October 4 is officially National Taco Day, which in Texas is right up there with Texas Independence Day or Cinco de Mayo in terms of importance. On this, the most holy of food days, we asked the CultureMap staff and food writers to fill us in on their favorite tacos in town.
Papalote Taco House — Guajolote en mole
Papalote is a regular stop for me because of its complex sauces and family recipes at reasonable pricing. This turkey mole is rich and topped with crunchy cabbage and pickled onions. Papalote also makes its salsas in-house daily, which is evident in the flavor. - Tom Thornton
Paco's Tacos — Chicken, spinach and black bean taco
It's a funky little place with an incredible selection of tacos along along with great seasonings and generous portions. Among my favorites are the chicken, spinach and black beans; and spinach, mushroom, steak. The tacos are also served with classic options like fish and shredded pork, as well as more unique selections like scallops or brisket. - Melissa Gaskill
Rosita's Al Pastor — Potato, egg and cheese
I love breakfast tacos. And when I say love, I mean love in a let's get married kind of way. I would propose to Rosiata's potato, egg and cheese taco. I'm from South Texas so the thick, floury tortillas stuffed with ingredients reminds me of home. Plus the namesake al pastor (and pretty much any of the fajita tacos) is just as delicious ... or so I've heard. I always just order breakfast. - Nicole Raney
Licha's Cantina — Lengua
I love the tender lengua tacos at Licha's Cantina, which arrives at the table in a small cast iron pan with a short stack of delicate corn tortillas. - Veronica Meewes
Fran's Hamburgers — Bacon, egg and potato
No, it's not a trendy taqueria, but this classic hamburger joint serves up hearty breakfast tacos that you can grab on the go (there's even a drive-thru!). Try a bacon, egg and potato or a sausage, egg and potato — you'll only need one of these big guys and you won't even miss the fact that it's cheese-free. Grab a few salsas and relish in your satiated craving. - Arden Ward
El Chilito — Vegetal taco
I love the vegetal taco at El Chilito. It's so savory and filling, which can be hard to do when there is no meat included. - Layne Lynch
Mi Madre's — Refried bean and cheese taco with avocado
My favorite breakfast taco (or anytime taco, I guess) is the refried bean and cheese taco from Mi Madre's with avocado added on. Something about this taco puts me in a state of bliss — probably whatever amazing spices that they put in the beans. I wish they sold them by the duffle bag like Taco Bell does. - Becky Bullard
The Wet Whistle/ The Vegan Nom — Vegan country sausage taco
If you can't make it to the North Loop trailer, never fear. The Vegan Nom drops off signature vegan tacos at Wet Whistle every morning so they are super fresh. Go early and grab a vegan country sausage with tofu scramble. Personally, I bypass the salsa and add a healthy dollop of Valentina salsa picante. - Katie Friel
La Michoacana Meat Market — Chile relleno taco
The chile relleno taco at La Michoacana is probably one of the best kept secrets in town. Trust me. - Veronica Meewes
Fresa's Chicken al Carbon — La Fresa
My other favorite taco of the moment is the La Fresa taco from Fresa's. With achiote chicken, avocado, Cotija cheese, white onion, cabbage and cilantro, this taco is perfect because it's simple but so well done (and it doesn't feel like a gut-bomb). The chicken is tender and flavorful, and all the classic street taco accouterments pair perfectly. To really do it right you have to get it on a corn tortilla — pleasingly fluffy and thick, a little bit salty, full of sabor. - Becky Bullard
Quality Seafood — Mahi Mahi or shrimp tacos
I love the Mahi Mahi or shrimp tacos at Quality Seafood. Plus, on Tuesday nights they are an absolutely bargain at $3 each. - Kristi Willis
Zu Zu Handmade Mexican Food — Pretty much anything
Chicken, steak, mahi mahi and blackened catfish tacos are among the hits. Everything is fresh and tacos come with two sides. As for me, I always make sure to get the delicious corn relish. - Melissa Gaskill
Veracruz All Natural — Migas
It is the migas ideal — crisp chips, a generous portion of perfectly cooked eggs and a chef's touch. - Tom Thornton
Taco More — Cabrito taco
The succulent cabrito taco at Taco More is one of the best I've found in town and their rainbow of a salsa bar really sweetens the deal. - Veronica Meewes
Tyson's Tacos — Mahi Mahi
I like Tyson's for three reasons: No. 1: Tyson's migas tacos cost 99 cents. No. 2: The spicy hot sauce is actually spicy. No. 3: They have weird options. Menu items include Crispy Duck (with actual duck), the Pharr East (carnitas, taki and chamoy) and my friends are absolutely addicted to the Mahi Mahi. - Nicole Raney
Central Market — "Make your own" breakfast tacos
My favorite breakfast tacos, funnily enough, are the ones from Central Market on North Lamar Boulevard. They really hook you up in terms of portion sizes and ingredients! - Layne Lynch
Tamale House East — Migas taco
Have you ever played that game where everyone goes around the table and says what their last meal would be? Mine would be migas tacos from Tamale House East. After a long night, there is nothing better than a couple of Tamale House East's migas tacos. Smothered in cheese with crunchy tortilla chips and perfectly cooked eggs, these delicious tacos are the ultimate pick-me-up. Make sure to grab an extra salsa, you're going to want it. - Katie Friel
Tacodeli — Jess Special
My favorite breakfast taco is the Jess Special with Dona sauce. I'm also a big fan of their Friday special Ceviche Yucatan. It may be the best ceviche deal in town. - Kristi Willis
Veracruz All Natural — La Reina
For breakfast tacos, I love the Reina at Veracruz All Natural. It's an egg white topped with roasted carrots, avocado, spinach, cheese and pico de gallo and wrapped in a fresh tortilla. - Veronica Meewes
Some of the many options from El Chilito.
