Bite Into the Best: Top Tacos Across the U.S.
Tacos have been a feature of the U.S. food scene for over a century. What started in cities with strong Mexican roots in the southwest has grown into a nationwide favorite.
Whether you grab your tacos on the go or like to prepare them for the family, everyone has an opinion about where to find the best ones that will win over your taste buds. So, PlayStar decided to settle the debate!
Every region in the U.S. brings its own twist to this classic dish, leading to varieties that cater to every palate. From the iconic street tacos of Los Angeles, filled with succulent carne asada, cilantro, and onions, to the tacos stuffed with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, and cheese that are popular in Tex-Mex cuisine, there’s always something for everyone. And don’t forget about the ever-popular fish tacos of Baja California style, which have captured hearts (and stomachs) all over America, making waves from coast to coast.
We delved into the spicy data, ranking U.S. states on unique offerings, affordability, awards, and late-night availability. To also understand what people across the U.S. are craving, we examined what Americans are searching for around Mexican food.
Here’s what we discovered!
Where to Score the Best Tacos in America
Taking the top spot overall as the best state for tacos is North Carolina, which scored highly across most categories in our study. From Korean-style to gyros-influenced, North Carolina has the most positive reviews on Tripadvisor for fusion tacos and is the place to go if you’d like to experiment with wacky flavor combinations. While the number of restaurants available is smaller than other states, this state offers the most flavor at the second-cheapest price across the U.S.
New York is arguably the home of U.S. street food, and if you’re a taco lover on a budget, you’ll find plenty of affordable options. Whether you’re grabbing a bite on the move from a Queens food truck or sampling a taqueria in Brooklyn, some of the best tacos in NYC are also the most wallet-friendly. New York cafes and restaurants serving tacos also received their fair share of Traveler’s Choice awards.
With an average rating of 4.6 on Tripadvisor, Tennessee offers impressive, high-quality tacos with great flavor, ranking first for unique tacos.
We All Love Traditional Tacos, But Which Taco Spots Serve the Most Unique Flavors and Affordable Treats?
A Breakdown of the Taco Spots in the U.S.
When it comes to unique taco flavors, Tennessee, Colorado, and North Carolina lead the way. These states’ taco spots push culinary boundaries, from Korean BBQ tacos to jackfruit carnitas, offering the most experimental menus.
However, no discussion of tacos is complete without honoring traditional favorites like al pastor, carne asada, and fish tacos. These classic flavors, with their roots in authentic Mexican cuisine, continue to tantalize taste buds across the nation. The marinated pineapple and pork of al pastor, the savory grilled beef of carne asada, and the fresh, zesty flavors of fish tacos are beloved staples that remind us of the rich culinary heritage behind this versatile dish.
But when it comes to innovating the taco tradition, some states stand out. Combining elements from different cuisines are North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. Their fusion tacos blend Mexican favorites with Southern barbecue, earning them the top spot for fusion flavors. Here are some of Yelp’s highest-reviewed taco restaurants in those states: North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
New York is the cheapest place to grab some tacos, offering a range of taco carts and taquerias with prices as low as $1. At the other end of the price spectrum, you’ll find Missouri. The most expensive state for tacos has plenty of upscale eateries that only use premium ingredients, pushing up its average.
When it comes to awards, Illinois is the place to go. With several places earning recognition from Traveler’s Choice Awards and Michelin Star ratings, the best tacos in large cities like Chicago make this state a consistent performer across the board.
Where To Satisfy Your Taco Midnight Cravings
Already recognized for its thriving nightlife and dining experience, it’s no surprise that New Jersey is the place to be for taco top late-night food spots. While the average closing time is midnight, it has the highest range of taco venues remaining open past ‘late night hours’ after 11 p.m.
Nevada and Texas land in second and third place for the highest range of taco spots opening past 11 p.m. On average, you can buy a taco until 12:30 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., respectively.
While New York is famed as a city that never sleeps, taco establishments actually close by 11 p.m. on average. So, if you’re looking for the best tacos in New York, find out when your preferred establishment shuts its doors for the night. In Los Angeles, we found one taco restaurant remaining open until midnight, others closed earlier, and some only served food during the lunch period.
In most cases across the U.S., opening into the early hours is an exception, not the norm. So, if you’re planning a night out involving Mexican food, then it might be best to get your order in early!
The Great Mexican Food Debate: A Data-Driven Look at Tacos, Burritos, and Enchiladas
People in the U.S. love Mexican food, but which dish is our favorite? While the debate can be as fierce as a hot chili pepper, we wanted definitive answers. Our data-driven analysis reveals a clear preference for tacos among the nation’s search behavior.
Tacos reign supreme, with over 323,000 monthly searches, far outpacing burritos and enchiladas. It may not come as a surprise to learn that Texas leads the way with a staggering 7,849 taco-related searches per 100,000 people. The best tacos in Houston are always in hot demand!
If you’re looking for burrito lovers, head to neighboring New Mexico, where we discovered 3,096 searches per 100,000. Enchiladas are a beloved part of Mexican cuisine but receive significantly fewer searches, with only 51,078 on average. The state with the highest search volume for the spicy favorite is Wyoming.
While tacos are the undisputed favorite across most states, burritos and enchiladas have won a place in our hearts and stomachs.
As well as our food, there’s a strong Mexican influence right across American culture, from our music to the games we play. You can try your hand at PlayStar’s Mexican-themed slots while you enjoy your taco, with our Narcos slot being a particular favorite.
Whether you’re looking for great tacos in New Jersey or searching out the perfect New Mexico burrito, there are so many amazing Mexican restaurants, cafes, and food trucks to discover across the U.S.
Methodology
To identify the best taco spots in the U.S., we began by researching which states have the highest number of taco restaurants using search queries like “taco restaurants in X.” We then used Yelp and Tripadvisor to find unique and experimental taco spots, including both restaurants and trucks, using keywords such as “fusion” and “unusual.” From there, we narrowed the list down to 20 standout states.
Additional data was collected on average taco prices, award wins, and late-night availability. We also compared state-level search interest in tacos, burritos, and enchiladas to reveal regional preferences in Mexican food.
