The Top Five Best Tacos in Houston

If you spend any time in and around the Greater Houston area, you are bound to come across someone that will ask you – “Hey, where can I get the BEST Tacos in Houston?”. 

I have heard this question so many times that I have decided to use some of my own experience about professional taco eating plus take a few pointers from people I know…so here is my list of the Top Five Tacos in Houston’s Great Eats Top List. 

But before I divulge one of my most kept secrets, there are two things we must cover. The first is a brief history of taco evolution and the second is the many varieties of tacos you will find – both traditional and the fusion options.

The Taco Evolution 

I felt an obligation to have a look at the history of the taco as it has evolved through the ages. Most people think of the taco as having been born in Mexico but is it at all possible that the taco has many different lands of origin? Today you will find tacos wrapping up a deliciously flavorful steak fajita just as it will find its way onto your plate from a Korean BBQ. Based on all the research out there, the taco dates to Mexico and there is solid proof that this is where it all started. The taco came about because of the tortilla. As many of us already know, the tortilla was prepared by boiling maize in diluted lime, then mixed with water and a few more steps in the middle.

With the entrance of the Spaniards in Mexico, the taco and all native culinary traditions took a backseat. It was not until Mexico achieved their independence from Spain that many of the native foods came back to play. Tacos made their appearance in the US through the Mexican migrants who came to the US to work in the mines and railroads.

After a few more fast forwards, we come to a time in more recent history (1914 to be exact) where we found taco recipes in English-language cookbooks sold in California. In 1962, Glen Bell created the first Taco Bell franchise in Los Angeles. His business model involved selling Mexican food to non-Mexican people. From this launching point, the taco shell was born as it had a longer shelf life than its more natural relative – the tortilla. Sadly, the corn tortilla was soon replaced by wheat tortillas throughout the Southwest United States and northern Mexico as it took less time and effort to make. 

Let us “Taco Bout” Taco Types 

A look at the taco menu of most Houston area restaurants and you will find the following: 

• Barbacoa – shredded beef 
• Carne Asada – grilled steak  
• Carnitas – diced pork 
• Chorizo – sausage 
• Huitlacoche – a type of fungus that grows on corn 
• Grasshoppers 
• Organs – animal organs like tongue, brain, and tripe 
• Pescado – fish 
• Tacos al Pastor – Lebanese immigrants in Mexico created this shawarma inspired taco using spit-grilled pork. 

What about fusion tacos? Glad you asked. There is a variety of options to choose from. There’s your solid breakfast egg tacos (with potato, bacon, egg, sausage, etc), Korean BBQ tacos, paneer tacos, tacos for dessert, teriyaki tacos, and so many more options – your head will spin! 

The Privileged Tacos 

The top five list is a difficult one because I must balance my own experience with that of the rest of Houston. It is impossible for me to have first-hand experience of every taco in the Houston area, so I must depend on other resources like online reviews and recommendations from my friends and fans of Houston City Beat.  

A moment of total transparency, I decided to make this a top five in no order because I have been and I am a frequent fan of all these restaurants, so it is exceedingly difficult for me to tell you, which is before the next one, because they are all my favorite. The list will be presented in alphabetical order as follows: 

Cantina Laredo 

This restaurant is easily one of my favorite local restaurants on Westheimer. Their taco options are extensive and the margaritas you can order to accompany your selection are on a pure genius level of flavor. At Cantina Laredo you will find the traditional tacos mentioned above. They have crispy tacos, pollo asado, barbacoa served with corn tortillas, and tacos de pescado. I have been to Cantina Laredo many times and I must tell you that I have never had a terrible experience. 

The Wheel Kitchen 

Let me share with you a few words about The Wheel Kitchen in Tomball. What fascinates me about this restaurant is that everything that is served is locally sourced and grown. You must order the tacos by the name “The Tacos” and I promise you, you will not be disappointed. The pickled onions were a huge winner for me as was the microgreen relish and fresh carrot and zucchini pasta. Trust me – it is a pure culinary genius move. Check out the YouTube video link of the behind the kitchen experience. The link for the foodie experience will be posted shortly. As a side note, the restaurant boasts its own nano brewery so they will recommend a perfect beer to accompany your tacos a la deliciousa! 

This list is to be continued…as I am now at a standstill with who the last three spots should go to. I believe the best thing to do is to leave it up to the Houston City Beat fans and let them have a say on who has Houston’s best tacos…stay tuned my friends!