Texas and tacos share a rich, intertwined history that has resulted in a vibrant and diverse taco culture across the Lone Star State. From bustling food trucks to high-end restaurants, taco lovers can find an incredible variety of flavors and styles to satisfy their cravings.
The best tacos in Texas showcase the state’s unique culinary heritage, blending traditional Mexican recipes with local ingredients and innovative techniques. These mouthwatering creations often feature locally-sourced meats, fresh vegetables, and handmade tortillas, all coming together to create unforgettable taste experiences that keep Texans and visitors alike coming back for more.
1) El Paso’s Chico’s Tacos
Chico’s Tacos stands as an iconic fixture in El Paso’s culinary landscape. This local institution has been serving its unique take on tacos for nearly seven decades.
The signature dish at Chico’s Tacos is unlike traditional tacos. It features three rolled taquitos, also called flautas, submerged in a special tomato-based sauce. A generous topping of shredded cheese completes this distinctive creation.
Patrons flock to Chico’s for the crunchy texture of the taquitos contrasted with the warm, savory sauce. The non-spicy red sauce allows the flavors of the beef filling to shine through.
For those seeking an extra kick, Chico’s offers a special green salsa. This condiment adds a burst of flavor to the already beloved dish.
Chico’s Tacos has garnered a loyal following over the years. Its unique approach to tacos has made it a must-visit spot for locals and tourists alike in El Paso.
Chico’s Tacos
5305 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX 79903
Phone: (915) 772-2523
Website: Not available
2) Torchy’s Tacos Trailer Park
Torchy’s Tacos, a popular Texas-based chain, offers a standout menu item called the Trailer Park taco. This flavorful creation features fried chicken as its protein base, nestled in a soft flour tortilla.
The taco is topped with green chiles, lettuce, pico de gallo, and mixed cheese. A zesty poblano sauce adds an extra kick to the combination of textures and flavors.
For those seeking an indulgent twist, customers can order the Trailer Park taco “trashy” style. This modification replaces the lettuce with queso, creating a richer, cheesier experience.
Torchy’s Tacos started as a food truck in Austin and has since expanded to multiple locations across several states. The chain prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and cooking from scratch.
The Trailer Park taco exemplifies Torchy’s commitment to creative, flavorful combinations that elevate the traditional taco experience. It has become one of the most popular items on their menu.
Torchy’s Tacos
Multiple locations across Texas and other states
Website: torchystacos.com
3) Austin’s Veracruz All Natural
Veracruz All Natural stands out as a top contender for Austin’s tastiest tacos. This family-owned business has gained a loyal following for its authentic Mexican cuisine and fresh ingredients.
The restaurant’s signature migas tacos have earned widespread acclaim. Made with a combination of crispy tortilla chips, eggs, cheese, and fresh vegetables, these breakfast tacos are a local favorite.
Veracruz All Natural prides itself on using homemade tortillas and organic ingredients whenever possible. Their commitment to quality extends to their fresh juices and smoothies, which complement the taco menu perfectly.
With multiple locations across Austin, Veracruz All Natural offers both food truck and sit-down dining experiences. Their flagship location in East Austin continues to draw crowds seeking a taste of their renowned tacos.
Veracruz All Natural, 1704 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702. (512) 981-1760. www.veracruzallnatural.com
4) Dallas’ Fuel City Tacos
Fuel City Tacos in Dallas has earned a reputation as one of Texas’ top taco destinations. This unique spot combines a gas station, car wash, and taqueria, serving up flavorful tacos 24/7.
Their menu features classic options like beef, chicken, and pork. The picadillo taco, made with seasoned ground beef and potatoes, is a standout favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Fuel City’s tacos are known for their generous portions and affordable prices. Each taco comes loaded with meat and topped with fresh cilantro and onions.
The elote (Mexican street corn) is another popular item that pairs perfectly with the tacos. Customers can enjoy their food in the parking lot or take it to go.
Despite its unconventional setting, Fuel City Tacos has garnered praise from Texas Monthly and numerous food critics. Its success has led to the opening of additional locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Fuel City Tacos – Dallas: 801 S Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207. Phone: (214) 426-0011. Open 24/7. Website: fuelcity.com
5) Tia’s on the Boulevard in San Antonio
Tia’s Taco Hut on Chase Hill Boulevard offers a delightful Tex-Mex experience in San Antonio. This popular eatery serves up tasty tacos and other Mexican-inspired dishes that keep locals coming back for more.
Customers praise the breakfast tacos at Tia’s, noting their quality and flavor. The menu extends beyond tacos, featuring items like Monterey Chicken and fish tacos made with blackened tilapia.
Tia’s prides itself on using fresh ingredients and homemade sauces. Their chipotle sauce, which accompanies the fish tacos, is a particular standout.
The restaurant maintains a clean environment and provides efficient service. Patrons appreciate the friendly staff and quick order turnaround.
Tia’s on the Boulevard is open daily from 5:30 am to 10:00 pm, making it a convenient option for early risers and night owls alike.
Tia’s Taco Hut: 15606 Chase Hill Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78256. Phone: (210) 541-5170.
6) Houston’s Tacos Tierra Caliente
Tacos Tierra Caliente stands out as a beloved taco destination in Houston, Texas. This popular food truck has earned a reputation for serving some of the city’s most flavorful tacos.
Located in the Montrose area, Tacos Tierra Caliente attracts locals and visitors alike with its authentic Mexican offerings. The truck is known for its homemade recipes and original flavors that keep customers coming back.
One of the standout menu items is the barbacoa taco on a corn tortilla. This dish is particularly sought after and often sells out quickly due to high demand.
Tacos Tierra Caliente has become a fixture in Houston’s vibrant taco scene. Its presence extends beyond Montrose, drawing fans from neighboring areas like the Heights, Midtown, and Downtown.
The food truck’s success stems from its commitment to quality and flavor. By focusing on traditional recipes and fresh ingredients, Tacos Tierra Caliente delivers a genuine taste of Mexican cuisine.
Tacos Tierra Caliente: 2003 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098. Phone: 713-584-9359.
7) Marfa’s Food Shark Tacos
Food Shark in Marfa, Texas offers a unique twist on tacos that sets them apart from traditional Tex-Mex fare. This popular food truck combines Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors with Texan culinary traditions.
The result is a fusion of tastes that surprises and delights visitors to this desert art town. Food Shark’s innovative approach to tacos has earned them a reputation for serving some of the most flavorful and creative options in the region.
Diners rave about the kababs, which many consider to be among the best they’ve ever tasted. These succulent meat fillings are often wrapped in warm, soft tortillas to create a taco-like experience with an international flair.
The truck’s menu also features other Mediterranean-inspired dishes that can be enjoyed alongside their signature tacos. Visitors appreciate the care and love that goes into each dish, as well as the dash of humor that adds to the overall dining experience.
Food Shark: 909 West San Antonio Street Highway 90, Marfa, TX 79843
8) Lucy’s Fried Chicken in Austin
Lucy’s Fried Chicken is a beloved Austin institution known for its crispy, flavorful fried chicken. While not strictly a taco joint, Lucy’s offers a unique twist on Tex-Mex cuisine with its chicken-focused menu.
The restaurant’s signature dish is its Southern-style fried chicken, prepared with a secret blend of spices. This crispy chicken finds its way into various menu items, including tacos that put a Texas spin on traditional fare.
Lucy’s chicken tacos feature juicy, hand-battered fried chicken nestled in soft tortillas. These tacos are often topped with fresh slaw, house-made sauces, and other complementary ingredients that enhance the flavors.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality extends beyond chicken. Lucy’s sources many ingredients locally, supporting Texas farmers and producers. This dedication to fresh, local ingredients contributes to the overall taste and appeal of their dishes.
Lucy’s Fried Chicken has multiple locations in Austin. Their South Congress location can be found at 2218 College Ave, Austin, TX 78704. They are open Sunday through Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM, and Friday to Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM. For more information or to place an order, call 512-297-2423 or visit their website at lucysfriedchicken.com.
9) Taqueria Datapoint in San Antonio
Taqueria Datapoint serves up some of San Antonio’s most beloved tacos. This popular Mexican eatery boasts multiple locations throughout the city, each offering a tasty array of traditional dishes.
The restaurant is particularly renowned for its breakfast tacos, which draw locals and tourists alike. Patrons praise the fresh ingredients and flavorful fillings.
Taqueria Datapoint’s menu features a variety of taco options, including street tacos and charros. The Monterrey chicken is another standout dish that keeps customers coming back.
The restaurant’s homemade salsas receive high marks from diners, adding an extra kick to their meals. A unique lemonade offering also garners attention as a refreshing accompaniment.
Visitors appreciate the bright, clean dining areas and attentive service at Taqueria Datapoint locations. The welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for both quick bites and leisurely meals.
Taqueria Datapoint, 4503 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249. Phone: (210) 455-3888. Open daily 6:00 am – 11:00 pm.
10) Laredo’s Taco Palenque
Taco Palenque has become a beloved institution in Laredo, Texas, offering fresh and authentic Mexican cuisine. Founded in 1987, this family-owned chain has expanded throughout southern Texas, winning over taste buds with its flavorful tacos and fajitas.
The restaurant prides itself on using premium ingredients and adhering to traditional recipes. Their menu features a wide variety of Mexican favorites, with their fajitas often praised as some of the best in Texas.
Taco Palenque’s commitment to freshness is evident in every bite. Patrons can expect warm, handmade tortillas and carefully prepared fillings that burst with authentic flavors.
The restaurant’s popularity has led to multiple locations across Laredo, making it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike. Each location maintains the same high standards of quality and service.
For those seeking a true taste of Laredo, Taco Palenque offers a genuine Fresh Mex experience. Whether it’s their signature tacos or mouth-watering fajitas, this local chain continues to satisfy cravings for delicious Tex-Mex cuisine.
Contact: (956) 602-0664
Address: 7122 Bob Bullock Loop, Laredo, TX 78041
Website: www.tacopalenque.com
History of Texas Tacos
Tacos in Texas have a rich and diverse history, blending Mexican culinary traditions with Texan influences. This fusion has resulted in unique flavors and styles that have become iconic in the Lone Star State.
Origins of Tex-Mex Cuisine
Tex-Mex cuisine emerged in the late 19th century as Mexican immigrants settled in Texas. This culinary style combined traditional Mexican dishes with locally available ingredients.
Tacos played a central role in this fusion. Early Tex-Mex tacos often featured beef instead of the pork or fish common in Mexico. This shift reflected the abundance of cattle in Texas.
The hard-shell taco, now associated with Tex-Mex, gained popularity in the 1940s. It offered a convenient, portable meal for workers and families alike.
Cheese became a prominent ingredient in Texan tacos, differentiating them from their Mexican counterparts. Cheddar cheese, in particular, became a staple in many Tex-Mex taco recipes.
Evolution of Taco Styles in Texas
As Texas’s culinary landscape evolved, so did its taco offerings. The breakfast taco emerged as a distinct Texan creation in the mid-20th century.
These morning meals typically feature eggs, bacon, and cheese wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. Austin and San Antonio both claim to be the birthplace of this beloved Texan staple.
Street-style tacos gained popularity in urban areas, often served from food trucks. These tacos usually feature soft corn tortillas with simple, flavorful fillings like barbacoa or al pastor.
Regional variations developed across the state. Coastal areas incorporated seafood into their tacos, while border regions maintained closer ties to traditional Mexican recipes.
The fusion trend continued, leading to innovative combinations like Korean-Mexican tacos in cities like Houston and Dallas. These new styles reflect Texas’s growing cultural diversity.
Key Ingredients in Texas Tacos
Texas tacos bring together a unique blend of flavors and textures. The signature spices, seasonings, and fillings create a distinctive taste that sets them apart from other regional variations.
Signature Spices and Seasonings
Cumin stands out as a quintessential spice in Texas taco seasoning. Its earthy, warm flavor adds depth to meat fillings. Chili powder, another staple, contributes both heat and color. Garlic powder and onion powder provide savory notes.
Many Texas taco recipes incorporate oregano for a subtle herbal touch. Paprika adds a mild sweetness and vibrant red hue. Salt and black pepper are essential for enhancing overall flavors.
Some cooks use a dash of cayenne for extra heat. Lime zest or juice brightens the seasoning mix. These spices work together to create a bold, Tex-Mex flavor profile.
Traditional and Modern Fillings
Beef remains a popular choice for Texas tacos. Carne guisada, a beef stew, offers rich flavors in a soft tortilla. Barbacoa, made from beef cheeks, provides a tender, smoky option.
Pork fillings like carnitas bring succulent texture to tacos. Chicken tinga, shredded chicken in a tomato-chipotle sauce, offers a spicy-tangy profile.
Breakfast tacos feature eggs, often paired with chorizo or bacon. Vegetarian options include black beans, grilled vegetables, and avocado.
Modern twists incorporate ingredients like brisket or Gulf shrimp. Fusion tacos might feature Korean-inspired bulgogi beef or Thai-spiced chicken.
Making Texas Tacos at Home
Creating authentic Texas tacos in your own kitchen allows you to customize flavors and experience the joy of crafting this beloved Tex-Mex dish. With the right techniques and ingredients, homemade tacos can rival those from your favorite taqueria.
Tips for Homemade Tortillas
Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for Texas tacos. Mix masa harina with warm water to form a pliable dough. Let it rest for 30 minutes before dividing into small balls. Use a tortilla press or roll out each ball between plastic sheets.
Heat a dry skillet or comal over medium-high heat. Cook tortillas for 30-45 seconds per side until lightly browned. Keep warm in a cloth-lined basket or tortilla warmer.
For flour tortillas, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and fat. Add warm water gradually. Knead until smooth, then rest for 10 minutes. Divide, roll out, and cook as with corn tortillas.
Common Cooking Techniques
For ground beef tacos, brown the meat in a skillet. Add diced onions and peppers. Season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Simmer until flavors meld.
Grilled meats like carne asada or pollo asado benefit from a marinade of lime juice, oil, and spices. Grill over high heat for a charred exterior and juicy interior.
Slow-cooking methods work well for barbacoa and carnitas. Braise beef cheeks or pork shoulder with spices and chilies until tender, then shred.
Fish tacos shine with lightly battered and fried white fish or grilled seafood. Top with cabbage slaw and a zesty crema for a refreshing twist on Texas tacos.