The Best Tacos! {2021}

In Search of the Tastiest Tacos

Words by Guadalupe Triana Photos By Shelby Bella

With countless filling and topping possibilities, the taco humbly, and consistently, proves that variety really is the spice of life.

To appreciate a good taco, it’s best to start with the foundation: the tortilla. Whether flour or corn, machine-made or handmade, the experience begins with the vessel. Next is the filling. At most taquerías, taco enthusiasts can expect to choose between several traditional taco fillings, like al pastor, carnitas, and barbacoa.

Whether it’s breakfast or dinner, or any time in between, the taco remains an undefeated choice for those seeking an instant, mouth-
watering experience. Like many other

gastronomic delights, the taco is a dish with a deep history of evolution and innovation, especially in Texas.

In Austin, a taco movement is taking place. From unassuming corner taquerías to sophisticated, sit-down restaurants, the abundance of options may leave Eastsiders feeling almost overwhelmed.

Today, as food trucks and restaurants navigate hurdle after hurdle, they continue enhancing the community culture with delectable eats and unparalleled flavors.

Can’t Go Wrong with Discada

At Discada, there’s no way for hungry guests to go wrong with an order. That’s because co-owners Anthony Pratto and Xose Velasco have made the process as easy as possible by giving guests one choice: the Discada taquito.

The taquito features a beef and pork blend that’s supplemented with bell peppers and onions. This combination is slowly cooked for hours in a tractor plow disc. It’s then topped with onion, cilantro, and pineapple, then served with a side of spicy pink or mild green salsa and lime. The tiny taco treasure is packed with flavor, and rightfully so, since preparation lasts about 30-35 hours from start to finish.

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319 Rosewood Ave. | discadatx.com

La Tunita 512:
The Rising Star

The unmistakable bright-red birria taco has become one of the trendiest, and most sought-after, dishes in Austin. Birria de res, or beef birria, has made waves recently for its distinct color and undeniably gratifying taste.

Luckily for Austin, La Tunita 512 showed up at the right place at the right time. This food truck opened its doors in November 2019, giving it plenty of time to become a favorite among taco lovers. “I didn’t think they’d be so popular,” says chef and owner Gerardo Guerrero. “My only goal was to just open a food truck, even though I didn’t know exactly what I’d be selling.”

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2400 Burleson Rd. | la-tunita-512.square.site

Unbeatable Breakfast At Granny’s Tacos

While the impact of the Austin breakfast taco doesn’t need to be explained, it definitely needs to be tasted. Often touted as one of the best breakfast taco spots in the city, Granny’s Tacos offers exactly what people are looking for in a breakfast bite: generous portions and flavor for days.

“I feel like we have different food compared to [other] places around here,” says Rey Hernandez Jr., cook and grandson of owner, Mario Rios. “Every weekend, there’s people coming from everywhere.”

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1401 E 7th St. | grannystacosatx.square.site

Suerte is the New Classic.

At Suerte, owners Sam Hellman-Mass and Fermín Nuñez have managed to take major elements from traditional Mexican cooking and place it in a modern, locally-grown context.

The restaurant, located along East 6th, offers guests an original Mexican-dining experience in an upscale setting with dishes that not only fill the belly but also the soul. For those wanting their tacos and other Mexican antojitos in more of a sit-down setting, Suerte is the place.

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1800 E 6th St. | suerteatx.com

THE BEST
Fish Taco @ Pueblo Viejo

With three locations on the Eastside, there’s no reason to not visit Pueblo Viejo. One of the menu’s hidden gems is the large fish taco. It consists of grilled tilapia seasoned with garlic and butter, green bell peppers, and onions. At Pueblo Viejo, the fresh ingredients are not only savored in their tacos but in their various salsas as well. They offer seven different salsas that include habanero, roja, tomatillo, creamy serrano green, Mexican chipotle, orange ghost habanero, and black habanero, proving exactly why the salsas are a good enough reason to make a trip to Pueblo Viejo.

502 Brushy St. | puebloviejoaustin.com

THE BEST
Late-Night Taco Gringa Taco @ El Taquito

Late-night taco fanatics can count on only a few eateries, and El Taquito is one of those places. They have all the classics hungry guests are looking for, but those in search of the ultimate comfort should go with the gringa taco. This taco has everything the midnight diner wants: melted cheese on a tortilla plus perfectly seasoned meat, all topped off with cilantro and onion. The team at El Taquito won’t judge the late-night hunger, so those large cravings should feel free to order more than one.

1713 E Riverside Dr. | eltaquito.com

The Best Taco
on a Budget Suadero Taco @ Cuantos Tacos

Cuantos Tacos is the kind of food truck that has the power to trigger memories of growing up, of traveling, or perhaps even of living abroad. The perfectly marinated meats are tender and juicy and always come seasoned with the perfect amount of salt. The tortillas, specifically picked up from San Antonio Colonial Tortilla Factory, add another layer of flavor that cannot be easily forgotten. For $2, every taco on the menu is a home run. Their amazing quality plus their prices make for an unbeatable taco deal that reinforces a sense of loyalty in the street-style taquería.

1108 E 12th St. | (512) 903-3918

THE BEST
Tortilla @ Nixta Taqueria

At Nixta Taquería, the attention immediately shifts to the tortilla. In a good taco, the filling is the star of the show, but in a great taco, the tortilla lays the groundwork for the team’s success. This is most likely why Nixta owners, Sara Mardanbigi and Edgar Rico, have managed to find a way to showcase the masa magic that takes place behind the scenes. The semi-open kitchen allows guests to see just how their food is being prepared. With the help of an imported Molino grinder, Nixta reminds patrons that making tacos is indeed an art.

2512 E 12th St. | nixtataqueria.com

THE BEST
Happy Hour@ Licha’s Cantina

Licha’s Cantina calls itself, “Mexico City Soul Food,” and with good reason. It’s the ideal restaurant for those wanting the comfort of un taco al pastor and a tequilita. Aside from their outstanding taco options, this interior Mexican spot has one of the most extensive happy hour menus, with sopecitos, huaraches, and quesadillas available for just $6.

1306 E 6th St. | lichascantina.com

THE BEST
Vegetarian Taco Migas Taco @ Veracruz All Natural

Since their opening in 2008, Veracruz All Natural has been serving all-natural, authentic Mexican food throughout Austin. The popular locale (with various locations now!) offers some of the tastiest tacos around and is well-known for their fresh ingredients and mouth-watering items across the menu. The migas taco, as well as the migas poblano taco, both make a good case for going meatless. Inside the migas taco, you’ll find the perfect combination of flavor created by the egg, tortilla chips, tomato, onion, cilantro, Monterey jack cheese, and, of course, avocado, all working in perfect unison.

2505 Webberville Rd. | veracruzallnatural.com

THE BEST
Taco Al Pastor @ Rosita’s Al Pastor

For many, el taco al pastor is the ultimate go-to at any taquería. It’s the OG. In any city, it’s valuable knowledge to know exactly where to find the best al pastor tacos. Those searching for a sign need to look no further than Rosita’s Al Pastor on East Riverside. The giant restaurant sign says all that taco enthusiasts need to know: ‘Al Pastor.’ Located inside a strip mall, this Mexican restaurant has been serving their specialty to the Austin community since 1985, meaning they must be doing something right. Guests can expect juicy and flavorful pork served on top of a warm, soft tortilla. Plus, if the line is too long inside the restaurant, guests can always opt for the food truck in the very same
parking lot.

1911 E Riverside Dr. | (512) 442-8402

THE BEST
Fusion Taco Banh Mi Taco @ Cenote

As the saying goes, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,’ and while the banh mi doesn’t need any fixing whatsoever, there is something noteworthy about taking the contents from a baguette and sliding them into a tortilla. After all, tortillas serve only as a mode of transportation for deliciousness. At Cenote, the team has managed to create a delightful fusion taco that surprises and, yet, comforts. The banh mi taco plate comes with char sui pork belly, cucumber, basil, pickled carrots, cilantro, and a chipotle aioli that completes this flavor fusion.

1010 E Cesar Chavez St. | cenoteaustin.com

THE BEST
Brisket Taco El Jefe @ Taco Bronco

*currently available at Micklethwait Craft Meats

Unfortunately, for the time being, Taco Bronco is temporarily closed. However, those in search of the finest brisket taco in town can head to Micklethwait Craft Meats for a savory surprise. The el jefe taco is exactly what it says it is: The Boss. It’s served with slices of the legendary brisket, cactus, and potato hash. Then it’s topped off with the distinct, smoked poblano queso. People wanting to try the savory taco will have to plan accordingly because Taco Bronco tacos are only available on certain days, at specific times. To stay up-to-date, it’s best to check the Taco Bronco and Micklethwait Craft Meats Instagram accounts.

1309 Rosewood Ave. |tacobroncotx.com

Blazing the Taco Trail

With the rise in food trucks and eateries offering a new wave of diverse and flavorful taco options, few restaurants in the city can say they paved the way for the taco talent today. We give thanks to Eastside’s OG taco joints that made the culinary community what it is today.

Cisco’s Restaurant Bakery & Bar

Established in 1950, Cisco’s is one of the oldest and most beloved Tex-Mex institutions in the city. The restaurant is well-known for its breakfast dishes, including their migas and savory biscuits. For those needing their daily taco fix, plenty of breakfast and lunch options are available including crispy tacos and taco salads.

1511 E 6th St. | ciscosaustin.com

Juan in a Million

Juan in a Million has been serving generously-sized breakfast plates for over 40 years. The menu has something for everyone, including Tex-Mex taco favorites like fajitas and carne guisada. Those especially hungry should order the classic Don Juan El Taco Grande, which comes with potato, bacon, egg, and cheese.

2300 E Cesar Chavez St. | juaninamillion.com

Joe’s Bakery & Coffee Shop

This family-run institution has been part of the Eastside community since 1962. Serving up Tex-Mex classics like migas, huevos rancheros, and carne guisada, Joe’s Bakery is a well-known community staple. Those running late in the morning can keep calm. Breakfast tacos and pan dulces are served all day.

2305 E 7th St. | joesbakery.com

Tamale House East

Tamale House East is the natural successor to the original Austin icon: Tamale House. This establishment offers everything the original location offered and then some. Their menu includes a variety of tamale and taco specialties, like the chicken tamales and chicken mole tacos.

1707 E 6th St. | tamalehouseeast.com

Mi Madre’s

Aurelio and Rosa Torres began serving up authentic Tex-Mex since opening Mi Madre’s in 1990. They’ve expanded their business from a 10-seat establishment to a bustling restaurant with two dining rooms and a charming patio. Their highly regarded breakfast tacos are the highlight of the menu, bringing East Austin clientele back over and over again.

2201 Manor Rd. | mimadres.com | Read more about Mi Madre’s here…