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. 

Just up the road from the Tia Pancha Flea Market, run — don’t walk — to Correcaminos, which in English means “roadrunner.” Here, you’ll find some of the city’s best slow-roasted trompo tacos with a crispy char on the outside and a unique tenderness on the inside. Watch as the marinated pork spins around on the spit, dancing in front of the fire, sparks flying, and juices dripping.

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.

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.

Picture this. You’re driving home late after a night out, and the hunger hits you. While Whataburger on North Main might be typically a go-to, add this cash-only taco joint to your late-night list. Stop by before the rush and secure the quesadilla tacos de fajita, a slurpable cup of frijoles charros, and pink lemonade to solidify the perfect evening. Insider tip: The name on the side of the truck might say “Taconazo Veracruz”, but act like you’ve been there before. Call it Taconazo.

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.

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.

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!”

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.

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. 

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.