Puerto Vallarta has no shortage of places selling tacos. The challenge isn't finding them. It's finding the ones worth eating. After considerable "research," here are the spots that keep us coming back.
First, a Note About Taco Culture
In Puerto Vallarta, tacos are categorized by when you eat them. Morning tacos (tacos de canasta or steamed tacos) are a breakfast thing. Afternoon tacos might be fish or shrimp near the beach. And the best tacos often emerge at night from street carts that set up after dark, serving the late-night crowd everything from al pastor to cabeza.
The other thing to understand: expensive doesn't mean better. Some of the finest tacos in the city cost $15-20 pesos each (about $1 USD). If you're paying $80+ pesos for a single taco, you're probably at a place designed for tourists who don't know better.
The Styles You Need to Know
Tacos al Pastor
The iconic spit-roasted pork with pineapple. Look for the trompo (vertical spit) and watch them slice it fresh.
Tacos de Birria
Slow-cooked beef or goat in a rich, spiced broth. Often served with consommé for dipping.
Tacos de Pescado
Battered and fried fish, typically served Baja-style with cabbage and crema.
Tacos de Camarón
Shrimp tacos: grilled, fried, or in aguachile style with lime and chili.
Tacos de Asada
Grilled beef, usually skirt steak. Simple, satisfying, everywhere.
Tacos de Cabeza
Various cuts from the cow's head. Sounds adventurous but incredibly tender and flavorful.
Where to Go: Our Picks
Taco Memo's Grill
Zona Romántica • Street Cart • Opens evenings
The most famous taco cart in Puerto Vallarta, and it earns the hype. Their al pastor is textbook perfect: crispy edges, tender meat, fresh pineapple. The cart sets up on Basilio Badillo near Insurgentes every evening. The line can be long on weekends, but it moves fast. Cash only, obviously.
Get: Al pastor, suadero (brisket). Price: ~$20 MXN per taco
Mariscos Cisneros
5 de Diciembre • Sit-down • Lunch hours
A no-frills mariscos (seafood) spot in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood that locals swear by. Their fish and shrimp tacos are fresh and generous. The ceviche is excellent too. Not fancy, plastic chairs, cold beer. Exactly what you want.
Get: Tacos de pescado, tacos gobernador. Price: ~$35-45 MXN per taco
Birriería Robles
Centro • Sit-down • Morning/Lunch
Birria is traditionally a weekend morning food in Jalisco, and Robles does it right. Rich, deeply spiced beef that falls apart. Get the tacos dorados (fried crispy) and dip them in the consommé. This is hangover food elevated to art. Closes early afternoon.
Get: Tacos dorados de birria with consommé. Price: ~$25 MXN per taco
El Carboncito
Versalles • Street Stand • Opens late
When it's 1am and you need tacos, El Carboncito delivers. Charcoal-grilled asada with that perfect smoky char. The tortillas are handmade. It's in Versalles, away from the main tourist zones, which is exactly why the quality stays high and prices stay low.
Get: Asada, chorizo. Price: ~$18 MXN per taco
Pancho's Takos
Zona Romántica • Sit-down • All day
Yes, it's popular with tourists. Yes, there's often a wait. But Pancho's has been around forever for a reason: consistent quality, friendly service, and a menu that covers all the bases. It's a safe choice when you're not feeling adventurous, and the margaritas are solid.
Get: The taco sampler to try different styles. Price: ~$40-50 MXN per taco
Taco Tips
- •Follow the crowds: If a taco stand has a line of locals, get in it.
- •Go easy on toppings first: Taste the meat before drowning it in salsa.
- •Ask "¿cuál recomienda?" (What do you recommend?) They know what's best that day.
- •Bring cash: Most street vendors don't take cards.
- •Don't fear the street carts: High turnover means fresh food. Trust your eyes and nose.
The Bottom Line
The best taco experiences in Puerto Vallarta usually involve plastic stools, handwritten menus, and prices that seem impossibly cheap. Don't overthink it. Find a busy spot, order what everyone else is eating, and enjoy one of Mexico's greatest contributions to world cuisine.
And if you discover a spot we missed? We want to hear about it.