5 Cities Serving the Best Tacos in the US

At its core, the taco is a humble concept—a tortilla with a filling—yet it inspires an enormous following, complete with competitive rankings and taco pilgrimages. Across the country, styles differ significantly, reflecting each city’s culture and serving as edible windows into its soul. Handpicked for your next adventure, these five cities dish up some of the best tacos in the US.

 

Tucson

The first US city to earn the UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation, Tucson blends a rich history of Mexican, Native American, and Southwestern influences into a unique flavor palette. It’s also home to some of the best tacos not only in the Southwest but also in the country.

Often promoted by the city as Home to America’s Best Mexican Food, Tucson is especially known for Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine. Here, tortillas are often made from White Sonoran wheat—instead of corn—giving them a distinctly delicate, earthy flavor. 

For 25 years, Tacos Aspon has honored Sonoran tradition with high-quality, smoky mesquite-grilled meats and fresh salsas. Crowd favorites include the signature Apson—generously piled with grilled steak, cheese, chilies, mushrooms, and onions—and the Rosurado, featuring thinly sliced rib meat cooked to tender perfection. 

Change things up at El Taco Rustico, where Chef Juan Almanza’s signature quesabirria taco fuses a quesadilla with Jalisco’s classic birria stew. Opt for the combo—two or three quesabirrias with beans and rice, served with a side of broth for dipping.

Austin

Austin’s long been in the running for the best tacos in Texas. The capital city’s taco obsession inspired the PBS series Taco Mafia, and the number of taco restaurants per capita here is well above the national average.

The breakfast taco scene is a lifestyle, thanks in part to Tacodeli, which serves around 10,000 tacos daily across the city.

Veracruz All Natural is run by two Latina sisters from Veracruz, Mexico, who recently released a cookbook. First-timers should try their legendary migas taco—with egg, avocado, and housemade tortilla chips—or the vegetarian option: La Reyna.

Winner of a 2024 MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, Cuantos Tacos, a food truck in East Austin, celebrates Mexico City-style tacos. Fans rave about the straightforward, no-gimmick street tacos made with 100% nixtamal tortillas, such as the popular suadero brisket taco.

Washington, DC

As a base for more than 175 foreign embassies and diplomatic missions, DC is a goldmine for authentic international cuisine. Notably, it’s home to the second-largest Salvadorean community in the US, adding to a strong Latino presence and creating a rich, complex taco culture.

Plan a stop at the 100% vegetarian Chaia Tacos, with locations in Georgetown and Chinatown. Owned by two locals who are farmers market enthusiasts, it features a menu that changes seasonally to showcase fresh, local produce. Among the fan-favorite tacos are the creamy kale-and-potato taco and the braised mushroom taco.

At La Cosecha in Union Market, Latin American embassies contribute to a vibrant cultural showcase through traditional wares and food. Don’t miss Apapacho Tacqueria, which serves Oaxacan street food; be sure to try the al pastor taco, featuring marinated pork with pineapple.

Chicago

Approximately one-fifth of Chicago’s population identifies as Mexican, making the city home to one of the largest Mexican communities in the US outside the Southwest. The deep-rooted heritage is woven into everyday life, including the food. Local tortilla factories guarantee that restaurants have access to freshly made masa (corn dough), while longstanding taquerías and carnicerías (butcher shops)—many family-run for generations—closely guard their original recipes and techniques.

Often called the Mexico of the Midwest, Little Village (La Villita, as locals call it) is a vibrant neighborhood boasting an impressive array of taquerías, including Los Comales, one of Chicago’s first. An anchor in the community since 1973, it faithfully serves standout al pastor and barbacoa tacos that draw loyal crowds. 

The nearby Pilsen neighborhood also stands out for its Hispanic culture. For mouth-watering carnitas (slow-cooked, tender pork with crisped edges), head to Carnitas Don Pedro, where it’s their specialty. Order a platter by the pound for a feast, and build your own tacos with warm tortillas and bright condiments such as housemade pico de gallo.

Orlando

Orlando has blossomed into a serious culinary destination, fueled in part by Walt Disney World’s recruitment of global food professionals, many of whom later parlayed their experience into opening local restaurants. Against that backdrop, it’s no surprise that the city’s taco scene is as authentic as it is stylish, showcasing talent from Mexico and across Latin America. 

Known for its concentration of award-winning dining, the Mills 50 District is home to the MICHELIN-recommended Black Rooster Taqueria. Here, polished presentation meets artful “farm-to-taco” fare. Pair your tacos with made-to-order guacamole, and choose from signature fillings such as smoked beef brisket or slow-roasted pork achiote.

Just outside Orlando proper in Winter Park, Hunger Street Tacos serves up some of the best Mexican-style street tacos. The art-inspired space, bedecked with vivid colors and murals, sets the tone for a vibrant meal. Crowd favorites include the fried avocado taco and the brisket taco topped with avocado salsa. 

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With such a diversity of taco styles across the country, it’s easy to savor inspired interpretations of a timeless classic: the humble taco.