Austin’s own Tacodeli, the award-winning taqueria founded by chef Roberto Espinosa and business partner Eric Wilkerson, has exciting news for taco enthusiasts. The beloved eatery has reintroduced its popular Daily Specials menu, featuring a unique taco creation available only on its corresponding day. This revamped menu comes as part of Tacodeli’s 25th-anniversary celebrations, marking a return to the diverse and flavorful offerings that have made the brand a Texas favorite.
The Journey of the Daily Specials
The Daily Specials menu began as an organic evolution in 2003, quickly becoming a permanent fixture by 2005. Tacodeli’s guests loved it so much that many planned their visits around when their favorite tacos would be available each week. However, in 2020, the menu was shelved to streamline operations during a challenging time for the restaurant industry. As the world slowly returned to normal, the demand for these special tacos grew, prompting Tacodeli’s culinary team to reimagine and reintroduce the menu with both returning favorites and exciting new creations.
What’s on the Menu?
The new Daily Specials lineup features a mix of tried-and-true classics and innovative new tacos that showcase Tacodeli’s dedication to quality and flavor:
- Monday: Carne Asada (Returning)
Nolan Ryan hanger steak, avocado, onion, cilantro, lime - Tuesday: Chicken Tinga (NEW)
Shredded chicken, tinga sauce, Mexican cabbage slaw, crema. Served in a jack cheese-crisped tortilla - Wednesday: Brisket El Rey (NEW)
HeartBrand Ranch confit brisket, bacon, caramelized onion, salsa de árbol, cilantro garlic oil, pico de gallo, crunchy garlic - Thursday: Scallop (Returning)
Grilled scallops, roasted red and poblano peppers, grilled corn, mojo de ajo sauce - Friday: Steak Chimichurri (Returning)
Nolan Ryan hanger steak, queso fresco, chimichurri sauce, green onions - Weekends: Ceviche (Returning)
Lime-cured Gulf of Mexico shrimp, roasted peppers, grilled corn, serranos, onion, guacamole. Available with shrimp or fish (based on availability).
Among these, the new Brisket El Rey taco stands out as a labor of love, embodying the attention to detail that Tacodeli is known for. This taco features high-quality Akaushi brisket from HeartBrand Beef, which undergoes a meticulous preparation process, including slow cooking in rendered bacon fat, ensuring a rich and flavorful experience.
More Than Just Tacos: Celebrate with $5 Margaritas
To complement the return of the Daily Specials, Tacodeli is also offering $5 classic rocks and frozen margaritas, along with hand-mixed Ranch Water, at all locations. These specials are part of the ongoing 25th-anniversary celebration, which will include special initiatives, events, and giveaways in the coming months.