Unearth The Voyage
Tacos have become one of America’s favorite foods, and some states do them better than others. Food critics and review sites have studied thousands of taco spots across the country to find where the most amazing tacos are made. From crispy fish tacos by the beach to slow-cooked birria with rich broth, these five states have earned their spots at the top of every taco lover’s must-visit list.
1. California – The Taco Capital
Nearly half of Yelp’s 2025 Top 100 Taco Spots are located in California, with an impressive 45 entries from the Golden State. Birrieria Familia Castro in North Hollywood claimed the number one spot nationwide, earning praise for its birria tacos, vampiros, quesabirrias, and house-made consommé that keeps customers coming back.
California’s taco scene stands out because of its incredible variety. You can find everything from traditional Baja fish tacos to creative fusion styles that blend cultures and flavors. Mexican street-style tacos sit alongside innovative twists, giving taco fans endless options to explore.
With so many highly-rated spots, choosing the “best” can feel overwhelming. Rankings often reflect review volume and local popularity rather than purely critical taste, but the sheer number of options makes California a taco paradise worth exploring.
2. Texas – From Street Carts to Food Trucks
Everything really is bigger in Texas, including its taco reputation. Nine Texas taco spots made Yelp’s Top 100 for 2025, proving that the Lone Star State knows how to do tacos right. Food journalists frequently celebrate Texas as a stronghold of Tex-Mex and Mexican-American taco culture that blends traditions beautifully.
Cuantos Tacos in Austin has become a standout example, earning a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide. They use nixtamalized corn tortillas, which gives their tacos an authentic flavor that critics and customers love equally.
Texas offers everything from street carts to fancy food trucks serving creative takes on classic recipes. Because the state is so large and diverse, taco quality varies by city and region, but the best spots rival anywhere in the country.
3. Arizona – The Sonoran & Southwestern Edge
Arizona surprised many by landing eight spots on Yelp’s 2025 Top 100 list, proving that the desert state serves up serious taco game. Jalapeños Sonora Grill in Glendale earned a spot in the top 10 nationwide, celebrated for its authentic Sonoran-style tacos that honor regional traditions.
Just Tacos and More in Phoenix was named Yelp’s best taco spot in Arizona for 2024. The state’s proximity to the Mexican border means flavors stay true to their roots, with Southwestern ingredients adding unique touches you won’t find elsewhere.
Most of Arizona’s taco acclaim centers around the Phoenix metro area, where competition drives quality higher. Review algorithms tend to favor already-popular locations, which can amplify certain spots while hidden gems in rural areas might get overlooked despite serving excellent food.
4. Hawaii – Tropical Tacos with a Twist
Seven Hawaiian taco spots earned places on Yelp’s 2025 Top 100 list, bringing island flair to this Mexican classic. Hawaii’s taco scene shines brightest with seafood options, using fresh local fish and tropical salsas that create flavor combinations you can’t find on the mainland.
Pit Stop Hawaii Food Truck in Honolulu represents the island’s taco excellence perfectly. Many of Hawaii’s best taco spots operate as food trucks or small counter-service locations, but their limited size doesn’t limit their creativity or taste.
Geographic isolation means fewer taco restaurants exist compared to mainland states, but the ones that do operate often stand out dramatically. When you’re working with the freshest island ingredients and ocean breezes, even simple tacos become something special and memorable for locals and tourists alike.
5. Honorable Mentions Worth Exploring
While the top four states dominate national rankings, several other regions deserve recognition for their taco contributions. New Mexico and other Northern Mexico-influenced border regions frequently appear in local food criticism as strong taco zones, even if national lists overlook them sometimes.
States like Florida, New York, Illinois, and Washington regularly show up in “best taco in every state” compilations from Food & Wine and Food Network. Food Network’s “50 States, 50 Tacos” project mapped out top restaurants across America, though selections lean more editorial than purely critic-based.
These states prove that excellent tacos aren’t limited to the Southwest or California. Regional ingredients and local creativity have sparked taco scenes nationwide, giving every state its own special take on this beloved dish worth discovering.
