Who doesn’t love a good taco? Whether it’s a simple street-style taco with just a sprinkle of onion and cilantro or a creative fusion twist stuffed with unexpected ingredients, tacos are the universal language of deliciousness. And when it comes to finding the ultimate taco experience, taco trucks are king. There’s something magical about ordering your meal out of a truck. Maybe it’s the convenience, maybe it’s the authenticity, or maybe it’s just that taco trucks somehow always manage to serve up incredible food.
From coast to coast, America is home to some legendary taco trucks, each dishing out its own brand of tortilla-wrapped heaven. Here’s a look at some of the most famous taco trucks in the country, perfect for your next food adventure.
1. Guerilla Tacos (Los Angeles, CA)
Guerilla Tacos began humbly, serving tacos out of a tiny cart around LA, but their bold and creative flavors quickly gained a cult following. The brainchild of chef Wes Avila, this taco truck doesn’t play by the traditional rules. Instead, you’ll find gourmet tacos filled with ingredients like sweet potato hash, uni (yep, sea urchin), and wagyu beef.
What to Order:
The Sweet Potato Taco is a standout. It’s served with almond chile, feta, fried corn, and a burst of lime. Pair it with their seasonal specials for a truly unique taco experience.
Where to Find It:
They’ve since expanded to a brick-and-mortar spot, but the truck is still alive and well. Check their Instagram for up-to-date locations around Los Angeles.
Why It Stands Out:
Think of it as a taco truck for the adventurous food lover. Guerilla brings a fine-dining twist to handheld street food, and it’s oh-so-worth it.
2. Tacos El Gordo (San Diego, CA and Las Vegas, NV)
Tacos El Gordo is a beacon of authentic Tijuana-style tacos. Since the 1990s, this family-owned taco truck has been serving up tacos that are as real as it gets, complete with handmade tortillas and freshly sliced meats straight off the trompo (vertical spit). The tastes will transport you directly to Mexico.
What to Order:
The Adobada (spiced pork) taco is their signature dish, topped with fresh onions, cilantro, and creamy guacamole sauce. Don’t skip the grilled cebollitas (green onions) on the side!
Where to Find It:
You can hit up one of their locations in San Diego or their iconic outpost in Las Vegas, which draws lines from taco lovers far and wide.
Why It Stands Out:
The perfectly seasoned meat and authenticity make Tacos El Gordo a staple for anyone craving real-deal Mexican street food.
3. Kogi BBQ (Los Angeles, CA)
Kogi BBQ is arguably one of the most influential taco trucks in America, combining Mexican and Korean flavors in ways that’ll blow your mind. Chef Roy Choi launched the food truck in 2008, sparking not only a taco frenzy but also the nationwide boom in gourmet food trucks.
What to Order:
The Short Rib Taco is iconic. Picture tender Korean BBQ short rib nestled in a corn tortilla, topped with ssamjang (a spicy Korean sauce), cilantro-lime relish, and a cabbage slaw. Bonus? They also do kimchi quesadillas, in case you’re feeling extra cheesy.
Where to Find It:
Kogi’s trucks roam all over Los Angeles. Follow them on Twitter or Instagram to find out exactly where they’re parking next.
Why It Stands Out:
This is fusion food at its absolute finest. Kogi BBQ paved the way for food truck culture while proving that tacos can be innovative without losing their street-food soul.
4. Veracruz All Natural (Austin, TX)
Austin is packed with amazing taco trucks, but Veracruz All Natural stands tall above the rest. It’s run by two sisters, Reyna and Maritza Vazquez, who brought their family recipes from Veracruz, Mexico, to the heart of Texas. Their menu focuses on fresh, simple ingredients—with magical results.
What to Order:
The Migas Tacos are practically a religion in Austin. Made with scrambled eggs, crispy tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and pico de gallo, they’re a breakfast dream come true.
Where to Find It:
You can find Veracruz All Natural’s trucks and locations all over Austin. They now also have a few brick-and-mortar spots since their tacos are borderline addictive.
Why It Stands Out:
Homemade tortillas, fresh ingredients, and a whole lot of love go into each taco. You’ll feel it in every bite.
5. Mariscos Jalisco (Los Angeles, CA)
Seafood tacos anyone? Mariscos Jalisco is famous for its crispy tacos dorados de camarón (fried shrimp tacos), and people from all over Southern California flock to this truck for its seafood taco perfection.
What to Order:
The crispy shrimp taco is the star of the show. A golden, crunchy shell stuffed with shrimp and topped with fresh avocado and tomato salsa makes for a flavor explosion in every bite.
Where to Find It:
Their OG truck is parked on Olympic Boulevard in East LA, but they have several trucks around the LA area now.
Why It Stands Out:
The flavors are vibrant, the seafood is ridiculously fresh, and the crispy texture is everything. It’s proof you don’t need meat to make an unforgettable taco experience.
6. El Primo Tacos (Denver, CO)
Don’t sleep on Denver when it comes to great taco trucks. El Primo Tacos is the go-to spot for late-night cravings, serving straightforward and wonderfully flavorful tacos that feel straight out of Mexico.
What to Order:
Their Carne Asada Tacos are melt-in-your-mouth tender and grilled to perfection. Add some of their spicy red salsa to take things up a notch.
Where to Find It:
You’ll find their truck stationed most often on West Alameda Avenue.
Why It Stands Out:
It’s simple, no-frills, and ridiculously good. Perfect for Taco Tuesday or, honestly, any night of the week.
7. El Trompo (Dallas, TX)
El Trompo is home to some of the best al pastor tacos this side of the border. The truck gets its name from the trompo, the spinning tower of marinated pork that defines al pastor tacos. It’s a true experience watching the meat sliced fresh onto tortillas right in front of you.
What to Order:
Al Pastor, Al Pastor, Al Pastor. Trust us, you won’t need to look at the rest of the menu.
Where to Find It:
El Trompo parks at various spots around Dallas, so follow them on social media for updates.
Why It Stands Out:
Flavors so good, you’ll feel like you’re on the streets of Mexico City with every bite.
From traditional al pastor to gourmet creations, these taco trucks showcase just how versatile and incredible tacos can be. Each truck tells its own story of community, culture, and creativity, making every visit an experience to remember.