The search for the perfect taco is an exciting never-ending journey of the senses. Whether you’re craving the quick crunch of a red chile hard shell or the unique spice of New Mexico you’ll find something special in our 2022 list for Top 5 Tacos.
On our journey we discovered a handful of amazing restaurants, food trucks and hidden gems that left us with full bellies and some amazing stories to tell. Building the perfect taco doesn’t come easy, but the chefs and restauranteurs will agree that it’s well worth the wait. One bite and you’ll be hooked, the only decision you’ll be left with is where to start first!
El Cotorro Taqueria and Heladeria (craft tacos and ice creams)
111 Carlisle Blvd NE
87106 Albuquerque, New Mexico
(505) 503-6202 | ElCotorroAbq.com/
Hours:
11:30AM-8PM Tues | Wed | Thurs | Fri | Sat 11:30AM-6PM | Sunday
Closed on Monday
With expert chef Javier Romero in the kitchen, the best words to describe these tasty tacos from this Nob Hill hotspot is a gourmet celebration for the taste buds. El Cotorro uses only the freshest ingredients for all made-to-order tacos they serve their guests. Their taco inspirations are primarily based on recipes they have enjoyed while in Mexico City and the Yucatan.
El Cotorro’s ice creams are made fresh on site, using mostly locally-sourced ingredients. Some of their signature flavors include: Tres Leches, Mexican Vanilla, and Horchata. Their other flavors rotate seasonally and are often based on local in-season produce.
With meat, seafood, and vegetarian options to choose from, you’re sure to find your newest favorite gourmet taco spot in Albuquerque.
1950 Juan Tabo Blvd NE Suite H
87112 Albuquerque, New Mexico
(505) 299-9968 | LaSalita.com/
Hours:
Tues | Wed | Thurs : 11AM – 7PM Fri | Sat : 11AM – 8PM
Closed Sunday and Monday
To understand the flavorsome combination of the tacos at La Salita Restaurant, one needs to understand the restaurant’s history. La Salita Restaurant began over 40 years ago with an Armenian couple passionate about serving delicious food. After hiring a young, spirited Italian server, Cindy, La Salita would find itself growing to the next level.
Inspired by the quality of homemade New Mexican food, La Salita would finally join the ranks of restaurants and food that inspired each of its dishes by providing tacos that could only be described as savory and mouthwatering. With over 1,200 reviews on Google, we don’t ask you to take our word that these are some of the best tacos around, their patrons do just fine a job themselves of that.
2128 Central Ave SE
87106 Albuquerque, New Mexico
(505) 242-5366 | BandidoHideout.com/
Hours:
Mon | Tues | Wed | Thurs : 8AM – 10PM Fri | Sat : 8AM – 11PM
Sun: 7AM-9PM
While Bandido Hideout boasts they have the best burritos in town we think they have a fair argument for some of the best tacos as well! Established in March 1992, Bandido Hideout restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine for those with a diverse palate for Mexican food.
Are you looking for a recommendation? A Bandido Hideout favorite is the Chile Relleno taco, in which a wedge of Mexican queso is jammed inside a stringy green chile then placed on a steaming corn tortilla. If it doesn’t quench your hunger, we’re not quite sure what will.
Los Primos Mexican Grill
4711 Menaul Blvd NE
87110 Albuquerque, New Mexico
(505) 881-0723
Hours:
10AM – 7PM – Open Tuesday thru Saturday
Closed Sunday and Monday
With recipes that hail from southern Mexico, Los Primos provides a delicious combination of flavor and texture that can be found nowhere else in New Mexico. The owner of Los Primos, a local entrepreneur who founded his first restaurant in 2000, takes pride in his dishes that resemble the famous street tacos in Mexico City. He invites everyone to check out the Google Reviews before choosing their taco of choice or any of his other delicious dishes, including Los Primos’s mouthwatering fajitas.
When planning your next lunch or dinner, here at ABQ-Live we advise you to take a bite out of these delicious tacos and experience the authentic flavor of street tacos.
Street Food Sensations
Located inside El Vado Motel
2500 Central Ave SW
87104 Albuquerque, New Mexico
(505) 414-7722 | bit.ly/StreetFoodSensations
Hours: Wed | Thurs : 12PM – 7:30PM – Fri | Sat : 12PM-8PM – Sun : 12PM-7PM
Street Food Sensations is a local Albuquerque hotspot located within the El Vado Motel that serves a unique blend of street food options, with fresh ingredients and a New Mexico flare.
This New Mexican flare can be found in every dish served at Street Food Sensations, from their side dishes to their flavorsome tacos. We dare you to stop at just one taco after taking a delectable bite from one of your new favorite dishes.
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