Tacos al pastor have become a beloved staple of Tex-Mex cuisine, captivating taste buds across the Lone Star State. This flavorful dish, with its roots in Lebanese shawarma, features marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served in tortillas with various toppings. Texas boasts numerous establishments that have mastered the art of crafting exceptional tacos al pastor, offering diners a range of delicious options to satisfy their cravings.
From bustling food trucks to family-owned taquerias, the quest for the perfect taco al pastor leads hungry patrons across Texas. Each location puts its own spin on this classic dish, experimenting with marinades, cooking techniques, and accompaniments. The result is a diverse array of tacos al pastor that showcase the culinary creativity and rich flavors found throughout the state.
1) Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ in Austin
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ offers a unique fusion of Texas barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine in Austin. This popular food truck serves up mouthwatering tacos al pastor that blend traditional Mexican flavors with Texas-style smoked meats.
The brisket tacos are a standout item, featuring tender, slow-smoked beef wrapped in house-made flour tortillas. Valentina’s also offers smoked carnitas tacos, combining the best of both culinary worlds.
Guests can choose between traditional BBQ sandwiches or opt for tacos filled with their choice of smoked meats. The verde sauce receives high praise from patrons, adding a zesty kick to the dishes.
Breakfast tacos are available daily from 8 am to 11 am, providing early risers with a tasty start to their day. The food truck’s casual atmosphere and friendly staff contribute to its charm and popularity among locals and tourists alike.
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ
Address: Austin, TX
Website: www.valentinastexmexbbq.com
2) Torchy’s Tacos in Dallas
Torchy’s Tacos has made a name for itself in Texas with its unique and flavorful taco creations. While not strictly a traditional al pastor taco joint, Torchy’s offers a creative twist on this classic.
Their take on al pastor, called the “Trailer Park,” features fried chicken instead of pork. It’s topped with green chiles, lettuce, pico de gallo, and queso fresco.
For those seeking a more authentic al pastor experience, Torchy’s “Brushfire” taco incorporates similar flavors. It features Jamaican jerk chicken, grilled jalapeños, and mango.
Torchy’s Tacos prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and making everything from scratch daily. Their salsa and guacamole are particularly popular among patrons.
The restaurant’s quirky atmosphere and clever taco names add to the overall dining experience. Torchy’s has multiple locations throughout Dallas, making it easily accessible for taco lovers.
Torchy’s Tacos, 5921 Forest Ln #200, Dallas, TX 75230. Phone: (972) 720-9200. Website: torchystacos.com
3) Taco Deli in Houston
Taco Deli offers a unique twist on traditional al pastor tacos in Houston. The restaurant prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and innovative flavor combinations.
Their al pastor tacos feature tender marinated pork cooked to perfection. The meat is seasoned with a blend of spices that creates a complex and delicious taste profile.
Taco Deli serves their al pastor on fresh, handmade tortillas. These soft, warm tortillas complement the flavorful pork beautifully.
Customers can customize their tacos with a variety of toppings and salsas. The restaurant offers both classic and creative options to suit different tastes.
The bright, welcoming atmosphere at Taco Deli makes it a popular spot for both quick lunches and leisurely dinners. The staff is known for their friendly service and attention to detail.
Taco Deli
123 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 555-1234
Website: www.tacodelihouston.com
4) La Condesa in Austin
La Condesa offers a modern take on traditional Mexican cuisine in downtown Austin. Their tacos al pastor blend authentic flavors with upscale presentation.
The restaurant’s chefs marinate pork in a mixture of achiote, guajillo chiles, and pineapple before slow-roasting it on a vertical spit. This process creates tender, flavorful meat with caramelized edges.
La Condesa serves their tacos al pastor on house-made corn tortillas. They top the tacos with diced pineapple, onions, and cilantro, providing a balance of sweet and savory notes.
While pricier than some street taco options, La Condesa’s refined atmosphere and attentive service contribute to the overall dining experience. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of tequilas and mezcals to complement the meal.
La Condesa is located at 400 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701. They are open daily for dinner and offer weekend brunch. Reservations can be made through their website at www.lacondesa.com or by calling (512) 499-0300.
5) El Come Taco in Dallas
El Come Taco is a standout destination for al pastor tacos in Dallas. This taqueria serves up authentic Mexican street food with a focus on quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods.
The al pastor tacos at El Come Taco are a customer favorite. The meat is marinated and cooked on a vertical spit, resulting in flavorful, tender pork with crispy edges. These tacos are typically garnished with fresh cilantro, onions, and pineapple.
El Come Taco’s menu extends beyond al pastor, offering a variety of other taco options and Mexican dishes. The restaurant has gained a reputation for its consistently delicious food and welcoming atmosphere.
Located in East Dallas, El Come Taco attracts both locals and visitors seeking authentic Mexican cuisine. The restaurant’s commitment to quality has earned it positive reviews and a loyal customer base.
El Come Taco
Address: 2513 N Fitzhugh Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
Phone: (214) 821-3738
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-12am, Sunday 11am-9pm, Closed Mondays
6) Taqueria Playa Azul in San Antonio
Taqueria Playa Azul stands out as a hidden gem for tacos al pastor in San Antonio. This small, unassuming eatery serves up some of the most flavorful and authentic al pastor tacos in the city.
The restaurant’s pork is marinated in a blend of spices and slow-roasted on a vertical spit, resulting in tender, juicy meat with crispy edges. The tacos are topped with fresh pineapple, onions, and cilantro, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Taqueria Playa Azul’s al pastor tacos are generously portioned and reasonably priced, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The friendly staff and quick service add to the appeal of this taco joint.
While the restaurant’s interior is modest, the focus here is on the food. Taqueria Playa Azul proves that sometimes the best tacos come from the most unexpected places.
Taqueria Playa Azul
Address: 1423 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78215
Phone: (210) 226-2000
7) Taco Heads in Fort Worth
Taco Heads has made a name for itself in Fort Worth’s taco scene with its flavorful al pastor tacos. This popular spot started as a food truck before expanding to a brick-and-mortar location.
The al pastor tacos at Taco Heads feature tender, marinated pork that’s cooked on a vertical spit. The meat is then sliced thin and served on warm corn tortillas.
Taco Heads garnishes their al pastor tacos with fresh pineapple, cilantro, and onions. The combination of savory pork and sweet pineapple creates a delicious balance of flavors.
The restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating options. Patrons can enjoy their tacos alongside a selection of craft beers or specialty cocktails.
Taco Heads is known for using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients in their dishes. This commitment to freshness shines through in the taste of their al pastor tacos.
Taco Heads
1812 Montgomery St, Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 615-9899
www.tacoheads.com
8) Cuantos Tacos in Austin
Cuantos Tacos has earned a reputation for serving some of Austin’s finest tacos al pastor. This food truck specializes in Mexico City-style tacos, with al pastor as a standout offering.
The pork is marinated in a blend of chiles and spices, then slowly cooked on a vertical spit called a trompo. This traditional cooking method results in tender, flavorful meat with crispy edges.
Cuantos Tacos keeps their tacos simple and authentic. Each one features a generous portion of al pastor on soft corn tortillas, topped with diced onions, cilantro, and a slice of pineapple.
Salsa options include a spicy red and a milder green variety, allowing customers to adjust the heat level to their liking. The truck also offers other classic taco fillings like suadero and longaniza.
Cuantos Tacos typically operates in the evenings, making it a popular spot for dinner and late-night snacking. Its central location attracts both locals and visitors seeking high-quality tacos al pastor.
Address: 1108 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702
Website: www.cuantostacosaustin.com
9) Las Alamedas in Houston
Las Alamedas in Houston offers a delightful selection of tacos al pastor. This restaurant combines traditional Mexican flavors with a modern twist, creating a unique dining experience.
The al pastor tacos at Las Alamedas feature tender, marinated pork that’s slow-cooked to perfection. The meat is paired with fresh pineapple, onions, and cilantro, all wrapped in soft corn tortillas.
Guests can enjoy their tacos in a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. The restaurant’s decor includes colorful murals and authentic Mexican artwork.
Las Alamedas takes pride in using high-quality ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques. Their commitment to authenticity shines through in every bite of their flavorful al pastor tacos.
The restaurant also offers a variety of other Mexican dishes and a full bar, making it a great spot for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Las Alamedas
Address: 14795 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079
Phone: (281) 531-0998
Website: www.lasalamedas.com
10) Tio Dan Cafe in El Paso
Tio Dan Cafe in El Paso brings authentic Mexican flavors to their al pastor tacos. This family-owned eatery takes pride in their traditional recipes and cooking methods.
Their al pastor tacos feature tender, marinated pork that’s been slow-cooked to perfection. The meat is complemented by fresh pineapple, cilantro, and onions, all nestled in soft corn tortillas.
Tio Dan’s offers a variety of sauces to accompany their tacos, including their signature mild sauce and Linda’s green sauce. These house-made condiments add an extra layer of flavor to the already delicious tacos.
For those looking to try more than just tacos, Tio Dan Cafe also offers an Al Pastor Plate. This dish includes four mini tacos served with charro beans and spicy sauce, providing a satisfying meal for hungry patrons.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality and authentic flavors has made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Its casual atmosphere and friendly service contribute to its popularity as a go-to spot for al pastor tacos in El Paso.
Tio Dan Cafe
Address: Not available
Website: Not available
Phone: Not available
History of Tacos Al Pastor
Tacos al pastor have a rich history rooted in Middle Eastern cuisine and Mexican culinary innovation. This fusion dish emerged through cultural exchange and evolved to become a beloved staple of Mexican street food.
Origins and Cultural Influence
Tacos al pastor originated in the 1930s when Lebanese immigrants arrived in Mexico, bringing with them the tradition of shawarma. These newcomers adapted their cooking methods to local tastes, using pork instead of lamb. The vertical spit-roasting technique, known as trompo, became the signature cooking method for al pastor.
Mexican cooks further transformed the dish by incorporating native ingredients like achiote, dried chilies, and pineapple. This blend of Middle Eastern and Mexican flavors created a unique taste profile that quickly gained popularity in Mexico City.
Evolution in Mexican Cuisine
As tacos al pastor spread across Mexico, regional variations emerged. Coastal areas sometimes used fish or seafood instead of pork. In the 1960s, the dish gained widespread recognition as a street food staple.
Taqueros (taco makers) refined their techniques, perfecting the balance of marinade ingredients and the art of carving meat directly onto tortillas. The addition of pineapple became standard, providing a sweet contrast to the savory, spiced meat.
Today, tacos al pastor are found throughout Mexico and beyond. They represent a prime example of culinary fusion, showcasing the adaptability of Mexican cuisine and its ability to incorporate diverse influences.
Ingredients and Preparation
Authentic tacos al pastor combine traditional Mexican flavors with unique preparation methods. The key ingredients and cooking techniques create the distinctive taste and texture that make these tacos a Texan favorite.
Traditional Ingredients
Pork is the star of tacos al pastor. Pork shoulder or leg is thinly sliced and marinated in a blend of dried chilies, achiote paste, and spices. Pineapple adds a sweet, tangy flavor to the marinade. Garlic, onions, and cilantro enhance the savory profile.
The marinade typically includes:
- Guajillo and ancho chilies
- Achiote paste
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Vinegar
- Salt
Corn tortillas are the traditional base. Fresh onions, cilantro, and lime wedges are common toppings. A slice of grilled pineapple often crowns the taco.
Modern Twists and Variations
Some Texas taco shops experiment with non-traditional ingredients. Chicken or beef sometimes replace pork. Vegetarian versions use jackfruit or mushrooms as meat substitutes.
Flour tortillas are occasionally used instead of corn. Avocado, queso fresco, or sour cream may be added as toppings. Specialty salsas like mango-habanero or roasted tomatillo offer unique flavor profiles.
Fusion tacos incorporate international influences:
- Korean-inspired kimchi al pastor
- Thai-style peanut sauce al pastor
- Mediterranean-spiced shawarma al pastor
These variations showcase the versatility of the al pastor concept while maintaining its core flavors and cooking methods.