Ultimate Guide to the Best Tacos with Recipes Across the USA

Tacos are a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine, and each city across the United States offers its unique spin on this delicious dish. Whether you’re craving traditional street-style tacos or innovative gourmet creations, we’ve compiled a list of the top taco spots in 37 cities, ensuring you never have to settle for mediocre tacos again!

Best Tacos in Austin, Texas

Best Tacos in Austin: Head to Torchy’s Tacos for a tantalizing array of inventive flavors and unique combinations.

Must-Try Breakfast Tacos: Don’t miss the mouthwatering breakfast tacos at Veracruz All Natural for a perfect start to your day.

Best Breakfast Tacos in Austin: Start your day with the best breakfast tacos in Austin at Veracruz All Natural, offering a delightful array of morning delights.

Recipe of Best Tacos in Austin, Texas:

• Veracruz All Natural Breakfast Tacos
  • Ingredients:
    • Flour or corn tortillas
    • Eggs
    • Chorizo or bacon
    • Refried beans
    • Cheese (optional)
    • Salsa
  • Instructions:
    1. Cook chorizo or bacon until crispy. Scramble eggs in the same pan.
    2. Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
    3. Fill tortillas with eggs, chorizo or bacon, refried beans, cheese if desired, and salsa.
    4. Serve hot and enjoy!

Best Tacos Chicago, Illinois

Top Taco Destination: Experience taco heaven at Big Star, where you’ll find flavorful tacos and a laid-back atmosphere.

Explore Pilsen: Dive into the heart of Chicago’s Mexican community in Pilsen for authentic and delicious taco options.

Best Tacos Chicago: Indulge in the best tacos Chicago has to offer at Big Star, serving up flavorful creations that will tantalize your taste buds.

Recipe of Best Tacos Chicago, Illinois:

• Big Star’s Tacos al Pastor
  • Ingredients:
    • Pork shoulder, thinly sliced
    • Pineapple, sliced
    • Corn tortillas
    • Onion, diced
    • Cilantro, chopped
    • Lime wedges
    • Al pastor marinade (can be store-bought or homemade)
  • Instructions:
    1. Marinate pork shoulder in al pastor marinade for at least 4 hours or overnight.
    2. Grill or roast marinated pork until cooked through and slightly charred.
    3. Heat corn tortillas on a skillet until warm and slightly crispy.
    4. Assemble tacos with al pastor pork, pineapple, diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
    5. Serve hot and enjoy the flavors of Big Star at home!

Best Tacos in San Diego, California

Best Fish Tacos: Indulge in fresh and flavorful fish tacos at Oscar’s Mexican Seafood, a local favorite.

Hidden Gem: Discover the authentic flavors of Mexico at Las Cuatro Milpas for a truly unforgettable taco experience.

Best Tacos San Diego: Treat yourself to the best tacos San Diego has to offer at Oscar’s Mexican Seafood, where fresh ingredients and bold flavors collide.

Recipe of Best Tacos in San Diego, California:

• Oscar’s Mexican Seafood Fish Tacos
  • Ingredients:
    • Fresh white fish (such as cod or tilapia)
    • Corn tortillas
    • Cabbage, shredded
    • Pico de gallo
    • Avocado slices
    • Lime wedges
    • Chipotle mayo or crema
  • Instructions:
    1. Season fish with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
    2. Grill or pan-sear fish until cooked through.
    3. Warm corn tortillas on a skillet.
    4. Assemble tacos with grilled fish, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado slices, a squeeze of lime juice, and a drizzle of chipotle mayo or crema.
    5. Serve immediately and enjoy the taste of San Diego’s famous fish tacos!

Best Tacos in Dallas, Texas

Taco Truck Delight: Sample the mouthwatering street-style tacos at Fuel City Tacos, a must-visit spot in Dallas.

Start Your Day Right: Kickstart your morning with the delectable breakfast tacos at Taco Joint.

Best Tacos Dallas: Savor the best tacos Dallas has to offer at Fuel City Tacos, where every bite is a flavorful journey.

Recipe for Best Tacos in Dallas:

• Fuel City Tacos Street-Style Tacos
  • Ingredients:
    • Your choice of meat (such as carne asada, al pastor, or barbacoa)
    • Corn tortillas
    • Onion, chopped
    • Cilantro, chopped
    • Lime wedges
    • Salsa verde or roja
  • Instructions:
    1. Cook meat of choice until tender and flavorful.
    2. Warm corn tortillas on a skillet.
    3. Fill tortillas with cooked meat, chopped onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
    4. Serve with salsa verde or roja on the side.
    5. Enjoy the authentic street-style tacos inspired by Fuel City Tacos!

Best Tacos in Houston, Texas

Authentic Mexican Flavor: Treat your taste buds to the delicious offerings of Tacos Tierra Caliente, a beloved food truck serving up authentic Mexican cuisine.

Brooklyn’s Best: Experience innovative and flavorful taco creations at Brooklyn Athletic Club.

Best Tacos in Houston: Discover the best tacos in Houston at Tacos Tierra Caliente, where authentic flavors and quality ingredients come together in every bite.

Recipe of Best Tacos in Houston:

• Tacos Tierra Caliente’s Barbacoa Tacos
  • Ingredients:
    • Beef brisket or cheek
    • Corn tortillas
    • Onion, diced
    • Cilantro, chopped
    • Lime wedges
    • Salsa verde or roja
  • Instructions:
    1. Season beef brisket or cheek with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
    2. Slow-cook beef until tender and falling apart.
    3. Warm corn tortillas on a skillet.
    4. Fill tortillas with cooked beef, diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
    5. Serve with salsa verde or roja on the side.
    6. Enjoy the authentic flavors of Tacos Tierra Caliente’s barbacoa tacos!

Best Tacos in New York City, New York

Chelsea Market Gem: Savor the flavors of Mexico at Los Tacos No. 1 in Chelsea Market, known for their freshly made tortillas and mouthwatering fillings.

Taco Truck Extravaganza: Head to Tacombi for a lively atmosphere and tacos inspired by the streets of Mexico City.

Best Tacos NYC: Embark on a culinary adventure and explore the best tacos NYC has to offer at Los Tacos No. 1, a hidden gem in Chelsea Market.

Recipe of Best Tacos in New York City:

• Los Tacos No. 1 Adobada Tacos
  • Ingredients:
    • Pork shoulder, thinly sliced
    • Achiote paste
    • Pineapple, sliced
    • Corn tortillas
    • Onion, diced
    • Cilantro, chopped
    • Lime wedges
    • Salsa verde or roja
  • Instructions:
    1. Marinate pork shoulder slices in achiote paste for at least 4 hours or overnight.
    2. Grill or roast marinated pork until cooked through and slightly charred.
    3. Warm corn tortillas on a skillet.
    4. Assemble tacos with grilled pork, sliced pineapple, diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
    5. Serve with salsa verde or roja on the side.
    6. Enjoy the authentic taste of Los Tacos No. 1’s adobada tacos!

Best Tacos in Miami, Florida

Creative Creations: Delight your palate with the creative taco offerings at Coyo Taco, where you’ll find inventive flavors and a vibrant atmosphere.

Authentic Eats: Experience the true taste of Mexico at Taquiza, serving up authentic and delicious tacos with homemade tortillas.

Best Tacos Miami: Indulge in the best tacos Miami has to offer at Coyo Taco, where creativity and flavor collide in every bite.

Recipe of Best Tacos in Miami:

• Coyo Taco’s Carnitas Tacos
  • Ingredients:
    • Pork shoulder
    • Orange juice
    • Lime juice
    • Garlic, minced
    • Cumin
    • Oregano
    • Corn tortillas
    • Onion, diced
    • Cilantro, chopped
    • Lime wedges
    • Salsa verde or roja
  • Instructions:
    1. Marinate pork shoulder in a mixture of orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, and oregano for at least 4 hours or overnight.
    2. Slow-cook marinated pork until tender and falling apart.
    3. Warm corn tortillas on a skillet.
    4. Fill tortillas with cooked pork, diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
    5. Serve with salsa verde or roja on the side.
    6. Enjoy the delicious flavors of Coyo Taco’s carnitas tacos!

Best Tacos in San Francisco, California

San Francisco Staple: Don’t miss a visit to La Taqueria, an institution known for its classic and flavorful tacos that will transport you south of the border.

Fusion Fun: Experience a unique blend of Korean and Mexican flavors at Tacorea, offering a delicious twist on traditional tacos.

Best Tacos in San Francisco: Discover the best tacos in San Francisco at La Taqueria, where tradition meets flavor in every bite.

Recipe of Best Tacos in San Francisco:

• La Taqueria’s Carne Asada Tacos
  • Ingredients:
    • Skirt steak or flank steak
    • Lime juice
    • Garlic, minced
    • Cumin
    • Chili powder
    • Corn tortillas
    • Onion, diced
    • Cilantro, chopped
    • Lime wedges
    • Salsa verde or roja
  • Instructions:
    1. Marinate skirt steak or flank steak in lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder for at least 1 hour.
    2. Grill marinated steak until cooked to desired doneness.
    3. Warm corn tortillas on a skillet.
    4. Assemble tacos with grilled steak, diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
    5. Serve with salsa verde or roja on the side.
    6. Enjoy the classic taste of La Taqueria’s carne asada tacos!

Best Tacos in Los Angeles, California

Diverse Taco Scene: Explore the diverse taco offerings of Los Angeles with favorites like Guisados for stewed meat tacos and Sonoratown for mouthwatering carne asada.

Best Tacos in Los Angeles: Embark on a taco adventure and discover the best tacos in Los Angeles at Guisados, where every taco tells a story of flavor and tradition.

Recipe of Best Tacos in Los Angeles:

• Guisados’ Cochinita Pibil Tacos
  • Ingredients:
    • Pork shoulder
    • Achiote paste
    • Orange juice
    • Lime juice
    • Garlic, minced
    • Corn tortillas
    • Onion, pickled or diced
    • Habanero salsa
    • Cilantro, chopped
  • Instructions:
    1. Marinate pork shoulder in a mixture of achiote paste, orange juice, lime juice, and minced garlic for at least 4 hours or overnight.
    2. Slow-cook marinated pork until tender and falling apart.
    3. Warm corn tortillas on a skillet.
    4. Fill tortillas with cooked pork, pickled or diced onion, habanero salsa, and chopped cilantro.
    5. Serve and enjoy the authentic taste of Guisados’ cochinita pibil tacos!

Best Tacos in Las Vegas, Nevada

Vegas Taco Delight: Indulge in gourmet tacos at Tacos El Gordo, where you’ll find authentic Tijuana-style tacos and flavorful meats.

Best Tacos in Vegas: Experience the best tacos in Vegas at Tacos El Gordo, where the flavors of Mexico come to life in every bite.

Recipe of Best Tacos in Las Vegas:

• Tacos El Gordo’s Carne Asada Tacos
  • Ingredients:
    • Flank steak or skirt steak
    • Lime juice
    • Garlic, minced
    • Cumin
    • Chili powder
    • Corn tortillas
    • Onion, diced
    • Cilantro, chopped
    • Salsa verde or roja
  • Instructions:
    1. Marinate flank steak or skirt steak in lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder for at least 1 hour.
    2. Grill marinated steak until cooked to desired doneness.
    3. Warm corn tortillas on a skillet.
    4. Assemble tacos with grilled steak, diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
    5. Serve with salsa verde or roja on the side.
    6. Enjoy the authentic taste of Tacos El Gordo’s carne asada tacos!

From coast to coast, these top taco destinations are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you craving more. Whether you’re a taco aficionado or a casual enthusiast, these culinary hotspots promise an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the rich and diverse flavors of Mexican cuisine.