While El Mesón on South Lamar has garnered some deserved attention through the years for its well-done interior Mexican fare, the restaurant actually started as a humble taqueria still located in Southeast Austin. Settle into one of the talavera-tiled wooden booths to enjoy some of the best tacos in town, including a few less common selections, like chicken pipian (made with a pumpkin seed mole) or chilorio (shredded pork cooked in ancho pepper sauce). But if we had to pick one favorite, it’s the cochinita pibil. Pork tenderloin is marinated in achiote then slow-roasted, folded into one of the paper-thin homemade corn tortillas and topped with punchy citrus-marinated red onions. Handheld perfection… no salsa needed!
Narrowing down the best tacos in Austin is no small feat. The city is rich with tortillas, folded and filled with tender meats, savory beans, freshly grilled vegetables and melted cheese. There’s truly a taco for every taste and—best of all—they can be consumed any time of day or night, whether accompanied by a caffeinated beverage from one of the best coffee shops in Austin, a stiff drink from one of the best bars in Austin or as a quick snack before heading to the best venues for live music in Austin. With a focus on independent, family-owned trucks and restaurants, we present our guide to the best tacos in Austin right now.
