Texas Monthly has once again delivered a treasure map for taco aficionados, pinpointing what their taco editor José R. Ralat considers the state's finest in the "50 Best Tacos in Texas" list that was released Monday, with Austin eateries capturing eight coveted spots in a fierce field of contenders, as reported by KXAN.
Austin's Nixta Taqueria stood out notably, grabbing the No. 10 rank with its enchilada potosina taco. Ralat, who embarked on an epicurean journey consuming tacos from locations stretching from Amarillo to Brownsville, was enchanted by Nixta's offering which consists of a guajillo chile paste-infused tortilla laden with duck-fat refried beans, potato, chorizo, coupled with cabbage and a chile-rubbed cheese—a creation applauded for both its taste and unconventional spirit, according to CultureMap Austin.
The eight Austin restaurants and their signature tacos, revealed by KXAN, span across a spectrum of flavors ranging from the bistec estilo matamoros of Con Todo to Yellow Bell Tacos' celebrated lamb taco, each one striking a chord with Ralat on his quest to find the ultimate taco. This discerning sampling approach scrutinized craft, quality, creativity, and most importantly, flavor.
While Austin made a strong impression, San Antonio dominated with 10 entries, and the apex position was snagged by Ana Liz Taqueria in Mission, which is known to have been helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Ana Liz Pulido, the mastermind behind the praised deconstructed chile relleno taco—as heralded in a CultureMap Austin report, showcasing the diversity and culinary prowess that defines the vibrant taco scene of Texas.
