Texas may be the country’s taco promised land, but even in a state this big, it helps to know exactly where the camera crews from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives stopped rolling. Below you’ll find these Lone Star taquerías and Tex-Mex icons the show spotlighted—each one worthy of any tortilla-obsessed road trip.
1. Veracruz All Natural — Austin, TX
Founded by two sisters from Veracruz, this former food truck has since expanded to anchor several brick-and-mortar locations around Austin. The kitchen keeps things refreshingly simple: house-pressed tortillas, vibrant salsas, and produce that tastes like it was grown in a garden. The episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives zeroed in on the sisters’ commitment to scratch cooking, a trait that makes every taco, from sunrise through lunch rush, feel alive with coastal Mexican flair.
2. Papalote Taco House — Austin, TX
Papalote keeps Austin’s taco culture playful yet rooted in Mexico City traditions. Family recipes drive everything, whether it’s slow-braised fillings or the addictively smoky salsas ladled from squeeze bottles at every table. Diners, Drive Ins and Dives highlighted the way those recipes remain both authentic and adaptable, making Papalote a must-hit for travelers hungry to taste Mexico City without leaving Texas.
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Why We Like Papalote Taco House
We love Papalote Taco House for its perfectly balanced tacos that marry fresh, tender fillings with vibrant, house-made salsas that pack just the right punch. The brisket taco stands out with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and smoky depth, while the warm tortillas add an irresistible softness. It’s the kind of spot where every bite feels authentically Tex-Mex and leaves you craving just one more taco.
3. Mi Tierra Café y Panadería — San Antonio, TX
Open 24 hours and draped in Christmas lights year-round, Mi Tierra is as much a cultural institution as a restaurant. The in-house panadería perfumes the dining room with cinnamon and piloncillo, but taco lovers zero in on house-made tortillas that come off the comal puffed and perfect. It’s that blend of bakery craft and taquería soul that drew Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives to San Antonio’s Market Square for a taste.
Why We Like Mi Tierra Café y Panadería
Mi Tierra is a must-visit for taco lovers because of its rich, bold flavors, especially the barbacoa tacos that deliver tender, slow-cooked beef with a savory, spiced kick. The handmade corn tortillas soak up every bit of juice, making each taco a flavorful explosion. The lively ambiance and traditional touches elevate the whole dining experience, making it a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
4. Tacos A Go Go — Houston, TX
With murals splashed across the walls and a juke-box vibe, Tacos A Go Go nails the intersection of retro fun and serious tortilla craft. Corn or flour, breakfast or late-night, the kitchen follows one rule: fillings cooked fresh all day. Diners, Drive Ins and Dives praised the no-shortcuts approach, and locals agree—this is where you refuel before tackling Houston’s next adventure.
Why We Like Tacos A Go Go
Tacos A Go Go nails the perfect balance of crispy and tender with their street-style tacos, especially the al pastor, where the marinated pork boasts a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that’s addicting. The fresh toppings and tangy lime squeeze add brightness that keeps each taco light and refreshing. For fast, fresh, and flavor-packed tacos, this spot is a Houston favorite that consistently delivers.
5. Cuchara Restaurant — Houston, TX
Upscale without feeling formal, Cuchara channels the street stands of Mexico City inside a modern Midtown space. House-ground spices, regional cheeses, and bright moles all find their way onto tacos that taste both familiar and elevated. When Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives stopped in, the crew noted how the restaurant stays fiercely authentic while still pushing the envelope of Mexican cooking in Texas.
Why We Like Cuchara Restaurant
At Cuchara, we’re hooked on their unique spin on tacos that fuse traditional Mexican flavors with modern twists—like their duck carnitas taco, which combines crispy skin and tender meat with a subtle spice blend. The homemade tortillas have a perfect chew that complements the complex layers of flavor in each bite. It’s a destination for taco lovers seeking bold, elevated flavors in every mouthwatering taco.