9 Places In Texas To Get The Best Tacos That’ll Make You Rethink Your Favorite Spot

Y’all, I’ve been on a flavorful mission deep in the heart of the Lone Star State, chasing down taco perfection one delicious bite at a time.
While Texas is world-famous for its BBQ, let me tell you—our taco scene is equally legendary, bursting with bold, unforgettable flavors that’ll knock your boots clean off. I’ve explored everything from hidden hole-in-the-wall gems run by generations of family cooks to buzzing, innovative food trucks serving up creative twists.
After countless tortillas and taste tests, I’ve rounded up nine unforgettable spots that made me rethink everything I thought I knew about the humble taco.
1. Veracruz All Natural (Austin)

Holy guacamole! The first time I bit into a migas taco at Veracruz, I nearly fell off my chair. Sisters Reyna and Maritza have created pure magic with their handmade tortillas that somehow manage to be both cloud-soft and sturdy enough to hold their generous fillings.
Their al pastor tacos haunt my dreams with that perfect pineapple-to-pork ratio. I once drove three hours just for their breakfast tacos after a particularly vivid food dream.
What sets them apart is their commitment to freshness – you won’t find anything pre-packaged here. The line might stretch around the block on weekends, but trust me, you’ll be thanking me between mouthfuls of their avocado-topped masterpieces.
2. Revolver Taco Lounge (Dallas)

Chef Regino Rojas doesn’t just make tacos – he creates edible art that happens to be tucked inside a tortilla. My first visit to Revolver was a religious experience that converted me from a taco casual to a taco zealot.
The pulpo (octopus) taco with jalapeño crema changed my life. Seriously. I still remember the exact table where I sat when I tasted it. The Deep Ellum location has this perfect moody vibe that makes everything taste even better.
What’s wild is how they blend high-end ingredients with traditional Mexican techniques. Their tortillas are pressed to order – you can literally hear the rhythmic slap of masa in the background while you sip your mezcal cocktail and contemplate ordering seconds.
3. Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ (Austin)

Smoked brisket in a taco? Absolute genius! Valentina’s broke the universe by perfectly marrying Texas BBQ with Mexican flavors. The first time my taste buds experienced this union, I actually closed my eyes and had a moment of silence.
Owner Miguel Vidal smokes that brisket for 15 hours before nestling it into a warm flour tortilla with guacamole and tomato serrano salsa. The contrast between smoky meat and fresh toppings is nothing short of revolutionary.
Pro tip: get there early! I once showed up at 11am thinking I was smart, only to find myself at the back of a 45-minute line. Their breakfast tacos with smoked carnitas and egg are worth setting an alarm for – even on weekends.
4. Carnitas Lonja (San Antonio)

Sometimes perfection comes from simplicity. Carnitas Lonja proves this with their singular focus: pork carnitas that will make you weep with joy. The first time I visited this unassuming spot, I ordered two tacos. Ten minutes later, I was back in line for three more.
Chef Alex Paredes slow-cooks pork until it’s fall-apart tender, then crisps the edges for that magical texture contrast. Add their homemade salsa verde, some cilantro and onion, and you’ve got taco nirvana.
My favorite part? Watching the staff press fresh corn tortillas right in front of you. The small, no-frills space feels like eating at someone’s home in Mexico. I’ve started planning San Antonio trips around their operating hours – that’s how serious this addiction has become.
5. Discada (Austin)

Taco enlightenment comes in many forms – mine happened in a tiny food truck named Discada. Their specialty? Northern Mexico-style discada tacos cooked on a plow disc-turned-cooking surface (hence the name).
The magical mix of beef, pork, onions, bell peppers, and secret spices creates a flavor bomb that defies description. I’ve brought at least a dozen friends here, and everyone has the same reaction: wide eyes followed by silent, focused eating.
The owners learned this cooking style from their grandparents, and that generational knowledge shines through in every bite. They only make one type of taco, but when you’ve achieved perfection, why mess with it? My standing rule: always order at least three, because one is never enough and you’ll hate yourself for not getting more.
6. Cuantos Tacos (Austin)

Taco purists, rejoice! Cuantos Tacos serves Mexico City-style street tacos that transported me straight to CDMX without the airfare. Their suadero (brisket) tacos made me slap the table in disbelief – how could something so simple taste so extraordinary?
Owner Luis Robledo champions the classics: cachete (beef cheek), carnitas, and lengua (tongue) – all served on miniature corn tortillas with nothing more than cilantro, onion, and their house salsas. Each meat is prepared with such care that toppings would just be a distraction.
The yellow food truck might be easy to miss, but your taste buds will never forget it. I’ve started budgeting “Cuantos money” each month because once you’ve experienced these authentic beauties, regular tacos just don’t hit the same.
7. Granny’s Tacos (Austin)

Family recipes are the secret weapon at Granny’s Tacos, where abuela’s touch elevates every bite to legendary status. Their chilaquiles taco (yes, a whole breakfast dish in taco form!) completely changed my morning routine. I now willingly wake up early on Saturdays just to beat the rush.
The standout for me is their birria taco – tender, slow-cooked beef with melted cheese, served with consommé for dipping. The first time I tried it, I immediately texted five friends with the simple message: “COME NOW.”
What makes Granny’s special is how they’ve maintained that homemade quality despite their growing popularity. You can taste the decades of cooking tradition in each bite. Pro tip: their homemade salsas are liquid gold – ask for extra and thank me later.
8. Tacos Tierra Caliente (Houston)

Sometimes the best tacos come from the most unassuming places. Tacos Tierra Caliente, a humble food truck parked outside West Alabama Ice House, serves up Mexico City-style tacos that haunted my dreams after just one visit.
Their pastor taco with pineapple is a masterclass in balance – spicy, sweet, savory perfection on a corn tortilla that costs less than your morning coffee. I once drove from Austin to Houston specifically for these tacos and didn’t even bother seeing any other attractions while in town.
The real move is grabbing tacos from the truck, then enjoying them with a cold beer from the ice house next door. The outdoor picnic tables create this perfect communal vibe where strangers bond over their shared taco euphoria. Cash only, but trust me – hit that ATM first.
9. El Come Taco (Dallas)

Grasshopper tacos. Yes, you read that right. El Come Taco in Dallas introduced me to chapulines (grasshoppers), and while it took some liquid courage to try them, they’re now my favorite conversation starter when bringing friends here for the first time.
Beyond the exotic offerings, their traditional tacos are absolute perfection. The suadero (brisket) has this magical crispy-yet-tender texture that seems to defy the laws of physics. Owner Luis Villalva brings authentic Mexico City flavors to every item on the menu.
What keeps me coming back is their salsa bar – six different homemade options ranging from “pleasant tingle” to “is my tongue still attached?” Their horchata is the perfect cooling antidote. I’ve started planning Dallas business trips around their operating hours – expense reports be damned.