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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to South End

Taco spots

Made for those who consider the taco a fundamental food group and refuse to go a week without seeking out a new iteration.

Based on 481 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Taqueria and Asadero Al Carbon image 1
Taqueria and Asadero Al Carbon image 2
Taqueria and Asadero Al Carbon image 3
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Charcoal-grilled meat defines the menu, offering flavorful tacos and spicy queso dip in a clean setting with indoor and outdoor seating. The atmosphere supports authentic Mexican dining with a full bar and picture menu to aid ordering. Spanish-only menus and limited English communication shape the experience.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with a nice char and arrives hot and fresh. The menu offers a wholesome, easygoing dining experience with consistently delicious dishes.

Carne asada tacos come with super flavorful meat and delicious caramelized onions and jalapeรฑos. A tasty salsa adds extra flavor to these quick, authentic tacos.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"The carne asada tacos here are super flavorful and yummy."

"It's like living your dream here, truly authentic."

Good to know

1

Parking might be hard.

2

The menu is exclusively in Spanish; a picture menu is available.

3

They have a liquor license and a full bar.

02
Taqueria El Grande image 1
Mexican restaurant

Converted gas station hosts a calm, friendly Mexican eatery with a salsa bar and condiment bar. Quiet atmosphere contrasts with nearby street activity. Known for best breakfast burritos and authentic birria tacos in the area.

Food comes out hot and delicious with authentic Mexican flavors. Orders to go are ready quickly and maintain their great taste.

Birria tacos stand out with truly outstanding flavor. Carne asada tacos are juicy, tender, and topped with onion and cilantro like authentic street tacos.

People are saying

"These tacos are juicy, flavorful, and some of the best I've ever had."

"I thought their breakfast burrito was outstanding."

"The food here is hot and delicious."

Good to know

1

There is a small extra fee for using a card.

2

To-go orders rarely take longer than 10 minutes.

3

The restaurant is open late for late-night diners.

03
Taquerรญa la Michoacana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, intimate space with a cozy, home-like atmosphere and cheerful vibes. Fresh tortillas and sizzling meat scents fill the air, creating an inviting environment. Often busy with a line, it offers authentic Mexican food that many consider the best in the area.

Mexican food here is authentic and delicious, with standout items like tacos and asada fries. Prices stay reasonable, and the food arrives fast whether dining in or taking out.

Queso birria tacos stand out with griddled cheese and juicy, perfectly seasoned pork. Tacos come small but very tasty, with a perfect chew on the tortilla and fresh cilantro adding brightness.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is outstanding."

"I thought the food here was really good."

"The tacos are loaded with juicy, perfectly seasoned pork."

Good to know

1

Calling ahead ensures your order will be ready in about 20 minutes.

2

Parking is limited, so plan to arrive early.

3

Most people prefer takeout from this location.

04
Vuelve a la Vida - Tacoma image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with cozy atmosphere and cute murals on clean walls. The vibe is quiet and relaxed, often with a steady flow of customers. Known for authentic handmade corn tortillas and large portions that offer good value.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with fresh, home-style Latin American fare. Dishes come perfectly cooked and flavorful.

Tacos here offer amazing street style with options like Birria, Al Pastor, and lengua that are both huge and flavorful. The rice and carnita tacos provide solid value without price hikes.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic and fabulous."

"I thought the food here was great and authentic."

"The tacos here are authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

On Thursdays, they serve original Chili Rellenos, a special menu item.

2

Customers pay at the register, not at the table.

3

The portions are generous, often enough for two meals.

05
Taqueria La Fondita image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican food truck with an enclosed seating area offers authentic tacos known for crispy carnitas and tacos de tripa. The space is small and hot, often crowded with a lively, informal vibe. Prices are affordable, making it a popular spot despite limited parking.

Food here is undeniably delicious and made with love and care, capturing the true essence of Mexican street food. Tacos and other dishes offer excellent quality at prices better than expected.

Tacos here deliver authentic Mexican flavors with each bite bursting with fresh salsa and toppings. The tacos de tripa stand out as a specialty, all offered at affordable prices that make five tacos and a horchata just over ten dollars.

People are saying

"I considered these the best tacos I've had in Tacoma."

"The carnitas were excellent and had a perfect crisp."

"I found the tacos here to be amazing and cheap."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and can be dangerous near the taco truck.

2

You can call in orders for easy pickup or order at the window.

3

Expect to pay around $19 for five tacos after tax.

06
Burritos California image 1

Bright, cheery dining room features bold, eye-catching colours and cute, detailed seats. Atmosphere feels happy and friendly, with lively moments like cooks singing. Open 24 hours, it offers clean, inviting space with consistent energy throughout the day.

Food arrives hot and fresh every time with well-portioned servings. Quality and care show in every dish, offering a wide variety at good prices.

Tacos come in generously sized portions with options like carnitas, al pastor, and crunchy beef. Individual tacos cost over $4 and do not come with limes.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really good and bursting with flavor."

"You won't believe how huge these burritos are!"

"I thought the carnitas and al pastor tacos were fire."

Good to know

1

Burritos California is open 24 hours, making it convenient for late-night cravings.

2

The portion sizes are large, often enough for two meals.

3

Home delivery is available through Uber Eats for added convenience.

07
Applebee's Grill + Bar image 1

Restaurant combines sports bar vibe with family-friendly energy, featuring multiple TVs showing games and chill music. Atmosphere tends to be loud and busy, especially late at night, with a mix of families and sports fans. Decor includes balloons adding a casual, festive touch.

Food features amazing flavors and quick service. Pasta stands out as tasty and well-prepared.

Chicken won ton tacos stand out with their crispy wonton shells and flavorful filling. They serve as a popular appetizer option alongside other starters like artichoke dip.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"Our server was so patient and kind with our wild kids."

"I loved the wonton tacos, they were delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features half-price appetizers and drink specials after 9pm.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere during late-night hours, especially after midnight.

3

The restaurant offers a $14.99 all-you-can-eat special that attracts crowds.

08
El Rinconsito | Tacoma image 1
Mexican restaurant

Simple setup with counter ordering and quick table service creates an informal, cozy vibe. Background Mexican music plays, sometimes loudly, adding energy to the space. A fresh salsa bar with Pico de Gallo and sliced radishes stands out as a distinctive feature.

Food here is fresh and authentic Mexican with consistently good taste. It suits both dining in and quick takeout, offering reasonably priced options that work well for a lunch break or late night meal.

Tripas and lengua tacos stand out for their authentic flavor. The carne asada and fish tacos are freshly made and offer great value for the portion size.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has the best carne asada tacos."

"I found the food here to be delicious and great."

"I thought the tacos here were the best I've ever tasted."

Good to know

1

El Rinconsito is open late, making it a good option for late-night eats.

2

Expect to pay around $20 for a meal with extras like chips and guacamole.

3

The kid's meal costs $10 and may not be filling for some.

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South End, Tacoma

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