The 50 best tacos in America, ranked
50. El Pelon Taqueria — Boston
49. Antique Taco — Chicago
Though the traditional options at Antique Taco, like pork carnitas or crispy fish, remain delicious, it's the spot's more offbeat menu items that let it stand out. From the cumin lamb tacos topped with jalepeños and peppercorn yogurt to the rosemary margarita, Antique's flair for reinventing classics makes the place worth a visit.
48. Tacolicious — San Francisco
Despite Tacolicious' trendy, upscale vibe, its motto remains "Fingers, not forks!" Don't be afraid to get messy as you dig into a taco stuffed with juicy carnitas or housemade chorizo and potatoes. Wash it down with a drink off the restaurant's extensive tequila and cocktail menu.
47. Baja Fish Tacos — Santa Ana, California
Health is emphasized at Baja Fish Tacos, which serves up fresh ingredients like chunky salsa and creamy guacamole. In addition to charbroiled, blackened, and beer-battered fish options, diners can nosh on charbroiled chicken, carne asada, and sautéed shrimp varieties.
46. Tehuitzingo Deli — New York City
Don't expect anything fancy at Tehuitzingo Deli (it's in the back of a bodega, after all) — just quality tacos and potent flavor. Its simple tacos feature an extensive variety of meats, from sausage to pork ear to chicken to goat. It's cash only, though, so come prepared.
45. Salud — San Diego
An offshoot of the award-winning San Diego Taco Company, Salud lets diners get their taco fix any time they want. The menu includes something for everyone, from beer-battered catfish topped with mixed cabbage to shredded pork cooked in a mole sauce.
44. Taco Y Taco Mexican Eatery — Las Vegas
Expect a busy scene at Taco y Taco, where people crowd in for juicy tacos al pastor. The traditional pork tacos come topped with onions, cilantro, and pineapple chunks, but you can mix things up with a trip to the salsa bar. Take it one step further with a side of street-style corn on the cob.
43. Honest Tom's Taco Shop — Philadelphia
Originally just a truck when it opened seven years ago, Honest Tom's Taco Shop has since expanded to a quaint storefront with a simple, yet delicious, menu. Stop by when the weather's nice to take advantage of the joint's outdoor seating. There's nothing like chowing down on tacos overflowing with cheese and salsa on a warm summer night.
42. Cabo Fish Taco — Charlotte, North Carolina
From beer-battered shrimp to blackened mahi-mahi to lemon grilled tuna, the seafood tacos at Cabo Fish Taco are anything but your run-of-the-mill cod. Locals can't get enough of the Tavarua Tuna tacos, which feature blackened lemon tuna cooked in a kiwi-pineapple fajita sauce and topped with a housemade honey wasabi sauce.
41. District Taco — Arlington, Virginia
Show up early for one of District Taco's breakfast tacos, stuffed with eggs, cheese, bacon, and/or chorizo, and you'll want to stay for every meal of the day. There's nothing wrong with that — the al pastor and fish tacos are must-trys. Pack on extra heat with the habañero salsa, a favorite of regulars.
40. La Superior — Brooklyn, New York
Get to La Superior early, as the small space fills up quickly with diners craving the joint's trademark street-style tacos. Choices include carne asada, roasted poblano peppers, carnitas, chorizo, and chipotle shrimp.
But if you're feeling adventurous, go for the taco lengua — beef tongue.
39. Tacos Tierra Caliente — Houston
At $2 a pop, Tacos Tierra Caliente's tacos are cheap, but they're as authentic as they come: loaded with well-seasoned meat and topped with cilantro, onions, and avocado on a flour or corn tortilla. Foursquare users frequently call the bare-bones truck "the best tacos in town."
38. Fuel City — Dallas
801 South Riverfront Boulevard
Fear not: Just because Fuel City is a gas station doesn't mean you can't trust the tacos. This pit stop at the intersection of I-30 and I-35 is open 24 hours and home to some of the best tacos in Dallas. It's cheap, too — only $1.40 a pop.
37. Tacos & Beer — Las Vegas
What happens in Vegas usually stays in Vegas — but these tacos are worth raving about long after. Stop by for happy hour and fill your plate with a variety of tacos, from classic carne asada to shrimp sautéed with guajillo chili. Don't forget to pair your meal with a selection off the spot's rotating beer menu.
36. El Chato Taco Truck — Los Angeles
When it comes to cheap late-night eats, no one does it better than LA's El Chato Taco Truck. It doesn't open until 9 p.m., and the line usually wraps around the block, but El Chato's authentic $1 tacos, mouthwatering al pastor, and smoky chipotle sauce are well worth it.
35. Nuevo Laredo Cantina — Atlanta
An Atlanta staple since it first opened its doors in 1992, Nuevo Laredo Cantina prides itself on always bringing customers fresh, home-cooked Mexican food. The À la carte taco menu includes simple tacos filled with a variety of proteins, including carne asada, chorizo, salmon, lobster, and shrimp.
34. TacoLu — Jacksonville Beach, Florida
There's a taco for everyone at TacoLu, from the ever-popular banging shrimp taco served with cabbage and chipotle crema, to the vegetarian-friendly avocado version topped with pico de gallo and cotija cheese. The "$10 taco" — which goes for only $4.99 — is also a crowd-pleaser, and it's chock-full of filet mignon. Be sure to wash it all down with a drink from Lu's selection of more than 100 tequila and Mezcal varieties.
33. Big Truck Tacos — Oklahoma City
From the "Crispy'cado" stuffed with fried avocado and tomatillo salsa to the "Flaming Lips" brimming with hickory-smoked tongue and pico de gallo, Big Truck Tacos packs in big flavor. Feeling lucky? Try the "5th Amendment," which is kept secret and changes daily, so you never quite know what you're going to get.
32. Taco Trio — South Portland, Maine
Above all else, tradition and authenticity matter at Taco Trio, where food is prepared according to family recipes handed down to staff members from generation to generation. The no-frills spot serves up a variety of unusual flavors, such as goat tacos and pineapple salsa.
31. La Esquina — New York City
La Esquina, which translates to "The Corner," features a taqueria, cafe, and hidden brasserie in New York City's SoHo neighborhood. For the best deal, stop by the taqueria outside, where tacos run about $3.50 apiece. Foursquare users rave about the bistec and grilled fish options.
30. Tacos Mi Rancho — Oakland, California
It takes only one visit to get addicted to Tacos Mi Rancho's authentic fare.
"Best food truck for lengua and carnitas tacos," one Foursquare user said. "Feeling hungry? Get it 'super'ed' with cheese, sour cream, and guacamole."
The truck's cash-only, so make sure you have a few bills on hand.
29. Taqueria El Farolito — San Francisco
Ideal for a late-night bite in San Francisco's Mission District, Taqueria El Farolito stays open until almost 3 a.m. The spot's best known for its "super burritos," but you can't go wrong with a pair of the classic tacos.
"The carnitas taco is a great place to start here, but this is a great place to break out into some of the more adventurous options," SFist noted on Foursquare.
Take their word for it and try the tongue.
28. Coconut's Fish Cafe — Kihei, Hawaii
1279 South Kihei Road, No. 304
Two words: fish tacos. A favorite of locals and tourists, Coconut's tacos are worth the splurge — even at almost $12 an order. Fresh grilled fish sleeps atop a corn tortilla, topped with a blanket of 17 different ingredients, including cheese, homemade salsa, and mango.
27. Red Mesa Cantina — St. Petersburg, Florida
Branch out at Red Mesa Cantina and add an unexpected protein to your tacos. Foursquare users cheer the duck confit tacos, which come topped with grilled pineapple and goat cheese, as well as the ahi tuna option, which includes soy orange coulis and wasabi aioli. If you'd rather go the traditional route, the pulled pork, steak, and chicken tacos are all solid standbys.
26. Edgar's Taco Shack — Pittsburgh
The location may change as Edgar's moves around Pittsburgh, but the mouthwatering flavor stays the same. Foursquare users praise the chorizo, lamb barbacoa, and lengua varieties. Wash it down with a glass of horchata or watermelon aqua fresca.
25. Tacos Chukis — Seattle
At Seattle's Tacos Chukis, the tacos are the first thing on the menu for a reason. The street-style tortillas are small enough that you can sample all four choices — carne asada, grilled cactus, pollo asado (chicken), and adobada (pork) — without filling up, and the authentic flavors mean you'll be glad you have room for more. Savor them topped with a generous serving of guacamole and a slice of grilled pineapple.
24. Taco Mamacita — Chattanooga, Tennessee
First and foremost, Taco Mamacita's main goal is to provide the best customer service possible. Beyond that, it's all about the food. Stop by for one — or many — of its creative tacos, such as the "General Homeboy," filled with Panko breaded shrimp and a Thai chili sauce, or the "Oy Vey," stuffed with chipotle beef brisket and Mama's ranchero sauce.
23. L'Patron Tacos — Chicago
You can't make a bad choice at L'Patron Tacos, where everything is fresh, authentic, and delicious.
"Best tacos I have ever had in the city — bar none," one Foursquare user exclaimed.
The prices are great, too: You can fill up for about $2 apiece. The carne asada, fried tilapia, and veggie tacos all come highly rated.
22. Taco Bamba — Falls Church, Virginia
Tucked into a strip mall behind another strip mall, Taco Bamba is truly a hidden gem. The spot's namesake taco is a must-try: steak and chorizo loaded with grilled guacamole and crispy chicharrones. But don't be afraid to try the lengua or tripa (beef tongue and small intestine, respectively). Foursquare users praise them as some of the best choices on the menu.
21. Big Star — Chicago
Whether you want a classic fish taco or something more offbeat — think mole-spiced carrots topped with pumpkin seeds and almonds — Big Star is sure to be a hit. The lively spot's outdoor patio is also ideal for dining al fresco while it's warm out, but it's cash-only, so be sure to come prepared.
20. Bear Flag Fish Company — Newport Beach, California
No matter what you order, it's guaranteed to be fresh at Bear Flag Fish Company. In addition to a restaurant, it's also a seafood market. Foursquare users rave about the poke salad as a quick appetizer.
19. ¿Por qué no? — Portland, Oregon
With house-ground chorizo tacos smothered in crema and queso, al pastor tacos topped with pineapple, and carnitas brimming with salsa verde, it's nearly impossible to choose what to order at ¿Por qué no?
The good news: It's all tasty.
"I have yet to have anything that disappointed here!" one Foursquare user exclaims.
So go ahead and try them all — why not?
18. Bar Amá — Los Angeles
Bar Amá puts a fresh twist on Mexican cuisine with inventive dishes like fried squash blossoms or enchiladas topped with peas, pesto, burrata, and cashews. But insiders know the off-menu puffy tacos are the real magic. Ask your waiter which protein options are available.
17. Lucha Libre — San Diego
Adorned with paraphernalia from the eponymous sport, Lucha Libre's atmosphere is just as thrilling as its hefty tacos. For a taste of California, try the surf-and-turf taco, filled with steak, shrimp, and avocado. In the mood for cheese? Order the queso taco, packed with fried cheese and steak, chicken, or french fries.
16. Los Guachos Taqueria — Columbus, Ohio
When a taqueria touts itself as "the best taco al pastor in the city," you know it's got to be good, albeit a bit cocky. And Los Guachos Taqueria does not disappoint. The signature taco features marinated pork, sliced pineapple, onions, and cilantro on two corn tortillas for only $1.50 a pop.
15. White Duck Taco Shop — Asheville, North Carolina
Creativity sits front and center at White Duck Taco Shop, where unconventional fillings, like Korean beef bulgogi and lump crab meat, dominate. Foursquare users can't get enough of the duck mole, Bangkok shrimp, and Thai peanut chicken varieties.
14. Velvet Taco — Dallas
No matter what flavor you're craving, Velvet Taco most likely has a taco version of it. Serving up everything from buffalo chicken with blue cheese to falafel topped with tahini crema, this taco joint is a treat for the taste buds.
13. Tacombi at Fonda Nolita — New York City
Step out of New York City and into Mexico at this Nolita taco joint that brings street food indoors. Begin your meal with a serving of ceviche or homemade guacamole before digging into one — or a few — crispy fish, barbacoa, or pork belly tacos.
12. Mas Tacos Por Favor — Nashville, Tennessee
It's hard to go wrong at a place whose name literally translates as "more tacos, please."
Foursquare users agree. "Delicious! If you're looking for quick, authentic, and tasty Mexican — come here," one commenter said.
Try the chicken or pulled-pork tacos, and wash everything down with a glass of its touted horchata.
11. Veracruz All Natural — Austin, Texas
Don't let the trailer fool you: These tacos are some of the best Austin has to offer. Started as a smoothie and snow cone stand, Veracruz All Natural now specializes in fresh, authentic tacos and salsas that are made from scratch daily. Foursquare users rave about the breakfast options and homemade guacamole.
10. La Taqueria — San Francisco
This no-frills spot in San Francisco's Mission District serves up huge tacos and even bigger flavor. The $6 super taco features a soft tortilla wrapped around a crispy taco shell, a hefty serving of meat, and plenty of avocado, sour cream, and cheese. From chicken to veggie to beef tongue, no option will lead you astray.
9. Hankook Taqueria — Atlanta
You've been warned: Hankook Taqueria's Korean barbecue tacos will keep you coming back again and again.
"It only takes one visit to develop a strong addiction to their food," a Foursquare user noted.
And at only $2 to $3 a pop, you can afford to sink your teeth into everything from the shrimp taco topped with hoisin tartar sauce to the beef bulgogi marinated in a Korean barbecue sauce.
8. PGH Taco Truck — Pittsburgh
The PGH Taco Truck is always on the go, so follow along on Twitter to see which Pittsburgh neighborhood is eating their creative tacos at any given time. The menu constantly shifts as well, but it usually features standard options such as spicy jerk chicken with avocado cream sauce or pork chorizo with queso fresco.
7. Chilo's — Brooklyn, New York
Al fresco dining, frozen margaritas, and cheap, delicious tacos — what more could you want? Grab a seat in the backyard at Chilo's and order from their on-site taco truck. The protein options range from traditional to eccentric: duck carnitas, pork belly, chorizo, cactus, and octopus all appear on the menu.
6. Tacodeli — Austin, Texas
You can't beat the grub at Tacodeli, where the quirkiness of Austin flawlessly melds with classic Tex-Mex. Try creations like the "Tacoloco" filled with adobo-braised brisket and caramelized onions and mushrooms, or the "Pollo Fantastico" stuffed with chicken in a roasted green chile sauce. It gets crowded, though, so be sure to call ahead if you plan to stop in during peak hours.
5. Capital Tacos — Land O' Lakes, Florida
From smoked sausage to fried avocado to poblano ranch salsa, Capital Tacos puts a spin on traditional taco fillings without losing any of the flavor. "The Austinite", filled with carne asada, cheese, and caramelized onions, and the "Ranger", stuffed with barbecue pulled pork and spicy slaw, are both crowd-pleasers. Freshness is key here, too, and every ingredient is made from scratch daily.
4. Guisados — Los Angeles
Simplicity is key at Guisados, where the street-style tacos aim to mimic the flavors of traditional Mexican home cooking. Stop by for a quick bite and order the sampler platter — for $7, you can choose up to six different tacos to try.
3. Los Tacos No. 1 — New York City
Tucked away inside New York City's Chelsea Market, this quaint stand serves up authentic Mexican flavor straight from the proprietors' family recipes. The no-frills menu includes only four taco choices — steak, chicken, pork, or cactus — their quesadilla counterparts, chips, salsa, guacamole, and drinks. Simple, but delicious.
2. Paco's Tacos & Tequila — Charlotte, North Carolina
It might be found in North Carolina, but Paco's Tacos & Tequila prides itself on its big Texas flavor. Get your Tex-Mex fill with smoked brisket or crispy shrimp-filled tacos, and be sure to indulge in a side of Paco's famous "unholy guacamole." Wash it down with a margarita made from one of more than 100 different tequila options.
1. Torchy's Tacos — Austin, Texas
An Austin staple, Torchy's Tacos serves up tacos in every form, from the "Dirty Sanchez", bursting with scrambled eggs and a fried poblano chili, to the "Crossroads", filled with smoked beef brisket, grilled onions, and jalepeños. Ask them to "make it trashy", and you'll get any taco doused in warm queso.
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