Here’s a guide to help in the pursuit of some of the best tacos Texas has to offer.

With centuries of culinary history under its belt buckle, Texas is renowned for its authentic Mexican restaurants, numerous “Taco Trails,” and what many call the ultimate Tex-Mex delights. Narrowing down the multitude of surefire eateries to a handful of options for each city is no easy task, but we’ve done our best to choose just a few of the many standouts from cities big and small across the state.

San Antonio

San Antonio is synonymous with Tex-Mex dining, plain and simple. You might find the city’s own “puffy taco” variations elsewhere in the state, but sometimes things are just better at the source—from the seven-decades-and-counting Ray’s Drive Inn, birthplace of the original puffy taco, to Henry’s Puffy Taco Express and its namesake meals. For a dose of history, stop by the eighty-plus year old Mi Tierra Café Y Pandería , alongside wonderful newcomers like El Pastor es Mi Señor. For those in search of the best tacos in San Antonio, these spots offer a taste of the city's most cherished flavors.

Dallas-Fort Worth

Once you taste the tacos at these DFW hotspots, you’ll be hooked on the metroplex’s vibrant Mexican food scene. Del Sur Tacos offers two locations for hungry patrons to try their more traditional barbacoa and cochinita pibil varieties, along with other loaded “El Santo'' and “Del Sur'' options. Be sure to also leave room for El Come Taco, Gonzalez Restaurant and the Asian-Mex fusion of Edoko Omakase.

Austin

You could spend weeks sampling the countless tacos Austin has to offer and still barely scratch the famous cuisine hub’s surface. Dishes like Suerte’s brisket suadero and “choco taco” dessert are must-trys, along with Discada’s single-menu-item namesake. Additional spots like  Vaquero Taquero, El Naranjo and Fresa’s round out a few of the city’s vast taco offerings.

Houston

Given its history as the state’s major port city, Houston’s blend of Latin flavors and international cuisine makes its taco scene unmissable. You can’t go wrong when a town counts brisket from Eddie O’s Texas BBQ among its ranks, as well as La Macro’s signature tacos de trompo and spots like La Vibra and The Pit Room, which offer a moden twist on traditional Mexican food. When it comes to finding the best tacos in Houston, these establishments are renowned for delivering top-notch, mouthwatering experiences that are sure to satisfy any taco aficionado.

Weslaco - Rio Grande Valley 

Nana’s Taqueria in Weslaco brings the exquisite flavor of unique tacos and lonches to the table, capturing the heart of authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. Each bite bursts with rich, savory spices and homemade goodness, making it a local favorite for those craving bold, unforgettable flavors in a casual, vibrant setting.

El Paso

El Paso shells out a taco scene that blends authentic roots with a fresh, bold take. Local legends like Chico’s Tacos, a fixture since 1953, share the stage with Elemi and its heirloom corn tortillas. Taconeta’s shines with delicious innovations, pairing house-made blue corn tortillas with unexpected delights like tempura-battered mushrooms. This fusion of old and new makes El Paso an essential stop for taco lovers exploring Texas.

Bryan–College Station

Bryan, Texas, is a destination on its own for taco enthusiasts. The Bryan Taco Trail takes you on a delicious journey through a variety of local eateries. From the trendy birria tacos at Don Chente to the traditional pastor tacos straight off the trompo at Taqueria Poblana, and the unique Cubano tacos at Proudest Monkey, Bryan offers rich flavors that showcase its diverse taco scene. This trail includes everything from traditional taquerias to fusion spots and American-style pubs, each bringing its unique twist to this beloved Texas dish.