If you’ve ever Googled “taco restaurants near me” while your stomach growled, you’re not alone. The number of Americans searching for nearby restaurants to eat tacos is increasing every day. There has never been a greater demand for delicious, authentic tacos, whether you are in the sun-drenched streets or humid sidewalks of Miami. If you’re craving carne asada (or birria) or crispy fish tacos, this guide can help. It is fast, easy and near you.
Where to find the best Taco restaurant in America
Google Maps is a powerful tool that makes it easy to locate a taco restaurant near your location in the USA. Other tools include Uber Eats and DoorDash. Google’s local packs will immediately show you options near you ranked by distance, ratings, and relevance when you search for the “best taco restaurant nearby me.” If you want to narrow down the results, look at reviews, star rating, actual photos of food, as well as whether the restaurant has online ordering and delivery.
Use the “near me filter” on map apps for the closest options. Users of voice search — and the majority of Americans search on their smartphones using voice — will get results in real-time that are specific to their location.
Another powerful technique is to search by city. Searching by city name can help you find more relevant results if your area is a major metropolis. As an example:
If you type in “Taco Restaurant Near Me Los Angeles”, you’ll find restaurants in East LA, Silver Lake and Highland Park, areas known for their Mexican food culture. If you search for “Taco Restaurant Near Me Houston”, you’ll find a city that has one of the most vibrant Mexican- and Tex-Mex-dining scenes in the country. Google’s indexing of your local area will include a long list of high-rated restaurants.
What is the Difference Between Tex-Mex Tacos vs Authentic Mexican Tacos
The most common question Americans ask when looking for a Mexican restaurant near them is whether they would prefer authentic Mexican or TexMex tacos. Although both are tasty, they offer a very different experience.
Authentic Mexican Tacos are simple. A soft corn taco, a small amount of seasoned beef, diced onion, cilantro, lime juice and house-made verde salsa. All you need is a soft corn tortilla, seasoned meat, diced white onion, fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. It’s all about the quality and technique of cooking. The street tacos – often sold by taco trucks and family-run taquerias – are the purest expressions of this tradition.
Tex-Mex is a unique American version of Mexican food that originated along the Texas-Mexico Border. The tacos usually have hard shells or flour tortillas with shredded cheese, sourcream and lettuce. They are also seasoned. Taco Bell, among others, popularized this type of taco in the United States. Although it has moved away from its original roots, it still remains incredibly popular.
The ideal solution for many Americans is somewhere in-between — a Mexican restaurant that meets American expectations and tastes while respecting the Mexican culinary traditions. It’s good to know that you can find both types of food and everything between in the USA within a few hundred yards.
| Feature | Tacos Mexicanos Authenticos | Tex-Mex Tacos |
|---|---|---|
| Tortilla | Soft corn tortilla | Hard shell or large-flour tortilla |
| Meat | Carne asada, barbacoa, carnitas, al pastor | Ground beef with a seasoning, and shredded chicken |
| Toppings | Onion, cilantro, salsa verde, lime | Cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomato |
| Cheese | Rarely Used | Standard for shredded cheese |
| Origin | Central & Southern Mexico | Texas-Mexico border (USA) |
| Best Found At | Taquerias, taco trucks, family restaurants | Fast food chains, Tex-Mex diners |
Most Popular Taco Types Americans Love
In the last decade there has been a huge explosion in the variety of American tacos. Check out the types of tacos that are the most popular from coast-to-coast.
Carne Asada Tacos is the taco standard for many. The tacos, made from thinly-sliced marinated beef, are grilled to perfection over a high heat, then served with a warm tortilla. The tacos can be found in Mexican restaurants, taco trucks, and other authentic Mexican establishments throughout California, Arizona, Texas.
Birria Tacos have become a huge food trend in the United States and are not showing any signs of slowing. Birria originated in Jalisco (Mexico) and is a rich stew made traditionally with beef or goat. The birria version of tacos, in which the tortilla is dipped first into the stew consomme and then fried, has become a social media phenomenon. It is now available on menus across the country from New York up to Nevada.
Fish Tacos is a Southern California classic that has become truly national. Baja style fish tacos include fried fish in a batter, shredded cabbage and a creamy sauce. A squeeze of lime is also added. They’re lighter than other options, and have become a staple of summer at restaurants both on the coast and inland.
Chicken Tacos in Mexican Restaurants are a popular item. The chicken taco is a popular choice for any occasion. It can be grilled, shredded, marinated or even grilled.
Vegan Tacos continue to grow in popularity, as plant-based diets become more mainstream. Mexican restaurants are now offering creative plant-based dishes that are not devoid of flavor.
| Taco Type | Main Protein | Tortilla | Popularity | Best States |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carne Asada | Grilled beef | Corn | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | California, Arizona, Texas |
| Birria | Beef or goat stew | Corn (dipped). | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Nationwide |
| Fish (Baja). | Fried white fish | Corn or flour | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | California and Florida |
| Chicken | Grilled or shredded chicken | Corn or flour | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Nationwide |
| Al Pastor | Marinated pork | Corn | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Texas, Illinois, California |
| Carnitas | Slow-cooked pork | Corn | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Nationwide |
| Vegan | Cauliflower, jackfruit, black bean | Corn or flour | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | California, New York, Oregon |
Taco Delivery Options, Pick-Up and Drive-Thru Near You
Food delivery and online ordering have been a major shift in the American restaurant industry over the last few years. There are more options now than ever for those searching “tacos delivered near me” and “order tacos on the internet”.
Major delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, DoorDash and DoorDash have partnered with thousands independent taco and Mexican restaurants across the United States. Many restaurants have their own direct ordering system through their app or website, which can often mean lower fees.
In most cities and suburbs, you can find drive-thru options for tacos. If you search for “taco pickup” or “drive-thru tacos nearby”, you’ll find many options to get food without ever leaving your vehicle. This is perfect for late night cravings or lunchtime.
| Platform | Delivery Fee | Coverage | Best for | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uber Eats | $0.49 – $7.99 | Nationwide | Speed and variety | Orders scheduled in advance can be tracked real-time. |
| DoorDash | $0 – $5.99 | Nationwide | Deals & loyalty | DashPass subscription discounts |
| Restaurant Direct | Varies (often free) | Local Only | Prices at Best Value | No third-party charges |
| Drive-Thru | No fee | Chain locations | Fastest pickup | No contact, no wait |
Taco Restaurants that are Affordable in the USA
One of the greatest joys of tacos is that they don’t have to be expensive. Tacos at their core are street foods — affordable, accessible and filling. What to look for when you search for “cheap food near me” and “taco deals nearby”.
Taco trucks, small taquerias and other food carts offer the best prices. Tacos can be had for a few dollars each, and they are often comparable to the food you would get at a regular restaurant. You can also find lunch specials and daily deals at many of these places.
Other budget-friendly options include the larger fast-casual chains. Chipotle Mexican Grills, Del Tacos, and Taco Bell all offer affordable Mexican-inspired foods at accessible prices. They are available throughout the United States. These fast food chains deliver a satisfying, quick and cheap meal.
Taco chains in America
American taco chains offer many options for those who are looking for consistency, a large number of locations, or a familiar menu. Taco Bell offers the best value in tacos, with a Mexican-inspired menu that is uniquely American. Del Taco is located mainly in the west of the United States. They serve a blend of traditional Mexican-style food and American fast foods. Chipotle Mexican Grill is on a higher level, offering bowls and custom-made tacos, made with higher quality ingredients. It also places a lot of emphasis on sustainability.
Taco trucks, independent restaurants and family-owned taquerias are the true heart of American taco cultures. They can be found on every street corner in towns and cities from coast to coastline. The best tacos are still made every day in these places, where passion meets tradition.
| Chain | Style | Avg. Taco Price | Locations | The Known For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taco Bell | Tex-Mex / Fast Food | $1 – $3 | Over 8,000 People in the U.S. | Menu variety, quality, late-night value |
| Del Taco | Tex-Mex / Fast Food | $2 – $4 | 600+ (mostly West) | Fresh ingredients, combo meals |
| Chipotle Mexican Grill | Fast Casual | $4 – $8 | 3500+ in total across the nation | High-quality sourcing and customization |
| Taco Truck Independent | Mexican cuisine at its best | $2 – $5 | The streets of cities across the country | Freshness, tradition, flavor |
| Local Taqueria | Authentic / regional | $3 – $6 | Community-based | Enjoy the culture and cuisine of your neighborhood |
Main Locations
| Restaurant Name | Headquarters / Origin | Major USA Locations | States Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taco Bell | California, USA | Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Miami, New York, Las Vegas | All 50 States |
| Del Taco | California, USA | Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City | California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, others |
| Taco Cabana | Texas, USA | Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso | Primarily Texas |
| Taco John’s | Wyoming, USA | Omaha, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Denver | Midwest & Western States |
| Taco Bueno | Texas, USA | Dallas, Oklahoma City, Tulsa | Texas, Oklahoma |
| Moe’s Southwest Grill | Georgia, USA | Atlanta, Orlando, Charlotte, Nashville | Multiple U.S. States |
| QDOBA Mexican Eats | California, USA | Chicago, Denver, Phoenix, Washington DC | Nationwide USA |
| Chipotle Mexican Grill | California, USA | New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Seattle | Nationwide USA |
