor, the energy of the space, there’s more going on than we notice. Ask who’s behind it, and most people can only name Betzy in passing, without really knowing the woman who satisfies our lunchtime Mexican cravings.

When I spoke with Betzy, she relayed that she didn’t start with business plans or numbers; she started with a simple desire: she had always wanted to open a café, one that felt personal and rooted in the kind of food and community she loved. The turning point came through a connection. Her brother-in-law, who had worked at Moonlight (the deli next to Betzy’s), heard that the previous owner wanted to sell the space to someone who would really take care of it. He immediately thought of Betzy. 

At the time, she had already been building something on her own. During the pandemic, she started hosting Mexican food popups, serving dishes like pupusas and quesabirrias. These pop-ups weren’t just about the food; they were about serving the community. Her first pop-up supported Firefighters Without Borders, and from the start, her cooking was tied to showing up for the people around her. 

So when the space next door to Moonlight opened up, she leaped. 

“I’ve always wanted to do Mexican food,” she says, and it shows in every part of her menu. 

What makes Betzy’s stand out isn’t just the food, though that alone would be enough. It’s the way she’s built relationships with the people who walk through the door each day. Students from MA and SR don’t just come to eat. They stay, they talk, and they come back. Over time, those quick interactions turn into something more familiar and genuine. This sense of connection is something you can’t really fake, and it’s a big part of why the place feels the way it does. 

When it comes to the menu, Betzy doesn't box herself in. A lot of what she offers is hard to find anywhere else nearby. Homemade tortillas, quesabirrias, bombas pupusas, and even pizza birrias. There's a clear respect for tradition, but she’s not afraid to experiment either. That mix of old and new gives her an edge and keeps people coming back to see what’s next. 

And she’s not slowing down. 

Her next step is expansion. Right down the strip, she’s planning to open Betzy’s Market, a space that will carry Mexican products for the local community alongside more familiar American items. It’s another way of bringing people in, whether they’re looking for something specific or just curious to explore. And, in a move that feels very on-brand, she hasn’t forgotten her student regulars. The plan includes a soft-serve station, clearly designed with them in mind. 

At the end of the day, Betzy’s isn’t just a place to grab food. It’s something that’s been built with intention, from the popups during the pandemic to the relationships she’s formed over time. It’s easy to take places like this for granted when they become part of your routine. 

Next time, say hi. Ask Betzy about her food or her story. Because behind one of Marin Academy’s favorite spots is an incredible woman with an incredible passion for community and incredible food.