Calling all taco lovers! (AKA every Texan ever, and you're a liar if you say otherwise.) Tacos are easily one of our favorite foods, so it stands to reason that there are more tacquerias across the state than we could ever try in a lifetime. It can be hard to distinguish the authentic restaurants from the imposters, so that's where we come in to help. If I could drop everything one weekend and go on a Texas taco-eating road trip, these are all the spots I would hit. As usual, I've included a Google map with the locations. I've consolidated a few of them that are in the same cities, so only nine of the 12 restaurants are shown on the map.
Here are 12 of the best tacos to try in Texas:
1. The Migas at Veracruz All Natural (Austin)
This restaurant might be a food truck, but don't let that deter you - their tacos are some of the best in Austin. The migas is fluffy scrambled eggs, tortilla chips, fresh pico, gooey cheese, and creamy avocado all wrapped up in a hot flour tortilla. They even have a salsa bar with varying degrees of spice to satisfy everyone's taste buds.
2. Mi Lindo Oaxaca (Dallas)
(Note: as of September 2020, this restaurant is permanently closed). Sometimes it can be difficult to find authentic restaurants in big cities, so this Oaxacan joint in Dallas is a diamond in the rough. Everything is handmade, right down to the tortillas themselves. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what this taco is called in English or what's in it, but I wholeheartedly trust natives to serve up their homeland's cuisine the best way possible - and they certainly didn't disappoint this time.
3. Breakfast Taco at Brothers Taco House (Houston)
Brothers has been serving delicious tacos (namely, breakfast tacos) to the residents of H-town for years. This one is chorizo, potato, egg and cheese stuffed inside a warm, homemade tortilla. They have tons of other combos as well, and I guarantee everything is delicious.
4. Street Tacos at Guero's Taco Diner (San Antonio)
You can't go wrong with a classic. Ground beef (or chicken), white cheese, fresh cilantro, and guacamole. It doesn't get much better than that.
5. Pato Tacos at Revolver Taco Lounge (Fort Worth)
This taco joint is a little on the high-end in terms of atmosphere and price which we usually don't go for in Texas, but hear me out on this one, guys. These tacos are unique and out of this world. Seared duck breast, roasted poblano peppers, caramelized onions, and salsa is a different yet winning combo that'll light fireworks inside your mouth.
6. H&H Coffee Shop and Car Wash (El Paso)
I know what you're thinking: "Tacos from a car wash? That sounds like a recipe for food poisoning." Well fear not, H&H has been open for over 50 years offering authentic Tex-Mex eats while you wait for your car to get squeaky clean. Everything is fresh and much love and care goes into all of the food.
7. Bistek tacos at El Ultimo Taco (Brownsville)
Everyone knows the Rio Grande Valley is the place to go for authentic Mexican tacos. I mean, just look at all that crumbly queso blanco on top of tender beef and all the fixins. This is about as good as it gets.
8. Breakfast tacos at Tamale House East (Austin)
Although nothing can ever replace the original Tamale House, its sister in East Austin is a close second. When you're stuffing your face with breakfast tacos loaded with pillowy eggs, melty cheese and crisp bacon or juicy sausage, there isn't much to complain about in life.
9. Barbacoa taco at Barbacoa Agave (Dallas)
When barbacoa's in the restaurant's name, you know it's gonna be good - and trust me, they definitely deliver in that aspect. Smoky, tender, delicious meat inside fresh tortillas and all the obligatory toppings = perfection.
10. Al Pastor taco at El Tejavan (Amarillo)
This authentic way of cooking is usually reserved for pork, but some restaurants, this one included, choose to use beef instead - and it's a darn good decision. The juicy, marinated steak combined with fresh cilantro, onions, warm tortillas, and guacamole and salsa on the side is a recipe for deliciousness.
11. Brisket tacos at Martinez Bakery (Midland)
You really can't go wrong with barbacoa, especially when it's paired with creamy avocado wedges, fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and spicy salsa. Midland, you're one lucky city.
12. Barbacoa at Gerardo's Drive In (Houston)
Another barbacoa taco, but I have no shame! There's just something special about that tender meat against the crunchy toppings - especially from a long time restaurant that's had decades to perfect its craft.
Have you ever been to any of these spots? Where else can one find a delicious taco in Texas?
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!