National Taco Day lands in early October each year, and it has become a reason for taquerías, trucks and chains to run specials. It is also a good excuse to eat something you would not normally order.
Order the house specialty first
Every taquería has one thing it does better than anything else, usually the item the trompo, the steam pot or the fryer was bought for. Ask what the kitchen is known for and start there.
Five orders worth making
- Al pastor from a real trompo. If a spit is turning, this is the order.
- Suadero or lengua. Two of the best textures in Mexican cooking and easy to overlook.
- Quesabirria with consomé. Rich and dramatic, best eaten immediately.
- A Baja fish taco. Crunch, cabbage and crema, especially at a seafood-focused spot.
- Something vegetarian you have never tried. Nopales, rajas or mushroom asada will surprise you.
Plan a taco crawl instead of one meal
Two or three tacos at three places beats a dozen at one. Order the specialty at each, walk between stops, and finish somewhere with an agua fresca or a michelada.
Go where the deals are not
Chain promotions are heavily advertised. The family-run taquería down the street usually is not, and your money does more good there. Many local spots run a quiet special if you ask.
Bring people who do not eat tacos often
The day is a good excuse to introduce someone to their first lengua taco or their first real salsa. Order for the table so nobody has to commit blindly.
Leave a review
If a place feeds you well, say so publicly. Small taquerías live and die on word of mouth, and a review costs you two minutes.
Find a spot near you
Browse the Taco Scene directory by city or state to plan your route before the day arrives, and check the community rankings to see what other taco lovers are voting for.
