Being in Austin for over eight years, I’ve had a lot of tacos and I’m always looking to try a new taco place. I’ve learned that the best tacos are ones that are served outdoors so mainly food trucks!

Here are the TEN best taco shops/trucks/etc in Austin.

*Disclaimer: I have not visited ALL of the taco shops in Austin, so please, leave a comment below and let me know your favorite so I can visit it!

updated July 5 2023

discada

After having their truck totaled thanks to someone running into it, Discada returned in 2021, and thank goodness because they were missed! They take a mixture of beef and pork marinated for 24 hours, add bell peppers and onions, slowly cook in a tractor plow disc for 6 hours, and then serve in a corn tortilla.

What To Order
🌮 3, 5, or 8 count of tacos
🌽 elote

Pros [+]: authentic, flavorful, fresh, delicious
Cons [-]: only one location, which only has outdoor (covered) seating, but you can always eat in your car if the weather isn’t nice

East Austin - 1319 rosewood ave atx 78702
tu-sat 12-8pm

website | instagram

ENSENADA

This incredibly delicious taco truck is where liz has recently brought baja California street food to Austin! She has opened her incredible truck on the east side, sharing her taco recipe with Austin! I had the pleasure of talking to liz herself, her daughter, cristina, & her granddaughter, kristell (who is so much fun to talk to and is well on her way to being a food critic!).

Being from florida, I miss having fresh fish tacos, but ensenada has filled that void!

what to order: anything & everything
🐟 fish tacos - ensenada style [6]
🍤 tacos de camaron [6]
🌶 salsas verde, roja & macha
🍋 sparkling limeade

✨weekend special menu✨
🐟 tostados de ceviche [5]
🍤 coctel de camaron [10]
🍹 micheladas (byob) [4]

Pros [+]: BEST SEAFOOD TACOS, authentic, flavorful, fresh, delicious
Cons [-]: only one location, which only has outdoor seating, but you can always eat in your car if the weather isn’t nice

East Austin - arbor food park
1108 e 12th st austin tx 78702
w-sun 11am to 6pm

instagram

La Santa Barbacha

Another family-owned taco truck, fronted by sisters Daniela and Rosa, serves the absolute best barbacoa in town.

What to order: Anything & Everything
🥑 chilaquiles | 16.75
🧀 quesabarbacha | 7
🌮 barbacoa taco | 5
🍈 any of their incredible agua frescas | 6

pros [+]: to die for barbacoa, made-to-order tortillas that are colorful, beautiful + fresh dishes
cons [+]: only outdoor seating and only open 7am to 3pM

east austin - 2806 manor rd atx 78722
tu - sun 7am to 3pm

Instagram | ORDER HERE

 7 Estrellas

Don’t let this unassuming taco trailer in front of a tire shop sway your judgment. 7 Estrellas has the best Al Pastor taco I’ve ever consumed. This is a late-night taco truck; they typically open at 6 or 7pm and open until 4:30am. I’ve heard that there are sometimes people playing instruments and making this quite the hangout.

Along with the al pastor, we also tried the carnitas, which were a little drier, but they have incredible red and green sauces in the fridge in front of the truck. Not only are these tacos delicious, but they’re wonderfully priced. This is by far the least expensive tacos on this list.

What to Order
🍍 Al Pastor Taco | 4+
🥩 Bistec Taco | 4+

Pros [+]: Price, Pastor, Late Night, Authentic, Awesome Customer Service
Cons [-]: Only Late Night Hours, Oily Tortillas, Only Outside Seating

8631 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753
Mon: 7pm – 4am / Tues: Closed / W, Th & f: 6pm – 4:30am / sat&sun: 7pm – 4:30am

facebook 

NIXTA taqueria

This incredible taco spot is owned by Sara Mardanbigi and James Beard winner Chef Edgar Rico who have put so much love and passion into their food, you can TASTE it!

What to Order
🐟 tuna tostada
🫓 migas taco
🦆 duck carnitas taco
🫘 bean + cheese taco
𓋛 Paleta

Pros [+]: freshest food, bright & beautiful
Cons [-]: dining area outside (but covered)

Address: 2512 east 12th st atx 78702
tu - th 11-1:30pm; 6-9pm f&sat 11-2:30pm; 6-9:30pm sun 11am-3pm

website | instagram | facebook

UN MUNDO DE SABOR

Might be the absolute BEST Carnitas and Tres Leches I’ve ever had. This truck moved from The Thicket to now Fierce Whiskers.

What to Order
🌮 CARNITAS TACO | 4.75
🌮 BARBACOA taco | 4.25
🌮 sweet potato taco | 4.25
🌮 MARZAPAN TRES LECHES CAKE | 5

Pros [+]: fresh food, full of flavor, can dine inside of distillery, TRUCK OPEN ON TUES!
Cons [-]: CAN’T THINK OF ONE

fierce whiskers
5333 fleming court austin tx 78744
th&f 5-9pm sat 12-9pm sun 12-4pm

website | instagram | facebook

NORTE

Per usual, the best tacos are served outside, and Norte is no exception. Norte moved from Circle Brewing to the newly-opened Hi-Sign Brewery next to Wanderlust Wine Col

What to Order
🌮 el rey | 4.50
carnita asada cilantro onion flour tortilla
🌮 al pastor | 4.50
🌮 volcan
carnita asada queso asadero avo salsa flour tortilla
🌮 gringa
pork al pastor queso asadero avo salsa flour tortilla

Pros [+]: fresh, authentic, can eat in hi-sign in a/c, tromp saturdays
Cons [-]: dining area outside (but covered)

hi-sign brewery
730 shady lane austin tx 78702
tu - sat 1pm to 9pm

website | instagram | facebook

paprika

A local food truck that returned to its Lamar space earlier this year to share with us their delicious tacos. It’s undeniable how much Paprika cares about using only fresh and tasty ingredients.

What to Order
🌮 quesitaco + carnitas| 5
🌮 taco de suadero | 4
🌮 taco de nopalitos | 4

Pros [+]: fresh, authentic, can eat in hi-sign in a/c, trompo saturdays
Cons [-]: dining area outside

6519 n lamar blvd austin 78752
Tu - sat 11am-3pm | at longplay lounge fri 6-8pm

website | instagram | facebook

Veracruz

With locations that are conveniently all around Austin, Veracruz has a brick and mortar and a couple of food trucks. The one that I frequent is near the South Lamar area, parked in front of Radio Coffeehouse. This taco joint was founded and ran by the Vazquez sisters back in 2006, originally selling smoothies and snow cones but in 2010, they started cooking tacos and the rest is history.

What to Order
🫓 Migas Especiales Taco
🥩 Fajita Steak Taco

Pros [+]: Several Locations, Breakfast Tacos ALL DAY LONG
Cons [-]: Different Menus at Different Locations

website | instagram | facebook

Veracruz Locations + Hours

South Austin Food Truck, with the ability to sit inside of Radio, so it’s weather friendly
4208 Manchaca Rd ATX 78704 —
Sun - Th 8am - 9pm | F&Sat 8am - 10pm

Round Rock Brick & Mortar:
2711 La Frontera Blvd #320 Round Rock TX 78681
Open Daily @ 8am – 3pm

East Austin Food Truck
2505 Webberville Rd ATX 78702
M-T 8am - 3pm | F-Sun 8am - 8pm

The Line Hotel (DT ATX)
111 E Cesar Chavez ATX 78701
Sun-Th 8am - 8pm | F & Sat 8am - 10pm

Tarrytown:
2401 Winsted Lane ATX 78703
Daily 8am - 3pm

Mueller Food Truck:
4209 Airport Blvd ATX 78722
Tues – Sun: 7pm – 2pm

don’t miss out on veracruz fonda = a brick&mortar that’s like the big brother to the veracruz trucks - elevated, authentic, & insanely good

Valentina’s Tex-Mex BBQ

This place is a bit south (now Buda), but I promise, it’s worth the drive. Show up there in the morning, get a breakfast taco, specifically a Real Deal Holyfield which has eggs, refried beans, potatoes, bacon, and topped with sliced brisket, all in a tortilla. Also, you can show up in the afternoon, and get some sliced brisket with queso or brisket taco. They have a lot of varieties of options, and believe me when I say that it’s worth the wait.

What to Order
🍳 real deal holyfield | 10
🔥 brisket taco 8.75

Pros [+]: incredible meats & queso, inside dining
Cons [-]: The Wait, driving to buda

buda mill & grain co
308 s main street buda tx 78610
w-sun 8am to 10pm m 11am to 10pm

website | instagram | facebook

cuantos tacos

The tacos that burnt the one pizza guy who always takes more than one bite. Cuantos is known for its authentic Mexico City Style iconic menu items like carnitas served on Colonial T100% nixtamalized corn tortillas from San Antonio. Located in the Arbor Food Park, it’s the perfect spot to get your friends together and eat whatever cuisine you prefer!

What to Order
🌮 carnitas taco | 2
🌮 suadero quesadilla | 5
🌮 frijoles especiales | 3

Pros [+]: incredible authentic food & tortillas
Cons [-]: only outdoor dining, closed sundays

arbor food park
1108 e 12th st austin tx 78702
tu-f 11am-10pm sat 9am-8pm

website | instagram | facebook

Papalote

With its roots in Austin, Papalote is one of my favorite taco shops. The tacos are authentic Mexican tacos, without as many frills like you’ll see at Torchy’s Tacos. If you don’t speak Spanish, you might not understand half of the things on the menu, but the employees are very friendly and will help you figure out what to order.

What to Order
🌵 Adobada taco | 4.20
🥩 Desebrada taco | 4.20
🍍 Al Pastor taco | 4.20

Pros [+]: Authentic and Traditional Tacos, Agua Frescas, South and North Locations
Cons [-]: Not Very Big Inside, Intimidating Menu for First Timers, Kind of Greasy Al Pastor (but delicious)

website | instagram | facebook

Papalote Locations + Hours

Anderson Mill
13219 Research Blvd #100 Austin TX 78750
Open Daily @ 8am - 8:30pm

South Lamar
2803 S Lamar Blvd Austin TX 78704
Open Daily @ 8am - 9pm

 Torchy’s Tacos

If you like tacos, you’ve heard of Torchy’s.

Of course, these are not authentic Mexican tacos, but they’re originally from Austin, so I like to provide the option!

There are locations all over Texas, but the original shop was a trailer in 2006, founded by former corporate chef Michael Rypka, off of South First Street at Bouldin Creek in Austin. There are now over 15 locations in Austin. You can’t read articles talking about tacos in Austin without Torchy’s being mentioned. I list it because there are TONS of locations around Austin, and it’s an experience to have if you’re visiting from out of town. Be sure also to order queso with your tacos; that’s a must.

What to Order
🌮 Democrat
🌮 Trailer Park Hillbilly Style (Secret Menu)
🌮 Tipsy Chick
🌮 Alabama Shake
🌮 Queso

Pros [+]: Interesting Taco Ingredients, Taco of the Month, Secret Menu, Locations Everywhere
Cons [-]: The Wait, The Inconsistencies between Locations, Usually Younger Inexperienced Staff

website | instagram | facebook

Austin Torchy’s Locations

There are 15 locations in Austin… check out this map to help you find one nearest you or where you’ll be staying in Austin!

Peached Tortilla – [In the airport]

As a small version of a restaurant in Austin, Peached Tortilla, is also at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. They are making sure that they offer their best dishes from their popular restaurant off Burnet, like their tacos and bowls.

I ordered their Banh Mi tacos, including pork belly, pickled daikon carrot, sriracha mayo, and cilantro. They were delicious, but not some of my favorite tacos; however, I know that being in an airport, the quality and experience don’t usually match the experience in the actual restaurant.

What To Order
There are not many taco options here, so I think you’ll be safe with any pick!

Pros [+]: Delicious Tacos, Don’t Need a Reservation, Easy and On-The-Go
Cons [-]: It’s In An Airport, Crazy Atmosphere, Quality Might Not Be As Good

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Location: In ABIA, main terminal, between Gates 7 and 8.

website | instagram | facebook

Pueblo Viejo

This food trailer in one of my favorite hang-out spots, Cosmic Coffee (and Armadillo Den), offers a delicious veggie taco and an inventive quesadilla taco. (The original Pueblo Viejo is a counter-service served at the North Door venue in East Austin). However, the trailer at Cosmic is genius because you can order food, grab a drink from Dillo Den and then go grab a seat in their beautiful beer garden outside. And if the weather isn’t kind that day, they have an indoor area as well.

What to Order
🫑 Vegetable Taco
🧀 Quesadilla Taco
🍍 Al Pastor Taco
🍚 Horchata

Pros [+]: Location, Many Different Options of Tacos, Huge $5 Delicious Horchata, Breakfast Options
Cons [-]: Lamb Barbacoa was Fatty and the Texture was Tough, Al Pastor was a Little Dry
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Location: Armadillo den - 10106 Manchaca Rd ATX 78748
Cosmic Coffee - 121 Pickle Rd atx 78704
East Austin - 502 brushy st atx 78702
east austin - 641 Tillery St ATX 78702
Riverside - 2410 E Riverside Dr Ste. H-8 atx 78741
South East - 3901 Promontory Point Dr atx 78744

website | instagram | facebook

B R E A K F A S T T A C O S

I have a city guide about the best breakfast tacos here, but here are two of my favorite spots in Austin for breakfast tacos:

Paco’s Tacos

 The best breakfast tacos I’ve ever had are from Paco’s Tacos. This family-owned restaurant started in San Antonio but was brought to Austin. Everything is cooked to order, and if you come in often enough, the employees recognize you and remember your order; that’s service! Additionally, the salsas are incredible and made in-house.

What To Order
🌮 Make Your Own Breakfast Taco w/ a Side of the Potatoes,
🌮 Paco’s Pick
[Grilled Steak w/poblano, red peppers, and jack cheese],
🌮 The Hook-Em
[Brisket, coleslaw, chipotle BBQ sauce, and cilantro.

Pros [+]: Best Breakfast Tacos, Mimosas, Customer Service
Cons [-]: The Location Isn’t Close Enough To My House! (haha), Closed on Mondays

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1304 East 51st Street, Austin, TX 78723
M Closed / Tu-Sat: 6:30am - 9pm / Sun: 6:30am - 7pm

website | instagram | facebook

Tacodeli

If you’ve been in Austin and someone has mentioned breakfast tacos, most likely Tacodeli was mentioned during the conversation. Tacodeli is only open during breakfast and lunch, so don’t miss out on your chance on some staple breakfast tacos. The first ever Tacodeli opened in 1999, 20 years ago, and since then, it stays farm-to-kitchen-to-table. All of the food is locally sourced, they use pasture-raiased eggs, and believe in only using high quality meats.

Ever heard of mashed potatoes on a taco? Well, you can get them here on your build your own taco.

What to Order
🌮 The Freakin’ Vegan (add egg)
🌮 Jess Special [Migas, jack cheese, avocado]
🌮 Pollo Fantastico
🌮 Akaushi Picadillo

Pros [+]: Several Locations, Amazing and Innovative Tacos, Friendly Customer Service, Best Salsa Ever (Roja — buy it at Whole Foods where it’s not so watered down)
Cons [-]: Always Busy, Only Open Breakfast + Dinner

website | instagram | facebook

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Austin Tacodeli Locations + Hours

Tacodeli Gracy Farms
12001 Burnet Rd Austin TX 78758
M-F: 7am-9pm / Sat&Sun: 8am-9pm

Tacodeli Spyglass
1500 Spyglass Dr Austin TX 78746
M-F: 7am-9pm / Sat&Sun: 8am-9pm

Tacodeli Crestview
7301 Burnet Rd Austin TX 78757
M-F: 7am-9pm / Sat&Sun: 8am-9pm

Tacodeli Westlake
701 S Capital of Texas Hwy e590 ATX 78746
M-F: 7am-9pm / Sat&Sun: 8am-9pm

Tacodeli CIRCLE C
5701 W SLAUGHTER LN #B-150 AUSTIN 78749
M-F: 7am-9pm / Sat&Sun: 8am-9pm

Tacodeli Downtown
301 Congress Ave Austin TX 78701
M-F: 7am-3pm / Sat&Sun: 8am-3pm

Tacodeli Rosedale
4200 N Lamar Blvd Austin TX 78756
M-Fri: 7am-9pm / Sat&Sun: 8am-9pm

Honorable Mentions

Asador

Seven Grand: 405 E 7th St ATX 78701
Rainey: 88 1/2 Rainey St ATX 78701
Grackle: 1700 E 6th St ATX

This original hidden taco stand started in the courtyard that 7 Grand and Las Perlas share, so you’ll need to enter one of those establishments and go straight to the back. Now there’s a standalone location on Rainey and a spot outside of the Grackle
Website | Instagram | Facebook

Taco Shops We Miss: Texsueno, El Refugio Gro

Hope you enjoyed my list; if you have more to add, please comment below!

Go out, get some tacos, and enjoy yourself in the beautiful Austin, Texas!

Cheers!