Houston's taco scene is legendary. As the most diverse city in America, we're blessed with an incredible variety of authentic Mexican tacos - from humble street vendors to upscale taco temples. But what makes a truly great taco? Let me share what I've learned from 20 years of making tacos at MEXICANO.
What Makes Houston Tacos Special?
Houston's proximity to Mexico and its large Mexican-American population means you'll find some of the most authentic tacos outside of Mexico City. Unlike watered-down versions found elsewhere, Houston taquerias serve the real deal - soft corn tortillas, properly seasoned meats, and traditional toppings like cilantro, onion, and fresh lime.
The city's diversity also means you'll find regional specialties from all over Mexico - Oaxacan tlayudas, Baja fish tacos, Sonoran carne asada, and of course, the beloved breakfast taco that Texas has claimed as its own.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Taco
Before we dive into where to find the best tacos, let's break down what separates a great taco from an ordinary one:
The Tortilla
This is the foundation. The best tacos start with fresh, handmade corn tortillas - slightly charred on the comal, soft but sturdy enough to hold the filling. At MEXICANO, we make our tortillas fresh every day using stone-ground masa.
The Meat (or Filling)
Whether it's carne asada, carnitas, pastor, or barbacoa - the protein should be the star. Look for places that take time to properly marinate and cook their meats. The best carnitas are slow-cooked for hours until they're perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside.
The Toppings
Simple is better. Traditional street tacos need nothing more than:
- Fresh cilantro
- Finely diced white onion
- A squeeze of lime
- Salsa verde or roja
Top Taco Styles You'll Find in Houston
1. Tacos al Pastor
Perhaps the most beloved taco in Mexico, al pastor features marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit (trompo), similar to shawarma. The meat is shaved directly onto tortillas and topped with pineapple, cilantro, and onion. The best al pastor has crispy edges and a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
2. Carne Asada Tacos
Simple and classic - grilled beef (usually skirt steak) with that perfect char. At MEXICANO, we marinate our carne asada for 24 hours in a blend of citrus, garlic, and Mexican spices before grilling over high heat.
3. Carnitas Tacos
These slow-cooked pork tacos are all about texture. The best carnitas are braised for hours until they're fall-apart tender, then crisped up on a hot griddle. Look for that perfect combination of crispy bits and juicy meat.
4. Birria Tacos
The viral sensation that took Houston by storm! These tacos feature slow-braised beef in a rich, chile-infused consommé. The tortillas are dipped in the fat and griddled until crispy, then filled with the tender meat and served with the consommé for dipping.
5. Fish Tacos
Baja-style fish tacos feature beer-battered or grilled fish, creamy sauce, cabbage slaw, and lime. Light, fresh, and perfect for Houston's warm weather.
Houston's Best Taco Neighborhoods
Hillcroft/Gulfton Area
This is Houston's taco ground zero. The Hillcroft corridor is home to dozens of authentic taquerias serving every style imaginable. You'll find everything from street-side vendors to family-run restaurants that have been serving the community for generations. MEXICANO is proud to call this neighborhood home at 9804 Hillcroft Ave.
Navigation District/East End
The historic heart of Houston's Mexican-American community, the Navigation area offers some of the city's oldest and most traditional taquerias. Weekend mornings here are a feast of barbacoa, menudo, and breakfast tacos.
Washington Avenue Corridor
For a more modern taco experience, Washington Ave offers upscale taquerias with creative interpretations of classic recipes. Great for date nights or when you want something a bit different.
Taco Tips from a Chef
After decades in the kitchen, here are my insider tips for getting the best taco experience:
Pro Tips
- Order in multiples: Tacos are meant to be eaten 3-4 at a time. Order different varieties to sample the range.
- Ask for corn tortillas: Flour tortillas have their place (breakfast tacos!), but authentic street tacos are always corn.
- Try the salsa bar: Most taquerias have multiple salsas - try them all! Start with verde (usually milder) before trying the darker, spicier options.
- Eat immediately: Tacos are not to-go food. The best experience is eating them as soon as they hit your plate.
- Don't fear the tongue: Lengua (beef tongue) is incredibly tender and flavorful. If you see it on the menu, try it!
Try Our Tacos at MEXICANO
At MEXICANO, we're committed to making the best tacos in Houston. Our recipes have been passed down through three generations, and we use only the freshest ingredients - hand-pressed tortillas, house-made salsas, and meats prepared with traditional techniques.
Whether you're craving classic street tacos, sizzling fajita tacos, or our famous birria, we've got something for every taco lover. Stop by our location on Hillcroft Ave and taste for yourself why Houston loves MEXICANO.
Ready to Taste the Best Tacos in Houston?
Visit MEXICANO today and discover authentic Mexican tacos made with love and tradition.