Tacos are one of the most versatile types of food out there. You can use virtually any ingredients to create experimental tacos, or stick with the tried and true flavors that everyone loves. In New Mexico, there’s no shortage of mouthwatering tacos. Here are 12 excellent places to include on a taco tour of our state.
- El Rigoberto’s Taco Shop, 166 Central Park Square, Los Alamos
Yelp/R. H.
Yelp/Karl M. If you’re searching for affordable food served fast, look no further than Rigoberto’s. This hole-in-the-wall taqueria dishes up delicious carne asada tacos and has a great little salsa bar.
- Saenz Gorditas, 1700 N Solano Drive, Las Cruces
Yelp/George H.
Yelp/Food R. Although this joint is known for gorditas, Saenz Gorditas also makes amazing tacos. Fillings include beef, chicken, and brisket. The taco plate is also a great choice because it’s accompanied by super fresh salsa and guacamole.
- Casa Taco, 704 Highway 195, Elephant Butte
Yelp/Svarit D.
Facebook/Casa Taco Every meal at Casa Taco is made to order. What sets the tacos here apart is the cooking process – they’re made on a griddle to ensure perfectly crunchy shells. Prices are insanely low, especially on Monday nights.
- Guadalajara Grill, 822 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, Taos & 1384 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur, Taos
Yelp/Thomas K.
Yelp/Yuko H. Guadalajara Grill has been in business for over 20 years. The fish tacos here have a cult following and the carnitas tacos are also memorable. Tacos here are served in soft tortillas, layered two thick.
- Taqueria Mexico, 415 Lomas Boulevard NE,Albuquerque
Yelp/Jason G.
Yelp/Gary M. This small but colorful restaurant serves some of the best Mexican food in the state. When it comes to tacos, you can’t go wrong with the shrimp tacos - bell peppers really pump up the flavor. The selection of tacos available here is larger than usual and includes adobada, chicharron, barbacoa and more. All meals are made to order. Scoring seating is hit and miss due to the restaurant’s size, so come prepared to take your food to go.
- Tacos Mirasol, 309 E Pine Street, Deming
Yelp/B. R.
Yelp/Jim H. Standouts on this menu at this cheerful little restaurant include the fish tacos, and the chicken tacos. Grab a glass of the freshly-made lemonade to wash them down.
- Bonsai Asian Tacos, 1599 S Saint Francis Drive, Santa Fe
Facebook/The Bonsai ASIAN TACOS
Facebook/The Bonsai ASIAN TACOS In New Mexico, Asian tacos are hard to come by. This food truck quickly gained a loyal following thanks to its inventive combinations and intense flavors. The folk here have truly mastered fusion tacos. Bonsai Tacos used to be parked on Cerrillos Road but since I’ve been eating there, it has moved once - to St. Francis – and that seems to be its final location.
- La Espiga de Oro, 109 S Maple Street, Clovis
Yelp/Christopher N.
Yelp/Miranda A. Diners rave about the el pastor tacos and adobada tacos at La Espiga de Oro. Your food arrives double wrapped in soft tortillas, which you can then customize at the salsa bar. Speedy service, huge portions, and scrumptious tacos. What’s not to like?
- El Parasol has 6 locations in Northern New Mexico, including Espanola, Santa Fe, and Los Alamos
Yelp/Lara S.
Yelp/Jimmy G. In the 1950s, two brothers sold the tacos their mother prepared, under the shade of a patio umbrella. This experience is what inspired the name of this Northern New Mexico favorite, which has expanding considerably from its humble roots. The six locations range from full-scale restaurants to counters where you collect food to go. Try the chicken tacos, which are enhanced with guacamole.
- Grill Caliente, 2800 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso
Facebook/Grill Caliente
Facebook/Grill Caliente At Grill Caliente, simple tacos are elevated to gourmet affairs. This restaurant is great for vegetarian taco fans. Three different types of veggie tacos are available; one showcases mushrooms, another includes fire-roasted veggies, and the last is made with black beans and guacamole. Meat lovers can dine on pulled chicken or beef tenderloin tacos. While you’re here, be sure to order the fried green chili rings!
- El Paisa , 820 Bridge Boulevard SW, Albuquerque
Yelp/Edgar M.
Yelp/Anna L. This adorable dive offers ridiculously cheap tacos. Whether you opt for the beef, carne asada or barbacoa, you won’t leave here disappointed… or hungry.
- La Herradura, 1901 N Pine Street, Artesia
Facebook/La Herradura
Yelp/Kara L. The tacos at La Herradura are completely addictive. Tortillas are crisped to perfection and accompanied by a bowl of salsa. The chipotle tacos are an extremely popular option.
We couldn’t possibly feature every amazing taco spot in New Mexico on one list. If your favorite didn’t make the cut, tell us why it should have been included.
Yelp/R. H.
Yelp/Karl M.
If you’re searching for affordable food served fast, look no further than Rigoberto’s. This hole-in-the-wall taqueria dishes up delicious carne asada tacos and has a great little salsa bar.
Yelp/George H.
Yelp/Food R.
Although this joint is known for gorditas, Saenz Gorditas also makes amazing tacos. Fillings include beef, chicken, and brisket. The taco plate is also a great choice because it’s accompanied by super fresh salsa and guacamole.
Yelp/Svarit D.
Facebook/Casa Taco
Every meal at Casa Taco is made to order. What sets the tacos here apart is the cooking process – they’re made on a griddle to ensure perfectly crunchy shells. Prices are insanely low, especially on Monday nights.
Yelp/Thomas K.
Yelp/Yuko H.
Guadalajara Grill has been in business for over 20 years. The fish tacos here have a cult following and the carnitas tacos are also memorable. Tacos here are served in soft tortillas, layered two thick.
Yelp/Jason G.
Yelp/Gary M.
This small but colorful restaurant serves some of the best Mexican food in the state. When it comes to tacos, you can’t go wrong with the shrimp tacos - bell peppers really pump up the flavor. The selection of tacos available here is larger than usual and includes adobada, chicharron, barbacoa and more. All meals are made to order. Scoring seating is hit and miss due to the restaurant’s size, so come prepared to take your food to go.
Yelp/B. R.
Yelp/Jim H.
Standouts on this menu at this cheerful little restaurant include the fish tacos, and the chicken tacos. Grab a glass of the freshly-made lemonade to wash them down.
Facebook/The Bonsai ASIAN TACOS
In New Mexico, Asian tacos are hard to come by. This food truck quickly gained a loyal following thanks to its inventive combinations and intense flavors. The folk here have truly mastered fusion tacos. Bonsai Tacos used to be parked on Cerrillos Road but since I’ve been eating there, it has moved once - to St. Francis – and that seems to be its final location.
Yelp/Christopher N.
Yelp/Miranda A.
Diners rave about the el pastor tacos and adobada tacos at La Espiga de Oro. Your food arrives double wrapped in soft tortillas, which you can then customize at the salsa bar. Speedy service, huge portions, and scrumptious tacos. What’s not to like?
Yelp/Lara S.
Yelp/Jimmy G.
In the 1950s, two brothers sold the tacos their mother prepared, under the shade of a patio umbrella. This experience is what inspired the name of this Northern New Mexico favorite, which has expanding considerably from its humble roots. The six locations range from full-scale restaurants to counters where you collect food to go. Try the chicken tacos, which are enhanced with guacamole.
Facebook/Grill Caliente
At Grill Caliente, simple tacos are elevated to gourmet affairs. This restaurant is great for vegetarian taco fans. Three different types of veggie tacos are available; one showcases mushrooms, another includes fire-roasted veggies, and the last is made with black beans and guacamole. Meat lovers can dine on pulled chicken or beef tenderloin tacos. While you’re here, be sure to order the fried green chili rings!
Yelp/Edgar M.
Yelp/Anna L.
This adorable dive offers ridiculously cheap tacos. Whether you opt for the beef, carne asada or barbacoa, you won’t leave here disappointed… or hungry.
Facebook/La Herradura
Yelp/Kara L.
The tacos at La Herradura are completely addictive. Tortillas are crisped to perfection and accompanied by a bowl of salsa. The chipotle tacos are an extremely popular option.
We’re also big burrito fans. If you feel the same way, check out our article on New Mexican breakfast burritos.
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