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Ojo de Agua’s rib-eye tacos topped with microgreens and avocado with sides of salsa and guacasalsa.
Ojo de Agua’s tacos are worth the splurge.
Jennifer Hasbún

19 Excellent Houston Taquerias

Where to find tortilla-wrapped bliss, homemade agua fresca, al pastor, and more

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Ojo de Agua’s tacos are worth the splurge.
| Jennifer Hasbún

Houston is known for many things. Home to the NASA Space Center, Buffalo Bayou Park, and the origin of the phenomenon that is Screw music, the city can be referred to as Space City, Bayou City, Screwston, H-Town, or even “the H” for short. Though “Taco Town” is not a name that has caught on just yet, it’s one that is surely deserving.

The city sits at a crossroads with unbeatable tacos served any time of day. There are breakfast tacos served on handmade flour tortillas to kickstart your morning, birria-style tacos that are perfect for lunch, suadero tacos optimal for a snack to hold you over until dinner, and carne asada tacos that hit just right after a late night out. Weekends call for the most robust tacos — heavenly barbacoa tacos with the creamy, spicy green salsa and juices that drip down your arm; brisket-stuffed tacos large enough to feed an army; and tacos de trompo — marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and finished on the plancha before bathed in lime and coated in colorful salsas, including roja, verde, and aguacate.

So, now it’s time to start your Houston taco journey. While this list is not ranked, and it’s impossible (though painful not) to include every bomb taqueria in the city, here are 19 taco joints every Houstonian should try at least once.

Is your favorite taco spot missing from this map? Shout it out in the comments.

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Loz Lokoz Takoz (Food Truck)

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Boasting a bold sign that brags about “The Best Fajitas [sic] Tacos In Town,” this North Houston taco truck stays busy, with regulars from all walks of life. The tacos, filled generously with protein, cheese, and avocado, are seemingly even tastier after the sun goes down — when the crowds begin to form. Craving something refreshing and sweet? Go for the aguas frescas de sandia, melon, limon, horchata, or piña. 

Tacos al pastor el trompo

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As the name suggests, this trunk serves up some of the juiciest al pastor, but the offerings go way beyond the delicious street-style tacos. Journey to this busy Humble taco truck for addicting huaraches — thick, oblong masa tortillas piled high with beans, your choice of meat, cheese, avocado, plus a side of crunchy and slightly sweet grilled onions and lime. Other highlights include the birria quesadillas, cheesy pupusas, and agua frescas that come in refreshing flavors like watermelon and horchata — but you can’t go wrong.

Taco truck Tacos al pastor el trompo with a lit up sign that says “Tacos” on a stormy night.
Tacos al pastor el trompo serves some of the best tacos in Northeast Houston.
Brittany Britto Garley

Taqueria Don Tin

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Don Tin has five taco trucks located around Houston, most in El Northside, but the original on Airline Drive serves up one of the most beloved style tacos: Tacos Estilo Matamoros, which originate from Matamoros, Tamaulipas — a vibrant city in Mexico. Filled with carne de bistec, cilantro, queso fresco, and avocado, these mini street-style tacos pair well with Don’s spicy salsa and come with a free cup of frijoles charros for under $10.

El Alebrije (Food Truck)

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Parked permanently outside Astral Brewing in Garden Oaks, this Oaxacan food truck serves up tacos and street food at its finest. Try the tlayuda — a crunchy corn tortilla topped with a chicharron spread, black beans, Oaxacan cheese, cabbage, tomato, onion, and a meat of your choice, or the deep-fried tamales, a fun twist on the traditional dish that’s topped with sour cream, pico de gallo, and queso fresco.

El Alebrije taco truck lit up with pink neon lights.
The tlayuda is the star of the show at El Alebrije.
Brittany Britto Garley

Tacos Doña Lena

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In just three short years, this family-owned Westside taco shop has gained a cult following for its quesabirria. Find tacos, tortas, and agua fresca on the menu while breakfast items like the chilaquil taco with fried egg, tortilla strips in green sauce, Mexican sour cream, and queso fresco are served on the weekends beginning at 8 a.m.

TJ Birria y Mas

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Born in early 2020 at the beginning of the worldwide pandemic, this Heights taco treasure strives to provide the best birria experience in Houston. Three cuts of beef are used to cook their birria daily, resulting in a perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. Order your birria in the standard taco style, get festive with quesa-birria tacos, or their heartwarming birria ramen, which will envelop your palette like a hug from your grandmother.

Chilosos Taco House

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Chiloso’s has been serving crave-worthy tacos in The Heights since 2007, making both corn and flour tortillas in-house that are loaded with quality fillings like Chappell Hill sausage and egg, and chori-papa or chorizo with potatoes for breakfast. Other standouts include the Migas-style tacos, puerco en salsa verde, the carne guisada, and the barbacoa, which are satisfying whether dining in, in their welcoming dining room, or taking your meal to-go.

Cantina Barba

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Satisfy taco cravings into the wee hours at this Heights kiosk, which is open until 2 a.m on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends. Start with tacos al pastor and add on plantains or elote. Or, get your breakfast fix — served all day — with breakfast tacos, steak and eggs, and a smoked pork hash. Insider tip: Wash your meal down with a drink at Mijo Mezcal Bar, Cantina Barba’s onsite speakeasy-style haunt.

Boombox Taco (Food Truck)

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Originally from Santiago de Queretaro in Central Mexico, chef-owner Alex Martinez, also known as Senor Jukebox, comes from a bloodline of taqueros and carniceros, or butchers, so maybe it was destiny that he combine his Mexican heritage with his love for good music and excellent tacos. Just as the name sounds, this taco truck resembles an 80’s style portable sound system that keeps the party going while dishing out a variety of options, from steak, al pastor, chicken, and barbacoa to exciting veggie options, like vegan chorizo. Pro tip: Celebrate Taco Tuesdays with Boombox Taco at Axelrad, and catch them at Barbarella on weekends for late-night eats.

Two people standing in front of the Boombox Taco truck, which is shaped like an 80’s-style portable sound system.
Boombox Taco truck combines the owners love of Mexican cuisine, tacos, and music.
Marco Torres

Tacos Bomberos

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Two things are true about Tacos Bomberos: chef-owner Isaac Chavez is one of the hardest-working characters on the taco scene, and his tacos will absolutely rock your world. Using high-quality USDA Prime skirt steak fajitas, Chavez serves stellar steak tacos that are best accented with cheese, peppers, and grilled onions. Find him most nights at Holler Brewing Co. at the Sawyer Yards, where he offers special menu items like the Mexi-hot dog, tortas, and other great bites inspired by his mother and grandmother. Take the drive off of Washington Avenue and onto Edwards Street, and follow your nose to the goodness.

skirt steak tacos filled with cheese, peppers, and grilled onions from Tacos Bomberos.
Tacos Bomberos offers dreamy steak tacos and special menu items like Mexi-hot dogs and tortas.
Marco Torres

Laredo Taqueria

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Mornings for many Houstonians begin at the Laredo off Washington Avenue, a local institution launched and maintained by the Soto family since its opening in the 1980s. From construction workers to hipsters, everyone is eager to stand in line for their choice of breakfast tacos to eat now, or secure a to-go bag with tacos de picadillo or carne guisada for lunch.

La Calle

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This well-regarded taco shop has outposts in downtown, midtown, and Garden Oaks, and keeps late night hours, making it easy to score chicharrones, street tacos, and elote any time of day. 18-hour slow-cooked birria is made daily and packs in the flavor with more than 20 ingredients. Pair yours with a flavored michelada or marg.

Brothers Taco House

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Freshly made tortillas and a dreamy array of protein options propel Brother’s into the pantheon of tacos in the Bayou City. Located in the shadow of the George R. Brown Convention Center, this taco Mecca serves breakfast and lunch tacos that are deserving of a top spot on any “Best Tacos” list in Houston. There’s asado de puerco or stewed pork, chicken, chicharron, picadillo made with ground beef, barbacoa, chorizo, carne guisada, rajas con queso, sausage, fajita, and huevo con everything, including weenies. To put it simply, if you like it, they probably make it. Don’t be intimidated by the line out the door. Brothers’ staff works fast to serve their customers, and send them lovingly out the door with a “Gracias, come again!”

Ojo de Agua

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Though certainly much pricier than most taco joints, this new River Oaks restaurant brings some exciting flavors from Mexico City. Choose between its rib-eye tacos with tender meat marinated in chimichurri, its octopus served with chile guajillo, garlic, olive oil, and sautéed kale and parmesan cheese crust; or its lobster tacos with chunks marinated in a curry paste, and served stuffed with mango, celery, and mustard seeds. Compliment it with a fresh squeezed juice or dragonfruit margarita.

Tacos Tierra Caliente

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Possibly one of the most popular taco trucks in the city, Tacos Tierra Caliente has been serving tacos in Montrose for over 20 years largely within or next to the infamous West Alabama Ice House, and sometimes with a new look. What stays the same, though, is its over-stuffed breakfast tacos, deliciously tender barbacoa, and tacos filled with al pastor, fajita, pollo, and even chicharron — all of which are known to attract award-winning chefs, tattoo and graffiti artists, doctors, strippers, educators, musicians, media personalities, and everything in between. Pro tip: ask for avocado on your tacos de barbacoa. It’s a must.

Tacos Tierra Caliente’s juicy barbacoa tacos are filled with diced onions and cilantro.
Tacos Tierra Caliente’s taco truck is a Houston institution.
Marco Torres

Cochinita & Co.

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Chef Victoria Elizondo and her team, which includes her wonderful mother, deliver fresh and local quality ingredients on their daily menu that set their tacos apart from most other taquerias. The star of the show is the cochinita pibil — a slow-cooked pulled pork marinated in a citrus achiote mix until tender, and then served on earthy corn tortillas. The team’s taco truck, Cochi’s Taqueria, can also be seen circulating around town, dishing out a delightful taco de suadero — the closest one can get to taco perfection.

Tacos La Bala

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Though the second location of eight around the city, Tacos La Bala #2 cements itself as the most popular and possibly the most consistently flavorful outpost. Travel to the Gulfton area for its expansive menu of Mexican cuisine, featuring massive plates of mouthwatering tacos, including tacos de trompo, carne deshebrada, and tripe, and take in odes to Tampico, Tamaulipas — the hometown of the owners, which is proudly displayed on the restaurant walls. 

Taqueria Del Sol

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A Southeast Houston taco institution, Del Sol has served bona fide delicious Mexican food for more than 35 years. Much more than a taqueria, the community fixture welcomes churchgoers after service, government officials in between shifts, and local low-riders who stop by in between their cruising trips up and down Broadway on weekends. The extensive menu has a lot to offer, but favorites will always include the tacos de carne asada, trompo, and barbacoa. Don’t forget to stop into the bakery next door for a bag of pan dulce on your way out.

Tacos Tec

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Located in South Houston on the northbound feeder in between Monroe Blvd and Howard Drive, this taco spot is essential if flying in or out of Hobby Airport. The tortillas are dipped in oil and then slapped on the plancha, adding a taste that is reminiscent of the tacos devoured in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. You really can’t go wrong with the bistec or trompo, but they also offer excellent tripa, picadillo, and chicharron. Distinct in flavor, the tacos Tlaquepaque, filled with de deshebrada, are bathed in a dark brown salsa. 

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Loz Lokoz Takoz (Food Truck)

Boasting a bold sign that brags about “The Best Fajitas [sic] Tacos In Town,” this North Houston taco truck stays busy, with regulars from all walks of life. The tacos, filled generously with protein, cheese, and avocado, are seemingly even tastier after the sun goes down — when the crowds begin to form. Craving something refreshing and sweet? Go for the aguas frescas de sandia, melon, limon, horchata, or piña. 

Tacos al pastor el trompo

As the name suggests, this trunk serves up some of the juiciest al pastor, but the offerings go way beyond the delicious street-style tacos. Journey to this busy Humble taco truck for addicting huaraches — thick, oblong masa tortillas piled high with beans, your choice of meat, cheese, avocado, plus a side of crunchy and slightly sweet grilled onions and lime. Other highlights include the birria quesadillas, cheesy pupusas, and agua frescas that come in refreshing flavors like watermelon and horchata — but you can’t go wrong.

Taco truck Tacos al pastor el trompo with a lit up sign that says “Tacos” on a stormy night.
Tacos al pastor el trompo serves some of the best tacos in Northeast Houston.
Brittany Britto Garley

Taqueria Don Tin

Don Tin has five taco trucks located around Houston, most in El Northside, but the original on Airline Drive serves up one of the most beloved style tacos: Tacos Estilo Matamoros, which originate from Matamoros, Tamaulipas — a vibrant city in Mexico. Filled with carne de bistec, cilantro, queso fresco, and avocado, these mini street-style tacos pair well with Don’s spicy salsa and come with a free cup of frijoles charros for under $10.

El Alebrije (Food Truck)

Parked permanently outside Astral Brewing in Garden Oaks, this Oaxacan food truck serves up tacos and street food at its finest. Try the tlayuda — a crunchy corn tortilla topped with a chicharron spread, black beans, Oaxacan cheese, cabbage, tomato, onion, and a meat of your choice, or the deep-fried tamales, a fun twist on the traditional dish that’s topped with sour cream, pico de gallo, and queso fresco.

El Alebrije taco truck lit up with pink neon lights.
The tlayuda is the star of the show at El Alebrije.
Brittany Britto Garley

Tacos Doña Lena

In just three short years, this family-owned Westside taco shop has gained a cult following for its quesabirria. Find tacos, tortas, and agua fresca on the menu while breakfast items like the chilaquil taco with fried egg, tortilla strips in green sauce, Mexican sour cream, and queso fresco are served on the weekends beginning at 8 a.m.

TJ Birria y Mas

Born in early 2020 at the beginning of the worldwide pandemic, this Heights taco treasure strives to provide the best birria experience in Houston. Three cuts of beef are used to cook their birria daily, resulting in a perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. Order your birria in the standard taco style, get festive with quesa-birria tacos, or their heartwarming birria ramen, which will envelop your palette like a hug from your grandmother.

Chilosos Taco House

Chiloso’s has been serving crave-worthy tacos in The Heights since 2007, making both corn and flour tortillas in-house that are loaded with quality fillings like Chappell Hill sausage and egg, and chori-papa or chorizo with potatoes for breakfast. Other standouts include the Migas-style tacos, puerco en salsa verde, the carne guisada, and the barbacoa, which are satisfying whether dining in, in their welcoming dining room, or taking your meal to-go.

Cantina Barba

Satisfy taco cravings into the wee hours at this Heights kiosk, which is open until 2 a.m on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends. Start with tacos al pastor and add on plantains or elote. Or, get your breakfast fix — served all day — with breakfast tacos, steak and eggs, and a smoked pork hash. Insider tip: Wash your meal down with a drink at Mijo Mezcal Bar, Cantina Barba’s onsite speakeasy-style haunt.

Boombox Taco (Food Truck)

Originally from Santiago de Queretaro in Central Mexico, chef-owner Alex Martinez, also known as Senor Jukebox, comes from a bloodline of taqueros and carniceros, or butchers, so maybe it was destiny that he combine his Mexican heritage with his love for good music and excellent tacos. Just as the name sounds, this taco truck resembles an 80’s style portable sound system that keeps the party going while dishing out a variety of options, from steak, al pastor, chicken, and barbacoa to exciting veggie options, like vegan chorizo. Pro tip: Celebrate Taco Tuesdays with Boombox Taco at Axelrad, and catch them at Barbarella on weekends for late-night eats.

Two people standing in front of the Boombox Taco truck, which is shaped like an 80’s-style portable sound system.
Boombox Taco truck combines the owners love of Mexican cuisine, tacos, and music.
Marco Torres

Tacos Bomberos

Two things are true about Tacos Bomberos: chef-owner Isaac Chavez is one of the hardest-working characters on the taco scene, and his tacos will absolutely rock your world. Using high-quality USDA Prime skirt steak fajitas, Chavez serves stellar steak tacos that are best accented with cheese, peppers, and grilled onions. Find him most nights at Holler Brewing Co. at the Sawyer Yards, where he offers special menu items like the Mexi-hot dog, tortas, and other great bites inspired by his mother and grandmother. Take the drive off of Washington Avenue and onto Edwards Street, and follow your nose to the goodness.

skirt steak tacos filled with cheese, peppers, and grilled onions from Tacos Bomberos.
Tacos Bomberos offers dreamy steak tacos and special menu items like Mexi-hot dogs and tortas.
Marco Torres

Laredo Taqueria

Mornings for many Houstonians begin at the Laredo off Washington Avenue, a local institution launched and maintained by the Soto family since its opening in the 1980s. From construction workers to hipsters, everyone is eager to stand in line for their choice of breakfast tacos to eat now, or secure a to-go bag with tacos de picadillo or carne guisada for lunch.

La Calle

This well-regarded taco shop has outposts in downtown, midtown, and Garden Oaks, and keeps late night hours, making it easy to score chicharrones, street tacos, and elote any time of day. 18-hour slow-cooked birria is made daily and packs in the flavor with more than 20 ingredients. Pair yours with a flavored michelada or marg.

Brothers Taco House

Freshly made tortillas and a dreamy array of protein options propel Brother’s into the pantheon of tacos in the Bayou City. Located in the shadow of the George R. Brown Convention Center, this taco Mecca serves breakfast and lunch tacos that are deserving of a top spot on any “Best Tacos” list in Houston. There’s asado de puerco or stewed pork, chicken, chicharron, picadillo made with ground beef, barbacoa, chorizo, carne guisada, rajas con queso, sausage, fajita, and huevo con everything, including weenies. To put it simply, if you like it, they probably make it. Don’t be intimidated by the line out the door. Brothers’ staff works fast to serve their customers, and send them lovingly out the door with a “Gracias, come again!”

Ojo de Agua

Though certainly much pricier than most taco joints, this new River Oaks restaurant brings some exciting flavors from Mexico City. Choose between its rib-eye tacos with tender meat marinated in chimichurri, its octopus served with chile guajillo, garlic, olive oil, and sautéed kale and parmesan cheese crust; or its lobster tacos with chunks marinated in a curry paste, and served stuffed with mango, celery, and mustard seeds. Compliment it with a fresh squeezed juice or dragonfruit margarita.

Tacos Tierra Caliente

Possibly one of the most popular taco trucks in the city, Tacos Tierra Caliente has been serving tacos in Montrose for over 20 years largely within or next to the infamous West Alabama Ice House, and sometimes with a new look. What stays the same, though, is its over-stuffed breakfast tacos, deliciously tender barbacoa, and tacos filled with al pastor, fajita, pollo, and even chicharron — all of which are known to attract award-winning chefs, tattoo and graffiti artists, doctors, strippers, educators, musicians, media personalities, and everything in between. Pro tip: ask for avocado on your tacos de barbacoa. It’s a must.

Tacos Tierra Caliente’s juicy barbacoa tacos are filled with diced onions and cilantro.
Tacos Tierra Caliente’s taco truck is a Houston institution.
Marco Torres

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Cochinita & Co.

Chef Victoria Elizondo and her team, which includes her wonderful mother, deliver fresh and local quality ingredients on their daily menu that set their tacos apart from most other taquerias. The star of the show is the cochinita pibil — a slow-cooked pulled pork marinated in a citrus achiote mix until tender, and then served on earthy corn tortillas. The team’s taco truck, Cochi’s Taqueria, can also be seen circulating around town, dishing out a delightful taco de suadero — the closest one can get to taco perfection.

Tacos La Bala

Though the second location of eight around the city, Tacos La Bala #2 cements itself as the most popular and possibly the most consistently flavorful outpost. Travel to the Gulfton area for its expansive menu of Mexican cuisine, featuring massive plates of mouthwatering tacos, including tacos de trompo, carne deshebrada, and tripe, and take in odes to Tampico, Tamaulipas — the hometown of the owners, which is proudly displayed on the restaurant walls. 

Taqueria Del Sol

A Southeast Houston taco institution, Del Sol has served bona fide delicious Mexican food for more than 35 years. Much more than a taqueria, the community fixture welcomes churchgoers after service, government officials in between shifts, and local low-riders who stop by in between their cruising trips up and down Broadway on weekends. The extensive menu has a lot to offer, but favorites will always include the tacos de carne asada, trompo, and barbacoa. Don’t forget to stop into the bakery next door for a bag of pan dulce on your way out.

Tacos Tec

Located in South Houston on the northbound feeder in between Monroe Blvd and Howard Drive, this taco spot is essential if flying in or out of Hobby Airport. The tortillas are dipped in oil and then slapped on the plancha, adding a taste that is reminiscent of the tacos devoured in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. You really can’t go wrong with the bistec or trompo, but they also offer excellent tripa, picadillo, and chicharron. Distinct in flavor, the tacos Tlaquepaque, filled with de deshebrada, are bathed in a dark brown salsa. 

Related Maps