Texas is renowned for many things: its wide-open spaces, iconic cowboy culture, and of course, its mouthwatering Tex-Mex cuisine. And when it comes to the ultimate crowd-pleasers in the Lone Star state, there’s nothing that sets taste buds on fire quite like a delicious taco. From Austin’s vibrant food truck scene to Houston’s hidden gems, join us as we embark on an unforgettable culinary journey through Texas’ two biggest cities to uncover the absolute best tacos that this great state has to offer. Get ready for a tantalizing adventure where every bite promises flavors so mesmerizingly unforgettable that you’ll be left craving more – because when it comes to tacos in Texas, ordinary just doesn’t cut it!
In addition to savoring the delectable tacos across Texas, consider complementing your culinary journey with a taste of the wild by exploring where to buy buffalo jerky online for a uniquely flavorful snack experience.
San Antonio’s Unique Flavors
San Antonio is known for its vibrant food scene, and one of the most iconic dishes in this city is tacos. But what makes it the best breakfast tacos in San Antonio? Let’s dive into the diverse flavors and types of tacos found in this Texan gem.
First, it’s important to understand that tacos in San Antonio are not just a meal, they’re a way of life. This city has a strong Mexican influence, and you can see it reflected in their cuisine, especially when it comes to tacos. From traditional street-style vendors to modern fusion restaurants, there’s a taco for every taste bud in San Antonio.
One of the distinct characteristics of San Antonio’s tacos is the use of homemade corn tortillas. These tortillas are made fresh daily by local businesses using traditional methods passed down through generations. The result is a soft and flavorful base for any type of taco filling.
Speaking of fillings, the options are endless when it comes to San Antonio’s taco scene. Of course, you’ll find popular options like carne asada (grilled steak), al pastor (marinated pork), and pollo (chicken). But where things get interesting is with the more unique fillings like barbacoa (slow-cooked beef cheek), lengua (beef tongue), and even cabrito (roasted goat).
But it doesn’t stop there – what truly sets apart San Antonio’s taco game is their fusion creations. In this city, you’ll find Korean-Mexican fusion tacos with the best sauces.
Austin’s Best Tacos
Austin, the capital city of Texas, is known for its vibrant food scene and its strong Tex-Mex influence. Tacos are a staple in Austin’s culinary culture and there are countless taco spots scattered throughout the city. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to get your taco fix. But fear not, we have narrowed down the list to bring you a breakdown of the top taco spots in Austin.
1) Torchy’s Tacos: This iconic spot has gained a cult following with its unique and delicious take on tacos. With locations all over Austin, you won’t have trouble finding one near you. Some must-try items include the Brushfire Taco with Jamaican jerk chicken and mango salsa, and the Trailer Park “Trashy” Taco with fried chicken and green chiles.
2) Veracruz All Natural: For some authentic Mexican flavors, head over to Veracruz All Natural. Their tacos are made with homemade tortillas using fresh ingredients such as hand-pressed avocados and locally sourced meats. Don’t miss out on their migas breakfast tacos or their al pastor tacos topped with pineapple.
3) Tacodeli: This local favorite has been serving up delicious breakfast tacos since 1999. Made with organic eggs and locally sourced meats, Tacodeli’s menu boasts a variety of creative options like The Jess Special with migas, avocado, cheese, bacon and fried plantains. They also offer vegetarian-friendly options like their popular Freakin’ Vegan Taco.
4) Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ: If you’re in the mood for some mouth-watering barbecue and tacos, head over to Valentina’s. This food truck is known for their smoked meats, especially their famous brisket, which you can add to any of their tacos. Their signature creation, The Real Deal Holyfield, features brisket, homemade sausage, guacamole and salsa on a homemade flour tortilla.
Houston’s Hidden Gems:
1. Laredo Taqueria
Located in the Heights neighborhood, Laredo Taqueria has been serving authentic Mexican food since 1974. This no-frills taqueria may not look like much from the outside, but its food speaks for itself. From their famous barbacoa tacos to their spicy chorizo and egg breakfast tacos, every item on their menu is made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Don’t be surprised to see a long line during peak hours, but trust us, it’s worth the wait.
2. Tacos Tierra Caliente
Nestled in the heart of Montrose lies Tacos Tierra Caliente – a beloved food truck that serves some of the best street-style tacos in Houston. Started by two brothers from Monterrey, Mexico, this hidden gem offers a range of mouth-watering fillings such as carnitas (slow-roasted pork), carne asada (grilled beef), and al pastor (marinated pork). They also have vegetarian options – including cactus tacos – making it a must-try for all taco lovers.
3. El Ultimo Taco
Don’t let the small size of this taqueria fool you – El Ultimo Taco packs a punch with its authentic and flavorful tacos. Located in East Downtown, this family-owned and operated spot specializes in Mexico City-style tacos and offers several unique fillings like tongue, tripa (tripe), and suadero (brisket). Their homemade tortillas and salsas are the perfect accompaniment to their delicious tacos.
4. Tacos La Bala
For those looking for a more traditional Tex-Mex experience, Tacos La Bala is the place to go. This Mexican diner has been serving up delicious breakfast tacos, hearty plates of fajitas, and flavorful enchiladas since 1989. Don’t miss out on their famous pastor con piña (pork with pineapple) tacos or their crispy chicharron tacos – both are local favorites.
Fort Worth’s Taco Scene
Fort Worth, often overshadowed by its larger and more famous neighbor, Dallas, is quickly making a name for itself in the Texas taco scene. With an eclectic mix of traditional and modern taquerias, this city has something to offer for every taco lover.
Let’s start our journey through Fort Worth’s taco scene with the most traditional and authentic tacos available in the city. One of the must-try spots is Taqueria Melis located on Magnolia Avenue. This family-owned restaurant serves up classic street-style tacos filled with flavorful meats such as al pastor, barbacoa, and carnitas. The tortillas are made fresh daily and their salsa verde is a crowd favorite.
For those looking for a more upscale dining experience while still enjoying delicious tacos, Velvet Taco on West 7th Street is the place to go. Their menu features unique flavor combinations such as spicy tikka chicken and falafel tacos. The restaurant also offers different types of tortillas including corn, flour, lettuce wraps or even waffles for those feeling adventurous.
Next on our list is Torchys Tacos which has multiple locations throughout Fort Worth. Don’t let the fact that it’s a chain deter you from trying their mouth-watering tacos. They use high-quality ingredients and have an extensive menu featuring classics like Baja shrimp and beef fajita to more creative options like The Trailer Park – fried chicken topped with green chilies queso.
If you’re in the mood for some Mexican-style street food with a modern twist, check out Taco Heads on Montgomery Street. This taqueria offers a variety of tacos with unique flavor profiles such as the Trailer Park – BBQ pulled pork, coleslaw, and pickled onions. Their fresh ingredients and homemade tortillas make for an unforgettable taco experience.
Finally, for those craving some seafood in their tacos, look no further than Salsa Limon on Fifth Street. This taqueria offers Baja-style fish tacos made with crispy battered mahi-mahi, cabbage slaw, and chipotle mayo. They also have a shrimp taco served with avocado-lime sauce that is sure to satisfy any seafood lover’s cravings.
No matter where you go in Fort Worth to get your taco fix, one thing is for sure – you won’t be disappointed. With an abundance of tasty options to choose from, it’s easy to see why this city is quickly becoming a top destination for taco lovers. So next time you’re in town, make sure to stop by one (or all!) of these amazing spots and discover the deliciousness that Fort Worth has to offer.
