Posted in New Mexico
June 06, 2017
Your Tastebuds Will Go Crazy For This Amazing Taco Trail In New Mexico
There’s only one thing better than a road trip, and that’s a food-centered road trip! View our state’s enchanting scenery as you cruise from stop to stop, loading up on tacos as you go. New Mexico is jam-packed with scrumptious Mexican eateries and you’d be driving for months if you tried to visit them all. So we’ve put together a loop that highlights some of the best taquerias in the Land of Enchantment.
Even a pared down taco tour involves 15 hours of driving, 928 miles of travel, and ten restaurants. But you’re up for a challenge, right? Just hop on the loop at whichever point is closest to you! Here is the map.
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The chicken guacamole tacos at El Parasol are the stuff of dreams. That’s no shocker since this restaurant started out as a taco stand, shielded from the sun by the umbrella that has since become its name and logo. El Parasol has come a long way since it launched in the 1950s and now offers six locations. For the purposes of this road trip, head to the one on 603 Santa Cruz Road in Española.
The folks at this food truck craft creative tacos that always delight. If you’re looking for layers of flavor, you won’t be disappointed here; the pork belly tacos are especially delicious. Bonsai Asian Tacos is located at 1599 S Saint Francis Drive in Santa Fe.
Whether you order tacos al pastor, barbacoa or carne asada, you’re in for a treat at this popular Mexican joint. Load up on toppings from the salsa bar then chow down on authentic cuisine that’ll transport you south of the border. Servicio Azteca is located at 109 S Maple Street in Clovis.
It’s all about mini-tacos at this family-run restaurant. Choose between tacos al carbon or ones filled with fish, adobada and more. It's time to introduce your taste buds to Jalisco-style food. El Tapatio is located at 3012 North Main Street in Roswell.
El Jacalito’s is a diamond in the rough. From the outside, this place doesn’t look like much but inside you’ll find perfectly seasoned food that’ll make you a fan for life. Both the chicken and carne a la parilla tacos are standouts on this restaurant’s menu and the shrimp cocktail is to-die-for as well. Head to 2215 Missouri Avenue in Las Cruces and see for yourself.
Fish taco fans will revel in the version of the dish made at this low-key restaurant. There are also plenty of succulent meat tacos on offer – try the carnitas. Prices are extremely reasonable and the ingredients are super fresh. What’s not to love? Taco Mirasol is located at 309 E Pine Street in Deming.
Bring your appetite to this hole-in-the-wall restaurant that is beloved by Burquenos. Big flavors, big portions, tiny location! The tacos here are legendary. There are plenty of different kinds to choose from, including chicharron, adobada, chicken, barbacoa, lengua. Your odds of scoring one of the few tables are about even with your chances of coming out ahead at the casino but that’s okay, because you can just order at the to-go window. Taqueria Mexico is located at 415 Lomas Boulevard NE in Albuquerque.
Casa Taco originally opened in Elephant Butte and has since expanded up to Duke City. If you’d rather visit the original location, just flip-flop the order of restaurants so that you visit 704 Highway 195 in Elephant Butte before you head to Albuquerque. The selection here is refreshingly different. Sample tacos filled with Yucatan-style pork, brisket, or Jamaican jerk chicken. Most New Mexican tacos are served in soft tortillas, but the ones here are cooked in oil and then grilled. The second Casa Taco location is at 5801 Academy Road NE, Suite B, in Albuquerque.
Lupe’s serves up legit Mexican food, bursting with flavor. Prices are ridiculously low – keep an eye out for the crispy taco specials. This restaurant is located at 180 E Highway 550 in Bernalillo.
There’s nothing fancy about this taqueria, but you’re here for the food rather than the surroundings. Tacos here are regular or rolled – the fish and beef are especially good. Definitely order a glass of horchata to accompany your meal. This restaurant is located at 166 Central Park Square in Los Alamos.
Are you ready to take this road trip?
While you’re planning a culinary tour of New Mexico, you may also want to consider exploring our enchilada trail.
