50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Geanna Orozco of Supremo Taco

The 50 Best
Tacos

Geanna Orozco of Supremo Taco
Photograph by Wedig + Laxton

Some Atlantans might say that we don’t live in a great taco town. True, Atlanta lacks an actual street-taco scene (someone pass some laws to change that, please!) and has far too few taco trucks per capita (can we find a way to increase them 100-fold?). But we have a ridiculous number of taquerias serving stellar traditional tacos, including regional specialties we dare you to find outside of Mexico, L.A., and (maybe) Texas. From the food courts of Buford Highway’s Plaza Fiesta to the “prison tacos” of El Progreso down by the federal pen to the game-changing al pastor at the new Supremo taco stand in a Memorial Drive parking lot, the breadth of real-deal tacos in Atlanta is vast—if you know where to look. This guide aims to make that hunt much easier. Speaking of, have you tried the tacos from any of the mini-taquerias hiding in gas stations across the metro area? They’re Atlanta’s answer to the street taco, and a remarkable 10 of them found their way onto the list of 50 best tacos that span this guide. That list would not be complete without the unjustly maligned hard-shell taco or the too-easily-dismissed multicultural one, and this guide rightly includes odes to Americanized, Koreanized, and Southernized tacos, too. Like the city itself, our tacos are diverse. And you’ll know you’re truly experiencing them—and using this guide to the fullest—when you find yourself eating tacos in the car on the way to eat more tacos. Can we say career high?

Editor's note: We have updated this page to show what restaurants are doing to help you safely enjoy these tacos during the COVID-19 outbreak.


EDITED BY

Mara Shalhoup

CONTRIBUTIONS FROM

Sonam Vashi, Juan Vidal, Jennifer Zyman, Christiane Lauterbach, Heather Buckner, and Muriel Vega

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Ben Rollins

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Traditional

19 Of Our Favorite Traditional Tacos

From al carbon to al vapor, cabeza to carne asada, birria to barbacoa

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Al Vapor at Taqueria San Pancho

Al Pastor

Taqueria San Pancho

The Jalisco-style steamed tacos at this tiny strip-mall joint melt in your mouth, with almost no difference in texture between the double layer of miniature tortillas made with white masa and the steamed meats, most deliciously the cow cheek (cachete) or tongue (lengua, pictured) cut into small cubes.

4880 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker (second location in Roswell)
770-493-9845

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Chorizo at La Pastorcita

Chorizo

La Pastorcita

The relaxed, unassuming La Pastorcita is one of Buford Highway’s best all-around Mexican restaurants. Part of what makes it so great is the vivid-red chorizo taco, its flavor further brightened with minced onion, cilantro, lime, and radish. Come early: Nights and weekends attract a crowd.

3304 Buford Highway, Brookhaven
678-705-8162

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: GrubHub
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Carnitas at Taqueria La Oaxaqueña

Carnitas

Taqueria La Oaxaqueña

Fresh flour tortillas, made daily, are a sturdy-enough base for carnitas—served simply, with onion and cilantro—so tender and flavorful that just a squeeze of lime is enough. If you must, cut them with light, peppery tomatillo salsa or add a kick with fiery red habanero, ladled into plastic ramekins from the salsa bar.

605 Mount Zion Road, Jonesboro
770-960-3010

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Carne Asada at El Progreso

Carne Asada

El Progreso

If you’re among the uninitiated, it helps to know that El Progreso is in the back of a small grocery store and that its offerings are lovingly called “prison tacos” due to the taqueria’s proximity to the federal pen. Our favorite is the carne asada, the steak quickly grilled and topped with diced onions and cilantro. Dress it up with a spoonful or two from the salsa bar.

1460 Boulevard, Benteen Park
404-624-4774

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: GrubHub

If you're not sure where on this list to start, this is good spot.

Yellow arrow
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Chile Relleno at El Taco Veloz

Chile relleno

El Taco Veloz

El Taco Veloz has created a divine union: They’ve wrapped a chile relleno—a poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, then battered and fried—in a corn or flour tortilla, and the resulting taco is pure wedded bliss. There’s no better comfort food, especially when topped with bracing salsa verde.

5084 Buford Highway, Doraville (other locations in Sandy Springs, Chamblee, Smyrna, and Norcross)
770-936-9094

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Grilled Fish at Rreal Tacos

Grilled fish

Rreal Tacos

There are no fish tacos in Atlanta as elegantly simple as the ones made with sustainable, skin-on fish (think mahi-mahi or snapper) at chef Adrian Villarreal’s taqueria in Midtown. Upgrade to housemade corn tortillas and go for free add-ons such as shredded cabbage and shaved radish.

100 Sixth Street, Midtown
404-458-5887

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: DoorDash, ChowNow
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Holy Tacos at Nuevo Laredo Cantina

Holy tacos

Nuevo Laredo Cantina

For nearly 30 years, this colorful cantina on a desolate industrial stretch has drawn crazy crowds. They’re here in part for the holy tacos: white-corn tortillas stuffed with mashed potatoes, white cheese, onion, and cabbage and topped with green sauce—just like the ones sold outside a church in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

1495 Chattahoochee Avenue, Underwood Hills
404-352-9009

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Tripa at La Tapatia

Tripa

La Tapatia

A prime dinner spot if you’re headed to the Starlight Drive-In, La Tapatia has the crispiest, most flavorful tripa tacos in town. Tripa (or tripe) in Mexican cuisine is not the stomach but the intestines. Make sure to order the “Mexican” tacos (cilantro and onion) for maximum flavor as the “gringo style” hides the tripa goodness.

1645 Moreland Avenue, Thomasville Heights
470-249-3873

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery

Lengua

Tacos La Villa

All of the tacos at this Smyrna strip-mall taqueria rock, but the lengua (tongue) manages to stand out. The meat is soft and supple and perfectly seasoned, ready to be dressed up with toppings from the prodigious salsa bar. Be sure to order several; they go down quickly.

2415 Cobb Parkway, Smyrna
770-951-0415

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Taco de Canasta at La Guelaguetza

Taco de canasta

La Guelaguetza

Located in Buford Highway’s riotous Plaza Fiesta shopping mall, La Guelaguetza has all manner of tacos, including the hard-to-find taco de canasta, commonly sold out of baskets on bikes in Mexico. There are no bikes here, but the steamed taco filled with dark mole and chicken and topped with sauteed onions is no less transportive.

4166 Buford Highway, Chamblee
404-573-6788

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: GrubHub

Chivo Barbacoa

El Rey del Taco

The handmade tortillas at this Buford Highway taco capitol are worth the minor upcharge—they’re the rightful stage for the gorgeous fillings. The slow-cooked goat is especially luscious, carrying the slightest hint of game and accessorized with a brilliant dab of smoky salsa roja.

5288 Buford Highway, Doraville
770-986-0032

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Barbacoa de Res at La Generala

Barbacoa de res

La Generala

La Generala, located in Plaza Fiesta’s smaller, back-corner food court, offers three different types of barbacoa (slow-cooked) meat: lamb, goat, and beef. The exceptionally tender and flavorful barbacoa de res (beef) is our favorite, and the handmade tortillas make it all the more special.

4166 Buford Highway, Chamblee
404-982-2138

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Chicken Tinga at El Tesoro

Chicken Tinga

El Tesoro

When ordering tamales at this delightfully quirky restaurant (which recently expanded its hours to serve dinner Thursday to Saturday), we’re all about the pork. But the juicy, generously sauced tinga is the best of El Tesoro’s universally superb taco options. These tacos aren’t cheap, but you should still pay a little extra for a housemade tortilla.

1374 Arkwright Place, Edgewood
470-440-5502

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Al Pastor at El Trompo Mexican Taqueria

Al pastor

El Trompo Mexican Taqueria

The al pastor taco is a crowd-pleaser for a reason: fatty strips of pork are sizzled on a rotating spit, called a “trompo.” At a place with “Trompo” in the name, the al pastor ought to be great—and here, it is. Tangy, slightly sweet, and full of umami, the al pastor comes on a corn tortilla with the traditional roasted pineapple, a little cilantro, onion, and salsa.

11877 Douglas Road, Alpharetta
770-754-9442

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Camarones at Taqueria Don Sige

Camarones

Taqueria Don Sige

This tiny taqueria’s kitchen boasts little more than a flat-top and a fryer, and the cook is happy to sell you a cheeseburger. But ignore any misinformed impulses because you’re here for traditional tacos (chopped onion, cilantro, lime, and radish), irresistibly priced at $1.50 each. The taco loaded with plump and plentiful camarones is phenomenal.

1720 Vesta Avenue, College Park
404-762-8084

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Suadero at El Huarache Veloz Mexican Taqueria

Suadero

El Huarache Veloz Mexican Taqueria

This thin cut of beef is similar to flank steak and is one of the many stars at this bustling, gringo-friendly but gringo-scarce taqueria in the shadow of the Big Chicken. The tacos are sizable, and the salsa bar is bonkers, with 10 options on ice alongside as many raw and pickled veggies.

1157 Roswell Road, Marietta
678-403-8990

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Cabeza at Supermercado Chicago

Cabeza

Supermercado Chicago

This tender, steamed cabeza—usually cow cheek—from the back butcher counter at this grocery store is so juicy that it quickly soaks through the two corn tortillas, made with freshly ground masa. It’s a glorious, worthwhile mess.

5263 Buford Highway, Doraville
770-452-1361

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Chicken Al Carbon at Little Rey

Chicken al Carbon

Little Rey

Pollo al carbon, commonly found in northern Mexico and Texas, is typically grilled over charcoal. At Little Rey, it’s wood-roasted—and just as gloriously smoky. Loaded onto a housemade flour tortilla and topped with smoked onions, it makes a beautiful beast of a taco. Just add a ladle of any of the five house salsas.

1878 Piedmont Avenue, Piedmont Heights
770-796-0207

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery

Birria

Taqueria Real De La Villa

We were almost burned out on tacos (if that were possible) by the time we made our way to this off-the-beaten-track taqueria attached to a grocery store. After two missed turns, we wondered if maybe we should skip it. Fortunately, the taco gods intervened. The velvety birria (goat) in a deeply mysterious red sauce on a tender housemade tortilla blew our minds.

562 Wylie Road, Marietta
678-214-0505

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery

Keep reading below arrow_downward

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Al Vapor at Taqueria San Pancho

Al Pastor

Taqueria San Pancho

The Jalisco-style steamed tacos at this tiny strip-mall joint melt in your mouth, with almost no difference in texture between the double layer of miniature tortillas made with white masa and the steamed meats, most deliciously the cow cheek (cachete) or tongue (lengua, pictured) cut into small cubes.

4880 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker (second location in Roswell)
770-493-9845

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Chorizo at La Pastorcita

Chorizo

La Pastorcita

The relaxed, unassuming La Pastorcita is one of Buford Highway’s best all-around Mexican restaurants. Part of what makes it so great is the vivid-red chorizo taco, its flavor further brightened with minced onion, cilantro, lime, and radish. Come early: Nights and weekends attract a crowd.

3304 Buford Highway, Brookhaven
678-705-8162

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: GrubHub
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Carnitas at Taqueria La Oaxaqueña

Carnitas

Taqueria La Oaxaqueña

Fresh flour tortillas, made daily, are a sturdy-enough base for carnitas—served simply, with onion and cilantro—so tender and flavorful that just a squeeze of lime is enough. If you must, cut them with light, peppery tomatillo salsa or add a kick with fiery red habanero, ladled into plastic ramekins from the salsa bar.

605 Mount Zion Road, Jonesboro
770-960-3010

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Carne Asada at El Progreso

Carne Asada

El Progreso

If you’re among the uninitiated, it helps to know that El Progreso is in the back of a small grocery store and that its offerings are lovingly called “prison tacos” due to the taqueria’s proximity to the federal pen. Our favorite is the carne asada, the steak quickly grilled and topped with diced onions and cilantro. Dress it up with a spoonful or two from the salsa bar.

1460 Boulevard, Benteen Park
404-624-4774

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: GrubHub

If you're not sure where on this list to start, this is good spot.

Yellow arrow
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Chile Relleno at El Taco Veloz

Chile relleno

El Taco Veloz

El Taco Veloz has created a divine union: They’ve wrapped a chile relleno—a poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, then battered and fried—in a corn or flour tortilla, and the resulting taco is pure wedded bliss. There’s no better comfort food, especially when topped with bracing salsa verde.

5084 Buford Highway, Doraville (other locations in Sandy Springs, Chamblee, Smyrna, and Norcross)
770-936-9094

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Grilled Fish at Rreal Tacos

Grilled fish

Rreal Tacos

There are no fish tacos in Atlanta as elegantly simple as the ones made with sustainable, skin-on fish (think mahi-mahi or snapper) at chef Adrian Villarreal’s taqueria in Midtown. Upgrade to housemade corn tortillas and go for free add-ons such as shredded cabbage and shaved radish.

100 Sixth Street, Midtown
404-458-5887

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: DoorDash, ChowNow
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Holy Tacos at Nuevo Laredo Cantina

Holy tacos

Nuevo Laredo Cantina

For nearly 30 years, this colorful cantina on a desolate industrial stretch has drawn crazy crowds. They’re here in part for the holy tacos: white-corn tortillas stuffed with mashed potatoes, white cheese, onion, and cabbage and topped with green sauce—just like the ones sold outside a church in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

1495 Chattahoochee Avenue, Underwood Hills
404-352-9009

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Tripa at La Tapatia

Tripa

La Tapatia

A prime dinner spot if you’re headed to the Starlight Drive-In, La Tapatia has the crispiest, most flavorful tripa tacos in town. Tripa (or tripe) in Mexican cuisine is not the stomach but the intestines. Make sure to order the “Mexican” tacos (cilantro and onion) for maximum flavor as the “gringo style” hides the tripa goodness.

1645 Moreland Avenue, Thomasville Heights
470-249-3873

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery

Lengua

Tacos La Villa

All of the tacos at this Smyrna strip-mall taqueria rock, but the lengua (tongue) manages to stand out. The meat is soft and supple and perfectly seasoned, ready to be dressed up with toppings from the prodigious salsa bar. Be sure to order several; they go down quickly.

2415 Cobb Parkway, Smyrna
770-951-0415

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Taco de Canasta at La Guelaguetza

Taco de canasta

La Guelaguetza

Located in Buford Highway’s riotous Plaza Fiesta shopping mall, La Guelaguetza has all manner of tacos, including the hard-to-find taco de canasta, commonly sold out of baskets on bikes in Mexico. There are no bikes here, but the steamed taco filled with dark mole and chicken and topped with sauteed onions is no less transportive.

4166 Buford Highway, Chamblee
404-573-6788

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: GrubHub

Chivo Barbacoa

El Rey del Taco

The handmade tortillas at this Buford Highway taco capitol are worth the minor upcharge—they’re the rightful stage for the gorgeous fillings. The slow-cooked goat is especially luscious, carrying the slightest hint of game and accessorized with a brilliant dab of smoky salsa roja.

5288 Buford Highway, Doraville
770-986-0032

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Barbacoa de Res at La Generala

Barbacoa de res

La Generala

La Generala, located in Plaza Fiesta’s smaller, back-corner food court, offers three different types of barbacoa (slow-cooked) meat: lamb, goat, and beef. The exceptionally tender and flavorful barbacoa de res (beef) is our favorite, and the handmade tortillas make it all the more special.

4166 Buford Highway, Chamblee
404-982-2138

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Chicken Tinga at El Tesoro

Chicken Tinga

El Tesoro

When ordering tamales at this delightfully quirky restaurant (which recently expanded its hours to serve dinner Thursday to Saturday), we’re all about the pork. But the juicy, generously sauced tinga is the best of El Tesoro’s universally superb taco options. These tacos aren’t cheap, but you should still pay a little extra for a housemade tortilla.

1374 Arkwright Place, Edgewood
470-440-5502

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Al Pastor at El Trompo Mexican Taqueria

Al pastor

El Trompo Mexican Taqueria

The al pastor taco is a crowd-pleaser for a reason: fatty strips of pork are sizzled on a rotating spit, called a “trompo.” At a place with “Trompo” in the name, the al pastor ought to be great—and here, it is. Tangy, slightly sweet, and full of umami, the al pastor comes on a corn tortilla with the traditional roasted pineapple, a little cilantro, onion, and salsa.

11877 Douglas Road, Alpharetta
770-754-9442

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Camarones at Taqueria Don Sige

Camarones

Taqueria Don Sige

This tiny taqueria’s kitchen boasts little more than a flat-top and a fryer, and the cook is happy to sell you a cheeseburger. But ignore any misinformed impulses because you’re here for traditional tacos (chopped onion, cilantro, lime, and radish), irresistibly priced at $1.50 each. The taco loaded with plump and plentiful camarones is phenomenal.

1720 Vesta Avenue, College Park
404-762-8084

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Suadero at El Huarache Veloz Mexican Taqueria

Suadero

El Huarache Veloz Mexican Taqueria

This thin cut of beef is similar to flank steak and is one of the many stars at this bustling, gringo-friendly but gringo-scarce taqueria in the shadow of the Big Chicken. The tacos are sizable, and the salsa bar is bonkers, with 10 options on ice alongside as many raw and pickled veggies.

1157 Roswell Road, Marietta
678-403-8990

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Cabeza at Supermercado Chicago

Cabeza

Supermercado Chicago

This tender, steamed cabeza—usually cow cheek—from the back butcher counter at this grocery store is so juicy that it quickly soaks through the two corn tortillas, made with freshly ground masa. It’s a glorious, worthwhile mess.

5263 Buford Highway, Doraville
770-452-1361

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Chicken Al Carbon at Little Rey

Chicken al Carbon

Little Rey

Pollo al carbon, commonly found in northern Mexico and Texas, is typically grilled over charcoal. At Little Rey, it’s wood-roasted—and just as gloriously smoky. Loaded onto a housemade flour tortilla and topped with smoked onions, it makes a beautiful beast of a taco. Just add a ladle of any of the five house salsas.

1878 Piedmont Avenue, Piedmont Heights
770-796-0207

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery

Birria

Taqueria Real De La Villa

We were almost burned out on tacos (if that were possible) by the time we made our way to this off-the-beaten-track taqueria attached to a grocery store. After two missed turns, we wondered if maybe we should skip it. Fortunately, the taco gods intervened. The velvety birria (goat) in a deeply mysterious red sauce on a tender housemade tortilla blew our minds.

562 Wylie Road, Marietta
678-214-0505

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
Exterior of Supremo

At Supremo,
I found Mexico City in a Memorial Drive parking lot

This tiny take-out joint has big ambitions.

By Juan Vidal
Read more

Three of Our Favorite Supremo Tacos

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Black Bean at Supremo

Black bean

Exalting something as simple as a black bean taco might be controversial, but we’ll die on this hill for Supremo’s. Firm, yellow squash cuts through a fragrant sludge of black beans, mingling with a tomato-chili salsa and sprinkles of cotija cheese.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Lamb Barbacoa at Supremo

Lamb Barbacoa

For this taco, lamb is wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked for five hours, then topped with fiery chile de arbol salsa. The velvety lamb is extra flavorful because braising liquid from each finished batch is added to the marinade for the next batch.

701 Memorial Drive, Grant Park
404-965-1446

To-go
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Al Pastor at Supremo

Al Pastor

Strips of pork are first marinated in citrus, guajillo chile, and spices, then roasted on a vertical rotating spit. After being sliced off the spit, the pork is seared for an extra-crispy finish and traditionally dressed with grilled pineapple and salsa fresca.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Black Bean at Supremo

Black bean

Exalting something as simple as a black bean taco might be controversial, but we’ll die on this hill for Supremo’s. Firm, yellow squash cuts through a fragrant sludge of black beans, mingling with a tomato-chili salsa and sprinkles of cotija cheese.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Lamb Barbacoa at Supremo

Lamb Barbacoa

For this taco, lamb is wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked for five hours, then topped with fiery chile de arbol salsa. The velvety lamb is extra flavorful because braising liquid from each finished batch is added to the marinade for the next batch.

701 Memorial Drive, Grant Park
404-965-1446

To-go
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Al Pastor at Supremo

Al Pastor

Strips of pork are first marinated in citrus, guajillo chile, and spices, then roasted on a vertical rotating spit. After being sliced off the spit, the pork is seared for an extra-crispy finish and traditionally dressed with grilled pineapple and salsa fresca.

Behold, the gas station taco!

Some cities have a vibrant street-taco scene. Others have an abundance of taco trucks. Some have both. Atlanta has neither—but we do have another, less obvious source of delicious, traditional tacos: gas stations, which house everything from mini-taquerias to full-fledged restaurants.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Buche taco at El Serranito

Buche

El Serranito

The window of this BP mini-mart is hand-painted with the promise of “Street Tacos,” and the little shop inside delivers. The buche (pork stomach) is crisp and delicious, some of the finest offal to find its way to a tortilla. Finish it with a drizzle of tomatillo salsa and a few dabs of El Serranito’s “Yummy” sauce from the salsa bar.

12152 Highway 92, Woodstock
770-926-9934

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Al Pastor taco at Taqueria Margarita

Al pastor

Taqueria Margarita

The al pastor at this gas station–adjacent taqueria is so deeply, flavorfully spiced you might mistake it for chorizo. The juices will seep through the handmade corn tortilla, staining it with splotches of deep orange, but it will hold up just fine to the drenching. The spiciest of the salsa bar options is nuclear-level hot. Embrace it.

860 Six Flags Road, Austell
404-934-7571

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Pescado taco at Taqueria Taquito Express

Pescado

Taqueria Taquito Express

At this taco stand inside a Chamblee BP, you’ll find all manner of worthy tacos. We love the hand-battered strips of fish. They’re fried until golden but still somehow remain light. Served on corn or flour tortillas with a healthy dose of mayo-based sauce, the tacos need only a dab of salsa.

5018 Peachtree Boulevard, Chamblee (other locations in Dunwoody and Alpharetta)
770-455-6255

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Asada taco Taqueria Oaxaqueña de la Guelaguetza

Asada

Taqueria Oaxaqueña de la Guelaguetza

Perhaps best known for its marvelous tlayudas (which are kind of like a Mexican pizza and hail from Oaxaca), this tiny taqueria also serves sublime tacos on handmade tortillas. The crispy and sizzling-hot asada (steak) is our favorite. Take note: This place has inconsistent hours; call ahead (770-940-2284) so you don’t waste a trip.

6310 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker
770-940-2284

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
Yellow arrow

Want to know more about those tlayudas? We thought so.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Tacos de Canasta with Chicken Mole

Tacos de Canasta with chicken mole

La Costeñita Taqueria

At this halal taqueria, you won’t find pork, but you will find the tacos de canasta, a steamed style typically served from a basket, hence the name (canasta means basket). They come in generous servings of four with rice and beans, and we especially like chicken-stuffed ones drenched with bright red mole.

3799 Buford Highway, Brookhaven
404-957-8038

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Cabeza taco at El Gallo Giro

Cabeza

El Gallo Giro

Not only is this pint-sized taqueria charming, with a pair of toddler cowboy boots and a taxidermy rooster perched above the counter—it also gets major bonus points for having a drive-thru window. The cabeza (beef’s cheek) is the standout, the meat fresh and succulent and served on warm, handmade corn tortillas.

2520 Old Norcross Road, Lawrenceville
770-682-8883

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Carnitas taco at Nacho’s Taqueria

Carnitas

Nacho’s Taqueria

If, like us, you’ve already eaten a half-dozen excellent tacos before noon (don’t judge), your jaw will still hit the floor the moment you take a bite of this carnitas taco. The tortillas are warm and hearty and slick with grease from the grill, and the buttery meat bursts with porky goodness. Don’t let the bare-bones vibe fool you: These are A-list tacos.

4240 Jiles Road, Kennesaw
470-308-3967

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: Postmates
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Chicken Tinga taco at Cylantros

Chicken Tinga

Cylantros

Around the corner from Nacho’s is another taco treasure: the delicate, fragrant, chicken tinga at this Venezuelan pitstop. The tacos come in two sizes (the smaller is 99 cents and comes on a tender mini-tortilla). This is one of the few gas-station joints with a roomy and pleasant dining room, and we’ll be back for the arepas and cachapa (a sweet corn pancake with cheese).

3338 Cherokee Street, Kennesaw
678-324-6276

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Pastor taco Taqueria Morelos

Pastor

Taqueria Morelos

Located inside of a Chevron, this​ taqueria makes most of its masa-based items from scratch, including the fresh tortillas. The tangy and slightly sweet pastor is the best meat of the bunch, with caramelized bits that accentuate the marinade and are an ideal match for the excellent tomatillo salsa.

1300 Atlanta Road, Marietta
678-331-1323

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
Yellow arrow

We REALLY love this place.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Lamb Barbacoa at Taqueria Mami

Lamb barbacoa

Taqueria Mami

Like many gas-station taquerias, ​Taqueria Mami ​makes its own tortillas. They’re extra good, thanks to the slightest slick of fat they absorb from being heated on the griddle. The lamb barbacoa is so tender and uncomplicated, it feels like something your abuela would make for you on Sunday.

2051 James Jackson Parkway, Riverside
470-424-4318

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: DoorDash
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Buche taco at El Serranito

Buche

El Serranito

The window of this BP mini-mart is hand-painted with the promise of “Street Tacos,” and the little shop inside delivers. The buche (pork stomach) is crisp and delicious, some of the finest offal to find its way to a tortilla. Finish it with a drizzle of tomatillo salsa and a few dabs of El Serranito’s “Yummy” sauce from the salsa bar.

12152 Highway 92, Woodstock
770-926-9934

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Al Pastor taco at Taqueria Margarita

Al pastor

Taqueria Margarita

The al pastor at this gas station–adjacent taqueria is so deeply, flavorfully spiced you might mistake it for chorizo. The juices will seep through the handmade corn tortilla, staining it with splotches of deep orange, but it will hold up just fine to the drenching. The spiciest of the salsa bar options is nuclear-level hot. Embrace it.

860 Six Flags Road, Austell
404-934-7571

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Pescado taco at Taqueria Taquito Express

Pescado

Taqueria Taquito Express

At this taco stand inside a Chamblee BP, you’ll find all manner of worthy tacos. We love the hand-battered strips of fish. They’re fried until golden but still somehow remain light. Served on corn or flour tortillas with a healthy dose of mayo-based sauce, the tacos need only a dab of salsa.

5018 Peachtree Boulevard, Chamblee (other locations in Dunwoody and Alpharetta)
770-455-6255

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Asada taco Taqueria Oaxaqueña de la Guelaguetza

Asada

Taqueria Oaxaqueña de la Guelaguetza

Perhaps best known for its marvelous tlayudas (which are kind of like a Mexican pizza and hail from Oaxaca), this tiny taqueria also serves sublime tacos on handmade tortillas. The crispy and sizzling-hot asada (steak) is our favorite. Take note: This place has inconsistent hours; call ahead (770-940-2284) so you don’t waste a trip.

6310 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker
770-940-2284

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
Yellow arrow

Want to know more about those tlayudas? We thought so.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Tacos de Canasta with Chicken Mole

Tacos de Canasta with chicken mole

La Costeñita Taqueria

At this halal taqueria, you won’t find pork, but you will find the tacos de canasta, a steamed style typically served from a basket, hence the name (canasta means basket). They come in generous servings of four with rice and beans, and we especially like chicken-stuffed ones drenched with bright red mole.

3799 Buford Highway, Brookhaven
404-957-8038

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Cabeza taco at El Gallo Giro

Cabeza

El Gallo Giro

Not only is this pint-sized taqueria charming, with a pair of toddler cowboy boots and a taxidermy rooster perched above the counter—it also gets major bonus points for having a drive-thru window. The cabeza (beef’s cheek) is the standout, the meat fresh and succulent and served on warm, handmade corn tortillas.

2520 Old Norcross Road, Lawrenceville
770-682-8883

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Carnitas taco at Nacho’s Taqueria

Carnitas

Nacho’s Taqueria

If, like us, you’ve already eaten a half-dozen excellent tacos before noon (don’t judge), your jaw will still hit the floor the moment you take a bite of this carnitas taco. The tortillas are warm and hearty and slick with grease from the grill, and the buttery meat bursts with porky goodness. Don’t let the bare-bones vibe fool you: These are A-list tacos.

4240 Jiles Road, Kennesaw
470-308-3967

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: Postmates
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Chicken Tinga taco at Cylantros

Chicken Tinga

Cylantros

Around the corner from Nacho’s is another taco treasure: the delicate, fragrant, chicken tinga at this Venezuelan pitstop. The tacos come in two sizes (the smaller is 99 cents and comes on a tender mini-tortilla). This is one of the few gas-station joints with a roomy and pleasant dining room, and we’ll be back for the arepas and cachapa (a sweet corn pancake with cheese).

3338 Cherokee Street, Kennesaw
678-324-6276

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Pastor taco Taqueria Morelos

Pastor

Taqueria Morelos

Located inside of a Chevron, this​ taqueria makes most of its masa-based items from scratch, including the fresh tortillas. The tangy and slightly sweet pastor is the best meat of the bunch, with caramelized bits that accentuate the marinade and are an ideal match for the excellent tomatillo salsa.

1300 Atlanta Road, Marietta
678-331-1323

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
Yellow arrow

We REALLY love this place.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Lamb Barbacoa at Taqueria Mami

Lamb barbacoa

Taqueria Mami

Like many gas-station taquerias, ​Taqueria Mami ​makes its own tortillas. They’re extra good, thanks to the slightest slick of fat they absorb from being heated on the griddle. The lamb barbacoa is so tender and uncomplicated, it feels like something your abuela would make for you on Sunday.

2051 James Jackson Parkway, Riverside
470-424-4318

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: DoorDash

Taste the salsa rainbow

Traditional taco joints boast salsa bars with more hues than a painter’s palette

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50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Macha at Muchacho

Macha

Muchacho
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Arbol at El Huarache Veloz

Arbol

El Huarache Veloz
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Chile de Arbol at Tacos La Villa

Chile de Arbol

Tacos La Villa
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Roja Asada at Taqueria Real De La Villa

Roja Asada

Taqueria Real De La Villa
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Chile de Arbol at Supermercado Chicago

Chile de Arbol

Supermercado Chicago
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Roja Picante at Nacho’s Taqueria

Roja Picante

Nacho’s Taqueria
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Jalapeno at Muchacho

JalapeÑo

Muchacho
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Orange at Nacho’s Taqueria

Orange

Nacho’s Taqueria
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Yummy at El Serranito

Yummy

El Serranito
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Chipotle at El Huarache Veloz

Chipotle

El Huarache Veloz
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Serrano at El Serranito

Serrano

El Serranito
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Tomatillo at El Serranito

Tomatillo

El Serranito
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Chile Verde at Taqueria Mami

Chile Verde

Taqueria Mami
Aguacate at Taqueria Real De La Villa

Aguacate

Taqueria Real De La Villa
Avocado at Taqueria Morelos

Avocado

Taqueria Morelos
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Verde at Nacho’s Taqueria

Verde

Nacho’s Taqueria

Americanized

The writer and her boyfriend share what’s sure to be one of many more meals at Jalisco.

Love comes and
goes, but
Jalisco's
hard-shell tacos
are forever

If Max and I break up, this place will stay neutral territory.

By Sonam Vashi
Read more

Our Favorite Americanized Tacos

We left plenty of room in our hearts (and stomachs) for the hard-shell, the Texan, and the breakfast taco.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Ground beef taco at Jalisco

Ground beef

Jalisco

The nostalgia factor at this beautifully untrendy Buckhead mainstay might make the hard-shell tacos taste a little better than they actually are, but with crackly shells fried fresh daily, they’re still pretty damn good.

2337 Peachtree Road, Buckhead
‭404-233-9244‬

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Picadillo Puffy tacos at Superica

Picadillo puffy tacos

Superica

For this San Antonio treat, a flattened ball of masa is dumped in frying oil. The resulting puffy tortilla is loaded with chili-spiced ground beef, lettuce, tomato, and yellow cheese. It’s the taco dinner Texans dream of.

3850 Roswell Road, Buckhead; 99 Krog Street, Inman Park; 455 Legends Place Southeast, the Battery; and 1130 1st Street, Alpharetta
678-791-1310

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Muchacho style tacos at Muchacho

Muchacho Style

Muchacho

Hangover, meet your match. This greasy mess of chorizo, eggs, cheese, roasted poblano, and pico is nestled in a flour tortilla that possesses the ultimate fortitude—and you will too, after two of these.

904 Memorial Drive, Reynoldstown
404-748-9254

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: DoorDash
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Beef Brisket taco at Wood's Chapel BBQ

Beef brisket taco

Wood’s Chapel BBQ

At this barbecue joint from chef Todd Ginsberg (The General Muir), the contrast between smoky chopped beef, mild guac kissed with spicy salsa, and fragrant, medium-thick, housemade flour tortillas is joyful.

85 Georgia Avenue, Summerhill
404-522-3000

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: DoorDash
Redarrow

Wash it down with a Cheerwine and whiskey slushie.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Frijolero taco at El Tesoro

Frijolero (add avocado)

El Tesoro

The refried black beans in this taco are freakishly delicious. Like, it’s hard to understand why they’re so good. Don’t question it too much. Just order this on a flour tortilla (only at breakfast do we opt out of El Tesoro’s handmade corn tortillas), and coast into your day.

1374 Arkwright Place, Edgewood
470-440-5502

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: Grubhub
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Ground beef taco at Taco T's

Ground beef

Taco T’s

Taco T’s hard-shell taco with ground beef will bring back memories of the taco kits of your childhood, but these are way better—starting with the homemade shell. Ask for extra cheese.

1065 Windy Hill Road, Smyrna(second location in Roswell)
770-438-6500

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: Grubhub, DoorDash
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Taco Loco at Taqueria Mami

Taco Loco

Taqueria Mami

This gas-station taco joint in northwest Atlanta off Bolton Road is a total gem. Every taco we’ve tried is a delight, and the Taco Loco, heaped with eggs, cheese, ham, and pico is no exception. Gas up!

2051 James Jackson Parkway, Riverside
470-424-4318

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: DoorDash
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Chorizo taco at Little Rey

Chorizo

Little Rey

Breakfast in this town got so much better after the arrival last year of this stylish, modern roadhouse. Our favorite of the breakfast tacos comes with chorizo, eggs, cheese, twice-fried beans, and migas (corn chips), served on housemade flour tortillas.

1878 Piedmont Avenue, Piedmont Heights
770-796-0207

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Ground beef taco at Jalisco

Ground beef

Jalisco

The nostalgia factor at this beautifully untrendy Buckhead mainstay might make the hard-shell tacos taste a little better than they actually are, but with crackly shells fried fresh daily, they’re still pretty damn good.

2337 Peachtree Road, Buckhead
‭404-233-9244‬

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Picadillo Puffy tacos at Superica

Picadillo puffy tacos

Superica

For this San Antonio treat, a flattened ball of masa is dumped in frying oil. The resulting puffy tortilla is loaded with chili-spiced ground beef, lettuce, tomato, and yellow cheese. It’s the taco dinner Texans dream of.

3850 Roswell Road, Buckhead, and 99 Krog Street, Inman Park
678-791-1310

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Muchacho style tacos at Muchacho

Muchacho Style

Muchacho

Hangover, meet your match. This greasy mess of chorizo, eggs, cheese, roasted poblano, and pico is nestled in a flour tortilla that possesses the ultimate fortitude—and you will too, after two of these.

904 Memorial Drive, Reynoldstown
404-748-9254

Temporarily closed due to COVID-19
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Beef Brisket taco at Wood's Chapel BBQ

Beef brisket taco

Wood’s Chapel BBQ

At this barbecue joint from chef Todd Ginsberg (The General Muir), the contrast between smoky chopped beef, mild guac kissed with spicy salsa, and fragrant, medium-thick, housemade flour tortillas is joyful.

85 Georgia Avenue, Summerhill
404-522-3000

Temporarily closed due to COVID-19
Redarrow

Wash it down with a Cheerwine and whiskey slushie.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Frijolero taco at El Tesoro

Frijolero (add avocado)

El Tesoro

The refried black beans in this taco are freakishly delicious. Like, it’s hard to understand why they’re so good. Don’t question it too much. Just order this on a flour tortilla (only at breakfast do we opt out of El Tesoro’s handmade corn tortillas), and coast into your day.

1374 Arkwright Place, Edgewood
470-440-5502

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: UberEats, DoorDash
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Ground beef taco at Taco T's

Ground beef

Taco T’s

Taco T’s hard-shell taco with ground beef will bring back memories of the taco kits of your childhood, but these are way better—starting with the homemade shell. Ask for extra cheese.

1065 Windy Hill Road, Smyrna(second location in Roswell)
770-438-6500

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: Grubhub, DoorDash
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Taco Loco at Taqueria Mami

Taco Loco

Taqueria Mami

This gas-station taco joint in northwest Atlanta off Bolton Road is a total gem. Every taco we’ve tried is a delight, and the Taco Loco, heaped with eggs, cheese, ham, and pico is no exception. Gas up!

2051 James Jackson Parkway, Riverside
470-424-4318

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: DoorDash
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Chorizo taco at Little Rey

Chorizo

Little Rey

Breakfast in this town got so much better after the arrival last year of this stylish, modern roadhouse. Our favorite of the breakfast tacos comes with chorizo, eggs, cheese, twice-fried beans, and migas (corn chips), served on housemade flour tortillas.

1878 Piedmont Avenue, Piedmont Heights
770-796-0207

Temporarily closed due to COVID-19
Yellow arrow

Taco Throwdown

What's more American than a hard-shell, a Texan, or a breakfast taco? Forcing our eight favorites to go head to head!

Multicultural

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Yumbii

Don't knock the
hybrid taco

Tacos irrevocably belong to Mexico, but they are meant to be borrowed.

By Mara Shalhoup
Read more

Our Favorite Multicultural Tacos

The all-accepting tortilla is ready for nearly any cuisine it might meet—from Indian to Korean to New England to Southern.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Fish taco at Yumbii

Fish

Yumbii

Yumbii’s first brick-and-mortar shop opened in 2016 (a second is on the way), but it launched a decade ago as a popular Asian taco truck. Most notable among the simple and inventive tacos is the hard-fried, panko-crusted tilapia with hoisin tartar sauce, Korean chili sauce, and a soy-sesame vinaigrette salad.

1927 Peachtree Road, South Buckhead
404-975-3444

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Paneer Uttapam taco at Masti Fun Indian Street Eats

Paneer uttapam

Masti Fun Indian Street Eats

It turns out that uttapam, a traditional Indian pancake crafted from lentil and rice batter, doubles as a very impressive tortilla. Masti fills it with butter chicken, minced turkey, or, our favorite, paneer. The grated and spiced cheese has an almost meatlike consistency and mixes well with rice, tomatoes, and cilantro.

2945 Druid Hills Road, Toco Hills
678-949-9414

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: GrubHub, DoorDash
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Lobster taco at Nuevo Laredo

Lobster

Nuevo Laredo

We might be stretching it by calling this a multicultural taco, but it’s not a true Baja-style lobster taco, either. The difference is in Nuevo Laredo’s use of cheese sauce instead of crema and the addition of sauteed spinach. Call it a mix of Baja-California and SoCal.

1495 Chattahoochee Avenue, Underwood Hills
404-352-9009

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: HM Korean Taco at Heirloom Market BBQ

HM Korean Taco

Heirloom Market BBQ

Traditional Southern barbecue meets traditional Korean kimchi slaw on a traditional Mexican tortilla. This is the holy trinity of mashup tacos. You have the option to choose any of Heirloom’s fine smoked meats for this taco, but you want the spicy Korean pork. Drizzle your taco with the house Kitchen salsa. That’s an order.

2243 Akers Mill Road, Cumberland
770-612-2502

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: DoorDash
Blue arrow

Three cultures on one tortilla!

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Calamari taco at Hankook Taqueria

Calamari

Hankook Taqueria

At Hankook, Korean and Mexican flavors find their strongest harmony with the calamari taco. Battered and deep-fried to crisps, the squid is drizzled with a sweet, garlicky chili sauce and paired with the subtle spice of pickled jalapeños, all on a mix of shredded romaine, yellow onion, and cilantro that’s tossed with a light soy-sesame vinaigrette.

1341 Collier Road, Underwood Hills
404-352-8881

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: Postmates
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Cauliflower taco at Bartaco

Cauliflower

Bartaco

You might want to call this Spanish-influenced gem a taco tapa (there, we just invented a new cuisine). Who knew that charred cauliflower tossed with nutty-smoky romesco sauce would sit so well on a tortilla?

969 Marietta Street, Westside (other locations in Inman Park and North Buckhead)
470-400-8226

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: Bartaco website
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Korean Bulgogi at Sweet Auburn Barbecue

Korean Bulgogi

Sweet Auburn Barbecue

Similar to the Heirloom Market BBQ taco, this one brings together Korean, Mexican, and Southern vibes. But it’s a lot lighter on the Southern; rather than being hit with a punch of barbecue smoke, this taco’s shocker is the strong kick of sesame oil and the chewy tug of bulgogi—which work really well against the earthy tortilla.

656 North Highland Avenue, Poncey-Highland
678-515-3550

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: UberEats, Postmates
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Fried Catfish taco at Minero

Fried Catfish

Minero

The menu at Minero was conceived by star Southern chef Sean Brock, and his influence is apparent in dishes like this fried catfish taco. A handmade tortilla made from masa that’s crafted in-house holds a mostly traditional fish taco—but for the very Southern-fried catfish.

675 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Old Fourth Ward
404-532-1580

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: DoorDash
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Clam taco at Strange Taco Bar

Clam

Strange Taco Bar

Clam roll, meet taco. We had a feeling you two might get along. Like the crunchy fried chicken that makes Taqueria del Sol’s taco so great, these even crunchier clam strips, drizzled with horseradish sauce and topped with onion and cilantro, work surprisingly well when wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.

225 West Crogan Street, Lawrenceville
678-869-5220

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: UberEats
Blue arrow

This one comes from the master of the mashup.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Fried chicken taco at Taqueria del Sol

Fried chicken

Taqueria del Sol

Eddie Hernandez’s fried-chicken taco is a lesson on the synergy between Southern and Mexican traditions. Here, crispy chicken strips, soft on the inside, are dressed with mayonnaise that's brightened with lime and deepened with roasted jalapeños, as well as a sprinkle of lettuce and tomato.

2165 Cheshire Bridge Road, Lindridge-Martin Manor (and three other locations)
470-321-3232

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Fish taco at Yumbii

Fish

Yumbii

Yumbii’s first brick-and-mortar shop opened in 2016 (a second is on the way), but it launched a decade ago as a popular Asian taco truck. Most notable among the simple and inventive tacos is the hard-fried, panko-crusted tilapia with hoisin tartar sauce, Korean chili sauce, and a soy-sesame vinaigrette salad.

1927 Peachtree Road, South Buckhead
404-975-3444

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Paneer Uttapam taco at Masti Fun Indian Street Eats

Paneer uttapam

Masti Fun Indian Street Eats

It turns out that uttapam, a traditional Indian pancake crafted from lentil and rice batter, doubles as a very impressive tortilla. Masti fills it with butter chicken, minced turkey, or, our favorite, paneer. The grated and spiced cheese has an almost meatlike consistency and mixes well with rice, tomatoes, and cilantro.

2945 Druid Hills Road, Toco Hills
678-949-9414

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: GrubHub, DoorDash
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Lobster taco at Nuevo Laredo

Lobster

Nuevo Laredo

We might be stretching it by calling this a multicultural taco, but it’s not a true Baja-style lobster taco, either. The difference is in Nuevo Laredo’s use of cheese sauce instead of crema and the addition of sauteed spinach. Call it a mix of Baja-California and SoCal.

1495 Chattahoochee Avenue, Underwood Hills
404-352-9009

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: HM Korean Taco at Heirloom Market BBQ

HM Korean Taco

Heirloom Market BBQ

Traditional Southern barbecue meets traditional Korean kimchi slaw on a traditional Mexican tortilla. This is the holy trinity of mashup tacos. You have the option to choose any of Heirloom’s fine smoked meats for this taco, but you want the spicy Korean pork. Drizzle your taco with the house Kitchen salsa. That’s an order.

2243 Akers Mill Road, Cumberland
770-612-2502

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: DoorDash
Blue arrow

Three cultures on one tortilla!

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Calamari taco at Hankook Taqueria

Calamari

Hankook Taqueria

At Hankook, Korean and Mexican flavors find their strongest harmony with the calamari taco. Battered and deep-fried to crisps, the squid is drizzled with a sweet, garlicky chili sauce and paired with the subtle spice of pickled jalapeños, all on a mix of shredded romaine, yellow onion, and cilantro that’s tossed with a light soy-sesame vinaigrette.

1341 Collier Road, Underwood Hills
404-352-8881

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: Postmates
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Cauliflower taco at Bartaco

Cauliflower

Bartaco

You might want to call this Spanish-influenced gem a taco tapa (there, we just invented a new cuisine). Who knew that charred cauliflower tossed with nutty-smoky romesco sauce would sit so well on a tortilla?

969 Marietta Street, Westside (other locations in Inman Park and North Buckhead)
470-400-8226

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: Bartaco website
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Korean Bulgogi at Sweet Auburn Barbecue

Korean Bulgogi

Sweet Auburn Barbecue

Similar to the Heirloom Market BBQ taco, this one brings together Korean, Mexican, and Southern vibes. But it’s a lot lighter on the Southern; rather than being hit with a punch of barbecue smoke, this taco’s shocker is the strong kick of sesame oil and the chewy tug of bulgogi—which work really well against the earthy tortilla.

656 North Highland Avenue, Poncey-Highland
678-515-3550

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: UberEats, Postmates
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Fried Catfish taco at Minero

Fried Catfish

Minero

The menu at Minero was conceived by star Southern chef Sean Brock, and his influence is apparent in dishes like this fried catfish taco. A handmade tortilla made from masa that’s crafted in-house holds a mostly traditional fish taco—but for the very Southern-fried catfish.

675 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Old Fourth Ward
404-532-1580

Temporarily closed due to COVID-19
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Clam taco at Strange Taco Bar

Clam

Strange Taco Bar

Clam roll, meet taco. We had a feeling you two might get along. Like the crunchy fried chicken that makes Taqueria del Sol’s taco so great, these even crunchier clam strips, drizzled with horseradish sauce and topped with onion and cilantro, work surprisingly well when wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.

225 West Crogan Street, Lawrenceville
678-869-5220

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery: UberEats
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This one comes from the master of the mashup.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Fried chicken taco at Taqueria del Sol

Fried chicken

Taqueria del Sol

Eddie Hernandez’s fried-chicken taco is a lesson on the synergy between Southern and Mexican traditions. Here, crispy chicken strips, soft on the inside, are dressed with mayonnaise that's brightened with lime and deepened with roasted jalapeños, as well as a sprinkle of lettuce and tomato.

2165 Cheshire Bridge Road, Lindridge-Martin Manor (and three other locations)
470-321-3232

To-go
Curbside pick-up
Drive-thru
Delivery

Find your
Taco Soulmate

No time for perusing the 50 tacos that fill this package? We’re sorry your priorities are so messed up, but at least let us match you with your taco soulmate.
50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Frijolero taco at El Tesoro

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50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Picadillo Puffy tacos at Superica

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Let's start with the obvious: soft tortilla or hard-shell?

Corn or flour?

Handmade tortilla?

Are you open to gas-station tacos?

Braised lamb or grilled steak?

Handmade tortilla?

Lobster or breakfast?

Yes

Are you hungover?

No shame there! Are we talking a straight-up hard shell, or might we interest you in a San Antonio–style puffy one?

Homemade shell, or does that defeat the purpose?

Are you open to gas-station tacos?

Will you eat goat?

Okay, pork or vegetarian?

Little Rey specializes in chicken al carbon (wood-smoked barbecue bird), including a taco option in which the chicken is simply dressed with smoked onions.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Chicken Al Carbon at Little Rey

The $1.29 birria taco at no-frills Taqueria Real de la Villa in Marietta is rich with velvety meat and a deep-red sauce.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Birria at Taqueria Real De La Villa

Once you taste the al pastor taco at the stylish takeout spot Supremo, you might be ruined for all other tacos.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Al Pastor at Supremo

One of our favorite finds in this taco expedition was Taqueria Mami and its beautifully tender and uncomplicated lamb barbacoa taco.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Lamb Barbacoa at Taqueria Mami

Tucker is home to an inordinate number of great tacos, and the asada taco at Taqueria Oaxaqueña de la Guelaguetza is our favorite.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Asada taco Taqueria Oaxaqueña de la Guelaguetza

El Taco Veloz stuffs a tortilla with a bursting-with-cheese and deep-fried chili relleno. It’s godlike.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Chile Relleno at El Taco Veloz

Get the Picadillo Puffy Tacos at Superica: A crib of deep-fried masa cradles spiced ground beef, shredded lettuce, tomato, and cheese.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Picadillo Puffy tacos at Superica

The ground beef hard-shell taco at Taco T has a crackly, homemade shell that truly elevates the form.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Ground beef taco at Taco T's

The ground beef hard-shell at Jalisco is worth its weight in pure nostalgia.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Ground beef taco at Jalisco

Once you taste Nacho’s Taqueria’s carnitas tacos, you’ll be looking for excuses to book it to Kennesaw.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Carnitas taco at Nacho’s Taqueria

Way down Boulevard, El Progreso slings the meatiest, kissed-with-char carne asada tacos south of I-20.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Carne Asada at El Progreso

The tortilla might fall apart under the mountain of lobster meat and cheese sauce, but this Nuevo Laredo taco gets no complaints.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Lobster taco at Nuevo Laredo

The Muchacho-style taco at hipster haven Muchacho is loaded with scrambled eggs, extra-greasy chorizo, cheese, and roasted poblano. Your morning (er, afternoon) just got way better.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Muchacho style tacos at Muchacho

El Tesoro, the funky and ever-expanding taco shack, serves a vegetarian frijolero taco with eggs and, if you opt for it, avocado. It’s heavy on flavor—without being a gut bomb.

50 Best Tacos in Atlanta: Frijolero taco at El Tesoro