There are a lot of things you can get sick of: instant coffee, canned soup, relatives....
But tacos? Tacos are not one of them. Whether they come to us by way of wheels or waiter, in flour or corn tortillas, with savory meats or sauteed veggies, it seems our taste buds never tire of a well-made taco. With so many options around the Valley, it's hard to know where to start. Which is why we narrowed it down to the 10 best tacos in metro Phoenix.
See also: 7 Best Sports Bars for Food and Drink in Metro Phoenix
Nopales and longaniza taco from El Tlacoyo
El Tlacoyo's hours don't make it easy. For the majority of the week, they're only open four hours a day and certain specialty items are only offered on weekends. But if you coordinate you schedules, make the drive, and order the nopales and longaniza taco, you, dear friends, will not be disappointed. Sausage and cactus come together in a corn tortilla to deliver a flavor unlike anything else we've experienced in town. It starts out sweet and savory but before you know it, your tongue is on fire. (In the good way, of course.)
Taco de papa from La Tolteca
For hungry downtown-ers, La Tolteca is one-stop shopping. The Mexican market that doubles as a panadera and carnicera also acts as a restaurant, serving up a wide selection of your south-of-the-border favorites, including a lesser-seen menu item: the taco de papa. Another vegetarian friendly fair, the taco de papa features potato, lettuce, cheese, salsa, and sour cream, served in a hard shell taco. Think of it as the Mexican equivalent of the baked potato.
Veggie tacos from Otro Cafe
Vegetarians, rejoice! There's a place in town that actually knows how to make a decent meat-free taco. Did we say "decent?" We meant delicious. Honestly, this taco could convert even the most committed carnivores with its sauteed selection of seasonal produce cooked to the perfect degree of taste and texture. Think of it as the best salad you ever ate, in disguise.
Carnitas taco fromLa Frontera Comida Mexicana
When you visit La Frontera, remember to bring two things: your money and your appetite. This cash-only food truck feature a pretty extensive menu for a restaurant on wheels and half-way through your ordering you'll find yourself wishing you had withdrawn more from the ATM down the street. If funds are low, we recommend starting with the carnitas taco. Simple yet savory, this shredded pork taco topped with onions and cilantro comes with red and green salsa plus a lime wedge, roasted pepper, and cucumber slice on the side. Pimp it out or put it in your mouth as is. Either way, you won't be disappointed.
Barbacoa tacos fromAsadero Norte De Sonora
We used to the think the best thing at Asadero Norte De Sonora was the rotisserie roasted chicken burrito. That was until we tried the barbacoa taco. Written on the English language menu as "Barbecue" taco (blame Google Translate) this meaty taco comes with sides of salsa, cucumber and toppings of onions and cilantro. Don't be fooled, this street-style taco may look small, but thanks to the amount of juices dripping out, it's best to eat it with two hands and a generous helping of napkins.
Al pastor taco from Taco Mich
Good news, night owls. Your late night taco cravings have been met. Taco Mich may not look like much on the outside (or the inside for that matter) but it keeps its door open all night on Fridays and Saturdays, serving up dishes like the al pastor taco. Best ordered in pairs, the al pastor taco features sweet meats in a corn tortilla topped onions, cilantro, and bits of pineapple. Forget Denny's. This is your new after-hours dining spot.
Oaxaca black mole chicken taco from La Santisima
Ironically enough our favorite taco from La Santisima is one that doesn't need any help from the extensive salsa we love so much. The Oaxaca black mole chicken taco is served on corn tortillas and topped with slivers of red onion. Many Valley established have attempted to produce good mole, but none have mastered it the way La Santisima has. Don't believe us? Try it for yourself. You can thank us later.
Chicken taco from Taqueria Yaqui
If you've seen the long line of people standing outside the Taqueria Yaqui truck late at night, we have news for you. These people aren't crazy. They just know a good taco when they taste it. Funny enough, the behemoth food truck keeps the menu simple and offers two types of tacos: pollo and carne asada. Although we personally gravitate toward the chicken, at roughly a dollar apiece, we recommend ordering both and taste testing for yourself.
Fish taco from Restaurant Atoyac Estilo Oaxaca
Take one bite of the battered fish taco, you'll know that the Restaurant Atoyac Estilo Oaxaca, formerly Tacos Atoyac, has still got it. The no-frills north Phoenix restaurant serves its seafood specialty on a flour tortilla with shredded cabbage and spicy crema. Tangy, spicy, creamy, crunchy -- it's a winning balance of both flavor and texture.
Carne asada taco from Ta'Carbon
Maybe it's the fact that Ta'Carbon used 100 percent certified Angus beef or maybe it's because they offer a build-your-own-taco toppings bar with fresh condiments like salsa, cilantro, peppers, pico de gallo, and onions, but there's just something about this west Phoenix establishment that leaves the carne asada tacos of other restaurants in the dust. Here, customers order at the counter and pay when they're done eating because by now the restaurant knows that, for most people, one taco is never enough.
