Texas, renowned for its diverse culinary landscape, has elevated the humble taco to an art form. From bustling urban centers to quaint small towns, the Lone Star State offers an array of gourmet tacos that tantalize taste buds and satisfy cravings. These culinary creations showcase a blend of traditional Mexican flavors and innovative Texas twists.
The best gourmet tacos in Texas can be found in a variety of establishments, ranging from street-side stands to upscale restaurants. Each location brings its unique flair to this beloved dish, incorporating local ingredients and regional specialties. Taco enthusiasts embark on flavorful journeys across the state, discovering new favorites and revisiting time-honored classics.
1) Veracruz All Natural Tacos – Austin
Veracruz All Natural has become a beloved taco institution in Austin, Texas. Founded by sisters Reyna and Maritza Vazquez, this family-owned business has gained widespread acclaim for its authentic Mexican cuisine.
The restaurant specializes in fresh, made-to-order tacos using high-quality ingredients. Their homemade tortillas and chips set the foundation for their flavorful creations.
Veracruz All Natural’s migas tacos have garnered particular attention, even earning recognition from the Food Network. These tacos feature a satisfying combination of eggs, tortilla chips, avocado, and cheese.
Another standout is the El Diferente taco, which blends black beans, potatoes, and avocado for a unique texture and taste experience. The restaurant’s house-made jalapeño sauce adds an extra kick to their dishes.
With multiple locations in Austin and an outpost in Los Angeles, Veracruz All Natural has expanded its reach while maintaining its commitment to quality. The restaurant continues to draw both locals and visitors seeking authentic Mexican flavors in a casual setting.
2) Torchy’s Tacos Trailer – Austin
Torchy’s Tacos began its journey as a food truck in Austin, Texas. The trailer quickly gained a reputation for serving unique and flavorful tacos that stood out from traditional offerings.
Torchy’s success led to rapid expansion, with over 120 locations now open across multiple states. Despite this growth, the original trailer spirit remains at the heart of their operations.
The menu features creative taco combinations using high-quality, scratch-made ingredients. Favorites include the Trailer Park taco, featuring fried chicken, green chiles, and poblano sauce.
Torchy’s commitment to quality has earned them recognition beyond Texas. They recently placed as runner-up on USA Today’s 10Best fast casual restaurants list.
The Austin trailer location continues to draw locals and visitors alike. It offers a taste of Torchy’s roots and the innovative flavors that propelled them to success.
Torchy’s secret menu provides additional options for adventurous eaters. These off-menu items showcase the chain’s dedication to culinary creativity and customer satisfaction.
3) Tacos Tierra Caliente – Houston
Tacos Tierra Caliente stands out as a Houston taco institution. This popular spot attracts locals and visitors alike with its authentic flavors and homemade recipes.
Located near the Heights, Midtown, Downtown, and Montrose neighborhoods, Tacos Tierra Caliente offers a convenient location for taco enthusiasts. Their menu features a variety of traditional options beyond the standard beef and chicken.
The pastor (pork) tacos are a customer favorite. For those seeking a unique twist, the truck offers tacos with melted white cheese as a base on flour tortillas, topped with pico de gallo, lettuce, and a generous serving of avocado.
Each taco comes with a squeeze of lime and a drizzle of both red and green salsa, adding extra flavor and zest. The combination of fresh ingredients and well-seasoned meats creates a memorable taco experience.
Tacos Tierra Caliente’s reputation for quality and taste has earned it a spot among Houston’s top taco destinations. Its consistent flavors and affordable prices keep customers coming back for more.
4) La Fogata – San Antonio
La Fogata has been a San Antonio staple for over 35 years, serving authentic Mexican cuisine with a focus on flame-cooked dishes. Located at 2427 Vance Jackson Rd, this restaurant offers a diverse menu of gourmet tacos.
One standout option is the Tacos Nortenos a la Plancha. These tacos showcase the restaurant’s commitment to using fresh ingredients and traditional recipes from various regions of Mexico.
La Fogata’s dedication to quality has earned it a reputation as one of the best Mexican restaurants in San Antonio. The establishment prides itself on fire-roasting its famous salsa and mixing legendary margaritas.
Visitors can enjoy their meal in a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the rich culinary heritage of Mexico. La Fogata’s popularity is evident in its ability to serve an average of 450 guests daily.
The restaurant’s hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm, and Friday from 11 am to 11 pm. This allows ample opportunity for taco enthusiasts to savor La Fogata’s gourmet offerings.
5) El Come Taco – Dallas
El Come Taco brings authentic Mexico City flavors to Dallas. This family-owned restaurant has been serving traditional tacos since 2013. Located at 2513 N Fitzhugh Ave, it offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
The menu features a variety of gourmet tacos made with high-quality ingredients. Customers praise the authenticity and freshness of the food. El Come Taco’s salsa verde is particularly popular among diners.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality sets it apart from other taco spots in Dallas. Many locals consider it the best taco place in the city. El Come Taco’s staff is known for their friendliness and attentiveness.
Operating hours vary throughout the week. The restaurant is closed on Mondays but open from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm Tuesday through Thursday. On Fridays and Sundays, they close at 9:00 pm. Saturdays offer extended hours until midnight.
Visitors can expect a range of taco options, including breakfast tacos and specialties like the Texas taco. The restaurant also provides knowledgeable recommendations on pairing salsas with specific tacos, enhancing the dining experience.
6) Guero’s Taco Bar – Austin
Guero’s Taco Bar has been a staple of Austin’s Mexican food scene since 1986. Located on trendy South Congress Avenue, this restaurant attracts both locals and tourists alike.
Guero’s is known for its handmade corn tortillas and specialty dishes. Their tacos al pastor, featuring marinated pork on corn tortillas with onions, are a menu highlight.
The restaurant offers a fresh salsa bar, allowing diners to customize their meals. Guero’s also serves hand-shaken margaritas and cold beers in their cantina.
On weekends, Guero’s offers a popular breakfast menu. The restaurant’s patio, known as the Oak Garden, hosts live music events, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Guero’s bustling environment is particularly noticeable during lunch hours when sidewalk tables fill up quickly. The restaurant’s location in the heart of Austin contributes to its popularity among diners seeking authentic Mexican flavors.
7) El Tiztal Café Tacos – Houston
El Tiztal Café in Houston offers a unique take on gourmet tacos, blending traditional Mexican flavors with innovative culinary techniques. Located in the heart of the city, this establishment has gained a reputation for its creative menu items.
One standout dish is the Tiztal Chorizo Scramble. This taco features eggs scrambled with spicy chorizo sausage, topped with fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese adds a creamy texture.
To complete the flavor profile, a dollop of cool sour cream is served on the side. This combination of ingredients creates a harmonious balance of savory, spicy, and tangy notes in each bite.
Customers can choose between a two-egg or four-egg portion, allowing for flexible serving sizes. The tacos are served on warm, house-made tortillas that complement the filling perfectly.
El Tiztal Café’s attention to detail and quality ingredients elevate their tacos beyond the ordinary. Their commitment to flavor and creativity makes them a noteworthy destination for gourmet taco enthusiasts in Houston.
8) Revolver Taco Lounge – Fort Worth
Revolver Taco Lounge has made a triumphant return to Fort Worth, where it originally opened nearly a decade ago. The restaurant, led by Regino Rojas, now occupies the former Taco Diner space in Sundance Square.
Known for its gourmet tacos, Revolver Taco Lounge offers a diverse menu that includes both traditional and innovative options. One standout is the pulpo taco, featuring tender octopus that has garnered praise from food critics.
The restaurant’s atmosphere matches the quality of its food, with a stylish interior designed by Rojas himself. This attention to detail extends to the presentation of the tacos, which are artfully plated.
Revolver Taco Lounge serves lunch, dinner, and late-night meals. A convenient takeout window caters to those looking for a quick bite or late-night snack.
The restaurant’s dedication to quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations has earned it recognition as one of the top taco spots in Texas. Its return to Fort Worth has been warmly welcomed by local food enthusiasts.
9) El Chilito Breakfast Tacos – Austin
El Chilito in Austin offers a delightful array of breakfast tacos that have garnered local acclaim. Located at 4501 Manchaca Rd, this taqueria serves up morning favorites daily from 7:30 am.
The Cherrywood and Charlie’s Special breakfast tacos are standout options. At $4 each, these tacos provide generous portions of flavorful fillings that satisfy hungry patrons.
El Chilito’s breakfast tacos pair excellently with their green salsa, which offers a mild kick to complement the savory ingredients. Customers appreciate the complimentary water station outside, adding to the overall dining experience.
The menu features a variety of classic taco fillings. Options include bacon, chorizo, potato, and farm eggs. For those seeking a meatless start to their day, black beans and refried pintos are available.
El Chilito caters to diverse dietary needs, offering both traditional and vegetarian choices. The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and authentic flavors makes it a go-to spot for breakfast taco enthusiasts in Austin.
10) Luna’s Tacos & Tequila – Denton
Luna’s Tacos & Tequila in Denton, Texas offers a gourmet taco experience with a focus on high-quality ingredients. The restaurant prides itself on using locally sourced products whenever possible, ensuring freshness and supporting the community.
Their scratch kitchen prepares each dish with care, combining traditional flavors with innovative culinary techniques. Luna’s menu features a variety of unique taco options that cater to different taste preferences.
The establishment also boasts an impressive selection of tequilas, complementing their taco offerings. This pairing of expertly crafted tacos and fine tequilas creates a well-rounded dining experience for patrons.
Luna’s Tacos & Tequila has garnered a strong following on social media, with thousands of likes and engaged followers. This popularity suggests that the restaurant has become a favorite among local taco enthusiasts.
Visitors to Denton seeking gourmet tacos should consider Luna’s Tacos & Tequila for its commitment to quality ingredients and creative taco preparations. The restaurant’s dedication to scratch cooking and local sourcing sets it apart in the competitive Texas taco scene.
History of Gourmet Tacos in Texas
Gourmet tacos in Texas represent a culinary evolution blending traditional Mexican flavors with innovative techniques and ingredients. This fusion reflects the state’s rich cultural heritage and dynamic food scene.
Cultural Influences
Mexican immigrants brought tacos to Texas in the early 20th century. These simple street foods quickly gained popularity, adapting to local tastes and ingredients. The 1970s saw the rise of Tex-Mex cuisine, incorporating American elements into traditional Mexican dishes.
By the 1990s, chefs began elevating tacos with high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations. This marked the birth of the gourmet taco movement in Texas.
Influences from other cuisines, such as Asian and Mediterranean, further expanded the taco’s flavor profile. Food trucks played a significant role in popularizing these innovative creations, making gourmet tacos accessible to a wider audience.
Evolution of Ingredients
Traditional taco fillings like beef, chicken, and pork remained popular but saw gourmet upgrades. Chefs began using prime cuts and experimenting with cooking techniques like braising and sous-vide.
Seafood tacos gained prominence, featuring Gulf shrimp, grilled fish, and even octopus. Vegetarian and vegan options expanded, incorporating ingredients like jackfruit, roasted cauliflower, and plant-based proteins.
Tortillas evolved beyond corn and flour. Chefs experimented with unique bases like blue corn, beet, and even cheese crisps. Toppings became more elaborate, featuring house-made salsas, pickled vegetables, and artisanal cheeses.
Upscale restaurants began pairing tacos with craft cocktails and fine wines, elevating the dining experience. This evolution transformed tacos from simple street food to a canvas for culinary creativity in Texas.
Key Ingredients That Define Gourmet Tacos
Gourmet tacos elevate traditional Mexican flavors with high-quality ingredients and creative combinations. Chefs carefully select premium meats, produce, and seasonings to craft unique flavor profiles that surprise and delight diners.
Traditional vs. Modern Ingredients
Classic taco fillings like carnitas and carne asada remain popular, but gourmet tacos often feature unexpected proteins. Braised short rib, seared ahi tuna, or crispy duck confit add luxurious textures. Fresh, locally-sourced produce elevates toppings beyond standard lettuce and tomato. Pickled vegetables, microgreens, and exotic fruits like mango or pineapple provide bright flavors and crunch.
Artisanal tortillas made from heirloom corn varieties or alternative grains like blue corn form the foundation. Handcrafted salsas and sauces incorporate smoky chipotle, tangy tomatillo, or fiery habanero peppers. Gourmet cheese options like queso fresco, cotija, or even goat cheese replace standard shredded cheddar.
Innovative garnishes like crispy fried shallots, pomegranate seeds, or edible flowers add visual appeal and textural contrast. Chefs may incorporate global influences through ingredients like kimchi, harissa, or truffle oil for fusion-style gourmet tacos.
Understanding Regional Variations in Texas
Texas boasts diverse taco styles across its regions, reflecting local culinary traditions and influences. In Austin, gourmet tacos often feature innovative fusion flavors and farm-to-table ingredients.
San Antonio prides itself on puffy tacos, a unique local creation with fried corn tortillas. El Paso, with its proximity to Mexico, offers authentic street-style tacos with simple, bold flavors.
Houston’s taco scene showcases its multicultural identity, blending traditional Mexican recipes with Asian and Southern influences. Dallas excels in upscale taco experiences, featuring high-end ingredients and creative presentations.
Coastal areas like Corpus Christi specialize in fresh seafood tacos, while the Rio Grande Valley is known for authentic Mexican-style tacos al pastor and barbacoa. West Texas favors hearty, meat-centric tacos that reflect the region’s ranching heritage.
Some popular regional taco varieties include:
- Austin: Migas tacos
- San Antonio: Puffy tacos
- Houston: Korean fusion tacos
- Dallas: Brisket tacos
- El Paso: Carne asada tacos
These regional variations highlight Texas’s rich culinary landscape, offering taco enthusiasts a diverse array of flavors and styles to explore across the state.