Due to the geographical location of New Mexico, it is perhaps no surprise that some of the best Mexican food in the country can be found there.
This is especially true of Albuquerque, which as the capital city, plays host to some of the best restaurants for tacos alone.
But where exactly are the best Mexican taco spots in Albuquerque, and what is it that makes them special?
Even for those who don’t speak Spanish, there are two words that should stand out from this title: ‘tacos’ and ‘cerveza’. And honestly, is there anything better than that?
Serving high quality, authentic Mexican cuisine, Don Choche is a New Mexico institution, located in the North Valley of Albuquerque.
This small, quaint, Mexican restaurant is the perfect place to sit down, relax, and enjoy great home cooked food, all washed down with a wide selection of ice cold beers.
What makes La Reforma special is the combination of fresh, homemade ingredients, and an authentic taste of classic Mexican street food.
Some fan favorites include the pescado tacos, carnitas tacos, and a signature margarita cocktail known as ‘Diana The Huntress’, but whatever you choose at this Albuquerque institution, you certainly won’t leave disappointed.
This bright, cheerful, and inviting restaurant serves classic Mexican cuisine in a family friendly environment that will make you want to return again and again.
With a wide range of dishes, including several vegetarian friendly options, this is a favorite for many in the city, and offers the perfect blend of modern and traditional, taking everything that was great about classic Mexican cuisine and repackaging it for a hungry modern audience.
A new player on the restaurant scene, Tako Ten have already made a name for themselves as purveyors of great tasting, authentic Mexican cuisine, and a cool, physical location that is an inviting, relaxing spot to hang out and enjoy good food.
Opening during the Covid-19 pandemic, what could have ended in disaster has since become an instant hit, earning the love of locals and tourists alike and cementing themselves in the fabric of the city.
While those not in the know might simply write this off as a grocery store, at the back lies a hidden gem for foodies and shoppers alike: El Super Cocina.
Serving up authentic, homemade Mexican food, this really is the perfect surprise for weary shoppers looking for something great to eat during the day.
What’s more, this has some of the most highly recommended tacos in the area, which really makes it worth the pilgrimage if you are ever nearby.
Despite only accepting cash, this great, south valley gem offers some of the most affordable tacos in the city, with $1.50 street tacos served daily.
Offering a simple but friendly environment, this restaurant is always busy, but those lucky enough to get a table are certainly in for a treat - and one that will bring them back again and again to sample what they have to offer.
Despite being a chain restaurant, Taco Cabana offers some of the best tacos in the city.
Try their breakfast tacos for something truly special, or sample their freshly baked tortillas served with a trademark red chile.
Some things are popular for good reason, and there is no finer example than Taco Cabana.
Famous for their fish and carne asada tacos, Last Call has all the charm of a classic southern diner, complete with black and white checkerboard flooring, and red plastic seating for that little slice of nostalgia.
But what really stands out is the great food, and the friendly environment that will make everyone feel like a local, and every trip out feel like an event in and of itself.
Offering 11 different tacos to choose from, this place has a reputation for offering one of the most authentic, traditional Mexican culinary experiences in Albuquerque, and is a favorite amongst locals and tourists looking for something special.
Despite being a small cafe style restaurant, Taqueria Mexico has an audience of regulars, and can often be busy due to the number of people stopping by for their weekly fix of taco goodness.
So, if you’re looking for truly great Mexican food, then why not pay them a visit?
Last on this list, but by no means least, El Cotorro literally translates to ‘the attractive’, and there couldn’t be a more perfect name for this delightful little slice of Mexican authenticity.
Boasting a range of homemade salsas, served on their home baked corn flour tortillas, what El Cotorro really offers is an experience - with a relaxing, cantina-style interior, and a cozy patio perfect for kicking back with friends and family on a hot summer day.
And there we have it, everything you need to know to find the best tacos in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
With the rich diversity and wealth of Mexican cuisine in the state, it really takes something special to get ahead of the pack, and all of the amazing restaurants on this list have done just that.
Offering wholesome, traditional food, and relaxing atmospheres where customers of all ages can sit, kick back and chat, they really have cornered the market on what makes a great family eatery.
So, the next time you’re in New Mexico, why not try some of these for yourself? Something tells me you won’t be disappointed!
