It’s hard to plan a trip to Mexico without daydreaming about a few key things: warm beaches, cold drinks, and some seriously delicious tacos. The first two are relatively easy to find because hey, it’s Mexico! Tracking down truly authentic tacos, on the other hand, can take a bit of detective work. Luckily, we’ve got a solid team of employees who have conducted some not-so-official research over the years, and we’re happy to pass along their findings.
In our opinion, here are the best places to get mouth-wateringly authentic tacos in each of Sun Country’s Mexico destinations:
La Parrilla is a short cab ride into downtown Cancun and has all the traditional Mexican feel you could want with bold colors, fountains, and its all-around hacienda vibes. It’s one of the oldest restaurants in town, and the atmosphere is casual and friendly. Not to mention, your experience comes complete with mariachi music.
What to order: Traditional tacos al pastor
If you’re looking for outstanding fresh seafood tacos, and you happen to be in Cozumel, this is the place to go. Whether you want to stay traditional with fish or shrimp as the main ingredient, or be more adventurous and try octopus or ray, you’ll find plenty of options – and they’re all fabulous.
What to order: Any of the fresh seafood tacos, and be bold and order the octopus
Tucked right along the bay in Zihuatanejo, this is not your ordinary taco joint. Angustina has a unique approach to their menu, featuring both traditional and non-traditional flavors of Mexico. The best part? They also distill their own mezcal and offer a full cocktail menu featuring signature drinks, mezcal infusions, and traditional mezcal served with orange slices and sal de gusano, or “agave worm salt” to warm your soul.
What to order: Shrimp tacos and anything off the mezcal menu
Located in the heart of downtown Cabo San Lucas, and a short walk from the marina and nightlife, this is the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat before hitting the town. Better yet – dance up an appetite at one of the local nightclubs and stop here to satisfy those late-night munchies. They’re open 24 hours, so any time can be taco time.
What to order: The al pastor with pineapple
Find it: Blvd Lazaro Cardenas entre melchor Ocampo s/n, local 1, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
For solid tacos of any flavor, Taqueria San Pablo is where you want to be when you’re in Mazatlán. The real secret, though, is its traditional queso. It’s the kind of queso locals recommend and the kind you’re not soon to forget. Besides, if this is the place that the Mazatlán Venados baseball team chooses to celebrate its victory, it must be the best spot in town.
What to order: A locally brewed Pacifico, shrimp tacos (after all, Mazatlán is famous for its shrimp), and definitely all the queso
We’re never shy about recommending Pepe’s, and for good reason. With a prime spot near the north end of the Malecon in downtown Puerto Vallarta, this is the place to enjoy traditional, mouthwatering tacos any time of day. Oh, and don’t forget the lime (for your taco and your beer)!
What to order: A cold cerveza and tacos al pastor
Now that you know where to find the best tacos in Mexico, you just need to get there. We can help. We’ve got Mexico vacation deals just for you!