Best Tacos in Austin
The best tacos in Austin are just around the corner no matter which neighborhood you find yourself. From traditional taquerias to trendy restaurants, the city offers an explosion of flavors and textures guaranteed to satisfy any taco enthusiast. But with so many options, where do you begin? This guide will navigate you through Austin’s distinct neighborhoods, highlighting the top three taco spots in each location, and offering a deeper look into what makes them special.
Downtown Austin:
1. Veracruz All Natural
This legendary taqueria is an Austin must-try. Their fish tacos are iconic, featuring flaky whitefish perfectly fried in a light batter. Find them nestled in warm corn tortillas with a vibrant pico de gallo bursting with fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a hint of lime. Before digging in, remember to add a squeeze of their signature creamy habanero salsa for an extra kick.
2. Tacodeli
A beloved local chain known for its fresh, high-quality ingredients and flavorful salsas. Their breakfast tacos are perfect for starting your day. Featuring fluffy scrambled eggs, melty cheese, and your choice of protein like bacon, chorizo, or migas. Meanwhile, their carnitas tacos are a crowd-pleaser. They showcase slow-cooked pork shoulder with crispy bits, served with onions, cilantro, and a refreshing avocado crema.
3. ATX Cocina
This modern Mexican spot offers a twist on classic tacos, elevating traditional flavors with unexpected ingredients. Don’t miss their duck carnitas tacos, featuring succulent shredded duck confit with a sweet and savory tamarind glaze, or their grilled cactus tacos with melty Oaxaca cheese, providing a unique and flavorful vegetarian option.
East Sixth:
1. Pueblo Viejo
This vibrant taqueria boasts a lively atmosphere and delicious, authentic tacos. Their al pastor is a must-order. This taco features perfectly marinated pork cooked on a vertical rotisserie, shaved off, and served on warm tortillas with pineapple chunks, onions, and cilantro. The sweet and savory combination is a true taste of Mexico and one of the best tacos in Austin you’ll find.
2. Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon
Craving something different? Fresa’s specializes in grilled chicken tacos, marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and cooked to juicy perfection. Their signature achiote chicken taco features a vibrant marinade with a hint of citrus, while their chipotle chicken taco packs a smoky heat. Both are served with fresh onions, cilantro, and their signature creamy avocado salsa.
3. Velvet Taco
This popular chain offers creative and globally-inspired tacos, pushing the boundaries of traditional flavors. Try their Korean BBQ taco featuring bulgogi beef, kimchi, and gochujang crema for a taste of Korean fusion. Meanwhile, their shrimp and grits taco with creamy cheese grits, chipotle shrimp, and pico de gallo goes for a Southern twist on a classic.
West Sixth:
1. Torchy’s Tacos
A local favorite known for their inventive taco combinations and outrageous “trailer trash” toppings, piled high with queso, pico de gallo, and crema. Their Baja fish taco features crispy-fried mahi-mahi with a chipotle crema. Their fried avocado taco is a must-try for vegetarians, featuring a perfectly crispy avocado slice nestled amongst a bed of greens and pico de gallo.
2. OneTaco Taqueria
This casual food truck offers delicious and affordable tacos, perfect for a quick and satisfying bite. Their steak tacos are a crowd-pleaser. Marinated skirt steak cooked to your liking, served with onions, cilantro, and a variety of salsas. Their vegetarian tacos are packed with flavor. Experiment with options like grilled cactus, portobello mushrooms, or a lentil-walnut mixture, all drizzled with their flavorful salsa verde.
3. Bar Peached
This trendy spot combines delicious tacos with a lively bar scene, perfect for a fun night out with friends. Their pork belly tacos feature slow-braised pork belly with a sweet and savory glaze, while their shrimp and chorizo tacos offer a delightful combination of smoky chorizo and succulent shrimp, both served on warm flour tortillas.
South Congress:
1. Guero’s Taco Bar
This historic Austin institution offers a taste of Tex-Mex tradition. Their breakfast tacos are legendary. Fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and your choice of protein like bacon, chorizo, or bean and cheese. Their chips and queso are the perfect appetizer to jumpstart your appetite. Warm, crispy tortilla chips and their signature queso dip, made with melted cheese, tomatoes, and spices.
2. El Alma Cafe y Cantina
This vibrant cantina boasts an extensive taco menu and a fun, festive atmosphere. Their carnitas tacos are slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender and flavorful pulled pork, while their chorizo and potato tacos offer a delicious vegetarian option with perfectly seasoned chorizo and crispy potatoes.
3. Nixta Taqueria
This modern taqueria focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. Their octopus tacos are a unique and flavorful option. Enjoy perfectly grilled octopus with a smoky chipotle aioli and pickled red onions. Their chorizo and potato tacos are sure to satisfy any palate. Perfectly seasoned chorizo, crispy potatoes, and a creamy avocado crema.
Taco Time! Your Austin Adventure Awaits
Whether you’re a seasoned taco aficionado or a curious newcomer, Austin’s taco scene has something to offer everyone. From traditional taquerias serving up generations-old recipes to innovative restaurants pushing the boundaries of flavor, the city’s diverse culinary landscape guarantees an unforgettable taco adventure.
So grab your friends, lace up your walking shoes, and embark on a delicious journey through Austin’s vibrant neighborhoods. With each bite, you’ll discover the unique character and culinary creativity that makes Austin a true taco haven. Remember, the best tacos in Austin are often found around unexpected corners, so don’t be afraid to explore and savor the unexpected. Buen provecho!