Get ready for the ultimate guide to the BEST TACOS IN SAN ANTONIO! Picking the top taco spots in a city with loads of fantastic options is tough, but we’ve got the ultimate list.
Explore the best taco in San Antonio and its surrounding areas, including favorites like Ray’s Drive Inn, Benjie’s Munch, Gringo’s Tacos.
Check out the map below to find some seriously tasty tacos in San Antonio, or keep reading for more info on each spot.
| Restaurant Name | Status | Cuisine | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Diabla – Cocina Mexicana | Open Now | Mexican | Varied menu, $$ – $$$ |
| Domingo Restaurant | Open Now | Not specified | Diverse menu |
| Eddie V’s Prime Seafood | Open Now | Seafood | Prime seafood options |
| La Fonda on Main | Open Now | Not specified | Diverse menu |
| Green Vegetarian Cuisine | Open Now | Vegetarian | Specializing in vegetarian dishes |
| The Guenther House | Closed Today | Not specified | Historical establishment |
| Yard House | Open Now | Not specified | Diverse menu |
| The Cove | Not specified | Not specified | Varied dining experience |
Tacos are a big deal in San Antonio
San Antonio is taco heaven. (There’s a friendly debate between San Antonio and Austin over the best tacos, and San Antonians are firm – they’ve got the best tacos in Texas.)
With our close proximity to Mexico and a vibrant Hispanic community, tacos are a big deal here. There are hundreds of taquerias across the city. While some tacos might outshine others, you can likely stroll into any local taqueria on a street corner in SA and snag a pretty darn good taco.
What’s the deal with Puffy Tacos in San Antonio?
The puffy taco is a San Antonio specialty. Technically named “San Antonio-style Puffy Tacos,” but let’s keep it simple and just call them Puffy Tacos.
Wondering what makes a puffy taco? Picture this – it’s a deep-fried crispy taco. They drop raw masa into boiling hot oil, fry it into a taco shell, and then load it up with ground beef, chicken fajita meat, or any taco fillings your heart desires.
Honestly, they’re downright delicious. Many places in San Antonio dish out puffy tacos, and we’ll highlight a few on this list.
A few things about this guide:
- No particular order: Starting with hundreds of taquerias and meticulously ranking them isn’t fair. How can you compare a puffy ground beef taco to a tiny pastor taco from Mexico City? Or a taco served in a fluffy homemade flour tortilla from a food truck to one from an upscale Mexican restaurant with nixtamalized corn tortillas and trendy cocktails? They’re all tacos, yes, but so different. Rest assured, every taco on this list is amazing and worth trying.
- Evolving guide: This guide will change over time. Keep coming back to check it out! New taco joints in San Antonio pop up regularly, and we’re always exploring the food scene in SA.
- Tacos are cheap: The main goal of this guide is to get you out there, supporting local taquerias, and EATING TACOS. Once you’re done reading, go grab a taco!
The 16 Best Tacos In San Antonio
1. Taquitos West Ave
Prepare for a line out the door at Taquitos West Ave, but don’t be discouraged – it moves fast. These tacos have been a local favorite in San Antonio long before Netflix featured them on Taco Chronicles. The tiny tacos are a delight.
It’s a simple counter service spot with a straightforward menu: tacos + drinks. Stand in line (it’s quick, around 10 minutes even if it looks long), and at the window, shout your order to the staff. They whip up the tacos lightning-fast – laying out tiny corn tortillas, slicing pastor off the trompo, tossing handfuls of minced onion and cilantro on tacos, and handing the plate to each customer.
These Mexican street-style mini tacos are incredibly tasty and addictive. Order a bunch (they’re small), drown them in that spicy homemade salsa, and savor every bite. Pro tip: Pastor is only available Thursday-Sunday, so plan your visit accordingly. So worth it.
2. Taqueria Datapoint
There are three places for Tacos Y Burritos Metro Basilica (the one on De Zavala Road is the nicest), and while they’re all simple, the tacos are really good. These are some of the best Mexican tacos you can get in San Antonio.
The menu has a lot of choices for breakfast and lunch/dinner, but the best option is the plate with 5 mini taquitos. You can pick your meat (like asada, barbacoa, tripas, carnitas, pastor, or pollo) or mix them. Your plate of tacos comes out quickly: 5 warm mini corn tortillas with tasty, juicy meat (the asada is a great pick) and onions and cilantro on the side.
3. El Pastor Es Mi Señor
If you’re hankering for some pastor tacos in San Antonio, it’s hard to beat the offerings at El Pastor Es Mi Señor. Yes, the name may be a mouthful, but the tacos come out quickly! This lively taqueria has gained recognition on CNN, Texas Monthly, and Bon Appetit for its incredibly delicious pastor tacos.
And trust us, they live up to the hype. The trompo spins slowly next to a hot flame, ensuring each sliver of juicy pork on your tacos is seared to a crisp, crunchy perfection.
Each taco is served on two tortillas for a robust foundation to hold the flavorful, juicy meat. The charm of pastor tacos lies in the little touch of pineapple added by the trompero. At El Pastor Es Mi Señor, they don’t skimp on the pineapple; it’s a generous chunk! The pineapple adds the perfect touch of sweetness and acidity to complement the savory, fatty taco.
The tacos at El Pastor Es Mi Señor rank among the best in San Antonio. Make sure to include this spot on your list of places to try!
4. Henry’s Puffy Tacos
Call me basic, but there’s nothing like the joy of biting into deep-fried food. “But deep–fried tacos,” you ask? Yes, my friend. And if you haven’t tried the delight of a Tex-Mex puffy taco filled with ground beef and orange cheddar cheese, get ready to be thrilled. Henry’s serves some of the most satisfying tacos in San Antonio.
For the best puffy tacos in town, head to Henry’s Puffy Tacos. Henry and his brother Ray (from the iconic San Antonio restaurant Ray’s Drive Inn) actually created the puffy taco! Henry’s Puffy Tacos has been around for nearly 50 years and keeps growing in popularity.
While the menu has Tex-Mex favorites like fajitas, enchiladas, and queso, your best bet is the namesake dish: a plate of two puffy tacos. If it’s your first time, go for the classic ground beef. It’s as Tex-Mex as it gets with seasoned ground beef, bright orange cheddar cheese, and iceberg lettuce. And yes, it’s delicious.
We’re not going for authentic Mexican tacos here. We’re going for the pure joy of savoring fried food, and that’s exactly what you’ll get at Henry’s Puffy Tacos.
5. Con Huevos Tacos
Sure thing! When you’re in the mood for those little street-style tacos with corn tortillas and real pastor or carnitas filling, or if you’re just craving tacos with the best flour tortillas in San Antonio, Con Huevos is the place to be. Seriously, they whip up some of the most fantastic homemade flour tortillas in the city.
Even though they’re known for their breakfast tacos, you can grab them for lunch too. These tacos are pretty hearty – one should do the trick for most people, or you might want two if you’re extra hungry or just finished a marathon or something.
Starting with those big, soft, fluffy flour tortillas made fresh daily, they load them up with soft scrambled eggs, papas cooked in chorizo, savory refried beans, thick slices of crispy bacon, rich carne guisada, and other tasty breakfast flavors.
Okay, so you’re not reading about the best breakfast tacos in San Antonio right now, but Con Huevos Tacos is so good that it had to make it into our guide to the best tacos in San Antonio. That’s a wrap!
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6. Tacos and Chelas Mexican Kitchen
When you’re craving some of the finest birria tacos in San Antonio, make your way to Tacos and Chelas. It’s a bit off the beaten path, near Seaworld San Antonio, but absolutely worth the detour. The space is cozy, with just a few tables, so grab a seat, place your order, and your tacos will be served up in no time (about 10 minutes for us).
The combo of 5 street tacos and charro beans is a satisfying feast, guaranteed to fill up even the heartiest appetite. Take your pick of a single taco meat filling (both the birria and asada are winners here), or go for the mix-and-match option to try a variety of flavors (highly recommended!).
Special shout-out to the birria tacos – that slow-cooked, juicy meat nestled inside a soft corn tortilla might just be one of the best things you’ve tasted lately. And if you’re up for an extra treat, indulge in the birria quesadillas.
Three flour tortillas packed with melty cheese and that delectable birria meat, plus a side of consomé to make it all extra juicy and drippy. It’s a birria bonanza!
7. Carnitas Don Raul – USA
If you’ve tuned into Taco Chronicles on Netflix, Carnitas Don Raul might ring a bell from Season 1, Episode 2, where they shine a spotlight on the origins of carnitas tacos in Michoacán, Mexico. Lucky for us, Carnitas Don Raul decided to set up shop in the USA, and they’ve got a trailer right here in San Antonio.
When you step up to the ordering window, be ready for one thing: CARNITAS. That’s right, slow-cooked, succulent pork with crispy bits mixed in. Whether you go for it by the pound or nestled in a taco, if you’re at Carnitas Don Raul, you’re indulging in some serious pork goodness!
Kick off your culinary adventure with the classic carnitas taco: a generous serving of juicy carnitas tucked inside double corn tortillas. Onions and cilantro are served on the side (feel free to sprinkle them on for an extra flavor boost), and their homemade salsa is a self-serve delight. A squeeze of lime, a dollop of your preferred salsa, and you’re all set.
Here’s a little extra tidbit: Carnitas Don Raul shares the same food truck park as Mila Coffee, one of our go-to coffee trucks in San Antonio.
8. Chela’s Tacos
Chela’s Tacos is your reliable, all-around taco spot in San Antonio, serving up satisfying tacos at any time of the day. While they might not snag the title of the absolute best tacos in the city, what they do deliver is consistently good fare, available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
On the other hand, located right next to Brackenridge Park, it’s an ideal pitstop before exploring the Japanese Tea Garden or embarking on some family-friendly activities in San Antonio.
Take your taco journey by choosing between flour or corn tortillas, and then dive into a noteworthy selection of lunch and dinner tacos. The chicken chipotle taco, especially when paired with a margarita, is a surefire way to please your taste buds.
Now, this isn’t your traditional, super-authentic taco – it’s a delightful combination of creamy chipotle sauce, chicken breast, and cilantro, all wrapped up in a flour tortilla. For those seeking delicious flavors, positive vibes, and a fun dining experience, Chela’s Tacos is a top contender.
9. Tacos n Salsa
If you’re seeking some of the best tacos in San Antonio, don’t miss out on the Trash Can Taco at Tacos N Salsa. This breakfast taco is a delightful mix of eggs, breakfast meats, cheese, veggies, and salsa, all wrapped up in a warm, fluffy flour tortilla.
Tacos N Salsa takes pride in crafting their tacos with homemade tortillas and salsa, ensuring a fresh and hot experience for each order. Despite the brief wait, the quality and flavors make it well worth it.
The name says it all – tacos and salsa – and they’ve been delighting San Antonio taco lovers since the 1990s. A beloved and enduring taco joint, Tacos N Salsa knows the secret to satisfying taco cravings.
10. Original Donut Shop
For a taste of cheap, simple, and immensely satisfying tacos in San Antonio, look no further than the Original Donut Shop. The drive-thru line, often stretching down the street, is a testament to the goodness of these tacos. Featuring homemade flour tortillas that are thick and warm, they deliver that perfect bite every time.
Open only until 2 pm, this San Antonio taco spot is ideal for breakfast or lunch. The toasted bean and cheese tacos are a standout, offering a surprisingly delightful flavor. Don’t underestimate the goodness of simplicity.
If you’re leaning towards a heartier lunch option, the carne guisada taco is a must-try. The rich and creamy beef stew complements the homemade flour tortilla perfectly.
11. Garcia’s Mexican Food
Garcia’s Mexican Food, an enduring presence in San Antonio for over seven decades, stands as a local staple, and their brisket taco is undoubtedly one of the finest tacos in the city.
This modest, no-frills family restaurant prioritizes simplicity, featuring a straightforward dining room. What sets it apart are the homemade flour and corn tortillas, Tex-Mex diner classics, and warm, welcoming service.
If brisket isn’t your preference, give the carne guisada with cheese a try—a favorite among patrons. Opt for the flour tortilla, as the fluffy texture adds an extra layer of satisfaction to the experience.
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12. Milpa
Milpa, featured in our guide to the best food trucks in San Antonio and recognized by Texas Monthly as one of the finest new taquerias in Texas, is a local favorite for exceptional Mexican street food tacos.
These tacos are a delight! Crafted with precision, each one boasts top-notch ingredients and a burst of flavors. The Arebes taco, for instance, cleverly blends Mexican and Mediterranean influences, offering a unique fusion experience. For a more traditional choice, savor their asada, carnitas, or Chorizo tacos.
Don’t wait—head to Milpa soon and treat yourself to these outstanding tacos in San Antonio!
13. Little Taco Factory
Little Taco Factory is a go-to spot for breakfast and lunch tacos in San Antonio. Opening early in the day, this no-frills taco joint offers simple yet delicious tacos in its small dining room, and you can also grab them to-go.
For breakfast, the chorizo/egg/cheese taco steals the show, while the carne guisada is a lunchtime hit. The breakfast tacos are petite and budget-friendly, but if you opt for lunch, expect a plate with three tacos, plus rice and beans—so come with a hearty appetite!
14. Thlaco Mexican Kitchen
Tlahco Mexican Kitchen is a yummy mix of a Mexican restaurant, Tex-Mex eatery, and taqueria. They serve tasty food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you can try them out any time of the day.
One thing they are really good at is street tacos. You can choose from five different kinds of proteins like pork, steak, chicken, shrimp, and barbacoa. Each order comes with five tacos made on homemade corn tortillas and a side of delicious borracho beans.
15. Naco 210 and Naco Grayson
Naco 210 started as a taco truck and gained national recognition on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles. They’ve expanded with a brick-and-mortar spot at SA Yacht Club. Known for good tacos, their menu includes both traditional and specialty options. The tortillas are perfect, sauces are flavorful, and fillings are savory.
Try the chicken and green salsa taco or the Amerinaco with blue corn tortillas, angus asada, and huitlacoche. Huitlacoche is a mushroom delicacy, and Naco 210 delivers high taco standards, making it a must-try spot.
16. Ray’s Drive Inn
Ray’s Drive Inn is an old vintage drive-in restaurant in San Antonio, known for trademarking the term “puffy taco.” If you’re trying a puffy taco in San Antonio, Ray’s is a safe bet. It’s worth noting that Henry’s Puffy Tacos and Ray’s Drive Inn, both created by brothers Henry and Ray, respectively, are the originators of the puffy taco.
Trying puffy tacos at both spots is recommended to determine your preference. The tacos at Ray’s are deep-fried masa with a soft, crispy texture, filled with various delicious options like refried beans, ground taco meat, shrimp, and chicken fajitas.
They come with lettuce and tomatoes, and cheese can be added for an extra cost.
I’m Nicholas Clark, the creative soul behind “San Antonio Vista.” I’ve been bringing the city to life with stories and insights, and I want you to be a part of it. At San Antonio Vista, we’re all about making your exploration a masterpiece. Join me in the journey at San Antonio Vista, where every visit tells a unique story!
