Yelp’s Top 100 Taco Spots in America

Yelp’s Top 100 Taco Spots in America

Get Yelp’s Top 100 Tacos list on your mobile device. Follow the collection.

How do you like your tacos? Corn or flour tortillas? Beef, pork, fish, or veggies? With spicy red salsa or tangy salsa verde? Plain and simple or con todos (with everything) like cilantro, onion, salsa, and crema? 

Tacos are so popular in the US, they’re considered an American comfort food alongside pizza, hamburgers, and hot dogs. You can get tacos traditional Mexican style (filled with carnitas and carne asada), or more modern versions filled with Korean BBQ chicken, beer-battered cod, or just about anything you can stuff inside a tortilla. 

In honor of National Taco Day—and accounting for the wide range of taco tastes in this country—we’ve curated the top taco spots across the US, based on your ratings and reviews. You led us to some of the most popular restaurants, taco trucks, taquerias, and cantinas, as well as hidden gems known only to local fans.

You’ll find outstanding beef birria tacos at #1 Ed Fernandez Restaurant Birrieria in San Diego, and Ensenada-style fried fish tacos at #2 Taco Nazo in Bellflower, California. In Austin, Texas, egg-cellent breakfast tacos are the thing at #4 Granny’s Tacos, and in Pensacola, Florida, #14 Taqueria El Asador draws raves for its smoky charred pollo asado grilled over Mexican mesquite charcoal.

No matter what type of tacos you prefer, there’s something for everyone on our list of the Top 100 Taco Spots in the US. And remember: National Taco Day may only happen once a year, but any day is a good day to try the top tacos in your area. 

To view the Top 100 Tacos list on your mobile device, follow the collection

Love Tacos? You Could be Yelp’s First Taco Trailblazer

Yelp has created the first-ever Taco Trail—and we’re looking for a Taco Trailblazer to visit select spots along the trail (from our Top 100 Taco list)! Get details here.  

Yelp giveaway: Free week of tacos in Central Texas

From Monday, September 26 through Friday, September 30, Yelp is giving away free tacos along the Texas Taco Trail in Austin and San Antonio.

Did your favorite taco spot make it into the top 100? Let us know on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok with #YelpTop100. We only know how good a spot is if you take the time to review it. So share your thoughts on Yelp, and maybe your favorites will be on next year’s Top 100 Taco Spots in America list! 

How we did it: This is an all-time list of the top 100 taco spots in the U.S., according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the restaurants and food categories with a large concentration of reviews mentioning “taco,” then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews mentioning “taco.” If a chain appeared on the list more than once, we only included the highest rated location. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of June 29, 2022.

1. Ed Fernandez Restaurant Birrieria, San Diego, California

01_fernandez-restaurant-san-diego-Taco-de-Birria
Taco de Birria

Birria, a flavorful Mexican stew made with regional chilis and spices, may be the latest taco filling sweeping America, but Ed Fernandez Restaurant Birrieria has been ladling the juicy, flavorful meat onto handmade tortillas since 2005. “There was no birria here back [then]—no one had it,” says co-owner Jose Fernandez, a Mexico City native whose tacos are now considered “the best in San Diego.” He says, “I wanted to do something different.”

Although each Mexican region has its own version of the popular street food (goat in Jalisco, beef in Tijuana), Jose insists that the Fernandezes’ birria is unique. It features slow-stewed beef simmered with California chilis and smoky guajillo (another type of chili pepper), a “potent” hot salsa, and a secret ingredient: love. “You can’t buy [that] in the store,” says Jose. “You either have it or you don’t.”

You can order traditional birria in a steaming hot bowl with 6 warm tortillas. Or you can enjoy the latest food trend and order tacos stuffed with birria and cheese, then crisped on the outside and served with consommé on the side for dipping.  

What they’re known for: The Quesataco Extremo, a signature birria taco and fan fave, features handmade tortillas filled with a hefty helping of birria, cheese, onion, and cilantro. Top it with the special house hot sauce. 

Yelpers say: “Good god, so amazing. That’s all I can say without drooling. Best birria I’ve had in San Diego. Super fresh, super affordable. Love the aqua frescas, and their hot sauce is amazing.” —Nicole C. 

Find more great taco spots in San Diego. 

2. Taco Nazo, Bellflower, California

Original Fish Tacos

Taco Nazo specializes in fish tacos that are so fresh, “you feel like you’re on the beach in Baja.” Yelpers and locals line up for their “World Famous Fish Taco”—a battered white filet fried until GBD (golden, brown, and delicious), then topped with crunchy cabbage, fresh pico de gallo, and a drizzle of creamy secret sauce. A squeeze of lime on top is requisite, as is a side of spicy roasted blistered chile guero (a yellowish-green, mild-to-moderate chili pepper). “We fry in small batches so you’re getting it fresh out of the fryer,” says Jeric Rivera, operations director at Taco Nazo. 

Taco Nazo started as a lunch truck in 1978 by Maria and Gilberto Romero and has grown to six brick-and-mortar locations throughout Southern California. The original is located in La Puente, but the Bellflower location is equally popular. 

What they’re known for: Ensenada-style seafood, specifically the “World Famous” fried fish and shrimp tacos topped with crunchy cabbage, fresh pico-de-gallo, and a drizzle of secret sauce. Battered shrimp taco, grilled mahi taco, zesty ceviches, and seafood cocktails are also worth a visit.  

Yelpers say: “I live in San Diego, but my husband and I drive all the way up here for the best fish tacos we’ve ever tasted—the best beans, the best rice, the best service. These definitely stand out. The crema sets itself apart from all the other creams you’ve ever tried. We try to come up here every few months. Just can’t fight that best taco craving sometimes!” —Christina M.

Find more great taco spots in Los Angeles. 

3. Taqueria Mi Ranchito, Sylmar, California

Al Pastor Tacos

For the best tacos in the San Fernando Valley, head over to this tiny cash-only food truck near Santa Clarita. Yelpers swear by the made-to-order corn tortillas topped with heaping portions of meat—anything from carnitas (pulled pork) to cabeza (head meat). But it’s the carne asada that earns raves, seasoned ever so simply. “If the meat is good and has flavor, you just need a bit of salt,” according to owner Jesus Ledesma, who sources top-quality chuck roll for his carne asada (grilled and sliced beef). 

In addition to typical toppings—onions, cilantro, sliced radishes, and grilled onions—you also have a choice of three housemade salsas: a spicy green tomatillo-based salsa, a creamy light-green avocado-based salsa, and a fiery orange salsa that gets its heat from arbol chiles (a Yelper fave). Jesus recommends a combination of all three on his carne asada tacos.

When asked why people love Taqueria Mi Ranchito so much, Jesus says, “I take care of my people, I take care of my employees, and I take care of my customers.”

What they’re known for: Carne asada and al pastor tacos on handmade tortillas with fresh, made-from-scratch salsas. 

Yelpers say: “Wow! Craving tacos, I went to my trusty Yelp app and found this truck. There were 419 reviews and 5 stars. These reviews are spot on. This place is awesome! I bought a bunch of asada and pastor tacos for the family. The asada tacos were super tender and packed with flavor. The pastor…get out of town! If you get the chance to stop by, I guarantee you will become a fanatic! Hats off to the owner of this truck! You da man!” —Rick M.

Find more great taco spots in the San Fernando Valley. 

4. Granny’s Tacos, Austin, Texas

Abuela Taco

Fact: Austinites are huge fans of breakfast tacos. Deep in the heart of Texas, the top spot for this favorite meal is Granny’s taco truck on the Eastside. Mother-and-son owners Maria Rios Vega and Rey Hernandez dole out egg-centric varieties, like the popular Machaca Taco with shredded steak, eggs, pico de gallo, melted cheese, and creamy avocado on freshly pressed flour tortillas; the Migas Taco with corn chips thrown into the toppings mix; and the Abuela Taco stuffed with marinated shredded pork. 

“All the recipes come from my mom, grandma, and great grandmother,” says Rey. “It’s generation after generation of recipes from Guanajuato, Mexico.” 

What they’re known for: Don’t miss the chilaquiles tacos (also known as “soggy tacos”) filled with your choice of protein, egg, chopped onion, jalapenos, sour cream, and melted queso (cheese). Then smothered in your choice of sauce: light green, a spicier red, or an earthier and slightly sweet mole. The whole thing is a textural wonder—some bites are crunchy, some slightly soggy, but all equally delicious.  

Yelpers say: “RUN, DON’T WALK! The tacos here are filling and well worth your money. We loved them so much that we returned for our last meal of our trip. All of the [tacos] were out of this world. Do not miss Granny’s on your next breakfast/taco craving. Obsessed.” —Diana M. 

Find more great taco spots in Austin. 

5. Los Tacos No.1, New York, New York

Steak Tacos

The best thing about Los Tacos No.1—besides the tacos, of course—is the experience. Prepare to be transported to the streets of Tijuana, while in New York’s Chelsea Market (or 4 other locations in the city). 

Started in 2017 by three friends who craved an authentic Mexican-style taco in NYC, this busy storefront lists just 10 items on its compact menu, all developed from owners’ family recipes. One LA-expat Yelper claimed that “NYC has redeemed itself in the Mexican taco game.”

Yelpers rave about the adobada, spit-roasted pork marinated in a bright red adobo sauce that’s sliced super thin. You can order it right off the trompo (rotating spit) from a friendly taquero dressed in a red apron and white hat. It comes with a choice of corn or flour tortilla (the flour ones are made the traditional way (with lard) for the richest flavor and softest consistency). They’ll ask if you want it “con todo” (with everything). “Do yourself a favor and just say yes,” advises one Yelper.

What they’re known for: Tijuana-style tacos, quesadillas, and mulas (a quesadilla with meat instead of cheese) featuring steak and other proteins of choice on handmade tortillas with onions, cilantro, salsa, and creamy guacamole. The carne asada is tops among Yelpers.

Yelpers say: “Easily some of the best tacos I’ve ever eaten. Probably the best tacos in Midtown. Get there before 1pm on weekdays because it will get hectic. Delicious. Delicious. Delicious. I’m already dreaming of going back during my lunch break. Don’t walk, run.” —Sha S.

Find more great taco spots in New York City. 

6. Tacos Sinaloa, Oakland, California

Carnitas Tacos

Founded as a single food truck in 1999 by Guadalupe Bueno, a Sinaloa, Mexico native, this 4-location spot has become a Bay Area favorite among taco aficionados—including NBA star Steph Curry, a certified regular. 

Fans love the carnitas tacos, which feature pork slowly cooked in its own fat until tender and juicy. The meat is then moved to a plancha (hot griddle), where it’s seared until the edges are singed, producing glorious crispy bits. It’s served on a pair of corn tortillas, topped with chopped onions, a cilantro chiffonade, and a bright, acidic, spicy salsa roja. Alternate with bites of crunchy radish or pickled jalapenos and carrots to give your palate a break before going in for another porky bite. 

“All the salsas have fresh ingredients. The tortillas come from a nearby tortilleria, and we don’t own any freezers—everything that comes out of the truck is made fresh daily,” says Marlem Bueno, Guadalupe’s daughter. 

What they’re known for: Yelper faves include spicy al pastor (pork), tender lengua (beef tongue), and a veggie mix with sauteed squash, all washed down with tasty horchata.

Yelpers say: “There’s a reason this place has so many 5-star reviews. The carnitas tacos are so absolutely ridiculously awesome. The fresh side veggies they include also provide you with a feeling that you’re…eating something healthy. Strongly recommend.” —Hannah M.

Find more great restaurants in Oakland. 

7. El Primo Tacos, Venice, California

Carne Asada Tacos

You can find incredible street tacos throughout Los Angeles—just look for taqueros slicing meat off the trompo (rotating spit) late into the night, under the lamplights. That includes El Primo Tacos near Venice Beach, where the scent of roasting meat mingles with the ocean breeze. 

These tacos are tiny but mighty 2-biters, so you can easily down 4 or 5 in one sitting. Start with the al pastor—marinated pork is sliced super-thin off the trompo directly onto the plancha, where it’s seared to perfection. Ask for some pineapple, then top the taco with your choice of condiments from the salsa bar.

What they’re known for: Small but flavor-packed street tacos for just $1 each. Bring another buck for an agua fresca.

Yelpers say: “All hail the one-dollar tacos! El Primo Tacos is the ultimate street taco experience, with its friendly workers serving up quick and delicious bites of asada, al pastor tacos, and more. What I also really liked about El Primo is how finely they chop up pineapple slices—the perfect taco toppings.” —Albert L.

Find more great taco spots in Los Angeles.

8. Bajamar Seafood & Tacos, Las Vegas, Nevada

Spicy Octopus Taco

Manny Tenorio, Beto Puchi, and Chef Jorge Ramirez were friends with a vision: They wanted to bring the tastes of Baja Mexico to Las Vegas. In 2017, they made their dreams a reality by opening Bajamar Seafood and Tacos, which serves coastal Mexican cuisine in the Nevada desert.

Their large menu features spicy aguachiles (a cousin of ceviche), tostadas topped with a bounty of undersea creatures, and tacos galore. The spicy octopus taco is a standout. “It’s something we grew up eating,” Manny says. “It’s a unique taco, and it’s our number 1 seller.”

What they’re known for: The spicy octopus taco features tender tentacles sautéed with chile de arbol (a small pepper on the high end of the heat scale). It’s served in a grilled tortilla with melted mozzarella and topped with crunchy cabbage, pico de gallo, and a smoky, creamy chipotle aioli. A squeeze of lime sends the flavor into the realm of the divine. 

Yelpers say: “Such a hidden gem! Been coming here for 2 years [for] the best seafood tacos around the area. Personal favorites are the spicy octopus taco and octopus chicharron taco. Both are just explosions of flavor—great sauce, tortillas are nice and fresh. Service makes you feel at home!” —Nicole G.

Find more great taco spots in Las Vegas.

9. Shaka Tacoz, Captain Cook, Hawaii

Pork, Chicken, and Asada Tacos

If you think fish and cheese don’t go well together, this taco truck on the western side of the Big Island is ready to prove you wrong. Owner Riley Roberts melts jack and cheddar cheeses on a white-corn tortilla, adds a piece of fresh-griddled ono seasoned with lime, then drizzles the whole combo with “shaka sauce,” featuring roasted garlic blended with chipotle chilis. “It’s a really rich and smoky sauce,” Riley says. There’s also a dash of creamy lime crema, pickled onions to brighten it all up, and lettuce for a healthy crunch.

Riley recommends punching up the flavors even further with a side of housemade mango chili hot sauce. “It’s habanero and mango combined into a nice sweet, spicy tropical sauce,” he says. “It takes it to the next level.”

What they’re known for: Delicious fish tacos with a view. Locals and visitors alike appreciate the miles of endless blue, courtesy of the South Kona coastline.

Yelpers Say: “Can’t say enough good things about this place. This was our favorite meal on the island. We had it multiple times. GET THE FISH TACOS! The mango hot sauce (it’s mild and DELICIOUS)…we got a bottle to take home!” —Ariel M.

Find more great taco spots on the Island of Hawai’i.

10. Mami Coco, Dallas, Texas

Tripa, Lengua, and Cabeza Tacos

At this small, colorful taqueria in East Dallas, you’ll find all sorts of delicious Mexican antojitos (small snacks and appetizers), including flautas, enchiladas, and sopes (thick masa cakes with a variety of toppings). But owner Gustavo De Los Rios is best known for his street tacos. 

Adventurous eaters will be especially pleased by the tacos filled with tripa (intestines), cabeza (head), ojos (eyeballs), and lengua (tongue). “The lengua meat is very soft and flavorful, tender and juicy,” Gustavo says. “It doesn’t have any fat—it’s purely meat and has a very rich flavor.” 

Top off these tacos with zesty salsa verde, which contains plenty of tomatillos and serrano peppers…or try the roja salsa, made with enough spicy chiles de arbol to turn your own lengua to fire. 

What they’re known for: Street tacos, served on corn or flour tortillas, with delicious cuts of meat and hot-hot-hot sauces, suitable for everyday or curious eaters.

Yelpers say: “THIS PLACE IS PHENOMENAL. I had a late-night craving for tacos and Mami Coco did not disappoint! The service was incredible, and you could tell the owner was really excited to share his business with new customers. Will absolutely be returning in the future for more street tacos!!” —Anna Grace M.

Find more great taco spots in Dallas.

11. De Cabeza, Chula Vista, California

Cabeza, Lengua, and Longaniza Tacos

This Southern California restaurant, less than 10 miles from the Mexican border, specializes in cabeza (head). That includes cabeza en su jugo—a regional delicacy of both Sinaloa and Sonora—a big, brothy bowl of beef head and its parts (eyes, lips, tongue), served with a side of tortillas. The flesh, fat, and collagen simmer together during cooking, resulting in a rich stew that seems to melt in your mouth.

If you want something simpler, consider the cachete (cheek) taco, which features big juicy chunks of beef cheek, chopped and placed onto a tortilla. Some pieces contain a bit of melted fat, and when they’re topped with cilantro, cebolla (onion), and a bright, acidic salsa verde, you get a harmonious bite that tastes familiar and different all at once. 

What they’re known for: Cabeza tacos. Other taco choices include beef tripe, pork belly, longaniza (spicy sausage), and—for a bit of balance—a mixed-veggie combo.

Yelpers say: “I ordered 4 tacos to try different things (cheek, pastor, tripe, pork belly). So fantastic. I was full, but [decided to] order another one. And after 5 tacos, [my friends and I shared] flan and a crepe. Everything was amazing. Definitely need to come back again!” —Natalie S.

Find more great taco spots in and around Chula Vista.

12. Deckhand Dave’s Fish Tacos, Juneau, Alaska

Halibut Tacos

The fish options are endless at Deckhand Dave’s Fish Tacos, a food truck in downtown Juneau. Owner David McCasland used to work in commercial fishing, and it shows in the fresh, local ingredients he uses. “I grew up in Alaska eating all this stuff—salmon, halibut, rockfish,” he says. “Being out here, having it fresh at my fingertips, helped me figure out what I wanted to do.” 

His most popular taco features panko-breaded salmon tenders, topped with a bright red cabbage slaw, fresh pico de gallo, cilantro, and mild avocado or spicy lime-chipotle crema. But customers also enjoy beer-battered rockfish or halibut—depending on what’s in season. McCasland pours Alaskan Amber beer in the batter mix for a craggily crispy crust. If you want big flavors without frying, order a grilled or blackened rockfish taco.

What they’re known for: Sustainably caught Alaskan seafood. The 3 Fish Sampler Tacos will satisfy even the greatest hunger pangs—especially when paired with “Dirty Fries” smothered in both varieties of crema.

Yelpers say: “The fish tacos were all delicious! I got the 3 Fish Sampler and they were all lightly battered, moist, and not greasy at all. I’ve never had a salmon fish taco before but it was definitely my favorite! The batter was crispy and the sauces were perfect! Finally, the service was great!” —Mike O.

Find more great taco spots in Juneau.

13.  Jazzy’s Kitchen, Kihei, Maui, Hawaii  

Al Pastor, Fish, and Shrimp Tacos

Whether you’re vacationing in Maui or lucky enough to call the island home, visiting Jazzy’s Kitchen is a must on a sun-drenched day. You’ll find tacos loaded with all sorts of fillings, like pork al pastor, chorizo, or steak. But it’s the popular seafood options—including perfectly seasoned fish or shrimp topped with a spicy, sweet mango salsa—that keep customers coming back to this beachy food truck.

Save room for dessert—the creamy caramel flan is a hit. Or try their version of classic Hawaiian shaved ice: A mountain of snow-soft, fluffy ice is drizzled with sweet syrups, like strawberry, watermelon, pineapple, mango, and colorful combos.

What they’re known for: Jazzy’s has a sign that says “Best Fish Tacos,” and customers agree. 

Yelpers say: “To say that their fish tacos were AMAZING is not nearly enough of a compliment. Wow, we’ve had fish tacos from many places, but this is hands down THE BEST! The seasoning was perfect, and the sauce was zesty with a slight kick to it. This is a MUST DO food truck if you are anywhere near Makena Beach.” —Robert W. 

Find more great taco spots on Maui.

14. Taqueria El Asador, Pensacola, Florida  

Tacos Supreme

There’s something special about grilling meats over charcoal—any meat enthusiast will tell you. And mesquite charcoal imported from Mexico infuses “an authentic, smoky flavor” into the meat at Taqueria El Asador, according to Alexandra Garcia, who helps run the taqueria with her father Rive Garcia.

Carne asada is the crowd-pleaser here, and the pollo asado shouldn’t be missed either. Aside from mesquite charcoal, Taqueria El Asador’s proprietary spice blend—dusted onto meaty morsels before they hit the grill—gives each bite an extra oomph. Pro tip: buy a spice blend to-go. 

We recommend visiting on Taco Tuesday, when you’ll pay just $6 for 3 tacos. Or spend a bit more for “Supreme” tacos, which are loaded up with extras such as queso fresco and sliced avocado.

What they’re known for: Expertly smoky grilled meats infused with the flavor of mesquite wood. Pollo asado and carne asada tacos are two favorites.

Yelpers say: “Absolute best tacos i’ve ever had! I eat here at least once a week. The workers here are so kind, and they make the food really quick. Everything is made fresh and it shows!” —Alex E.

Find more great restaurants in Pensacola.

15. Mariscos Mi Gusto Es, San Diego, California

Shrimp Tacos

This bright blue taco truck in Chula Vista cooks up just about every edible sea creature you can think of, and those in-the-know make a multi-course meal out of it. 

Before you get to the tacos (fish and shrimp are most popular, fried or griddled on the plancha), start with a half-dozen ostiones (oysters) spritzed with a squeeze of lime. Then move on to a tostada topped with pulpo (octopus), and perhaps a bright green aguachile, a ceviche-like dish traditionally made with shrimp, sliced cucumber, and onion, submerged in a bath of lime juice, chili peppers, salt, and cilantro.  

Save room for the surf and turf fries: a messy mix of French fries covered with cheese, avocado, griddled shrimp, and carne asada doused in a spicy special sauce. 

What they’re known for: Crispy fried shrimp tacos. Fish tacos are a hit, as well.

Yelpers say: “Just wow! Best seafood tacos I’ve ever tried. Mariscos tacos (seafood mix tacos) is a must-try. The garlic shrimp tacos, and the Marlin tacos are also fire!!! They have a variety of sauces, and the truck owners are super nice and welcoming. This is now my go-to taco spot.” —Kevin Thanh T.

Find more great restaurants in San Diego. 

16. Street Tacos and Grill, Los Angeles, California 

Carne Asada Tacos

It feels special when taquerias make tortillas from scratch, and Street Tacos and Grill in Boyle Heights starts things off right with handmade 5-inch tortillas made in-house from fresh masa (ground corn). The taqueria also sells these tortillas packaged, which you should absolutely consider taking home.

Exceptional taco offerings include carne asada and pollo asado for carnivores. Vegetarians rejoice in the potato taco featuring chunks of fluffy spuds, seared til crispy on the outside. With a few slices of grilled zucchini and avocado salsa on top, these hefty tacos are enough to satisfy anyone. 

What they’re known for: Grilled street tacos on freshly pressed and grilled corn tortillas. Vegetarians love the papa (potato) taco.

Yelpers say: “I would rate this place 10 stars if I could. Quick, absolutely delicious tacos, and sidewalk charm. I eat here whenever I can.” —Brienna M.

Find more great taco spots in Los Angeles.

17. Tacos Jalisco, Key Largo, Florida 

Fish Tacos

Fresh-caught fish is the key to this Key Largo taco truck’s success. People line up for its “simple, fresh, and flavorful” fish tacos, according to Taimary Ruiz, who started the tiny red taco truck with her husband Joel Chairez and business partner Jesus 5 years ago, before expanding to a second location.

Yellowtail and mahi-mahi are Yelper favorites—seared and blackened on a plancha, then served on a homemade corn tortilla topped with red cabbage, pico de gallo, and creamy spicy baja sauce. Wash it down with an ice-cold cup of lightly sweetened cinnamon-y horchata before heading back to the beach. 

What they’re known for: Fresh fish tacos made on handmade corn tortillas.The lightly fried shrimp tacos, also covered with pico de gallo and crema sauce, are another Yelper fave. 

Yelpers say: “One of the best restaurants in Key Largo. Definitely get the fish tacos. Best-thing-I-ever-ate status. The aguas frescas/juices are also fire.” —Cristin R.

Find more great taco spots in Key Largo.

18. Tranky’s Tacos, Garland, Texas 

Fish Tacos

Named for Chef-Owner Jose “Lupe” Barrera’s father-in-law, Tranky’s Tacos is the culmination of Barrera’s long history in various kitchens. “I’ve been cooking since I was 16,” he says. “I worked in lots of chains, but opening a restaurant was always one of my priorities.” In 2016, Barrera struck out on his own in Garland, soon to helm one of the top taco joints in the nation. 

The taqueria offers a variety of street tacos, but fish is the best-seller. Wild-caught Alaskan cod is battered in a golden ale before being fried until crispy on the outside, flakey on the inside. It’s folded into stone-ground corn tortillas sourced from a nearby maker, then topped with pico de gallo, cilantro, and a smoky spicy chipotle crema.

What they’re known for: Beer-battered fish tacos, 3 per order, as well as the street tacos with your choice of protein filling—brisket is a fan favorite. 

Yelpers say: “Our first time coming here & we absolutely loved it. The tacos were delicious. You have to try the fish tacos!! I’ve never liked fish tacos until today. Everything is so fresh, down to the salsa. The queso was very good as well. The guys were very professional & polite! Definitely will go back to this place. —Anna G.

Find more great taco spots in Dallas.

19. El Chile Toreado, Santa Fe, New Mexico 

Taco Combo (beef, chicken, pork, and veggie)

There’s almost always a line for street tacos at this iconic Santa Fe food truck.  Loaded with a variety of meat and vegetable fillings and topped with crunchy green cabbage, pickled onions, spicy cilantro-based creamy salsa, and optional chile toreado (the ultra-spicy roasted Jalapeno that lends its name to the business), these tacos pack a fiery and flavorful punch that customers crave.

El Chile Toreado is the brainchild of Luis Medina, who launched his first food cart (selling hot dogs) in Los Angeles after immigrating to the US 30 years ago. He eventually moved his family to Santa Fe in 2003, where El Chile Toreado took off. It has risen to new heights with help from his daughter Berenice, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu culinary school.

What they’re known for: Street tacos, 4 to a plate. Carnitas and carne asada are popular, as are cueritos (pork rinds) in green sauce and barbacoa (barbecue) made with shredded beef cheek.

Yelpers say: “I’ve never had better marinated meat or fresher salsas. The food is so fresh and flavorful. Although this is a taco truck, it’s the best Mexican food in town. The carne asada quesadilla will make you cry. El pastor breakfast tacos with the green salsa and fixings are my go to, and that carnitas burrito…oh man…just go.” —Kelly B.

Find more great taco spots in Santa Fe.

20. Birrieria Little Tijuana, Riverside, California

Birria Tacos

With only one thing on the menu at Birrieria Little Tijuana, this spot for Tijuana-style beef birria does that one thing especially well. This unassuming strip mall eatery stews beef until tender in the classic bright red birria broth infused with smoky guajillo chilies. Then, they dish it out in many forms: a traditional stew (“orden de birria”), in tacos, tortas, burritos, or as ramen (“birria ramen”).

Or you can join the latest social media craze and have it ladeled into a quesabirria (a cross between a taco and a quesadilla) with a cup of consommé on the side for delicious, messy dipping.

What they’re known for: Beef birria served in many forms: tacos, tortas, burritos, quesabirria, fries, nachos, sandwiches, and even ramen. 

Yelpers say: “Apparently ‘best birria I’ve ever had’ isn’t enough characters for a review, but that’s really the bottom line. Birria tacos with consommé were amazing, service was friendly, and the food came out fast. Didn’t need a 3rd taco, but I ordered another AND a to-go order because it was that good.” —Christopher B.

Find more great restaurants in Riverside.

Check out the rest of Yelp’s Top 100 taco spots, and remember to let us know what you think by tagging us on social media with #YelpTop100.

21. Cocina Madrigal, Phoenix, Arizona

22. Edgewater Tacos, Chicago, Illinois

23. Chicali Tacos, Las Vegas, Nevada

24. Tacos Aya Yay, Lafayette, Colorado

25. La Bamba Mexican Grill Restaurant, El Mirage, Arizona

26. Taqueria Pollo Asado, Lynnwood, Washington

27. Tlaolli, Indianapolis, Indiana

28. Del Seoul, Chicago, Illinois

29. Str8 Up Tacos, Lakewood, California

30. Porque No? Tacos, San Leandro, California

31. Kiss Pollos Estilo Sinaloa, Phoenix, Arizona

32. Guerra’s Krazy Taco, Springfield, Ohio

33. Tacos Del Chavo, Kennesaw, Georgia

34. SoyMexican Veggie–Vegan Eatery, Las Vegas, Nevada

35. Frogtowns Gourmet Tacos, Los Angeles, California

36. El Gallo Giro Taco Truck, San Francisco, California

37. Xicamiti La Taquería Bistro, Golden, Colorado

38. Tacos La Pasadita, Green River, Utah

39. Dos Mundos, Newberg, Oregon

40. Tacos Y Mariscos Las Islitas, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii

41. Tacos El Gordo, Chula Vista, California

42. TaquerEATa, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii

43. Tacos Los Panchos, Fillmore, Utah

44. Tacos El Chilango Food Truck, Arlington, Virginia

45. Fish Company Taco, Galveston, Texas 

46. TACO–BOOK Taqueria, Everett, Washington

47. Benny’s Tacos & Rotisserie Chicken, Los Angeles, California

48. Taqueria La Loma, Akron, Ohio

49. Tres Amigos, Flagstaff, Arizona

50. Birria & Barbacoa de Chivo Los Compadres, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

51. Sangria on the Burg, San Antonio, Texas

52. Tacotarian, Las Vegas, Nevada

53. Antojitos Izcalli, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

54. Cuantos Tacos, Austin, Texas

55. Birria Landia Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York

56. Taqueria Nuevo Leon, Carrollton, Texas

57. Los Mariscos, New York, New York

58. Sabrina’s West Street Kitchen, Reno, Nevada

59. Xochi, Issaquah, Washington

60. Taqueria El Amigo, Waltham, Massachusetts

61. Maciel’s Tortas and Tacos Memphis, Tennessee

62. El Super Taco, Phoenix, Arizona

63. Los Agavez Taqueria, Columbus, Ohio

64. La Lupita Taco Restaurant, Houston, Texas

65. Los Bocados, Parkland, Florida

66. Titas Taco House, Humble, Texas

67. Just Tacos and More, Phoenix, Arizona

68. Chris’ Ice Cream, Indianapolis, Indiana

69. Chino Loco Taqueria, Milford, Michigan

70. Lolis Mexican Cravings, Tampa, Florida 

71. El Cuate, Hood River, Oregon

72. La Cocina Mexican Street Food, St. George, Utah

73. Taco Culture Taco Shop, Phoenix, Arizona

74. Tacos Nayarit, Columbia, South Carolina

75. Arun’s Indian Kitchen & Taco Masala, Lauderhill, Florida

76. Slope & Hatch, Glenwood Springs, Colorado

77. La Calle Taqueria y Carnitas, Denver, Colorado 

78. El Taco Feliz, Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii

79. Yellow City Street Food, Amarillo, Texas

80. Acevedos Hawaicano Cafe, Kahului, Maui, Hawaii

81. Lane’s Quickie Tacos, Fairbanks, Alaska

82. 143 Street Tacos, Sierra Vista, Arizona

83. Tacos Doña Lena, Houston, Texas

84. The Taco King, Cypress, Texas 

85. La Plaza Supermarket, Cleveland, Ohio

86. Nanys Tacos, Williams, Arizona 

87. J Zapata, Drums, Pennsylvania 

88. Cafe Nube, Brooklyn, New York

89. Flavia’s Kitchen, Austin, Texas 

90. Taco Bamba, Falls Church, Virginia

91. Tacos Pihuamo, Bend, Oregon

92. Taco El Chingon, Bellmore, New York

93. Cinco De Mayo Taqueria, Spring, Texas

94. Quesabirria Jalisco Tacos, Chicago, Illinois

95. Las Palmas, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

96. Dos Hermanos Taco Truck, Birmingham, Alabama 

97. El Paisa, Albuquerque, New Mexico 

98. Alegria Tacos, Oakland Park, Florida 

99. La Reforma Brewery, Albuquerque, New Mexico 

100. Corazon Azteca, Kirkland, Washington