A Pilgrimage to the Taco Capital of Texas
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Living in Texas means having the privilege of being on the border with the culinary giant that is Mexico. And because of this, most of us Texas are only a stone’s throw away from access to delicious Mexican and Tex-Mex food. However, there’s one particular Mexican food (What wine goes well with Mexican food?) item that gets a special amount of attention in the Lone Star State – tacos, of course!
Brownsville lays claim to having the best tacos in Texas, with the city home to an array of truly tasty taquerias. You know what that means? It’s time for a pilgrimage to this taco-filled town! Here are six tremendous taco joints in Brownsville, aka the Taco Capital of Texas, that you just have to visit.
Taco El Compadre
Taco El Compadre greets its diners with an abundance of bright and cheerful decorations – the perfect way to get you into a festive dining mood. This taco joint offers a wide variety of Mexican dishes, but one in particular is an all-round favorite. Their tacos dorados, filled with mashed potatoes and chicken and drizzled with their noteworthy salsa, are simply out of this world. Nevertheless, all tacos served at this taqueria are great for a filling lunch (What wine goes well with lunch?) or a quick eat-and-go that’ll leave you and your belly very satisfied.
Taco El Compadre offers tacos with a twist as well as other flavor-filled Mexican dishes.
Address: 3915 Southmost Rd, Brownsville, TX 78521
Contact: (956) 542-5727
Marcelo’s Tacos
If you’re looking for a traditional Mexican taqueria, then Marcelo’s Tacos is the place for you. With over 30 years of experience in the taco industry, this Brownsville eatery serves up some of the best Southmost tacos that I’ve ever tried. Once you’re done munching and crunching on a taco (or five!), don’t forget to try their guisados, home-style stews, and – their pride and joy – the taco al pastor.
Marcelo’s Tacos brings authentic Mexican tacos to the table.
Address: 3305 E 26th St, Brownville, TX 78521
Contact: (956) 546-0021
Las 7 Salsas Restaurante
Las 7 Salsas Restaurante doesn’t mess around when it comes to its menu items – in fact, you can see some of them decorating the interior of their establishment! Be sure to peruse through their menu as it may take you some time to decide which delicious fillings to have in your taco. If you get the chance to visit, then you just have to order their Tacos Rojos. These bad boys are red corn tortillas (how long do corn tortillas last?) that come with custom fillings of your choice. If you have enough room, their carne guisada is for sure the next dish on the list to try.
Las 7 Salsas Restaurante offers juicy tacos served with warm Texan hospitality.
Address: 3424 Southmost Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78521
Contact: (956) 407-8426
Sylvia’s Restaurant
Situated north of Brownville’s Southmost Boulevard, Sylvia’s Restaurant is home to delicious dishes and great vibes, as well as a whole host of Dallas Cowboys memorabilia! You cannot talk about this eatery without mentioning their delicious carne guisada, which features stewed meat served in a heavenly gravy. The tacos at Sylvia’s can be described as true comfort food. Pair them with the warm, friendly atmosphere on offer and it’s no wonder why this restaurant has achieved quite the following among Brownville locals and visitors alike.
Sylvia’s Restaurant is a great stop for people looking for mouth-watering tacos that give you a real bang for your buck!
Address: 1843 Southmost Blvd, Brownville, TX 78521
Contact: (956) 542-9220
Vera’s Backyard Bar-B-Que
Driving by Vera’s Backyard Bar-B-Que, you’re almost certain to see a line of people outside queuing to get a bite of the restaurant’s legendary barbacoa. Taken over by Armando Vera in the 70s, this barbecue joint has become famous in the Brownsville area for its succulent barbacoa, which is cooked in-house in their seven-foot pit. Served in a variety of cuts, Vera’s barbacoa can be enjoyed in the form of cow tongue, beef cheeks, palate, and if you’re feeling adventurous, cow eyes (aka Mexican caviar!). Thinking about heading down? Vera’s is open for lunch and breakfast every week, Friday through Sunday.
Vera’s Backyard Bar-B-Que has become a culinary icon in Brownville, serving up authentic Mexican food.
Address: 2404 Southmost Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78521
Contact: (956) 546-4159
Easy to Go Tacos #1
One of the oldest taquerias in Southmost, Easy to Go Tacos #1 was established back in the 1970s as the go-to taco food stop for the area’s working-class population. Nowadays, they have a number of branches all over Brownville, meaning if you’re in town, you’re never far from a plate of delicious taco goodness. If you ever get to visit, try their best-selling flautas with a side of pickled pig skin – a dish that speaks volumes about the flavors on offer at this famous OG taqueria.
East to Go Tacos #1 is a Brownsville classic that’s just as popular today as it was 40 years ago!
Address: 6414 S. Padre Island Hwy, Brownsville, TX 78521
Contact: (956) 525-3859
Located right by the Mexican border itself, these six taco joints in Brownville, Texas are the best of the best. In my opinion, they represent what Brownsville is all about – great food and amazing times!
Delve into the distinctions between Tex-Mex cuisine and traditional Mexican food, while immersing yourself in the captivating cultural narratives that accompany each culinary tradition.
