When it comes to tacos, Texas doesn’t hold back. With influences from traditional Mexican techniques to modern New Tejano flavors, Texas's taquerias span everything from drive-through shacks to upscale eateries, each bringing its own twist. Here’s a refined list of the top tacos you need to try, with a special shoutout to some of El Paso’s top taco innovators.

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1. Ana Liz Taqueria - Mission

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  • The Taco: Chile Relleno
  • Why It’s a Must: Winner of the 2024 James Beard Award, Ana Liz Pulido offers a stunning chile relleno taco that showcases her expertise with smoky cheese, house-made tortillas, and fresh salsas. Every bite is layered with flavor and skill.
  • Address: 215 N. Conway Ave, Mission, TX.

2. Elemi - El Paso

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  • The Taco: Conejito Pibil
  • Why It’s a Must: Elemi’s New Tejano approach blends traditional Mexican roots with Texan ingredients. Their taco with achiote-rubbed rabbit, set off by pickled onions, is unforgettable.
  • Address: 13500 Eastlake Blvd, El Paso, TX.

3. Azteca Taco House - Houston

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  • The Taco: Costillas en Salsa Verde
  • Why It’s a Must: Known for its homestyle flavors, Azteca’s tart salsa verde poured over bone-in pork ribs makes for a vibrant and comforting taco experience.
  • Address: 3801 Hopper Rd, Houston, TX.
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4. Revolver Taco Lounge - Dallas

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  • The Taco: Pulpo al Pastor
  • Why It’s a Must: Pushing the boundaries of taco cuisine, the pulpo al pastor (marinated octopus) is grilled to perfection and served on a vertical spit, adding a rich, smokey flavor to each tender bite.
  • Address: 2646 Elm St, Dallas, TX.

5. Taqueria El Tiger - El Paso


  • The Taco: Tripa y Tembloroso
  • Why It’s a Must: This taco combines traditional tripe with kimchi in a smoky morita salsa, creating a fusion of Mexican and Korean flavors that’s both inventive and grounded in New Tejano roots.
  • Address: 10167 Socorro Rd, El Paso, TX.

6. Taconeta - El Paso

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  • The Taco: Mushroom Tempura
  • Why It’s a Must: This taco is an umami-packed experience. The tempura-battered cremini mushrooms with pickled onions and salsa Goku make it a must for any veggie lover.
  • Address: 311 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX.

7. Papalo Taqueria - Houston

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  • The Taco: Zanahoria (Carrot)
  • Why It’s a Must: Crafted with roasted carrots and pepita salsa, this vegetarian taco highlights Tex-Mex ingredients with a refreshing and slightly nutty twist.
  • Address: 712 Main St, Houston, TX.

8. Stixs & Stone - San Antonio

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  • The Taco: Big Red & Barbacoa Taco Flight
  • Why It’s a Must: Infusing Big Red soda into masa and filling the tortilla with applewood-smoked beef cheek, this taco is a delicious homage to San Antonio’s culinary roots.
  • Address: 6822 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX.
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9. Maskaras Mexican Grill - Dallas

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  • The Taco: Poblano Taco
  • Why It’s a Must: Maskaras keeps it classic with a taco filled with roasted poblano peppers and creamy cheese, showcasing the Tex-Mex tradition’s heart and soul.
  • Address: 4627 Maple Ave, Dallas, TX.

10. Nixta Taqueria - Austin

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  • The Taco: Duck Carnitas
  • Why It’s a Must: Known for its innovative approach, Nixta offers a taco filled with slow-cooked duck in a corn tortilla, topped with fresh herbs, giving it a unique depth of flavor.
  • Address: 2512 E. 12th St, Austin, TX.

From El Paso’s New Tejano trailblazers to Austin’s innovative takes, each taco is a story on a tortilla, waiting to be devoured.

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