Austin, Texas Taquerías Making Tacos Worth The Trip
Austin’s taco scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. From food trucks to brick-and-mortar establishments, these taquerías showcase authentic flavors, innovative techniques, and the cultural richness that makes Austin a taco lover’s paradise.
Whether you’re craving traditional street tacos or modern twists, these ten spots deliver mouthwatering creations that capture the essence of Austin’s food culture.
1. Tyson’s Tacos – Airport Blvd
Open 24 hours, this quirky taquería serves breakfast tacos that locals line up for at all hours. The funky atmosphere features an outdoor patio with mismatched furniture and string lights.
Their Brisket Taco with sliced brisket, avocado, pickled onion, and cilantro deserves special attention. Tortillas hold those layers of flavor just right – the brisket is tender, the avocado adds creaminess, and the pickled onion gives a bright kick.
2. Nixta Taqueria – East Austin
James Beard Award–winning chef Edgar Rico elevates the humble taco at this East Austin taqueria. Corn tortillas get the royal treatment – nixtamalized in-house using heirloom corn varieties.
Bright pink walls and modern art create an Instagram-worthy backdrop for their signature duck carnitas taco. Each creation balances tradition with chef-driven innovation, resulting in unforgettable flavor combinations.
3. Cuantos Tacos – East Austin (Arbor Food Park)
Mexico City street food shines at this unassuming yellow food truck. Specializing in traditional suadero, longaniza, and cachete tacos served on small corn tortillas.
The simplicity is the secret – just meat, onions, cilantro and their house salsas. Weekend specials often feature harder-to-find cuts that sell out quickly to those in the know.
4. Veracruz All Natural – Multiple Locations
Sisters Reyna and Maritza Vazquez started with a humble food trailer and built a taco empire. Their migas taco – a heavenly combination of eggs, tortilla chips, avocado, and pico de gallo – earned national recognition from Food Network.
Fresh ingredients and handmade tortillas elevate every bite. The fish tacos deserve equal praise, featuring perfectly grilled tilapia with cabbage/mango pico.
5. Taqueria De Diez – Downtown & South Lamar
Family recipes shine at this under-the-radar spot serving authentic Mexican street tacos. The pastor taco features marinated pork shaved directly from a traditional trompo (vertical rotisserie).
Handmade corn tortillas arrive warm and pillowy, perfect vessels for their flavorful fillings. Don’t miss their house-made agua frescas – the perfect complement to combat the Austin heat while enjoying their outdoor seating.
6. Paprika ATX – North Lamar
Newcomer Paprika brings regional Mexican flavors beyond the typical Tex-Mex offerings. Their standout cochinita pibil taco features slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote and sour orange juice, topped with pickled red onions.
Vegetarians rejoice – their huitlacoche (corn fungus) and calabacitas (squash) tacos prove meat-free options can be equally satisfying.
7. Discada – East Austin
Named after the northern Mexican cooking technique using a plow disc-turned-cooking vessel, this tiny trailer produces big flavors. Their signature taco contains a mixture of meats (beef, pork, chorizo) and vegetables cooked together in layers.
The result? A harmonious blend that’s greater than the sum of its parts. With just one taco style on the menu, they’ve perfected their craft through singular focus.
8. Carnitas El Guero – North Lamar / South Austin
Pork connoisseurs flock to this no-frills taquería specializing in Michoacán-style carnitas. Succulent pork, slow-cooked in its own fat until crispy outside yet tender inside, arrives on doubled corn tortillas.
Weekend mornings bring locals seeking their famous hangover cure. Order by the quarter-pound with all the fixings – cilantro, onions, lime, and their fiery salsa roja – for an authentic Mexican street food experience.
9. Las Trancas Taco Stand – East Cesar Chavez
This humble East Side trailer maintains a loyal following despite Austin’s ever-changing food landscape. Lengua (beef tongue) tacos showcase their mastery of traditional preparations – perfectly tender meat with fresh cilantro and onion.
The no-nonsense approach extends to their outdoor seating – simple picnic tables under string lights. Their salsa verde packs enough heat to satisfy spice lovers without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
10. OneTaco – Multiple Locations / Downtown Truck
Starting as a food truck and expanding to brick-and-mortar locations, OneTaco blends authentic Mexican recipes with Austin flair. Their signature taco – grilled chicken with jalapeños, grilled onions and chipotle mayo – delivers perfect spice balance.
Breakfast tacos shine equally bright, available all morning for later risers. The downtown truck location offers convenient late-night options when taco cravings strike after bar-hopping.
