The Top Taco Joints in Cancun To Visit

Tacos Rigo, located in downtown, has traditional tacos and authentic sauces. From the regular varieties and al pastor to tongue and brain, there are several unique choices, but they’re delicious. The restaurant also offers many other dishes, such as quesadillas, gringas, tortas, and seafood. Before ordering, check what the promotion of the day is, as they often have two tacos for the price of one. And don’t forget to pair your order with a large cup of horchata, a sweet Mexican drink. Your kids will love the place too as classic cartoons adorn the interior.

Taqueria Coapeñitos is a taco joint that follows the traditional Mexican recipe—delicious flavors, good prices, and friendly service. Located on the bustling Nader Avenue, you may want to sit on the terrace to watch the passersby and take in the atmosphere of the area while feasting on tacos with bistec (steak), chicken, or sausage. If you’re not a meat-eater, ask for their vegetarian menu, which includes a variety of flavorful vegetables with cheese. Specific standout dishes include el coapeñito (tacos with sausage and steak) or tacos con costra de queso.

A local tradition for the past 16 years, El Polilla is a culinary gem serving mouthwatering street eats. It’s not a restaurant but rather a typical “puesto de tacos,” which is a small place on the street or in the markets. Go to market Ki Huic, and when you see a line of people waiting, you’ll know that you’ve found your destination. Every order has two tortillas and a lot of meat so that you can make two tacos, with highlights being surtido (mixed), sesadillas (meat and cheese) and maciza (pork).

Two things will attract your attention at Tacos Los Parejas: tacos de costilla (ribs) and the service. Their food is so good that they have expanded their operations, and all the waiters will call you “pareja” (which means partner) and ask you things such as “What’s up, parejita?” and “What are you having, parejita?”—it’s friendly and warm. Their menu includes bistec with cheese, suadero, and campechano, but on Saturdays and Sundays, they offer other delicious specials, including the famous barbacoa (sheep meat).

Located in the Isla Mall, Taco y Tequila has the Mexican folklore and colors you might be looking for. When you arrive, grab a sombrero (hat) and take a selfie for your Instagram account. Then, choose the best seat overlooking the Nichupté lagoon or next to the babbling fountains. The restaurant’s menu includes all sorts of tacos, refreshing cocktails, and a variety of salsas with various spice levels. Try the tacos sirloin and al pastor while you watch the cooks making handmade tortillas. Have a margarita and enjoy the dazzling sunset and the lagoon breeze.

Going to a taco joint after a night of partying is a tradition in Mexico, so follow the flow and hit Caminero Tacos Cancún, located right in the hotel zone near La Vaquita, after taking a bar tour. The food, service, and prices are excellent. Have nachos as a starter, and drink lemonade to quench your thirst. For something heartier, try the pork pastor or skirt steak tacos, accompanied by six types of sauces. If you’re still hungry, try the traditional Mexican beans.

Located close to Market 28, La Patrona has the homemade Mexican food that both tourists and locals want. Find the daily special at 1:00 pm or wait until 6:00 pm for the Grill Taco’s menu. Recommended options include the sirloin tacos with salsa, nopalitos and charros beans. The chilaquiles, a traditional Mexican dish made with a tortilla, cheese, and salsa, is also a must-try. For dessert, the flan is delightful. The prices and portions are excellent, and the waiters are friendly.

Carnitas (little meats) is a popular type of taco filling in Mexico. While this meat is normally cooked in fat, Don Enrique—the owner of this taco joint—prepares it a bit on the healthier side, but the tacos are still bursting with flavor, with tourists returning again and again for more. If you enjoy trying new flavors, be sure to ask for the tacos de buche. The establishment, which always looks very clean, sits in Cancun’s downtown neighborhood.

Carnitas Michoacan, located in the hotel zone, is a taco joint that brings the authentic flavors from Michoacan city to their customers. In addition to tacos—made more flavorsome with some added chiles en vinagre (chile in vinegar)—you also have the chance to savor other Mexican dishes such as huaraches, pozole, and tortas, plus the bictec de solomillo and guacamole are excellent. Remember that the seasonings can be a bit strong if you’re not used to it, so be careful and enjoy!

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.