5 Must Try Taco Spots in Austin

Growing up in Miami, I didn't have too many options for good tacos. Good Cuban food is easy to find, but finding good Mexican food in Miami can be a mission. Moving to Austin this completely changed for me. Now, I have multiple good taco spots on my street alone. However, as we all know not all taco places are equal. That's why I created this list of the must try taco places in Austin. Hopefully this narrows down your search for tacos when you're here.

Johnny’s Tacos

I can confidently say that Johnny’s Tacos might be the best tacos that I’ve tried in Austin. Given the amount of taco places in the city, I realize that statement requires a lot of confidence. However, Johnny’s small taco truck off of East 6th street offers delicious traditional Mexican tacos that are truly flavorful and authentic. The tacos al pastor at Johnny’s are my favorite. The al pastor is moist and perfectly seasoned. The green and red hot sauces they offer on the side add even more flavor to the tacos. Be careful! The red sauce is dangerously spicy. I may or may have not literally cried when I tried the red sauce for the first time, and the staff at Johnny’s may or may not have laughed while watching me.

If the tacos don’t move the needle for you, Johnny’s has multiple other menu items. To make the spot even better, Johnny’s is open until 1am, making it a late night option for after the bars on East side.

Johnny’s is a solid: 9.8/10

Papalote’s Taco House

Papalote’s Taco House is a well known option for tacos in Austin. It has two locations: the first off of South Lamar Blvd and the second off of Research Blvd. I was introduced to Papalote’s through coworkers. Since then, it has always been a staple place to spend the painfully short lunch hour. I love how Paplote’s menu features diverse and unique taco flavors.

My favorite is their Alambre taco which has beef, avocado, bacon, and cheese. The bacon is a nice feature to the avocado and beef. If you’re not in the mood to try something different, Papalote’s does the classic taco flavors pretty well too. I recommend their Al pastor and potato and egg taco.

I rate Papalotes: 7.9/10

El Xolo

To be completely honest, I’ve only tried El Xolo for their breakfast tacos. I also have never been to their physical location. I have only tried their tacos at work, in the office. However, they are the best breakfast tacos that I have tried in Austin. Breakfast tacos could debatedly be in a separate category of their own, but for now they can be on this list.

El Xolo’s breakfast tacos especially stick out because of their fresh ingredients. I tried their bacon and egg taco and their chorizo and egg taco. Each breakfast taco has real eggs (not always seen in Breakfast Tacos) and fresh meat and potatoes. You can really notice and taste the difference in quality. They also have savory, all day tacos in addition to breakfast. I have the rest of the menu on my list of things to try. One thing to note about El Xolo is that they are closed on weekends.

I give El Xolo: 8.7/10

Tejas Birria

This option for tacos differs a bit from the rest in that Tejas Birria, as the name suggests, specializes in Birria Tacos. Like breakfast tacos, birria can also be considered to be ranked in their own category. Since we’re putting all types of tacos on one list, why not add birria too? Tejas Birria is a small food truck off of Menchaca Rd in South Austin. They have other locations in San Antonio and New Braunfels as well.

The birria is moist and the outside tortilla is perfectly crispy. The birria also comes with a satisfying amount of cheese inside. The side cup of consome they give you for dipping, adds the right amount of extra flavor. The truck has tables and chairs to enjoy eating outside. Tejas Birria also serves fun and refreshing drinks to go along with their birria tacos. I recommend Tejas Birria for a nice casual lunch or weekend dinner.

I give Tejas Birria: 9.5/10

Mami’s

Mami’s tacos is another place where I’ve only tried the breakfast tacos, but nonetheless they were impressive. Like Tejas Birria, Mami’s is a food truck off of Menchaca Rd, but its a bit further north. Nestled behind a Chevron gas station, Mami’s could easily be missed. This hidden gem however, is the perfect morning spot.

I tried the bacon and egg taco and the chorizo and egg taco. Both tacos tasted incredible. Mami’s also makes fresh fruit juices and smoothies. Their kale based green smoothie was healthy and refreshing. Next time you’re driving by a Chevron on Menchaca Rd, slow down and make sure to stop at Mami’s tacos.

I give Mami’s: 8.6/10