Brian Nagele
If you’ve ever heard of the Alamo, then you already know something about San Antonio. People famously visit San Antonio just to tour the Alamo and experience the river walk. Apart from this, this place is famous for its Tex-Mex cuisine!
We’ve taken the liberty of assembling all of the best San Antonio taco places into a single and convenient list. To make this list, there has to be something extra special about your tacos. What makes a taco taste great? Generally, there’s a level of authentic Mexican flavors that must be present. We don’t want any of the processed stuff; we’re looking for fresh creams and sauces made from scratch. The meat should be tender, juicy, flavorful, and infused with Mexican spices. If you love a crispy, soft, or puffed taco, this is the ultimate list of the best tacos in San Antonio!
Taquitos West Ave
2818 West Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201
Phone: 210-525-9888
A good taco can be hard to come by; however, at Taquitos West Ave, exceptional tacos are the norm. The restaurant itself has a bit of a rustic look from the outside and as you make your way to the inside you’ll notice the fun and inviting seating arrangements. The first person that you come across is the cook that’s going to make your taco. Simply tell them how many and what kind of taco you want, and they’ll make the tacos fresh to order. What’s more, you don’t pay until after you’ve finished your meal. On my visit, I tried the Al Pastor Tacos, the Carne Asada Tacos, and their delightful Empanadas. I recommend these menu items to newcomers; they left quite the impression.
Tacos el Regio
12757 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78217
Phone: 210-665-0095
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You can find Tacos El Regio near Morgan’s Wonderland. For a change of pace, Tacos El Regio is an actual food truck that offers sheltered seating arrangements nearby. This is a wonderful way to experience some of the best tacos in town. Much is made about their corn in the cup. I must admit I was a bit skeptical at first. However, there was so much flavor packed into that cup, I was more than satisfied with the choice that I made. And of course, succulent Asada Quesadilla, which nearly left me speechless. Stop by and Tacos El Regio; I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Garcia’s Mexican Food
842 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78201
Phone: 210-735-4525
If you find yourself having difficulty finding Garcia’s Mexican Food To Go, remember that it’s not too far from Thrive Church. You’ll know you’re there when you see the slightly faded sign and the modest building. This establishment has a rustic and aged interior and a warm and inviting ambiance. Garcia’s Mexican Food To Go is a hidden gem in the heart of San Antonio. The locals all rave about this place, and yet a lot of people are surprised to learn this gem has been hidden in plain view. Here are two delectable dishes popular among the locals: the Pork Chop and Enchilada plate and the Brisket Nachos; come out and try them out for yourself.
El Pastor es Mi Señor
8727 Wurzbach Rd Suite 102, San Antonio, TX 78240
Phone: 210-479-3474
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El Pastor es Mi Señor is located not too far from the Windbury Apartments and the city’s local police department. This is the place to go if you’re looking for authentic Mexican flavors which are indistinguishable from the street tacos that you can find in the homeland of Mexico! El Pastor es Mi Señor is a modest and cozy restaurant serving up tacos with impeccable service. I had some of the most developed flavors in my mouth from one bite of the Taco De Sirloin Con Quest, and the Quesadilla wasn’t bad either. Stop by and taste some authentic Mexican cuisine.
Tacos and Chelas Mexican Kitchen
9902 Potranco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78251
Phone: 210-384-9145
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Located directly across the street from Walgreens is Tacos and Chelas. The interior appears to be very modern, while the interior is modest yet spacious with some very intriguing wall art to boot. If you want authentic Mexican tacos, this indeed is the place to be. Tacos and Chelas have staff members committed to excellence and attentive to the customer’s needs. A tasty menu item is the shrimp taco. It comes with nice-sized shrimp and light vegetables that complement the seafood flavor. The Birria Quesadillas were just as good! Try these dishes next time you’re near Tacos and Chelas Mexican Kitchen.
Pete’s Tako House
502 Brooklyn Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
Phone: 210-224-2911
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Pete’s Tako House is within a very short driving distance of the CPS Energy Headquarters, you’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the tan building with the big sign atop the building that says Pete’s Tako House. This is another hidden gem that you absolutely wouldn’t visit unless you’re in the know… and luckily, now you are. Pete’s Tako House is yet another modest establishment where you don’t go for the aesthetics but for the amazing and authentic tasting food. The locals rave about the Barbacoa and beef tacos as well as the Burritos. Moreover, the owners are very nice with a pleasant staff as well.
Ray’s Drive Inn
822 SW 19th St, San Antonio, TX 78207
Phone: 210-432-7171
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Ray’s Drive Inn is moments away from Templo Bethel Assembly of God. As the name suggests, be prepared to eat in your car as there is no place to dine in. However, once you get your tacos, it won’t matter where you take them because you’ll enjoy them all the same wherever you go! As of late, the Puffy Taco has been receiving amazing reviews and for good reason too; the food is simply delicious. The texture is delightful and the flavors are well developed. If you’re near Ray’s Drive Inn, their Chalupas are a good place to start.
Chelas Taco
3420 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone: 210-267-1511
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Chelas Taco is kind of off in a remote location down the street from Burger Boy. Chelas Taco has a great ambiance with a beautiful interior. What’s more, they even have a taco truck to deliver tasty tacos around the city. It has to be said…Chelas Taco is another hidden gem! This restaurant has an extensive menu, and they serve many delicious dishes other than tacos. I had the scrumptious tortilla soup and Huarache. Both of these items I recommend to anyone with the utmost confidence. If you’re looking for a good taco, Chelas Taco will not disappoint.
Henry’s Puffy Taco
6030 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78238
Phone: 210-647-8339
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You’ll find Henry’s Tacos near the San Antonio Aquarium, right by the Connally Loop highway system. The atmosphere is casual, and they also have a full-service bar. It’s a cozy, modestly decorated restaurant, but they focus on bringing quality food using the freshest ingredients. Using recipes handed down for generations, you get an authentic taste of Mexican cuisine with love. Their famous puffy taco has been a community favorite for decades, and the Tex-Mex flavors will keep you coming back for more. The sauces are made from scratch (yes, all of them), and the tender, juicy meats are packed with flavor. My favorite dishes were the Grilled Shrimp Tacos and the Chicken Enchiladas.
Tacos N Salsa
5123 N Loop 1604 W, San Antonio, TX 78249
Phone: 210-408-7878
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Tacos N Salsa is a contemporary Mexican cafe that you can order via drive-thru or in the dining room. It’s a family-oriented and small restaurant in the shopping center. The proximity of the tables makes it feel more like you’re a part of a community when enjoying their delicious tacos. All food is made-to-order, which keeps the food hot and fresh upon arrival. All of their salsas and tortillas are homemade, and the servers are attentive to make sure you enjoy your experience. As a bonus, all dine-in customers get free chips and salsa. They serve breakfast tacos as well, such as the Chorizo and Potato taco, or for lunch, try their Beef Fajitas. Don’t forget the Queso!
Little Taco Factory
1510 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone: 210-227-5657
One of the best San Antonio taco places is the Little Taco Factory near San Antonio College. The staff is friendly, the customer service is always spot on, and the atmosphere is laid-back. It’s an establishment that’s decorated with some traditional Mexican decor, but overall, simplicity was the goal. I stopped here on my trip to San Antonio because the reviews said that LTC had some of the best barbacoa in town. The Sweet Tea is also delightful, and the servers keep your cup filled. They seem to get a lot of college students that enjoy their breakfast and lunch tacos. I recommend the Carne Asada with Cheese or any of their burritos with the light and tasty flour tortillas made by hand.
Taqueria El Trombo
7863 Callaghan Rd Suite 108, San Antonio, TX 78229
Phone: 210-626-8032
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The Plazas at Callaghan is home to Taqueria El Trombo, a genuine Mexican restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You also have the option to order online for your convenience. Taqueria El Trombo uses the highest quality ingredients and the staff was great at making recommendations on the menu. In my opinion, the El Trompo Taco with pastor mix, Asada, cheese, and country sausage, is the best item on the menu. The meat is seasoned so perfectly and the tortilla was light and crispy. I’d also recommend the Breakfast Burger which is the perfect pick me up in the morning on your way to work or school.
Taco House
6307 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78216
Phone: 210-341-3136
The Taco House is in North Shearer Hills, a quiet neighborhood with numerous shops along the road. The decor is straightforward, but the star of the show is the excellent cooking. There are a lot of options on the menu, and the staff offers top-tier service. The reviews point out that the Chorizo and Eggs are a tasty breakfast choice. The tacos come packed with well-seasoned meat and toppings, and the meat in the beef fajitas is very tender and delicious. One of their most popular items is the Carne De Puerco en Chile Colorado.
Taqueria Datapoint
4063 Medical Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229
Phone: 210-975-8495
The Taqueria Datapoint is a small and cherry cafe in a traditional Mexican home-style setting near the Nexus Recording studio. This restaurant used to be in a building near Fair Haven, but it has since transformed into a food truck that changes its location between Fair Haven and Garden Dale. Aside from the delicious tacos, one of the best aspects of this taco joint is the all-day breakfast. Everything is cooked fresh on the spot, and locals line up early to get a taste. The operators are friendly and happy to serve the community. My favorite dishes were the Asado Enchilada Plate, the Mini Taquitos, and their famous Chips and Salsa.
Torchys Tacos
17627 La Cantera Pkwy #105, San Antonio, TX 78257
Phone: 210-424-3151
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Torchy’s Tacos, located inside The Rim shopping mall, brings great service in an inviting environment. This food chain comes up with creative ways to make traditional Mexican street food. The upbeat vibes make for an enjoyable experience and a good occasion to gather with friends and family. They have excellent coffee, margaritas, and happy hour specials. The breakfast there is good too, and the salads have a lot of interesting ingredients that pair well together. The Fried Avocado, Street Corn, and Queso are at the top of my list, but one of the best sellers is the Trailer Park. It has panko-battered chicken tenders, green Chile queso, crispy bacon, diablo wing sauce, blue cheese crumbles, poblano ranch slaw, and a little drizzle of honey. It comes on their famous handmade flour tortilla.
Carnitas Lonja
1107 Roosevelt Ave, San Antonio, TX 78210
Phone: 210-455-2105
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Don’t miss out on visiting Carnitas Lonja near Denver Heights and Highland Park, on the Southside of San Antonio. The atmosphere is very festive, further illustrated by the outdoor seating area with colorful streamers and picnic tables. Kids seem to love the decor and appreciate sitting in a setting similar to a park. The service is superior, and the staff is known for helping you pick from their most notable dishes. Carnitas Lonja specializes in creating the traditional meals from Michoacán, Carnitas, using the freshest ingredients and herbs. I really enjoyed the Quesadilla with Oaxaca cheese, salsa, pickled onion, and pico de gallo.
The Jerk Shack
117 Matyear St, San Antonio, TX 78237
Phone: 210-776-7780
The Jerk Shack is a Jamaican restaurant near Apache Creek Linear Park. They offer great service, generous portions sizes, excellent drinks, and everything is made with care by hand. The decor is nothing fancy, but you can’t miss the bright red paint and the electric yellow sign. The ingredients were fresh, and I hadn’t tried bonafide Jamaican food in a long time. I tried a lot of dishes that I’d never heard of, but they were all tasty. The Coconut Shrimp and Curry Chicken are local favorites, and the Coco Bread was the best dessert on the menu.
