Austin’s Best Tacos
If you call yourself a foodie and you live in Austin, you have to make an effort to try all of the best tacos in town. There’s just something about Tex-Mex in this part of the state that can’t be found anywhere else. And at the heart of Tex-Mex are the tacos that make our mouths water at the very thought of trying something new.
So what’s your favorite taco joint? Everybody has a personal favorite, but we think the restaurants listed below are worthy of top billing on any site. You might want to try them if you have not yet done so. And if you have, tell others about your good experiences.
Taco More – 2015 E. Riverside Dr.
Taco More is just what you’d expect in a Tex-Mex restaurant. It is open daily from 7 AM until 11 PM, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Along with a number of specialty dishes, the restaurant is known for its incredible breakfast tacos. People are not shy about recommending the chorizo and egg.
Taco Joint – 2807 San Jacinto Blvd.
You can eat all three of your daily meals at Taco Joint and never get tired of the food. They feature handmade tortillas, a number of unique taco creations, and some incredible salsas that always seem to be fresh and delicious. You might specifically want to check out their bacon, egg and cheese taco with hollandaise sauce that is to die for. It’s only available on weekends, though.
Rosita’s Al Pastore – 1911 E. Riverside Dr.
Rosita’s is more of a classic Mexican restaurant than a dedicated taco joint, but it’s still worth a visit nonetheless. They are open daily from 8 AM until 5 PM, so it’s really a breakfast and lunch spot more than anything else. They serve great tacos and tortillas filled with a variety of ingredients, including slow cooked pork, vegetables, and hot salsa.
Torchy’s Tacos – Multiple Locations
Anybody who knows tacos in Austin knows that Torchy’s is an institution. Their slogan is “damn good tacos” and for good reason. Our recommendation is the Honoring the Trailer Park taco that comes in three different variations. You can get the Classic, the Trashy with lettuce and some queso, and the Hillbilly – just take a Trashy and add chopped bacon and chorizo. By the way, Torchy’s features a different taco every month.
Matt’s Famous El Rancho – 2613 S. Lamar Blvd.
The name may not sound all that impressive as a Mexican restaurant, but one taste of the food and you’ll be convinced of the quality. Matt’s is known for its margaritas and asadero tacos made with beef tenderloin, asadero cheese, onions and rajas. It’s hard to get something at Matt’s that will not blow your mind and your taste buds simultaneously.
Valentina’s Tex-Mex BBQ – 7612 Brodie Ln.
Valentina’s is open daily from 8 AM until they sell out. They are closed the first Monday of every month. As for selling out, this taco joint isn’t a brick-and-mortar restaurant. It is a food trailer that just happens to park at the same location in the Kincheon neighborhood. Their menu includes sandwiches, tacos, smoked brisket, pulled pork and chicken, and a whole lot more. A word to the wise: there’s a reason Valentina’s sells out nearly every day.
There are a lot of incredible taco joints in Austin. The ones listed here just scratch the surface. If you are looking for something flavorful and exciting, something that will challenge what you think you know about classic tacos, give one of these restaurants to try. You will be both delighted and thoroughly amazed.