Tacos

Why should you never tell your secrets to a taco? Because they tend to spill the beans.

Why don’t tacos get invited to poker night? Because they always fold.

While Austinites are enjoying their secret underground world of PBS and Food-Network-worthy tacos, tourists often have a hard time knowing where to find them. They end up in disappointing low quality or chain restaurants and wonder what all the fuss was about. That’s why we’ve put this list together for you, dear traveler.

1. Taqueria 10/10- Located in an alley near the convention center between 2nd & 3rd, this hole-in-the-wall taco place is our top taco recommendation in Austin. Enter through ReyRey cocktail bar.

2. El Tacorrido - Drive Thru - several locations

El Tacorrido is a drive-thru taqueria that serves up authentic Mexican tacos. They have a wide variety of tacos to choose from, including al pastor, barbacoa, and carnitas. Tacos are around $3 each, and they also have a variety of other Mexican food options, such as burritos, quesadillas, and enchiladas. There are several locations around Austin. Visit their website to find the one nearest you.

3. Discada - East Austin Food Truck

This nondescript food truck is one of Austin’s best kept secrets. They sell one kind of taquito, which is a small taco, and it is perfection. You can order 3, 6, or 9 of them. You also should order the Mexican street corn, because it is the best that was ever created. Located on Rosewood Ave in East Austin.

4. Cuantos Tacos - East Austin Food Truck

Described by many as the best tacos in Austin, Cuantos Tacos is a taqueria that serves up a variety of tacos, including both traditional Mexico City street tacos and fusion options. They have tacos with everything from pork belly to fish. Tacos are around $3 each. Seating is outdoors and they do not have breakfast tacos.

5. Vaquero Taquero - Downtown Restaurant

Vaquero Taquero is a new taqueria in Austin that is quickly gaining popularity. They serve up creative tacos made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Tacos are around $4 each.

6. Veracruz All Natural - Congress Ave Restaurant

Veracruz All Natural is a taqueria food truck that serves up authentic Mexican tacos. They have a wide variety of tacos to choose from, including al pastor, barbacoa, and carnitas. Tacos are around $5 each.

7. Nixta - East Austin Restaurant

Nixta is a taqueria muy deliciosa that serves up modern fusion tacos. They use traditional methods to cook their food, and they source their ingredients from local farmers. This place brings authentic Austin eclecticism to its atmosphere and creative dishes. This place is very popular with a local following, so it’s best to avoid peak hours.

8. Salty Sow - East Austin Restaurant

Salty Sow is not a taco place, but join Salty Sow during their happy hour from 4:30-6:30pm daily to enjoy the best BBQ tacos in Austin- their Carnitas Tacos and Pork Belly Tacos. The regular menu does not have tacos, but it’s worth it to get your hands on these because they are, in your author’s personal opinion, the best tacos ever. These happy hour tacos are $5 each. If you can’t make it for the happy hour tacos, that’s okay. Pretty much everything else on their menu is outstanding as well.  

9. Asador - Downtown Taco Stand/Truck

Asador is a taqueria that serves up wood-fired Mexican tacos. They have a wide variety of tacos to choose from, including al pastor, barbacoa, and carnitas. Tacos are around $7 each. They have two locations in Austin: one at Las Perlas on 7th (21+), and one on Rainey Street.