National Taco Day: Five tasty tacos in Memphis that you should try
National Taco Day is Oct. 4, and we think one of the best ways to celebrate is with tacos, of course.
To help you decide which restaurant to order tacos from, here are five of our favorite tacos in Memphis.
Maciel’s Tacos & Tortas: Chicken Tinga Tacos
Two locations: 820 Cooper St. and 45 S. Main St.; macielsonmain.com
Maciel’s menu features made-to-order tacos, tortas, quesadillas and nachos. They are known for their crispy fried tacos, their signature version of hard tacos made with in-house fried shells.
Our Favorite: The Chicken Tinga Tacos. Order them “crispy” filled with slightly spicy shredded chicken topped with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and sour cream or as a “Street-Taco” with onion, cilantro, pico and lime.
Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana: Fish Tacos
Two locations: 6300 Poplar Ave. and 1215 S. Germantown Road, Germantown; delimexicana.com
With two locations, Las Tortugas offers some of the freshest and most authentic Mexican food this side of the border. With almost 20 different kinds of tacos and tortugas (Mexican sandwiches) served each day, along with other authentic menu items that are constantly changing, there is always something new to try at Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana.
Our Favorite: The Fish Tacos are both light and flavorful. Freshly made corn tortillas are stuffed with flaky tilapia and topped with a sprinkling of diced sweet onion, fresh cilantro, green salsa and sliced avocado.
Los Picosos: Carne Asada Tacos
3937 Summer Ave.; (901) 323-7003
Tucked away in a strip center, Los Picosos is one of the many authentic Mexican restaurants located on Summer Avenue. What makes this one special is the friendly service and tasty fare.
Our Favorite: The Carne Asada Tacos at Los Picosos are the most flavorful version of this popular taco in town. I like to drizzle their salsa verde (it has a kick) over the top. A side of the made-to-order guacamole and freshly fried tortilla chips is a must-have accompaniment.
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Babalu: Duck Tacos
Two locations: 6450 Poplar Ave. and 2115 Madison Ave.; eatbabalu.com
Memphis-based chain Babalu is known for its “Southern cuisine with Latin flair.” Tacos are stuffed with Southern ingredients like Gulf Shrimp, Blackened Fish, Pork Belly and Comeback Sauce.
Our Favorite: The Duck Taco. Served on a flour tortilla, Babalu's Duck Taco features duck confit with a sweet chili sauce topped with peanut slaw and cotija cheese.
TACOnganas Food Trucks: Al Pastor TACOnganas-style street taco
Multiple locations; taconganas.com
TACOnganas food trucks have become one of Memphis’ favorite spots for tacos. What makes these authentic Mexican street tacos unique is that each taco is served in a corn tortilla dipped in an oil prepared with dried peppers.
Our Favorite: The TACOnganas-style street taco. Choose from several different fillings ranging from barbacoa to al pastor to asada. The spicy Al Pastor pork taco is our go-to order. Tacos are topped with grilled onions, cilantro and melted cheese, served with a side of curtido (a cabbage relish), limes and salsa.
Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Best tacos in Memphis, Tennessee: 5 of our favorites
