There is no shortage of great tacos in the city of Las Vegas. Whether you’re looking for a Las Vegas taco Tuesday or a late-night taco cart, thee options are delicious and endless.
We’ve outlined contenders, but you are going have to do the hard work of trying the goods at these temples of taco to find the winner. So, in loosely the words of famed ring announcer Michael Buffer, Let’s get ready to tacooooooooo!
Pinches Tacos - 707 Fremont St. #5
A shop with the added bonus of being able to chomp your tacos outside at Downtown Container Park, this is one of two locations in the valley. Can’t decide on just one to try? ThePinches combo comes with any three tacos, with rice, beans and chips. All the usual tacos make an appearance from asada to pollo and carnitas, but something different on the menu is the crispy fried fish topped with creamy Veracruz coleslaw. For the less adventurous eater, Pinches offers the gringos taco, a ground beef beauty that puts typical fast food tacos to shame.
Taqueria Ktrina - 725 S. Las Vegas Blvd #150
Craving authentic birria in an unassuming gem of a spot? This woman-owned taqueria, founded by sisters Marisela and Eloisa Aguilar, brings the bold, comforting flavors of their childhood to every dish. From tacos and birria to burritos and esquites, you'll find traditional Mexican favorites served with a fresh, modern twist.
Tacos El Gordo de Tijuana - 1724 E. Charleston Blvd.
Authentic Tijuana tacos from a family that has been in the business of food for more than 40 years and serving up delicious tacos in Las Vegas since 2010. Handmade corn tortillas cradle fresh ingredients in a lively shop where you yell out your order as taco engineers carve meats off huge spits. This spot has an assembly line feel to it and it allows you to pick exactly what you want on your favorite taco. If you’re basic, the carne asada and spice pork adobada are for you, but the more adventurous will want to indulge in the lengua or beef tongue.
Tacos Los Toritos - 2333 E Bonanza Rd.
Family owned and operated since 1989, with multiple locations, menudo and pozole on the Weekends, Tacos Los Toritos features soft tacos and burritos as favorites. If you're craving authentic Mexican street tacos, Tacos Los Toritos delivers bold flavors straight from the heart of Mexico. They have been family-owned and operated since 1989, making them a Las Vegas classic! Tacos can come loaded with Asada, Tripa, Pastor, Lengua, Chorizo, Carnitas, Pollo, Cabeza, Machaca, Buche, or Pescado. All cooked to perfection and served with fresh garnishes. Between the authentic recipes and unforgettable taste, this place is a staple for tacos.
Los Tacos - 1710 E. Charleston Blvd.
While this is a battle between East Fremont and East Charleston, you could have side action with Los Tacos and Tacos El Gordo as a few hundred feet of parking lot is all that separates these eateries. Both Los Tacos locations keep it simple and easy; this one is the original. A taco with everything comes with cheese, beans and meat served between two warm corn tortillas and topped with fresh pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole. In addition to the normal meat options, they offer buche (fried pig’s esophagus), beef head and beef tongue. Seafood lovers can also opt for tostadas and/or seafood cocktails.
Mariscos Playa Escondida - 1203 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite 140
Known for seafood, this hole in the wall restaurant is a hit with locals and visitors. With so many offerings, make sure to give yourself time to look through the entire menu before ordering. If you’re going straight for the tacos, you can go with the traditional options or try one of their three specials: Gobernator (fried taco with shrimp, cheese, rice, onion and grilled jalapenos), Marlin (fried taco with fish, cheese and avocado) and Tubbz (fried taco with shrimp, cheese, tomato, onion and cilantro).
Bajamar - 1615 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
"Created in Baja but born in Vegas" Bajamar's menu items are true to the region's cuisine. From items based on chef's grandmother's recipes to fan favorite tacos and ceviche, the restaurant uses fresh ingredients hand picked every morning from local markets.
Tacotarian - 1130 S. Casino Center Blvd, #170
These plant-based tacos aren't just for vegans and vegetarians. The menu contains over 15 types of tacos that are full of flavor. If you can't decide, try a taco sampler which gives you the option to try three along with rice and beans. In addition to tacos, Tacotarian offers takes on traditional dishes such as flautas, enchiladas and birria.