If you've been sleeping on Austin's taco scene lately, Texas Monthly just handed you a wake-up call. The iconic Texas food bible dropped its latest roundup of the best new taquerias across the Lone Star State — and two of our very own Austin spots made the cut. Honestly? Not surprised at all.
Austin's taco culture has always punched above its weight, but lately a new generation of taqueria owners is pushing things in seriously exciting directions. We're talking thoughtful sourcing, creative combinations that still respect tradition, and the kind of neighborhood energy that makes you want to pull up a plastic stool and stay for three rounds.
Texas Monthly's taco coverage is basically the Super Bowl for anyone running a tortilla-forward operation in this state, so landing on that list is a legitimately big deal. The magazine has serious taco credibility built over decades, and their scouts put in the mileage — from border towns to big cities — before a single place gets named.
For the two Austin taquerias earning that spotlight, this kind of recognition tends to translate fast: longer lines, more buzz on local food forums, and a surge of first-timers who finally have a reason to make the drive. If you're already a regular at either spot, now's the time to go on a Tuesday morning before the crowds catch on.
We're keeping our eyes on both places to see how they handle the attention — because in Austin, a Texas Monthly co-sign can change a taqueria's whole trajectory overnight. Stay tuned for the full breakdown on which spots made the list and what's on their must-order menus.