Austin is home to some of Texas’ best tacos, and with tacos on almost every corner, the city is rich with tortilla-filled marvels. Austin has one of the most dynamic taco cultures in the country, and has seen an increased number of classic styles beyond the city’s typical Tex-Mex cornucopia.
VALENTINA’S TEX MEX BBQ
Walk past picnic tables and stand and choose among the smoked meats: pork carnitas, beef fajitas, and brisket. While they’re all great, but the brisket is the star of the pitmaster’s craft—moist, deeply smoky and tender. Served in a grill-bronzed homemade flour tortilla and topped with fresh guacamole, you can add salsa to these delicious tacos at your discretion.
11500 Manchaca Rd., 512-221-4248. Daily 8 a.m. until Sold Out.
ROSITA’S AL PASTOR
Developed in Central Mexico, the chile-marinated pork knows as al pastor is cooked vertically to a perfect char, then sliced and sprinkled with diced onions and cilantro atop one of Austin’s best handmade flour tortillas. To elevate these delicious tacos, order the variation known as the “gringa”, topped with generous layers of melted queso blanco.
1911 E. Riverside Dr., 512-442-8402. Daily 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
TORCHY’S TACOS
It’s astounding – a crispy corn tortilla stuffed with green chile pork, pickled onions, guacamole, jack cheese and tomatillo salsa, then tucked inside a flour tortilla. The pork is tender, onions play off the creamy guacamole, and there’s a crunch in each bite. This taco sums up the genius of this beloved Austin-based chain: nothing succeeds like excess.
Hours vary by location, visit http://torchystacos.com/in/austin/.
Plan your Austin taco tour and book your tickets at allegiant.com.
