Let’s be real—another “Best Tacos in Austin” guide? Groundbreaking journalism, right? Okay sure but hear me out, the city might already be overloaded with more taco lists than it has overpriced condos, but this one’s worth your time. Like most of you, I’ve eaten my weight in tacos (multiple times, thank you), scouring food truck lots, taquerías, and Mexican joints to find the real MVPs of Austin’s taco scene. This isn’t just a guide—think of it as a survival kit for anyone lazy enough to avoid taking a chance on the next random spot in a shopping center parking lot.
With all due respect to our taco-loving neighbors in San Antonio and Houston, Austin’s got the James Beard winners, the Michelin nods, and, frankly, the attitude to match. That might sound slightly cocky, but this city’s taco scene doesn’t just deliver—it demands your attention. From Cuantos Tacos crisping nixtamal mini tortillas like it’s their birthright, to Nixta Taqueria turning duck carnitas into edible poetry, these spots are slinging tacos so good people are moving here from other countries just to keep them in their daily dinner plans.
I’m talking Las Trancas with their pineapple-crowned al pastor trompo magic, Carnitas El Guero hidden in a gas station and dishing out street-style carnitas that’ll leave you weeping in the parking lot, and the tortilla royalty at Suerte, where “black magic oil” lives rent-free in my mind. Not to mention El Mesón’s chicharrón de queso that’s so good it might legally qualify as a narcotic. So grab your stretchy pants, call the squad, and hit the streets. Yes, there are a million taco guides in Austin, but this one? This one’s a vibe.
Nixta Taqueria
2512 E 12th St
Why It’s Great: Chef-driven tacos featuring duck carnitas and roasted cauliflower on house-nixtamalized tortillas. Chef Edgar Rico won the James Beard Emerging Chef award in 2022 for his menu featuring ancestral methods, sustainable sourcing, and inventive tacos and tostadas.
Must-Try: Duck carnitas taco.
Cuantos Tacos
1108 E 12th St (Arbor Food Truck Park)
Why It’s Great: These tiny Mexico City-style tacos offer suadero and cachete on grilled nixtamal tortillas.
Must-Try: Suadero taco with salsa roja.
Veracruz All Natural
Multiple (e.g., 1704 E Cesar Chavez St)
Why It’s Great: A family-run spot that’s a breakfast taco legend, with fresh, flavorful migas tacos.
Must-Try: Migas Originales.
Las Trancas
1210 E Cesar Chavez St
Why It’s Great: Known for their trompo-spun al pastor and buche tacos served from a bright white truck with a red stripe.
Must-Try: Al pastor taco with pineapple.
Suerte
1800 E 6th St
Why It’s Great: Fancy tacos with suadero and “black magic oil,” paired perfectly with mezcal.
Must-Try: Suadero taco with avocado crudo.
Paprika
Pop-up (check Instagram)
Why It’s Great: Roving truck serving up confit suadero and weekend al pastor specials.
Must-Try: Confit carnitas taco.
Discada
1319 Rosewood Ave
Why It’s Great: The taco to try here is discada, a flavorful mix of beef, pork, and veggies cooked cowboy-style.
Must-Try: Discada taco with pineapple.
El Primo
2101 S 1st St
Why It’s Great: Known as the breakfast taco king of South Austin, with house-made chorizo.
Must-Try: Chorizo and egg taco.
Con Todo
10001 Metric Blvd (at Celis Brewery)
Why It’s Great: Al pastor and chorizo tacos that fly under the radar but pack a punch.
Must-Try: Al pastor quesadilla.
Granny’s Tacos
1401 E 6th St
Why It’s Great: Veracruz-inspired chicharron and mole breakfast tacos.
Must-Try: Rico taco (mole and chicharron).
Pueblo Viejo
Multiple (e.g., 502 Brushy St)
Why It’s Great: Street tacos and the bacon-loaded Azteca are crowd favorites.
Must-Try: Azteca taco.
Los Galanes Birrias & Tacos
900 S 1st St
Why It’s Great: Food Truck known for its mouth-watering birria tacos and flavorful consomé without the extra grease and fat, Los Galanes offers some of the most delicious authentic Mexican street-style tacos in south Austin.
Must-Try: Birria taco with consomé. Birria grilled cheese sandwich.
Vaquero Taquero
104 E 31st St
Why It’s Great: Trompo al pastor tacos served near the University of Texas on handmade tortillas.
Must-Try: Al pastor taco.
De Nada Cantina
4715 E Cesar Chavez St
Why It’s Great: Blue corn tortillas with fish and pickled pineapple in a laid-back, cool setting.
Must-Try: Fish taco.
Carnitas El Guero
900 E 7th St (gas station spot)
Why It’s Great: Carnitas served from a gas station with a “surtido” mix of rare pork cuts.
Must-Try: Surtido carnitas taco.
Asador
Multiple (e.g., 87 Rainey St)
Why It’s Great: Charred flour tortillas and mushroom en mole amarillo make this spot stand out.
Must-Try: Mushroom taco.
Taco Bronco
900 S 1st St
Why It’s Great: Smoked Meat Tacos, Classic Tex-Mex and Food Truck Catering from the Micklethwait Craft Meats Team.
Must-Try: Birria taco with consomé.
Tacodeli
Multiple Locations
Why It’s Great: The Cowboy taco and Salsa Doña are local favorites that keep this chain at the top of the list. Not to mention, you can buy the salsas and sauces at HEB and Whole Foods. Score!
Must-Try: The Cowboy (beef tenderloin).
El Mesón Taquería
5808 Burleson Rd
Why It’s Great: Ribeye and bistec tacos with chicharron de queso in Southeast Austin.
Must-Try: Ribeye con Chicharron de Queso
Tamale House East
1707 E 6th St
Why It’s Great: Crispy beef and tilapia tacos, all enjoyed on a relaxing patio.
Must-Try: Tilapia taco with chipotle remoulade.