It’s Taco Time!

Austin may be the Live Music Capital of the World, but it’s also highly likely that we’re the Taco Titleholder of Texas. Austin’s own taco journalist Mando Rayo and State Rep. Gina Hinojosa even proposed a bill that would make tacos the state food of Texas. With so many places serving up so much goodness, I dare not presume to proclaim my own favorite the BEST TACO IN AUSTIN. However, I will offer up a few proven winners to try out next time it’s Taco Tuesday in your house (not that it has to be Tuesday).

                                                                                                                             

Valentinas—The word’s out on this way South Austin trailer: it made this year’s Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ Joints list and will soon open in a brick mortar on Manchaca. Pulled pork, carnitas, smoked brisket, pulled chicken…everything on the menu is delicious.

El Primo—This very unassuming trailer on S. First serves up really, really, really good street tacos (the al pastor is my favorite). If your kids aren’t into barbacoa or corn tortillas, they also have basic breakfast taco ingredients as well as flour tortillas.

Papalote Taco House—Papalote has a huge menu (tacos, tortas, sopes and more!) with something for everyone. I love the cauliflower taco on corn; my daughter loves egg and bacon on flour. With locations on South Lamar and Research, you can hit ‘em up whether you’re north or south.

Veracruz al Natural—They’re all about the fresh and authentic at Vera Cruz. Started by two sisters originally from Veracruz, three trailers on Cesar Chavez, Manchaca and La Frontera in Round Rock serve up really delicious salsa and homemade tortillas alongside made-to-order tacos.

Wheatsville Co-op—If you live south or near campus and need a solid, grab-and-go healthyish taco, Wheatsville pre-makes breakfast tacos on wheat tortillas. There’s something about those salty potato and egg tacos that lure me in.

Polvo’s Mexican Restaurant—If I have to pick a favorite breakfast taco, this might be it. It’s a no-frills, kid-friendly place with an awesome salsa bar and homemade flour tortillas. If you go for a walk around the lake on a Sunday morning, pick up a few from the South First location.

Taquerias Arandas—I’ve heard tell that the #3 location on Burnet Road is the best Tex-Mex in town.

Julio’s—I’ve been hitting up Julio’s since 1992. Located in Hyde Park, their breakfast tacos are simple but delicious, and anything with their roast chicken is worth trying (though my favorite is the chalupa). Also, Quack’s is next door, which is an added bonus.

Tacodeli—If I had to pick another favorite breakfast taco, this might be it. With locations all over town, there’s bound to be one near you. Be sure and order one with potatoes for a crazy papas experience.


About the author: Jill Coody Smits is the author of Expedition Austin: A Kid’s Guide to the Weirdest Town in Texas. A freelance writer of many things, she lives south of the river with her husband, daughter and two four-footed sons. After nearly 20 years in Austin, she is still in love with this little big town.

Thanks to Austin Diagnostic Clinic for sponsoring this post. With four Pediatric offices in Central Texas, The Austin Diagnostic Clinic also offers primary, specialty and urgent care for adults too! For more information, or to make an appointment contact our 24-hour call center at 512-901-1111 or visit ADClinic.com.