The 50 Best
Tacos
Geanna Orozco of Supremo Taco
Photograph by Wedig + Laxton
Some Atlantans might say that we don’t live in a great taco town. True, Atlanta lacks an actual street-taco scene (someone pass some laws to change that, please!) and has far too few taco trucks per capita (can we find a way to increase them 100-fold?). But we have a ridiculous number of taquerias serving stellar traditional tacos, including regional specialties we dare you to find outside of Mexico, L.A., and (maybe) Texas. From the food courts of Buford Highway’s Plaza Fiesta to the “prison tacos” of El Progreso down by the federal pen to the game-changing al pastor at the new Supremo taco stand in a Memorial Drive parking lot, the breadth of real-deal tacos in Atlanta is vast—if you know where to look. This guide aims to make that hunt much easier. Speaking of, have you tried the tacos from any of the mini-taquerias hiding in gas stations across the metro area? They’re Atlanta’s answer to the street taco, and a remarkable 10 of them found their way onto the list of 50 best tacos that span this guide. That list would not be complete without the unjustly maligned hard-shell taco or the too-easily-dismissed multicultural one, and this guide rightly includes odes to Americanized, Koreanized, and Southernized tacos, too. Like the city itself, our tacos are diverse. And you’ll know you’re truly experiencing them—and using this guide to the fullest—when you find yourself eating tacos in the car on the way to eat more tacos. Can we say career high?
Editor's note: We have updated this page to show what restaurants are doing to help you safely enjoy these tacos during the COVID-19 outbreak.
EDITED BY
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM
Sonam Vashi, Juan Vidal, Jennifer Zyman, Christiane Lauterbach, Heather Buckner, and Muriel Vega
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Ben Rollins
Traditional
19 Of Our Favorite Traditional Tacos
From al carbon to al vapor, cabeza to carne asada, birria to barbacoa
Al Pastor
Taqueria San Pancho
The Jalisco-style steamed tacos at this tiny strip-mall joint melt in your mouth, with almost no difference in texture between the double layer of miniature tortillas made with white masa and the steamed meats, most deliciously the cow cheek (cachete) or tongue (lengua, pictured) cut into small cubes.
4880 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker (second location in Roswell)
770-493-9845
Chorizo
La Pastorcita
The relaxed, unassuming La Pastorcita is one of Buford Highway’s best all-around Mexican restaurants. Part of what makes it so great is the vivid-red chorizo taco, its flavor further brightened with minced onion, cilantro, lime, and radish. Come early: Nights and weekends attract a crowd.
3304 Buford Highway, Brookhaven
678-705-8162
Carnitas
Taqueria La Oaxaqueña
Fresh flour tortillas, made daily, are a sturdy-enough base for carnitas—served simply, with onion and cilantro—so tender and flavorful that just a squeeze of lime is enough. If you must, cut them with light, peppery tomatillo salsa or add a kick with fiery red habanero, ladled into plastic ramekins from the salsa bar.
605 Mount Zion Road, Jonesboro
770-960-3010
Carne Asada
El Progreso
If you’re among the uninitiated, it helps to know that El Progreso is in the back of a small grocery store and that its offerings are lovingly called “prison tacos” due to the taqueria’s proximity to the federal pen. Our favorite is the carne asada, the steak quickly grilled and topped with diced onions and cilantro. Dress it up with a spoonful or two from the salsa bar.
1460 Boulevard, Benteen Park
404-624-4774
If you're not sure where on this list to start, this is good spot.
Chile relleno
El Taco Veloz
El Taco Veloz has created a divine union: They’ve wrapped a chile relleno—a poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, then battered and fried—in a corn or flour tortilla, and the resulting taco is pure wedded bliss. There’s no better comfort food, especially when topped with bracing salsa verde.
5084 Buford Highway, Doraville (other locations in Sandy Springs, Chamblee, Smyrna, and Norcross)
770-936-9094
Grilled fish
Rreal Tacos
There are no fish tacos in Atlanta as elegantly simple as the ones made with sustainable, skin-on fish (think mahi-mahi or snapper) at chef Adrian Villarreal’s taqueria in Midtown. Upgrade to housemade corn tortillas and go for free add-ons such as shredded cabbage and shaved radish.
100 Sixth Street, Midtown
404-458-5887
Holy tacos
Nuevo Laredo Cantina
For nearly 30 years, this colorful cantina on a desolate industrial stretch has drawn crazy crowds. They’re here in part for the holy tacos: white-corn tortillas stuffed with mashed potatoes, white cheese, onion, and cabbage and topped with green sauce—just like the ones sold outside a church in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.
1495 Chattahoochee Avenue, Underwood Hills
404-352-9009
Tripa
La Tapatia
A prime dinner spot if you’re headed to the Starlight Drive-In, La Tapatia has the crispiest, most flavorful tripa tacos in town. Tripa (or tripe) in Mexican cuisine is not the stomach but the intestines. Make sure to order the “Mexican” tacos (cilantro and onion) for maximum flavor as the “gringo style” hides the tripa goodness.
1645 Moreland Avenue, Thomasville Heights
470-249-3873
Lengua
Tacos La Villa
All of the tacos at this Smyrna strip-mall taqueria rock, but the lengua (tongue) manages to stand out. The meat is soft and supple and perfectly seasoned, ready to be dressed up with toppings from the prodigious salsa bar. Be sure to order several; they go down quickly.
2415 Cobb Parkway, Smyrna
770-951-0415
Taco de canasta
La Guelaguetza
Located in Buford Highway’s riotous Plaza Fiesta shopping mall, La Guelaguetza has all manner of tacos, including the hard-to-find taco de canasta, commonly sold out of baskets on bikes in Mexico. There are no bikes here, but the steamed taco filled with dark mole and chicken and topped with sauteed onions is no less transportive.
4166 Buford Highway, Chamblee
404-573-6788
Chivo Barbacoa
El Rey del Taco
The handmade tortillas at this Buford Highway taco capitol are worth the minor upcharge—they’re the rightful stage for the gorgeous fillings. The slow-cooked goat is especially luscious, carrying the slightest hint of game and accessorized with a brilliant dab of smoky salsa roja.
5288 Buford Highway, Doraville
770-986-0032
Barbacoa de res
La Generala
La Generala, located in Plaza Fiesta’s smaller, back-corner food court, offers three different types of barbacoa (slow-cooked) meat: lamb, goat, and beef. The exceptionally tender and flavorful barbacoa de res (beef) is our favorite, and the handmade tortillas make it all the more special.
4166 Buford Highway, Chamblee
404-982-2138
They also serve one of our favorite breakfast tacos!
Chicken Tinga
El Tesoro
When ordering tamales at this delightfully quirky restaurant (which recently expanded its hours to serve dinner Thursday to Saturday), we’re all about the pork. But the juicy, generously sauced tinga is the best of El Tesoro’s universally superb taco options. These tacos aren’t cheap, but you should still pay a little extra for a housemade tortilla.
1374 Arkwright Place, Edgewood
470-440-5502
Al pastor
El Trompo Mexican Taqueria
The al pastor taco is a crowd-pleaser for a reason: fatty strips of pork are sizzled on a rotating spit, called a “trompo.” At a place with “Trompo” in the name, the al pastor ought to be great—and here, it is. Tangy, slightly sweet, and full of umami, the al pastor comes on a corn tortilla with the traditional roasted pineapple, a little cilantro, onion, and salsa.
11877 Douglas Road, Alpharetta
770-754-9442
Camarones
Taqueria Don Sige
This tiny taqueria’s kitchen boasts little more than a flat-top and a fryer, and the cook is happy to sell you a cheeseburger. But ignore any misinformed impulses because you’re here for traditional tacos (chopped onion, cilantro, lime, and radish), irresistibly priced at $1.50 each. The taco loaded with plump and plentiful camarones is phenomenal.
1720 Vesta Avenue, College Park
404-762-8084
Suadero
El Huarache Veloz Mexican Taqueria
This thin cut of beef is similar to flank steak and is one of the many stars at this bustling, gringo-friendly but gringo-scarce taqueria in the shadow of the Big Chicken. The tacos are sizable, and the salsa bar is bonkers, with 10 options on ice alongside as many raw and pickled veggies.
1157 Roswell Road, Marietta
678-403-8990
Cabeza
Supermercado Chicago
This tender, steamed cabeza—usually cow cheek—from the back butcher counter at this grocery store is so juicy that it quickly soaks through the two corn tortillas, made with freshly ground masa. It’s a glorious, worthwhile mess.
5263 Buford Highway, Doraville
770-452-1361
Chicken al Carbon
Little Rey
Pollo al carbon, commonly found in northern Mexico and Texas, is typically grilled over charcoal. At Little Rey, it’s wood-roasted—and just as gloriously smoky. Loaded onto a housemade flour tortilla and topped with smoked onions, it makes a beautiful beast of a taco. Just add a ladle of any of the five house salsas.
1878 Piedmont Avenue, Piedmont Heights
770-796-0207
Birria
Taqueria Real De La Villa
We were almost burned out on tacos (if that were possible) by the time we made our way to this off-the-beaten-track taqueria attached to a grocery store. After two missed turns, we wondered if maybe we should skip it. Fortunately, the taco gods intervened. The velvety birria (goat) in a deeply mysterious red sauce on a tender housemade tortilla blew our minds.
562 Wylie Road, Marietta
678-214-0505
Keep reading below
Al Pastor
Taqueria San Pancho
The Jalisco-style steamed tacos at this tiny strip-mall joint melt in your mouth, with almost no difference in texture between the double layer of miniature tortillas made with white masa and the steamed meats, most deliciously the cow cheek (cachete) or tongue (lengua, pictured) cut into small cubes.
4880 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker (second location in Roswell)
770-493-9845
Chorizo
La Pastorcita
The relaxed, unassuming La Pastorcita is one of Buford Highway’s best all-around Mexican restaurants. Part of what makes it so great is the vivid-red chorizo taco, its flavor further brightened with minced onion, cilantro, lime, and radish. Come early: Nights and weekends attract a crowd.
3304 Buford Highway, Brookhaven
678-705-8162
Carnitas
Taqueria La Oaxaqueña
Fresh flour tortillas, made daily, are a sturdy-enough base for carnitas—served simply, with onion and cilantro—so tender and flavorful that just a squeeze of lime is enough. If you must, cut them with light, peppery tomatillo salsa or add a kick with fiery red habanero, ladled into plastic ramekins from the salsa bar.
605 Mount Zion Road, Jonesboro
770-960-3010
Carne Asada
El Progreso
If you’re among the uninitiated, it helps to know that El Progreso is in the back of a small grocery store and that its offerings are lovingly called “prison tacos” due to the taqueria’s proximity to the federal pen. Our favorite is the carne asada, the steak quickly grilled and topped with diced onions and cilantro. Dress it up with a spoonful or two from the salsa bar.
1460 Boulevard, Benteen Park
404-624-4774
If you're not sure where on this list to start, this is good spot.
Chile relleno
El Taco Veloz
El Taco Veloz has created a divine union: They’ve wrapped a chile relleno—a poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, then battered and fried—in a corn or flour tortilla, and the resulting taco is pure wedded bliss. There’s no better comfort food, especially when topped with bracing salsa verde.
5084 Buford Highway, Doraville (other locations in Sandy Springs, Chamblee, Smyrna, and Norcross)
770-936-9094
Grilled fish
Rreal Tacos
There are no fish tacos in Atlanta as elegantly simple as the ones made with sustainable, skin-on fish (think mahi-mahi or snapper) at chef Adrian Villarreal’s taqueria in Midtown. Upgrade to housemade corn tortillas and go for free add-ons such as shredded cabbage and shaved radish.
100 Sixth Street, Midtown
404-458-5887
Holy tacos
Nuevo Laredo Cantina
For nearly 30 years, this colorful cantina on a desolate industrial stretch has drawn crazy crowds. They’re here in part for the holy tacos: white-corn tortillas stuffed with mashed potatoes, white cheese, onion, and cabbage and topped with green sauce—just like the ones sold outside a church in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.
1495 Chattahoochee Avenue, Underwood Hills
404-352-9009
Tripa
La Tapatia
A prime dinner spot if you’re headed to the Starlight Drive-In, La Tapatia has the crispiest, most flavorful tripa tacos in town. Tripa (or tripe) in Mexican cuisine is not the stomach but the intestines. Make sure to order the “Mexican” tacos (cilantro and onion) for maximum flavor as the “gringo style” hides the tripa goodness.
1645 Moreland Avenue, Thomasville Heights
470-249-3873
Lengua
Tacos La Villa
All of the tacos at this Smyrna strip-mall taqueria rock, but the lengua (tongue) manages to stand out. The meat is soft and supple and perfectly seasoned, ready to be dressed up with toppings from the prodigious salsa bar. Be sure to order several; they go down quickly.
2415 Cobb Parkway, Smyrna
770-951-0415
Taco de canasta
La Guelaguetza
Located in Buford Highway’s riotous Plaza Fiesta shopping mall, La Guelaguetza has all manner of tacos, including the hard-to-find taco de canasta, commonly sold out of baskets on bikes in Mexico. There are no bikes here, but the steamed taco filled with dark mole and chicken and topped with sauteed onions is no less transportive.
4166 Buford Highway, Chamblee
404-573-6788
Chivo Barbacoa
El Rey del Taco
The handmade tortillas at this Buford Highway taco capitol are worth the minor upcharge—they’re the rightful stage for the gorgeous fillings. The slow-cooked goat is especially luscious, carrying the slightest hint of game and accessorized with a brilliant dab of smoky salsa roja.
5288 Buford Highway, Doraville
770-986-0032
Barbacoa de res
La Generala
La Generala, located in Plaza Fiesta’s smaller, back-corner food court, offers three different types of barbacoa (slow-cooked) meat: lamb, goat, and beef. The exceptionally tender and flavorful barbacoa de res (beef) is our favorite, and the handmade tortillas make it all the more special.
4166 Buford Highway, Chamblee
404-982-2138
They also serve one of our favorite breakfast tacos!
Chicken Tinga
El Tesoro
When ordering tamales at this delightfully quirky restaurant (which recently expanded its hours to serve dinner Thursday to Saturday), we’re all about the pork. But the juicy, generously sauced tinga is the best of El Tesoro’s universally superb taco options. These tacos aren’t cheap, but you should still pay a little extra for a housemade tortilla.
1374 Arkwright Place, Edgewood
470-440-5502
Al pastor
El Trompo Mexican Taqueria
The al pastor taco is a crowd-pleaser for a reason: fatty strips of pork are sizzled on a rotating spit, called a “trompo.” At a place with “Trompo” in the name, the al pastor ought to be great—and here, it is. Tangy, slightly sweet, and full of umami, the al pastor comes on a corn tortilla with the traditional roasted pineapple, a little cilantro, onion, and salsa.
11877 Douglas Road, Alpharetta
770-754-9442
Camarones
Taqueria Don Sige
This tiny taqueria’s kitchen boasts little more than a flat-top and a fryer, and the cook is happy to sell you a cheeseburger. But ignore any misinformed impulses because you’re here for traditional tacos (chopped onion, cilantro, lime, and radish), irresistibly priced at $1.50 each. The taco loaded with plump and plentiful camarones is phenomenal.
1720 Vesta Avenue, College Park
404-762-8084
Suadero
El Huarache Veloz Mexican Taqueria
This thin cut of beef is similar to flank steak and is one of the many stars at this bustling, gringo-friendly but gringo-scarce taqueria in the shadow of the Big Chicken. The tacos are sizable, and the salsa bar is bonkers, with 10 options on ice alongside as many raw and pickled veggies.
1157 Roswell Road, Marietta
678-403-8990
Cabeza
Supermercado Chicago
This tender, steamed cabeza—usually cow cheek—from the back butcher counter at this grocery store is so juicy that it quickly soaks through the two corn tortillas, made with freshly ground masa. It’s a glorious, worthwhile mess.
5263 Buford Highway, Doraville
770-452-1361
Chicken al Carbon
Little Rey
Pollo al carbon, commonly found in northern Mexico and Texas, is typically grilled over charcoal. At Little Rey, it’s wood-roasted—and just as gloriously smoky. Loaded onto a housemade flour tortilla and topped with smoked onions, it makes a beautiful beast of a taco. Just add a ladle of any of the five house salsas.
1878 Piedmont Avenue, Piedmont Heights
770-796-0207
Birria
Taqueria Real De La Villa
We were almost burned out on tacos (if that were possible) by the time we made our way to this off-the-beaten-track taqueria attached to a grocery store. After two missed turns, we wondered if maybe we should skip it. Fortunately, the taco gods intervened. The velvety birria (goat) in a deeply mysterious red sauce on a tender housemade tortilla blew our minds.
562 Wylie Road, Marietta
678-214-0505
At Supremo,
I found Mexico City in a Memorial Drive parking lot
This tiny take-out joint has big ambitions.
By Juan Vidal
Read moreThree of Our Favorite Supremo Tacos
Black bean
Exalting something as simple as a black bean taco might be controversial, but we’ll die on this hill for Supremo’s. Firm, yellow squash cuts through a fragrant sludge of black beans, mingling with a tomato-chili salsa and sprinkles of cotija cheese.
Lamb Barbacoa
For this taco, lamb is wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked for five hours, then topped with fiery chile de arbol salsa. The velvety lamb is extra flavorful because braising liquid from each finished batch is added to the marinade for the next batch.
701 Memorial Drive, Grant Park
404-965-1446
Al Pastor
Strips of pork are first marinated in citrus, guajillo chile, and spices, then roasted on a vertical rotating spit. After being sliced off the spit, the pork is seared for an extra-crispy finish and traditionally dressed with grilled pineapple and salsa fresca.
Black bean
Exalting something as simple as a black bean taco might be controversial, but we’ll die on this hill for Supremo’s. Firm, yellow squash cuts through a fragrant sludge of black beans, mingling with a tomato-chili salsa and sprinkles of cotija cheese.
Lamb Barbacoa
For this taco, lamb is wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked for five hours, then topped with fiery chile de arbol salsa. The velvety lamb is extra flavorful because braising liquid from each finished batch is added to the marinade for the next batch.
701 Memorial Drive, Grant Park
404-965-1446
Al Pastor
Strips of pork are first marinated in citrus, guajillo chile, and spices, then roasted on a vertical rotating spit. After being sliced off the spit, the pork is seared for an extra-crispy finish and traditionally dressed with grilled pineapple and salsa fresca.
Behold, the gas station taco!
Some cities have a vibrant street-taco scene. Others have an abundance of taco trucks. Some have both. Atlanta has neither—but we do have another, less obvious source of delicious, traditional tacos: gas stations, which house everything from mini-taquerias to full-fledged restaurants.
Buche
El Serranito
The window of this BP mini-mart is hand-painted with the promise of “Street Tacos,” and the little shop inside delivers. The buche (pork stomach) is crisp and delicious, some of the finest offal to find its way to a tortilla. Finish it with a drizzle of tomatillo salsa and a few dabs of El Serranito’s “Yummy” sauce from the salsa bar.
12152 Highway 92, Woodstock
770-926-9934
Al pastor
Taqueria Margarita
The al pastor at this gas station–adjacent taqueria is so deeply, flavorfully spiced you might mistake it for chorizo. The juices will seep through the handmade corn tortilla, staining it with splotches of deep orange, but it will hold up just fine to the drenching. The spiciest of the salsa bar options is nuclear-level hot. Embrace it.
860 Six Flags Road, Austell
404-934-7571
Pescado
Taqueria Taquito Express
At this taco stand inside a Chamblee BP, you’ll find all manner of worthy tacos. We love the hand-battered strips of fish. They’re fried until golden but still somehow remain light. Served on corn or flour tortillas with a healthy dose of mayo-based sauce, the tacos need only a dab of salsa.
5018 Peachtree Boulevard, Chamblee (other locations in Dunwoody and Alpharetta)
770-455-6255
Asada
Taqueria Oaxaqueña de la Guelaguetza
Perhaps best known for its marvelous tlayudas (which are kind of like a Mexican pizza and hail from Oaxaca), this tiny taqueria also serves sublime tacos on handmade tortillas. The crispy and sizzling-hot asada (steak) is our favorite. Take note: This place has inconsistent hours; call ahead (770-940-2284) so you don’t waste a trip.
6310 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker
770-940-2284
Want to know more about those tlayudas? We thought so.
Tacos de Canasta with chicken mole
La Costeñita Taqueria
At this halal taqueria, you won’t find pork, but you will find the tacos de canasta, a steamed style typically served from a basket, hence the name (canasta means basket). They come in generous servings of four with rice and beans, and we especially like chicken-stuffed ones drenched with bright red mole.
3799 Buford Highway, Brookhaven
404-957-8038
Cabeza
El Gallo Giro
Not only is this pint-sized taqueria charming, with a pair of toddler cowboy boots and a taxidermy rooster perched above the counter—it also gets major bonus points for having a drive-thru window. The cabeza (beef’s cheek) is the standout, the meat fresh and succulent and served on warm, handmade corn tortillas.
2520 Old Norcross Road, Lawrenceville
770-682-8883
Carnitas
Nacho’s Taqueria
If, like us, you’ve already eaten a half-dozen excellent tacos before noon (don’t judge), your jaw will still hit the floor the moment you take a bite of this carnitas taco. The tortillas are warm and hearty and slick with grease from the grill, and the buttery meat bursts with porky goodness. Don’t let the bare-bones vibe fool you: These are A-list tacos.
4240 Jiles Road, Kennesaw
470-308-3967
Chicken Tinga
Cylantros
Around the corner from Nacho’s is another taco treasure: the delicate, fragrant, chicken tinga at this Venezuelan pitstop. The tacos come in two sizes (the smaller is 99 cents and comes on a tender mini-tortilla). This is one of the few gas-station joints with a roomy and pleasant dining room, and we’ll be back for the arepas and cachapa (a sweet corn pancake with cheese).
3338 Cherokee Street, Kennesaw
678-324-6276
Pastor
Taqueria Morelos
Located inside of a Chevron, this taqueria makes most of its masa-based items from scratch, including the fresh tortillas. The tangy and slightly sweet pastor is the best meat of the bunch, with caramelized bits that accentuate the marinade and are an ideal match for the excellent tomatillo salsa.
1300 Atlanta Road, Marietta
678-331-1323
We REALLY love this place.
Lamb barbacoa
Taqueria Mami
Like many gas-station taquerias, Taqueria Mami makes its own tortillas. They’re extra good, thanks to the slightest slick of fat they absorb from being heated on the griddle. The lamb barbacoa is so tender and uncomplicated, it feels like something your abuela would make for you on Sunday.
2051 James Jackson Parkway, Riverside
470-424-4318
Buche
El Serranito
The window of this BP mini-mart is hand-painted with the promise of “Street Tacos,” and the little shop inside delivers. The buche (pork stomach) is crisp and delicious, some of the finest offal to find its way to a tortilla. Finish it with a drizzle of tomatillo salsa and a few dabs of El Serranito’s “Yummy” sauce from the salsa bar.
12152 Highway 92, Woodstock
770-926-9934
Al pastor
Taqueria Margarita
The al pastor at this gas station–adjacent taqueria is so deeply, flavorfully spiced you might mistake it for chorizo. The juices will seep through the handmade corn tortilla, staining it with splotches of deep orange, but it will hold up just fine to the drenching. The spiciest of the salsa bar options is nuclear-level hot. Embrace it.
860 Six Flags Road, Austell
404-934-7571
Pescado
Taqueria Taquito Express
At this taco stand inside a Chamblee BP, you’ll find all manner of worthy tacos. We love the hand-battered strips of fish. They’re fried until golden but still somehow remain light. Served on corn or flour tortillas with a healthy dose of mayo-based sauce, the tacos need only a dab of salsa.
5018 Peachtree Boulevard, Chamblee (other locations in Dunwoody and Alpharetta)
770-455-6255
Asada
Taqueria Oaxaqueña de la Guelaguetza
Perhaps best known for its marvelous tlayudas (which are kind of like a Mexican pizza and hail from Oaxaca), this tiny taqueria also serves sublime tacos on handmade tortillas. The crispy and sizzling-hot asada (steak) is our favorite. Take note: This place has inconsistent hours; call ahead (770-940-2284) so you don’t waste a trip.
6310 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker
770-940-2284
Want to know more about those tlayudas? We thought so.
Tacos de Canasta with chicken mole
La Costeñita Taqueria
At this halal taqueria, you won’t find pork, but you will find the tacos de canasta, a steamed style typically served from a basket, hence the name (canasta means basket). They come in generous servings of four with rice and beans, and we especially like chicken-stuffed ones drenched with bright red mole.
3799 Buford Highway, Brookhaven
404-957-8038
Cabeza
El Gallo Giro
Not only is this pint-sized taqueria charming, with a pair of toddler cowboy boots and a taxidermy rooster perched above the counter—it also gets major bonus points for having a drive-thru window. The cabeza (beef’s cheek) is the standout, the meat fresh and succulent and served on warm, handmade corn tortillas.
2520 Old Norcross Road, Lawrenceville
770-682-8883
Carnitas
Nacho’s Taqueria
If, like us, you’ve already eaten a half-dozen excellent tacos before noon (don’t judge), your jaw will still hit the floor the moment you take a bite of this carnitas taco. The tortillas are warm and hearty and slick with grease from the grill, and the buttery meat bursts with porky goodness. Don’t let the bare-bones vibe fool you: These are A-list tacos.
4240 Jiles Road, Kennesaw
470-308-3967
Chicken Tinga
Cylantros
Around the corner from Nacho’s is another taco treasure: the delicate, fragrant, chicken tinga at this Venezuelan pitstop. The tacos come in two sizes (the smaller is 99 cents and comes on a tender mini-tortilla). This is one of the few gas-station joints with a roomy and pleasant dining room, and we’ll be back for the arepas and cachapa (a sweet corn pancake with cheese).
3338 Cherokee Street, Kennesaw
678-324-6276
Pastor
Taqueria Morelos
Located inside of a Chevron, this taqueria makes most of its masa-based items from scratch, including the fresh tortillas. The tangy and slightly sweet pastor is the best meat of the bunch, with caramelized bits that accentuate the marinade and are an ideal match for the excellent tomatillo salsa.
1300 Atlanta Road, Marietta
678-331-1323
We REALLY love this place.
Lamb barbacoa
Taqueria Mami
Like many gas-station taquerias, Taqueria Mami makes its own tortillas. They’re extra good, thanks to the slightest slick of fat they absorb from being heated on the griddle. The lamb barbacoa is so tender and uncomplicated, it feels like something your abuela would make for you on Sunday.
2051 James Jackson Parkway, Riverside
470-424-4318
Taste the salsa rainbow
Traditional taco joints boast salsa bars with more hues than a painter’s palette
Scroll
Macha
Muchacho
Arbol
El Huarache Veloz
Chile de Arbol
Tacos La Villa
Roja Asada
Taqueria Real De La Villa
Chile de Arbol
Supermercado Chicago
Roja Picante
Nacho’s Taqueria
JalapeÑo
Muchacho
Orange
Nacho’s Taqueria
Yummy
El Serranito
Chipotle
El Huarache Veloz
Serrano
El Serranito
Tomatillo
El Serranito
Chile Verde
Taqueria Mami
Aguacate
Taqueria Real De La Villa
Avocado
Taqueria Morelos
Verde
Nacho’s Taqueria
Americanized
Love comes and
goes, but
Jalisco's
hard-shell tacos
are forever
If Max and I break up, this place will stay neutral territory.
By Sonam Vashi
Read moreOur Favorite Americanized Tacos
We left plenty of room in our hearts (and stomachs) for the hard-shell, the Texan, and the breakfast taco.
Ground beef
Jalisco
The nostalgia factor at this beautifully untrendy Buckhead mainstay might make the hard-shell tacos taste a little better than they actually are, but with crackly shells fried fresh daily, they’re still pretty damn good.
2337 Peachtree Road, Buckhead
404-233-9244
Picadillo puffy tacos
Superica
For this San Antonio treat, a flattened ball of masa is dumped in frying oil. The resulting puffy tortilla is loaded with chili-spiced ground beef, lettuce, tomato, and yellow cheese. It’s the taco dinner Texans dream of.
3850 Roswell Road, Buckhead; 99 Krog Street, Inman Park; 455 Legends Place Southeast, the Battery; and 1130 1st Street, Alpharetta
678-791-1310
Muchacho Style
Muchacho
Hangover, meet your match. This greasy mess of chorizo, eggs, cheese, roasted poblano, and pico is nestled in a flour tortilla that possesses the ultimate fortitude—and you will too, after two of these.
904 Memorial Drive, Reynoldstown
404-748-9254
Beef brisket taco
Wood’s Chapel BBQ
At this barbecue joint from chef Todd Ginsberg (The General Muir), the contrast between smoky chopped beef, mild guac kissed with spicy salsa, and fragrant, medium-thick, housemade flour tortillas is joyful.
85 Georgia Avenue, Summerhill
404-522-3000
Wash it down with a Cheerwine and whiskey slushie.
Frijolero (add avocado)
El Tesoro
The refried black beans in this taco are freakishly delicious. Like, it’s hard to understand why they’re so good. Don’t question it too much. Just order this on a flour tortilla (only at breakfast do we opt out of El Tesoro’s handmade corn tortillas), and coast into your day.
1374 Arkwright Place, Edgewood
470-440-5502
Ground beef
Taco T’s
Taco T’s hard-shell taco with ground beef will bring back memories of the taco kits of your childhood, but these are way better—starting with the homemade shell. Ask for extra cheese.
1065 Windy Hill Road, Smyrna(second location in Roswell)
770-438-6500
Taco Loco
Taqueria Mami
This gas-station taco joint in northwest Atlanta off Bolton Road is a total gem. Every taco we’ve tried is a delight, and the Taco Loco, heaped with eggs, cheese, ham, and pico is no exception. Gas up!
2051 James Jackson Parkway, Riverside
470-424-4318
Chorizo
Little Rey
Breakfast in this town got so much better after the arrival last year of this stylish, modern roadhouse. Our favorite of the breakfast tacos comes with chorizo, eggs, cheese, twice-fried beans, and migas (corn chips), served on housemade flour tortillas.
1878 Piedmont Avenue, Piedmont Heights
770-796-0207
Ground beef
Jalisco
The nostalgia factor at this beautifully untrendy Buckhead mainstay might make the hard-shell tacos taste a little better than they actually are, but with crackly shells fried fresh daily, they’re still pretty damn good.
2337 Peachtree Road, Buckhead
404-233-9244
Picadillo puffy tacos
Superica
For this San Antonio treat, a flattened ball of masa is dumped in frying oil. The resulting puffy tortilla is loaded with chili-spiced ground beef, lettuce, tomato, and yellow cheese. It’s the taco dinner Texans dream of.
3850 Roswell Road, Buckhead, and 99 Krog Street, Inman Park
678-791-1310
Muchacho Style
Muchacho
Hangover, meet your match. This greasy mess of chorizo, eggs, cheese, roasted poblano, and pico is nestled in a flour tortilla that possesses the ultimate fortitude—and you will too, after two of these.
904 Memorial Drive, Reynoldstown
404-748-9254
Beef brisket taco
Wood’s Chapel BBQ
At this barbecue joint from chef Todd Ginsberg (The General Muir), the contrast between smoky chopped beef, mild guac kissed with spicy salsa, and fragrant, medium-thick, housemade flour tortillas is joyful.
85 Georgia Avenue, Summerhill
404-522-3000
Wash it down with a Cheerwine and whiskey slushie.
Frijolero (add avocado)
El Tesoro
The refried black beans in this taco are freakishly delicious. Like, it’s hard to understand why they’re so good. Don’t question it too much. Just order this on a flour tortilla (only at breakfast do we opt out of El Tesoro’s handmade corn tortillas), and coast into your day.
1374 Arkwright Place, Edgewood
470-440-5502
Ground beef
Taco T’s
Taco T’s hard-shell taco with ground beef will bring back memories of the taco kits of your childhood, but these are way better—starting with the homemade shell. Ask for extra cheese.
1065 Windy Hill Road, Smyrna(second location in Roswell)
770-438-6500
Taco Loco
Taqueria Mami
This gas-station taco joint in northwest Atlanta off Bolton Road is a total gem. Every taco we’ve tried is a delight, and the Taco Loco, heaped with eggs, cheese, ham, and pico is no exception. Gas up!
2051 James Jackson Parkway, Riverside
470-424-4318
Chorizo
Little Rey
Breakfast in this town got so much better after the arrival last year of this stylish, modern roadhouse. Our favorite of the breakfast tacos comes with chorizo, eggs, cheese, twice-fried beans, and migas (corn chips), served on housemade flour tortillas.
1878 Piedmont Avenue, Piedmont Heights
770-796-0207
Multicultural
Don't knock the
hybrid taco
Tacos irrevocably belong to Mexico, but they are meant to be borrowed.
By Mara Shalhoup
Read moreOur Favorite Multicultural Tacos
The all-accepting tortilla is ready for nearly any cuisine it might meet—from Indian to Korean to New England to Southern.
Fish
Yumbii
Yumbii’s first brick-and-mortar shop opened in 2016 (a second is on the way), but it launched a decade ago as a popular Asian taco truck. Most notable among the simple and inventive tacos is the hard-fried, panko-crusted tilapia with hoisin tartar sauce, Korean chili sauce, and a soy-sesame vinaigrette salad.
1927 Peachtree Road, South Buckhead
404-975-3444
Paneer uttapam
Masti Fun Indian Street Eats
It turns out that uttapam, a traditional Indian pancake crafted from lentil and rice batter, doubles as a very impressive tortilla. Masti fills it with butter chicken, minced turkey, or, our favorite, paneer. The grated and spiced cheese has an almost meatlike consistency and mixes well with rice, tomatoes, and cilantro.
2945 Druid Hills Road, Toco Hills
678-949-9414
Lobster
Nuevo Laredo
We might be stretching it by calling this a multicultural taco, but it’s not a true Baja-style lobster taco, either. The difference is in Nuevo Laredo’s use of cheese sauce instead of crema and the addition of sauteed spinach. Call it a mix of Baja-California and SoCal.
1495 Chattahoochee Avenue, Underwood Hills
404-352-9009
HM Korean Taco
Heirloom Market BBQ
Traditional Southern barbecue meets traditional Korean kimchi slaw on a traditional Mexican tortilla. This is the holy trinity of mashup tacos. You have the option to choose any of Heirloom’s fine smoked meats for this taco, but you want the spicy Korean pork. Drizzle your taco with the house Kitchen salsa. That’s an order.
2243 Akers Mill Road, Cumberland
770-612-2502
Three cultures on one tortilla!
Calamari
Hankook Taqueria
At Hankook, Korean and Mexican flavors find their strongest harmony with the calamari taco. Battered and deep-fried to crisps, the squid is drizzled with a sweet, garlicky chili sauce and paired with the subtle spice of pickled jalapeños, all on a mix of shredded romaine, yellow onion, and cilantro that’s tossed with a light soy-sesame vinaigrette.
1341 Collier Road, Underwood Hills
404-352-8881
Cauliflower
Bartaco
You might want to call this Spanish-influenced gem a taco tapa (there, we just invented a new cuisine). Who knew that charred cauliflower tossed with nutty-smoky romesco sauce would sit so well on a tortilla?
969 Marietta Street, Westside (other locations in Inman Park and North Buckhead)
470-400-8226
Korean Bulgogi
Sweet Auburn Barbecue
Similar to the Heirloom Market BBQ taco, this one brings together Korean, Mexican, and Southern vibes. But it’s a lot lighter on the Southern; rather than being hit with a punch of barbecue smoke, this taco’s shocker is the strong kick of sesame oil and the chewy tug of bulgogi—which work really well against the earthy tortilla.
656 North Highland Avenue, Poncey-Highland
678-515-3550
Fried Catfish
Minero
The menu at Minero was conceived by star Southern chef Sean Brock, and his influence is apparent in dishes like this fried catfish taco. A handmade tortilla made from masa that’s crafted in-house holds a mostly traditional fish taco—but for the very Southern-fried catfish.
675 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Old Fourth Ward
404-532-1580
Clam
Strange Taco Bar
Clam roll, meet taco. We had a feeling you two might get along. Like the crunchy fried chicken that makes Taqueria del Sol’s taco so great, these even crunchier clam strips, drizzled with horseradish sauce and topped with onion and cilantro, work surprisingly well when wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
225 West Crogan Street, Lawrenceville
678-869-5220
This one comes from the master of the mashup.
Fried chicken
Taqueria del Sol
Eddie Hernandez’s fried-chicken taco is a lesson on the synergy between Southern and Mexican traditions. Here, crispy chicken strips, soft on the inside, are dressed with mayonnaise that's brightened with lime and deepened with roasted jalapeños, as well as a sprinkle of lettuce and tomato.
2165 Cheshire Bridge Road, Lindridge-Martin Manor (and three other locations)
470-321-3232
Fish
Yumbii
Yumbii’s first brick-and-mortar shop opened in 2016 (a second is on the way), but it launched a decade ago as a popular Asian taco truck. Most notable among the simple and inventive tacos is the hard-fried, panko-crusted tilapia with hoisin tartar sauce, Korean chili sauce, and a soy-sesame vinaigrette salad.
1927 Peachtree Road, South Buckhead
404-975-3444
Paneer uttapam
Masti Fun Indian Street Eats
It turns out that uttapam, a traditional Indian pancake crafted from lentil and rice batter, doubles as a very impressive tortilla. Masti fills it with butter chicken, minced turkey, or, our favorite, paneer. The grated and spiced cheese has an almost meatlike consistency and mixes well with rice, tomatoes, and cilantro.
2945 Druid Hills Road, Toco Hills
678-949-9414
Lobster
Nuevo Laredo
We might be stretching it by calling this a multicultural taco, but it’s not a true Baja-style lobster taco, either. The difference is in Nuevo Laredo’s use of cheese sauce instead of crema and the addition of sauteed spinach. Call it a mix of Baja-California and SoCal.
1495 Chattahoochee Avenue, Underwood Hills
404-352-9009
HM Korean Taco
Heirloom Market BBQ
Traditional Southern barbecue meets traditional Korean kimchi slaw on a traditional Mexican tortilla. This is the holy trinity of mashup tacos. You have the option to choose any of Heirloom’s fine smoked meats for this taco, but you want the spicy Korean pork. Drizzle your taco with the house Kitchen salsa. That’s an order.
2243 Akers Mill Road, Cumberland
770-612-2502
Three cultures on one tortilla!
Calamari
Hankook Taqueria
At Hankook, Korean and Mexican flavors find their strongest harmony with the calamari taco. Battered and deep-fried to crisps, the squid is drizzled with a sweet, garlicky chili sauce and paired with the subtle spice of pickled jalapeños, all on a mix of shredded romaine, yellow onion, and cilantro that’s tossed with a light soy-sesame vinaigrette.
1341 Collier Road, Underwood Hills
404-352-8881
Cauliflower
Bartaco
You might want to call this Spanish-influenced gem a taco tapa (there, we just invented a new cuisine). Who knew that charred cauliflower tossed with nutty-smoky romesco sauce would sit so well on a tortilla?
969 Marietta Street, Westside (other locations in Inman Park and North Buckhead)
470-400-8226
Korean Bulgogi
Sweet Auburn Barbecue
Similar to the Heirloom Market BBQ taco, this one brings together Korean, Mexican, and Southern vibes. But it’s a lot lighter on the Southern; rather than being hit with a punch of barbecue smoke, this taco’s shocker is the strong kick of sesame oil and the chewy tug of bulgogi—which work really well against the earthy tortilla.
656 North Highland Avenue, Poncey-Highland
678-515-3550
Fried Catfish
Minero
The menu at Minero was conceived by star Southern chef Sean Brock, and his influence is apparent in dishes like this fried catfish taco. A handmade tortilla made from masa that’s crafted in-house holds a mostly traditional fish taco—but for the very Southern-fried catfish.
675 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Old Fourth Ward
404-532-1580
Clam
Strange Taco Bar
Clam roll, meet taco. We had a feeling you two might get along. Like the crunchy fried chicken that makes Taqueria del Sol’s taco so great, these even crunchier clam strips, drizzled with horseradish sauce and topped with onion and cilantro, work surprisingly well when wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
225 West Crogan Street, Lawrenceville
678-869-5220
This one comes from the master of the mashup.
Fried chicken
Taqueria del Sol
Eddie Hernandez’s fried-chicken taco is a lesson on the synergy between Southern and Mexican traditions. Here, crispy chicken strips, soft on the inside, are dressed with mayonnaise that's brightened with lime and deepened with roasted jalapeños, as well as a sprinkle of lettuce and tomato.
2165 Cheshire Bridge Road, Lindridge-Martin Manor (and three other locations)
470-321-3232
Find your
Taco Soulmate
No time for perusing the 50 tacos that fill this package? We’re sorry your priorities are so messed up, but at least let us match you with your taco soulmate.
?
?
Let's start with the obvious: soft tortilla or hard-shell?
Corn or flour?
Handmade tortilla?
Are you open to gas-station tacos?
Braised lamb or grilled steak?
Handmade tortilla?
Lobster or breakfast?
Yes
Are you hungover?
No shame there! Are we talking a straight-up hard shell, or might we interest you in a San Antonio–style puffy one?
Homemade shell, or does that defeat the purpose?
Are you open to gas-station tacos?
Will you eat goat?
Okay, pork or vegetarian?
Little Rey specializes in chicken al carbon (wood-smoked barbecue bird), including a taco option in which the chicken is simply dressed with smoked onions.
The $1.29 birria taco at no-frills Taqueria Real de la Villa in Marietta is rich with velvety meat and a deep-red sauce.
Once you taste the al pastor taco at the stylish takeout spot Supremo, you might be ruined for all other tacos.
One of our favorite finds in this taco expedition was Taqueria Mami and its beautifully tender and uncomplicated lamb barbacoa taco.
Tucker is home to an inordinate number of great tacos, and the asada taco at Taqueria Oaxaqueña de la Guelaguetza is our favorite.
El Taco Veloz stuffs a tortilla with a bursting-with-cheese and deep-fried chili relleno. It’s godlike.
Get the Picadillo Puffy Tacos at Superica: A crib of deep-fried masa cradles spiced ground beef, shredded lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
The ground beef hard-shell taco at Taco T has a crackly, homemade shell that truly elevates the form.
The ground beef hard-shell at Jalisco is worth its weight in pure nostalgia.
Once you taste Nacho’s Taqueria’s carnitas tacos, you’ll be looking for excuses to book it to Kennesaw.
Way down Boulevard, El Progreso slings the meatiest, kissed-with-char carne asada tacos south of I-20.
The tortilla might fall apart under the mountain of lobster meat and cheese sauce, but this Nuevo Laredo taco gets no complaints.
The Muchacho-style taco at hipster haven Muchacho is loaded with scrambled eggs, extra-greasy chorizo, cheese, and roasted poblano. Your morning (er, afternoon) just got way better.
El Tesoro, the funky and ever-expanding taco shack, serves a vegetarian frijolero taco with eggs and, if you opt for it, avocado. It’s heavy on flavor—without being a gut bomb.
