In Austin, little is held more dear than the taco. Locals can’t get enough of them, and for good reason: they are portable, can be eaten at all hours of the day + night, and most of all, they’re really good.
Whether you’re a regular taco connoisseur looking for a new spot, or just getting to know our local taco scene, here are 22 restaurants with excellent tacos to try.
Cenote’s breakfast tacos are so big, you might need to eat them with a fork.
Photo by @konarik305
Cenote, 1010 E. Cesar Chavez St. | Price per taco: $4.50+, or $13 per order
The tacos at this coffee shop are generously sized and proportionally scrumptious.
Cisco’s Restaurant, Bakery and Bar, multiple locations | Price per taco: $3.50+
The cafe’s East Austin spot is a picturesque place to spend an afternoon.
Con Todo, 10001 Metric Blvd. | Price per taco: $4.75+
Tortillas are made in-house daily at this restaurant, focusing on food from the Rio Grande Valley, where tacos are served “con todo” or “with everything.”
Cosmic Saltillo, 1300 E. 4th St. | Price per taco: $3.50+
Cosmic Saltillo will keep you supplied with delicious drinks and good vibes.
Cuantos Tacos, 1108 E. 12th St. | Price per taco: $2.25+
Don’t be afraid to order a few of these Mexican-style street tacos, which are about two-to-three bites each.
Discada, 1319 Rosewood Ave. | Price per order: $7.25+
These “cowboy wok"-made tacos are all a signature blend of beef, pork, bell peppers, and onions.
El Alma, multiple locations | Price per taco: $4.50+
Tacos at this central restaurant come with exciting ingredients like lamb barbacoa, roasted duck, and nopalitos.
Fish taco lovers will delight in Ensenada’s fare.
Photo via @ensenadatx
Ensenada ATX, 1108 E. 12th St. | Price per taco: $6
Lovers of shrimp and fish tacos will definitely want to give this Austin Food and Wine Fest alumnus a shot.
Este, 2113 Manor Rd. | Price per order: $18+
This Mexican seafood restaurant is known for its swordfish tacos on homemade corn tortillas.
Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon, multiple locations | Price per taco: $5.25+
City Editor Figi here. You can never go wrong with Fresa’s — it’s my go-to when I have people in town.
You just might catch some live music next time you visit Güero’s.
Photo by @sparkcraig
Güero’s Taco Bar, 1412 S. Congress Ave. | Price per taco: $3.50+
This South Congress mainstay is known for frequently hosting live music in its outdoor taco garden.
La Condesa, 400 W. 2nd St. | Price per order: $16
This restaurant serves carnitas tacos during the dinner service, but stop by during happy hour on weekdays from 5-6 p.m. for $3 taco specials at the bar and patio.
Nixta Taqueria, 2512 E. 12th St. | Price per taco: $6+
Lovers of corn tortillas will be especially impressed with this restaurant, which is headed by James Beard Award-winning chef Edgar Rico.
ONETACO. Taquería, multiple locations | Price per taco: $3.50
Built around the flavors of Monterrey, Mexico, this local chain has been visited by Guy Fieri and recently won our reader-suggested taco bracket.
The Peached Tortilla, multiple locations | Price per taco: $4.50+
You’ll want to stop in on Taco Tuesday for Asian-inspired tacos.
Pueblo Viejo, multiple locations | Price per taco: $2.55+
Load up on tasty tacos at one of Pueblo Viejo’s five locations across the city.
Suerte, 1800 E. 6th St. | Price per order: $20+
The taco platters at this upscale restaurant are made with fine ingredients, confit wagyu brisket and avocado crudo.
Tamale House East, 1707 E. 6th St. | Price per taco: $3.25+
When the weather permits, this restaurant makes a great place to dine outdoors. Pro tip: if you’re not in the mood for tacos, you can’t go wrong with the tamales.
Tyson’s Tacos, 4905 Airport Blvd. | Price per taco: $2.25+
Not only are Tyson’s Tacos cheap and tasty, this taco joint is also open 24/7.
Vaquero Taquero, multiple locations | Price per taco: $3+
This restaurant serves up mind-melting tacos at an affordable price.
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ, 308 S. Main St., Buda | Price per taco: $2.50+
Get to this spot early, because Valentina’s is known to sell out before the afternoon.
Photo by @veracruztacos
Veracruz All Natural, multiple locations | Price per taco: $4.25+
This local mini-chain is owned by a pair of sisters who grew up watching their mother cook in a restaurant in Mexico.
This is far from all of Austin’s taco restaurants — let us know if there’s a place you would like to see on this list.
