Janine’s Essential Guide: How to Find the Best Tacos In Mexico

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In 2012, I relocated to Mexico. There were many reasons why I decided to leave my life in the US behind and start a new one down here. Reuniting with my one true love, tacos, was the most significant of these reasons. I was in search of the best tacos in Mexico.

I am deeply devoted to tacos. My affections run so deep that I struggle even to try other dishes. If I’m in a restaurant that serves tacos, muscle memory kicks in, and I’m asking for dos de pastor before my brain even realizes what happened.

The only issue with ordering tacos everywhere I go is that I am often disappointed by the quality. I mean, don’t get me wrong, tacos are usually good even when they’re bad (kind of like pizza!), but GREAT tacos will blow your mind, and the best tacos in Mexico?!? Where can those possibly be? I have learned, through a lot of trial and error, how to identify a taquería that won’t let you down, and I’m here to share that knowledge with you now.

Look out for these visual cues the next time you’re searching for delicious tacos.

1. The view from the street

The look of a taquería is often a favorable indicator of the quality of the tacos. Don’t be deluded by beautiful restaurants with white tablecloths and decorative centerpieces; they probably do something well, but it’s not going to be tacos.

What you’re looking for in a taquería is plastic furniture, usually with soda or beer company logos. This is extra handy because you can choose your taquería based on your beer brand preferences (personally, I prefer the Modelo group.)

The casual, down-to-earth décor of these eateries tells me that the restaurant owners believe their food will speak for itself, and, more often than not, it does. Places like these have served me the tastiest tacos of my life.

A comparable alternative to plastic furniture is a restaurant with hardwood chairs that appear to be extremely uncomfortable. Maybe you know the ones I’m talking about… The chairs have rigid 90-degree angles, and when you sit down, they somehow feel like they are stabbing you. How, I don’t know.

These torture devices will make you hate your life… until you sink your teeth into a truly delicious, expertly crafted taco and the rest of the world melts away.

2. A trompo

If you’re a fan of tacos al pastor, you’ll want to keep an eye out for a trompo, which is basically a vertical rotisserie.

Trompo tacos are particularly delicious because they are freshly roasted moments before landing on your plate.

The origins of the trompo in Mexican cuisine are fascinating. It was introduced to the city of Puebla by immigrants from Lebanon and Iran.

3. Salsas

A high-quality taquería will feature a healthy selection of salsas. Usually, there are 3 or 4 to choose from: pico de gallo, habanero, salsa verde, and salsa roja. This version is a standard. If the restaurant serves a few quality salsas and if those salsas are still warm in temperature, then you may have found the best tacos in Mexico!

Almost every Mexican restaurant you visit will provide a few salsas as part of the place setting. A truly great taquería will serve you salsas that are so incredibly delicious you won’t be able to choose which one to put on your taco. You’ll find yourself ordering more tacos just as a vehicle for salsa!

One of the most exciting things about salsa is that you’ll probably never taste the same flavor twice. Almost every single Mexican food establishment I’ve ever visited has served salsa verde, but I’ve never become bored of trying it because it’s always different. That is what makes tasting salsas such a wonderful adventure.

4. Handmade Tortillas

Perhaps it should go without saying, but the quality of a tortilla significantly influences the success or failure of a taco. Sometimes literally. This is especially true for those dry, crumbly tortillas that shatter in half when you attempt to roll them.

The most important factor when it comes to tortillas is how fresh they are. The tastiest taquerías usually have someone stationed up front making tortillas all day long. If you spot one of those, you’re in for a treat!

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Don’t panic if you can’t see a tortilla maker in the restaurant. Sometimes they work in the kitchen! Generally speaking, Mexicans take tortillas pretty seriously, and any decent eatery will serve fresh ones. Of course, it’s always ideal to have made-to-order tortillas. This feature is yet another signal that you may be experiencing the best tacos in Mexico.

5. Plates in Plastic Bags

The most authentic taco eateries will serve your food on plates covered in plastic bags. For visitors to Mexico, this may seem weird, but once you’re here for a while, you adjust. This process is just a way to speed up the turnover of plates—often these places have a limited number! If the plates are in plastic bags, it often means the food is in high demand and will undoubtedly be delicious! This is always a step in the process when a local eatery is creating the best tacos in Mexico!

By now you should have a pretty good idea of what to look for in a quality taco shop. My experience has taught me that you can find the best tacos in hidden restaurants. These are the kinds of restaurants where the decor may initially turn you off, but the aroma of delectable food will convince you to reconsider.

But please keep in mind, tacos are about a lot more than the meat filling. Tortillas and salsas work together to round out the experience. These elements can make even the blandest tacos unforgettable.

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So, next time you see an unattractive storefront, don’t be afraid to take a second look. Otherwise, you may never taste the best tacos in Mexico.

Share the wealth! Pin this post so your friends can find great tacos too!

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🏨 What’s the best way to find accommodation in Mexico?

Expedia.com is wonderful specifically for reserving high-end luxury hotels and resorts and is by far the best for reserving flights. Booking.com is awesome for affordable hotels in Mexico. VRBO specializes in apartment and house rentals, making it a wonderful place to find long-term stays.

✈️ What’s the best way to find affordable flights?

In my experience traveling to and within Mexico, I LOVE Expedia.com because they simplify rate comparisons between different airlines. I’ve always come back to Expedia.com because of how wide the selection is of airlines to choose from that go to Mexico. Great pricing is another reason, too!

💸 How should I exchange money in Mexico?

Have you ever heard of the company named WISE? WISE is an app that offers the best solutions for individuals and businesses traveling internationally, providing the fastest and most cost-effective way to convert money into a foreign country’s local currency. It is the least expensive and fastest way to transfer money from your home country’s bank to one in a foreign country.

🚖 How do I find a safe airport transfer?

I recommend GetYourGuide.com for airport transfers anywhere in Mexico. It’s almost as excellent and simple to use as Uber, in my humble opinion. I’ve used them LOTS.

🚗 What’s the best way to find rental cars in Mexico?

I recommend Booking.com. What I’ve found is that their price comparison tool is updated multiple times daily, making it easy to find and prepare to snag the best deal possible because of the inclusion of fire sale types of discounts.

Other companies don’t include these short-lived discounts in their price comparison because they sync once a day (typically overnight) with each rental car company. The Booking.com tool for comparing rental car prices is what I use for car rentals in Mexico. I’ve yet to have complaints about them.

🚐 How do I book bus tickets online in Mexico?

Book your tickets with Busbud—the site is in English and takes foreign credit cards.

🤿 How do I find cool activities and tours in Mexico?

TripAdvisor is the usual website and service I use for finding fun things to do; it has great options and it’s much faster to book with them since they organize their personalized recommendations for you if you’re signed in.

🇲🇽 How can I experience Mexico like a local?

Travelers can hire a local guide through GetyourGuide.com. You’ll be able to tailor tours based on your interests—it’s basically like experiencing a destination with a local bestie!

🧳 What’s the best luggage for Mexico?

Unless you’re staying at a resort, a travel pack is recommended. I’ve used travel backpack from Osprey for the last 8+ years. 

👯‍♀️ How do I connect with fellow travelers in Mexico?

Join my Female Travelers in Mexico Facebook group, a supportive community of fellow Mexico travel enthusiasts, where you can find answers to all your travel questions!

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Join my Female Travelers in Mexico Facebook group, a supportive community of fellow Mexico travel enthusiasts, where you can find answers to all your travel questions!