the best tacos in Austin, Texas is a pretty bold statement. Austin
has a reputation with foodies world wide for our eccentric
restaurants, bold chefs and charismatic bar tenders. But mention
tacos, and every Austinite,
the true locals, born and raised, or the ever growing Austin
transplants that now call this fine city home; and you will soon find
yourself in hot debate.
.Our
taco obsession has a reputation all of it’s own, and everyone has
their own very bold opinion about who serves the best tacos in town.
Today I am sharing some of our favorite taco places in and around the
Austin area, as part of the Austin Food Blogger Alliance’s annual
Austin City Guide. Let me state again, these are *our* current favorite places
as well as a few places we hope to try soon (that come highly
recommended by my fellow taco loving friends). Even though I have
lived in Austin for 10+ years, I am still slowly eating my way through
all the fine restaurants this lovable city has to offer; with that
said check this post often, as it, I promise, will be updated as I
devour more and more tacos!
Tacos In Austin:
7:00 am- 11:00 pm
taco trailer in the mid 2000’s, you can now get beloved Torchy’s
Tacos all over the state of Texas. Because of it’s multiple locations
and consistent quality, fresh food, Torchy’s is one of our favorite
taco spots and one of our top spots to bring out of town guests.
While it has been my mission to try all the tacos on the menu
(including all the tacos on the top secret menu) The Democrat, with
perfectly cooked shredded beef
barbacoa, fresh avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, onions and lime,
topped with tomatillo salsa all served on a fresh corn
tortilla is hands down my favorite! Other taco recommendations, the
Baja Shrimp, Brushfire, and the
Wrangler for breakfast. Oh and don’t forget the Green Chile Queso,
topped with guacamole, queso fresco, cilantro and diablo hot sauce!
It is a Torchy’s must!
7:00 am- 3:00 pm
taco joint I tried when I moved here, years and years ago, and I was
hooked! From their popular breakfast tacos to their lunch blue plate
special, Taco Deli has a cult following! If stopping by one of their
many Austin locations for breakfast, be sure and grab a Vaquero, eggs
scrambled with grilled corn, roasted poblano & red peppers, and
topped with Monterrey Jack cheese, or The Otto, a house favorite.
Grabbing a quick lunch? Be prepared to stand or eat outside as many
locations tend to fill up during the lunch hour. Our lunch time
favorites? The Akaushi Picadillo, ground Akaushi Beef seasoned with
roasted garlic, tomato, caramelized onion, jalapeño and Jack cheese,
topped with fresh cilantro and onions, is simple and classic. Other
favorites, the Papadulce, a filling and flavorful vegetarian taco
filled with oven roasted sweet potatoes, grilled corn, roasted
peppers, caramelized onions, toasted pepitas and a chipotle camote
sauce; the Cowboy Taco, the El Conquistador and The Heather, with
grilled queso fresco.
11:00 am- 9:00 pm
was a must on my taco pilgrimage! Upon first bite, I instantly fell
in love with this hip taco joint with fresh ingredients! The huge
corn tortillas (seriously no baby tortillas here!), are so fresh and
flavorful! While many taco places are known for their hearty meat and
cheese tacos, Fork and Taco has some fabulous vegetarian tacos. I
love the Crispy Cauliflower, loaded with crisp cauliflower, creamy
Mexican street corn, fresh avocado and cilantro; and the Beets Taco
(YES! Beets! On a taco!). Other Fork and Taco favorites, the Jerk
Dusted Chicken, with house made mojo sauce, mango and avocado; the
Pork Shoulder and the Beer Braised Brisket.
8:00 am- 5:00pm
Al Pastor is one of those hidden East Austin gems! This tiny,
unassuming taco place is nestled in a run of the mill strip mall, but
don’t let that fool you! These humble, classic tacos are some of the
best in town! Living up to their name the Al
Pastor, with moist and tender pork, cilantro and onion all served
on a fresh flour tortilla, is mouthwatering and leaves you wanting
just one more bite! Or try the Gringa, the Pastor smothered with
queso blanco.
sized street tacos are small but mighty. The Banh Mi Taco, with
Vietnamese braised pork belly, pickled daikon and carrot, Sriracha
mayo and fresh cilantro and the BBQ Brisket Taco, with southern dried
rubbed brisket, apple slaw, and house made roasted peach bbq sauce
are both legendary.
Other
places to check out:
Taco Flats: 5520 Burnet Road, Austin, TX
11:00 am – 1:00 am
Another Burnet Road taco icon, this upgraded taco joint is not
only known for it’s premium tacos on handmade tortillas, but it’s
craft beer selection and specialty cocktails. Be sure to check out
the The
Pirata, beef fajita, grilled onion, cilantro, oaxaca cheese and
refried black beans.
Tyson’s Tacos: 4905 Airport Boulevard, Austin, TX
6:00 am – 9:00 pm (Monday-Friday), 7:00 am – 9:00 pm (Saturday), 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Sunday)
Nothing fancy here, just plain good tacos! Go for the $1.25
migas and stay for the Crispy Duck Tacos or Pork Belly for lunch!
Las Trancas: 1210 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX
11:00 am – 12:00 am
Craving authentic Mexican street tacos? This small food
trailer comes recommended by chefs and foodies alike! Feeling
adventurous?? Try the cabeza (beef cheek) or the tripe (beef
intestines), or the buche (pig’s esophagus) tacos!
an infamous Texas breakfast taco?!? Check out these top spots:
5:00 am – 1:00 pm
“tortilla”! These tacos really are what dreams are made of! A
fluffy donut “tortilla” packed with your choice of classic breakfast
fillings, these breakfast tacos a must for any breakfast lover!
Veracruz All Natural: 1704 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX
8:00 am to 3:00 pm
You can find some of the best breakfast tacos in town right here! Order the Migas
for breakfast and take one to go for lunch!
Juan In A Million: 2300 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78702
7:00 am – 3:00 pm
College students and tourist travel far and wide to check out the famous Juan In A Million! These enormous breakfast tacos are perfect for large appetites and have even stared in several national TV travel shows! Dining Tip: Be prepared to wait in a line (wrapped around the building) if you want a famous Juan In A Million taco on the weekend!
Joe’s Bakery: 2305 East 7th Street, Austin, TX
6:30 am – 3:00 pm
Seriously… two words: Breakfast. Tacos. Get one of each
as is or top it with the famous Joe’s bacon. Smile.
While
some taco stands are known for their tacos seven days a week, some
fine restaurants only serve up tacos on a Tuesday! Need to get your
Taco Tuesday fix? Stop by one of these locations and chow down!
Greenhouse Craft Foods: 1400 East Old Settlers Boulevard #110, Round Rock, TX 78664
11:00 am – 9:00 pm
$2 tacos, salsa and local craft beers!! Yes my friends,
this place is where you need to be on a Tuesday! Their house made
salsa and tortilla chips are some of the best I have had in ages,
while the street taco selection consists of green chile pork, chicken
tunga (my favorite) and blacked shrimp. Did I mention their fabulous local craft beer selection?
Quality Seafood Market: 5621 Airport Boulevard, Austin, TX
8:00 am – 8:00 pm
$3.00 seafood tacos served with salsa and slaw. Drink
specials include $2.00 domestic draft beers or $1.00 cans of Lone
Star, PBR, or Tecate!
and occasionally other specialty tacos for $2 all night on Tuesday.
They also serve their regular happy hour on Tuesdays from 6-7pm.
Still
looking to feed your queso, margarita and enchilada craving? Check
out these other City Guides from fellow Austin food bloggers:
Best Mexican Food in Austin –
by Hip Girl’s Guide to Homemaking
Where to Get Your Breakfast Taco Fix in Austin, TX –
by Full and Content
Where to Eat Queso in Austin –
by Slone Ranger
Austin Guide – Mexican Martinis –
by Two Places at Once
The State of Chilaquiles in Austin, Texas –
by Foie Gras Hot Dog
And for more of the best eats in Austin, Texas, visit the official Austin Food Blogger Alliance City Guide!
are your favorite spots for tacos in Austin??
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