No matter the craving, there’s a taco for that. Browse this list of 13 different varieties and local establishments to order from the next time your appetite calls for a taco.
Shrimp Tacos – Grilled or lightly battered and fried shrimp are served on a warm corn or flour tortilla and accented with a splash of citrus, then topped with fresh garnishes like lettuce, pico de gallo and a side of avocado to evoke the delicious essence of coastal dining. Try shrimp tacos at:
Surfside Sandwich Shoppe, 15113 S. Padre Island Drive | Harrison’s Landing, 108 Peoples St. T-Head | Blackbeard’s on the Beach, 3117 Surfside Blvd.
Fish Tacos – A variety of fish, from cod and mahi mahi to flounder, is either grilled or fried, served in a warm corn tortilla and topped with shredded cabbage, chipotle mayo or crema and a squeeze of lime to deliver a refreshing bite. Try fish tacos at:
El Muelle de San Blas, 920 Louisiana Ave. | The Blue Clove, 5884 Everhart Road | Black Monk Tavern 5712 Gollihar Road | Executive Surf Club 306 N Chaparral St.
Chicken Tacos – Warm corn or flour tortillas are filled with marinated chicken that’s been grilled or simmered until tender, and topped with a variety of fresh toppings like onions, peppers and cheese to highlight a robust, savory flavor. Try chicken tacos at:
Yoli’s Tacos, 4222 Kostoryz Road | Cancun, 4252 S Alameda St. | El Sol de Mexico, 5250 Everhart Road | La Isla Mexican Restaurant 14237 S. Padre Island Drive
Carnitas Tacos – Slow-cooked pork is simmered until tender, then crisped and served on a corn tortilla. This taco is garnished with onions, cilantro, avocado, lime and Mexican cheese for a delicious blend of rich and refreshing flavors. Try carnitas at:
Taqueria Almeida, 2650 Waldron Road | Papi Chulo’s Mexican Restaurant, 4861 Saratoga Blvd | Tacos y Carnitas “El Jefe” 802 West Point Road
Carne Guisada Tacos – Beef simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce until tender is served on a corn or flour tortilla, allowing the slow-cooked flavors to burst in every hearty bite. Try carne guisada at:
Mi Nueva Casa Restaurant 7602 S. Staples St. | Hi-Ho Restaurant, 3703 Morgan Ave. | Acapulco #1, 1133 Airline Road
Tinga Tacos – A corn tortilla is filled with shredded chicken simmered in a smoky tinga sauce until tender, then topped with Mexican cheese, onions, avocado and cilantro to offer a blend of spice and tang. Try tinga at:
Tacos Locos y Margaritas, 7426 S. Staples St. #102 | El Camino, 314 N. Chaparral St. | YOLA cocina mexicana 3818 S. Alameda St.
Al Pastor Tacos – This taco features pork marinated in a blend of spices and pineapple and then cooked on a vertical spit until caramelized and tender. Served on a corn or flour tortilla and topped with onion and cilantro, it offers a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors. Try al pastor at:
El Jalisco Grill, 1813 Ennis Joslin Road #113 | La Palma, 15326 S. Padre Island Drive | Santa Rosa Restaurant 2722 S Staples St.
Street Tacos – Smaller corn tortillas are doubled up and served with your choice of meat, then topped with onions, cilantro, queso fresco and a side of lime. Served in groups of three to five, they’re designed to be easily enjoyed with one hand, capturing the authentic spirit of Mexican street fare. Try street tacos at:
Jefe’s Street Tacos & More 4301 S. Alameda St. | Taqueria El Potro 1401 Rodd Field Road | TacoBar Street 4711 S Alameda St. | 1983 Mexi-Cafe 5358 Kostoryz Rd
Barbacoa Tacos – The meats for barbacoa tacos are slow-roasted over an open fire—or more traditionally, in a covered fire pit—until they’re tender and succulent. Typically using sheep, goat or beef, this richly flavored meat is served on a corn tortilla and topped with onions and cilantro for an authentic taste. Try barbacoa at:
Sonny’s Barbacoa, 4066 S. Port Ave | Southside Barbacoa, 5894 Everhart Road Ste. A | Mrs. B’s Barbacoa, 5002 Bonner Dr
Veggie Tacos – For a lighter option, veggie tacos showcase a vibrant medley of grilled or sauteed vegetables, beans or plant-based proteins served on a corn tortilla. They’re lightly garnished to highlight the natural freshness and bold flavor of the ingredients. Try veggie tacos at:
Guajillo’s on the Island, 15037 S. Padre Island Drive | Tocechi Mexican Cravings, 4028 Weber Road | ¡PROVECHO! 1715 S Staples St.
Carne Asada Tacos – Marinated, grilled steak, charred to perfection and sliced thinly, is served on a corn tortilla with a generous serving of onions, lettuce, tomato and cheese for a smoky, robust flavor in every bite. Try carne asada at:
Chacho’s Tacos, 3700 Ayers St. | Taqueria Chapala, 1237 Nile Drive | Kiko’s Mexican Food, 5514 Everhart Road
Fajita Tacos – This classic Tex-Mex favorite features strips of marinated meat, typically chicken or beef, grilled alongside a medley of bell peppers and onions to create sizzling perfection is served on a corn or flour tortilla. Try fajitas at:
Nano’s Taco Run, 4722 Holly Road | Frida’s Mexican Restaurant, 414 Starr St. | Hacienda Vieja 4301 S Staples St.
Birria Tacos – This rich and flavorful taco is traditionally made with beef or goat that is slow-stewed with an assortment of chilies and spices, then served on a corn tortilla. It’s most commonly fried in a skillet with Mexican cheese, onion and cilantro and accompanied by a side of its rich, savory broth for dipping. Try birria at:
Birrieria y Mariscos El Presidente, 5440 Kostoryz Road | El Potro Restaurant, 1401 Rodd Field Road (FRI-SUN ONLY) | Don Jorge Taqueria, 3229 Ayers St.
