Best Tacos 🌮 Austin, Texas

Tacos mean serious business in Austin. They are a right of passage, included on every dude’s Bumble profile as a pick-up line for knowing the “best in town.” They are on individual’s bios on business websites bragging which spot they order from for the whole office weekly. In Austin, we have taco trucks galore and more than any other city in Texas (well at least it feels like it). It’s true, you come here for the breakfast taco. I personally think our BBQ tacos are masterpieces.

LA TUNITA 512: [pictured above] This is the newest (to me) taco truck right off Oltorf east of I-35. Parked near a gas station, the bright rainbow striped truck, has 5 menu items. They stand out with their homemade Consome with Birria, a Mexican brisket stew used for dipping the tacos in. My favorite was the Birria Tacos ($2.50 each) and the Mulitas ($4.00 each). A Mulita is like a quesadilla and their tortillas were pretty crispy/bubbly with melted yellow cheese and shredded brisket inside. It’s not sliced but round. The queso tacos are the brisket tacos but with a tougher cheese layer. I prefer the plain brisket over this so you can get the full meat flavor. Be sure to order a side of connote, but beware when it’s hot out this can make you sweat more.

TACO FLATS: The fact that you can actually order a margarita, beer, or glass of wine and have tacos makes these giant flour monsters taste even better. It’s an actual restaurant so they have a liquor license. The tortilla’s are super floury and you could easily just eat one and be full, but we all know that’s no fun! I prefer breakfast tacos here over dinner. Go for the Black & Green: Grilled Jack Cheese, Refried Black beans, Scrambled Eggs, Guacamole, Grilled Onion. Just make sure you order one with their refried black beans.

MAUDIE’S: An old Austin classic Tex-Mex restaurant has everything you could want from Mexican food. Their tamale breakfast taco is a secret weapon. I guarantee you’ve never seen this anywhere else.

EL PRIMO: If you like bean and cheese breakfast tacos, this is for you on South First! Cash only and closed Sunday.

TAMALE HOUSE: This historical spot on East Sixth has lots of Mexican soul and you feel these feelings inside and on their patio. Go for the chicken mole taco.

ASADOR TACOS: Everyone knows this is my all around favorite taco mostly because they grill their tortillas on a flat top and because I stumbled upon this during SXSW last year and didn’t know another soul who had been. The grilled tortilla makes the taco taste almost like a slightly crunchy quesadilla but without the cheese so you really dig into the flavorful chicken. Their chips and guac and salsa make it a match made in heaven. It’s located outside their mezcal bar, and it’s fun to play darts while you wait.(They are closed during covid).

VERA CRUZ ALL NATURAL: Collectively, this seems to be visitors, media, and local’s favorite micas breakfast taco. I actually think Taco Deli is often more consistent, but I like the Radio Coffee location best. Also, I love their fish tacos.

TACO DELI: Instant classic for all your breakfast, lunch, dinner and queso needs wherever and whenever around Austin.

CON MADRE KITCHEN: If you are looking for something DEEP, down and dirty. Get the chorizo taco here. It’s cheesy, meaty, and might stay in your tum tum for two days.

PUEBLO VIEJO: This taco truck brand is also a winner. I love their quesadillas, too.

ROSITA’S AL PASTOR: Known mostly for their Al Pastor (duh), I prefer the Gordita. That bread is unlike no other. I obviously like to order specialties at some of these places that you can’t get anywhere else.

RELATED: Best Tex-Mex Restaurants in Austin HERE

As you can see, my ideal taco all depends on the homemade tortilla and how they prep it. I prefer my eggs to be fluffy (not pinned down) and usually a chicken taco over other meat. Always love a quesadilla and a guac or green sauce topping. Let me know your favorites!