Where to Find the Best Tacos in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Keep reading for your guide to the best tacos in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

As the heart and soul of Mexican cuisine, there’s no food quite like the taco. Juicy, smokey and perfectly marinaded meat with vibrant onion, herby and fragrant cilantro all wrapped in a soft, corn pillow, the taco is Mexico’s staple. But forget the sour cream, the crispy shell, and the grated cheese- we are talking authentic tacos. 

Tacos, birria and tortas all come from Jalisco, making Puerto Vallarta one of the best places for them. 

Tried and tested over months, these are our Jalisco editors’ best taco spots, from more upscale, sit-down spots to street stands. In this Puerto Vallarta taco guide we’ll tell you where to go to sink your teeth into mouthfuls of meaty, spicy goodness (however, we’ve also included our veggie favorites too). 

With Tacos Sonorita Olas Altas being one of our top taco restaurants for al pastor tacos in the Zona Romantica and Mezcal & Sal taking the top spot for more upscale dining options, dive in to all the best tacos in Puerto Vallarta. 

All listings featured on The Mexico Edit are carefully sourced and selected by our editors who live or travel extensively in that area of Mexico and have visited the listing. If you book through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for supporting TME.

The Best Tacos in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Pancho’s Takos

Pancho’s is the most popular place for authentic Mexican tacos in Puerto Vallarta with tourists and locals (who are up for the wait).  The charm of this taco joint lies not just in its mouthwatering offerings but also in its relaxed, alfresco setting that draws in fans. 

Despite the inevitable queues that start forming early in anticipation of its 4 pm opening, the experience of indulging in their signature dishes, including the amazing al pastor tacos and cheese-laden gringa taco, is a culinary adventure.

While Pancho’s Takos is one of the best tacos Puerto Vallarta has to offer, we’re not quite sure they are worth the sometimes hour-long line that snakes around the corner, especially when there are many other amazing taco joints close by. 

The best thing to do”, say our editors, “is to get there just as they open at 4 pm. When we do the wait is just 10 or 15 minutes most of the time”. 

Is Pancho’s Takos really Puerto Vallarta’s best for traditional tacos, as their many fans claim? There’s only one way to find out…

Marisma Fish Taco

Marisma Fish Taco, a quaint taco stand within the bustling streets of Zona Romantica, offers a unique culinary experience with its open kitchen and limited seating, inviting diners to savor their meals amidst the vibrant local atmosphere. 

Renowned for its exceptional seafood tacos, the stand’s menu highlights include the beloved fish tacos, featuring crispy battered fish adorned with fresh toppings and drizzled with a zesty sauce. 

We also rave about the octopus al ajillo, showcasing the stand’s flair for combining simple ingredients with complex flavors. 

For those enticed by the allure of surf and turf, the steak and shrimp tacos promise a delightful blend of land and sea, making Marisma Fish Taco a must-visit for food enthusiasts exploring Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romantica.

Tacos Sonorita Olas Altas

Tacos Sonorita Olas Altas are probably the best tacos al pastor in Puerto Vallarta but without the wait. The establishment distinguishes itself by blending the casual essence of street-style tacos with the comfort and elegance of a sit-down restaurant ambience- one of the things we love about this popular spot. 

We are always greeted with generous portions, competitively priced menu options, including vegetarian and vegan choices, and a cozy seating arrangement that offers a reprieve from the bustling sidewalk queues.

You’ll find fresh salsas at each table and they also have an extensive selection of margaritas, with hibiscus, watermelon, and tamarind standing out as particularly popular flavors.

Tacos Revolución

Around the corner from Tacos Sonorita, you’ll find another great spot, Tacos Revolución. While this spot does look touristy and commercialized, don’t let the outside fool you- they do some pretty tasty tacos.  

This charming restaurant extends its warm atmosphere to a serene backyard court, perfect for those seeking a laid-back dining environment. 

Among the menu’s highlights are the succulent pork al-pastor tacos, renowned for their rich marination in an array of spices, alongside must-try dishes like the beef tacos and the camaron taco, each promising a burst of traditional flavors.

Taqueria Las Güeras

Taqueria Las Güeras is another beloved spot known for its delicious tacos in Puerto Vallarta. 

The ambiance of this cozy sit-down eatery is characterized by its minimalist decor, yet it often has a bustling and local atmosphere. 

The tacos to order here are the particularly noteworthy shrimp tacos, featuring large, well-seasoned shrimp. Additionally, the fish tacos are other good options. 

For those that prefer meat tacos, they also offer superb carne asada and al pastor tacos. 

When it comes to drinks, there are agua frescas, horchata and of course, ice-cold beer. 

Tacos de Cabeza El Chulo

For those wanting to try something different, there’s Tacos de Cabeza El Chulo, a small street stand in the Zona Romantica of the city. 

As the name suggests, they specialize in ‘head meat’ tacos but they also have lengua (tongue), carne asada and beef lips.

The cabeza tacos, praised for its exceptionally soft and tender meat, rich in flavor and slightly fatty, is served with onions, cilantro, and a mild green salsa is what to order here. 

Tacos de Cabeza El Chulo is a really local spot for tacos in Puerto Vallarta- perfect for those wanting to get off the tourist trail for a truly local meal from one of the best taco stands around. Cash only, open in the evening only. 

Mezcal & Sal

For those looking for a more elevated, upscale tacos dining experience, this is the perfect place for tacos in Puerto Vallarta. 

The tacos here go beyond the ordinary, featuring a range of fillings from succulent meats marinated in local, earthy spices to fresh, local seafood delicately prepared to preserve its natural taste. 

Paired with handcrafted mezcal cocktails that complement the smoky, spicy notes of the dishes, dining at Mezcal & Sal is an immersive experience.

Taqueria La Hormiga

Along Lazaro Cardenas, just by Guadalajara Pharmacy stands a notable collection of street taco stands, among which you’ll find La Horminga. 

La Hormiga has all the essentials that make a taco great; freshly made corn tortillas and the classic taste of its juicy pastor. What sets this post apart however are its diverse array of extra toppings and salsas, designed to enhance the taco-eating experience. 

Taqueria de Birria El Banquito

Taqueria de Birria El Banquito is a great place to go for the best birria tacos, without going too far into the Puerto Vallarta suburbs. 

Birria, a famous dish from Jalisco, is essentially a stew-like dish consisting of tender, slow-cooked meat, often goat or beef, marinated in a rich, flavorful sauce made from a blend of dried chiles, herbs, and spices, typically served with tortillas, onions, cilantro, and lime. It’s a must-try when in Puerto Vallarta. 

This local, no-thrills favorite captivates both residents and visitors with its rich, spicy stewed meat, wrapped in soft, freshly made tortillas, creating an unforgettable culinary experience in the heart of the city.

Birrieria Robles El Lic

Another recommendation for top-tier birria tacos in Puerto Vallarta, Birrieria Robles El Lic is a small, modest eatery in Pitillal, a gem of a local neighborhood. 

This humble establishment invites guests to savor their meals on a veranda enveloped by natural beauty and refreshing breezes, offering a simple yet cozy dining atmosphere. 

When perusing the menu, the birria tacos, a crowd favorite, are a must-try, though arriving early is advisable as they tend to run out quickly. 

Additionally, patrons have the opportunity to delight in their tacos de chivo (goat meat), further showcasing the eatery’s dedication to authentic flavors.

Pepe’s Tacos

“I still remember the first time I discovered Pepe’s Tacos”- says TMXE editor Esther Reeves. “Starving and caught in a mighty downpour when on nearby Playa Camarones we must have run into the first taco joint on the street. Luckily it was Pepe’s Tacos which to this day, is one of the best local taco spots in Puerto Vallarta for pastor.”

Pepe’s is small and family-owned and has everything you’ll need from a good taqueria; friendly and fast service, authentic, juicy meat and zesty salsa and this spot ticks all the boxes.

We’ve only eaten the al pastor tacos here but their menu is pretty big and deserves some attention, the quesadillas and tortas here looked great too.  

100% Vegana Taqueria

“I was vegan when I lived in Puerto Vallarta and this was the only taqueria we went to- yes the tacos were great but the friendly owners here make this spot what it is and we’d spend whole evening in conversation with them while eating tacos” says editor in chief, Alexandra Wieteska. 

A plant-based favorite in Puerto Vallarta, this small joint makes made-to-order vegan tacos, brilliant vegan pozole and refreshing aguas frescas. 

If you’re plant-based pining over a great taco in Puerto Vallarta, make sure not to miss this spot. 

Tacon de Marlin

This quaint yet bustling hotspot often sees a lively crowd, especially during peak hours, with seating capacity a little limited, so be prepared for a possibility of a wait. 

Highlighted recommendations from their menu include the marlin burrito and marlin tacos, both livened up with a flavorful chipotle marinade. 

For those keen on exploring beyond marlin, the shrimp or crab burritos, offer a delightful alternative. 

There’s also another branch by the airport, ideal for your last or first meal in Puerto Vallarta. 

Taqueria El Cuñado

An editor-favorite, Taqueria El Cuñado is a small taco stall in the Zona Romantica, specializing in asada, adobada and chorizo tacos. This long-standing favorite, has a vibrant atmosphere in the evening and plenty of outside seating that captures the essence of Mexican street food. 

Diners can indulge in a variety of good tacos, with fillings ranging from succulent carne asada to deeply flavorful adobada, each garnished with fresh, locally sourced toppings.

Another great option for the best tacos in Puerto Vallarta. 

The Best Taco Tours in Puerto Vallarta

For anyone wanting to dive a little deeper into Puerto Vallarta’s taco offering, don’t pass up the opportunity for doing a taco tour where a local guide will take you to the best spots in the city. 

Some top tours where you can experience the best tacos in Puerto Vallarta are.

Vallarta Food Tours– These guys run the best food tours in Puerto Vallarta, taking you to all the local spots in the city in a few hours. Opt for their Street Taco Tour for an evening walk around the best spots. 

They also offer a taco tour of Bucerías which comes highly recommended and a food tour of the underrated neighborhood of Pitillal. 

Puerto Vallarta Taco Tour – This is another brilliant Puerto Vallarta food tour with a local guide who’ll take you on a taco adventure including a hunt for the best al pastor tacos in the city. Book the experience here. 

Anyone wanting to just stick to the Zona Romantica, this taco tour will have you tasting but also learning about taco culture in general. 

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