Austin’s Taco Scene Guide: The Top Tacos in the City
Austin, Texas is known for its vibrant and diverse taco scene, and an Austin insider post provided a fantastic list of some of the best tacos in the city for different meal times and occasions. Here's a summary of the top places and their recommended taco offerings:
Breakfast Tacos:
El Primo food truck offers simple breakfast tacos with a ton of customization options and add-ons.
Tacodeli: Must-Try: The Otto - It's a popular breakfast taco with beans, bacon, avocado, and cheese, wrapped in a corn tortilla. This popular spot is known for using high-quality ingredients and has multiple locations in Austin.
El Primo: Basic Breakfast Tacos: El Primo offers simple yet tasty options with egg, cheese, and various meat choices. You can customize your taco with a variety of extra options.
Joe’s Bakery & Coffee Shop: Top Pick: The Miga Taco Con Todo is loaded with eggs, corn chips, tomatoes, onions, cheese, and jalapeños. Joe's is an iconic, former diner serving breakfast all day.
Marcelino’s: Favorite: Papa Ranchera - Spicy potatoes, eggs, cheese, and crumbled bacon. Marcelino’s is a family-run restaurant known for its diverse breakfast taco menu.
Lunch Tacos:
Valentina’s Tex-Mex BBQ- tacos with BBQ fillings like smoked brisket and guacamole and salsa.
Vaquero Taquero: Signature taco al pastor - Flame-seared pork with roasted pineapple, cilantro, onion, salsa, and avocado crema. Located in Central Austin, Vaquero Taquero is famous for its street-style tacos, and the signature taco al pastor.
Torchy's Tacos: Creative taco options, including battered and fried portobello mushroom strips, refried black beans, roasted corn, cotija cheese, fresh avocado, and ancho aiol. Additionally, they have a secret menu for those looking for a more customized experience.
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ: Must-Have: Try tacos with BBQ fillings like smoked brisket and guacamole and salsa. Just a heads up, Valentina's is for in-person ordering only!
Veracruz All Natural: Fresh and organic ingredients, with options like the al pastor taco- marinated pork in pineapple juice and chile guajillo, combined with avocado, queso fresco, onions, and cilantro in a homemade corn tortilla.
Fresa’s Chicken Al Carbon: They use house-made ingredients, and the La Fresa taco with achiote chicken is a favorite.
Dinner Tacos:
Austin’s original El Alma Is Interior Mexican Cuisine at Its finest. Head upstairs to dine on the rooftop deck with an amazing city view.
ATX Cocina: The Patos Locos Tacos include duck carnitas with citrus mojo and cilantro salad. This Modern Mexican restaurant has outdoor seating, has a 100% gluten-free menu, and offers an extensive craft cocktail menu.
El Chilito: The Vegetal taco is a vegan delight, featuring seasoned vegetables, onions, and serrano peppers, all wrapped in your choice of a flour, corn, or whole wheat tortilla.
El Alma: Unique tacos and Distinctive Flavors: Try the Pato taco with roasted duck, almonds, and pepitas. Dine on the rooftop deck to see a sweeping skyline view.
La Condesa: The griddled Gulf snapper taco with various sides and a wide guacamole and salsa selection is a great choice.. Additionally, you can complement your meal with sides like elotes (Mexican-style street corn) or Queso Flameado with short rib en mole.
Güero’s Taco Bar: Try specialty tacos like El Jefe with beef al carbon and grilled corn. Guero's is known for its hand-shaken margaritas, salsa bar, and handmade corn tortillas and mole. Live music on Wednesday through Sunday nights in the Oak Garden.
Late Night Tacos:
Tyson’s Tacos in Hyde Park Austin is open 24/7, and offers to-go orders as well as indoor & outdoor seating.
Kerbey Lane Cafe: Late-night Tex-Mex: Open 24/7, they serve Tex-Mex blackened fish tacos and award-winning queso.
Licha’s Cantina: Authentic Late-Night: They offer Mexico City-style street food with unique options like the Lengua and Alambre tacos. Known for Mexico City-style street food, mezcal craft cocktails, and tacos served on a skillet.
Tyson’s Tacos: Open 24/7 with options like the Prince taco with pecan-crusted tilapia, in addition to a variety of Tex-Mex sides.
Pueblo Viejo: Try specialties like the Guaca Taco with guacamole, fresh spinach, and a choice of chicken or steak. To satisfy late-night taco cravings, visit Pueblo Viejo at either its brick-and-mortar location on Brushy Street or its food truck at Cosmic Coffee.
Austin's taco scene is renowned for its diversity and innovation, making it a must-visit destination for taco lovers. Whether you're seeking a classic breakfast taco, a creative lunch option, a modern dinner experience, or a late-night snack, Austin's taco scene has something for every taco enthusiast.