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 just under 15 hours of driving, 930 miles of travel, and eight restaurants. But you’re up for a challenge, right? Just hop on the loop of this taco trail in New Mexico at whichever point is closest to you! Here is the map.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
For some of the best tacos in New Mexico, head to El Parasol where the chicken guacamole tacos 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 more information on the location, visit the El Parasol website.For the purposes of this road trip, head to the one in Española.
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. They also have a market and deli. For information and updates on the location, visit the Servicio Azteca Facebook page.
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 El Jacalito's and see for yourself. For more information on the menu and location, visit the El Jacalito Restaurant website.
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? For more information, visit the Tacos Mirasol Facebook page.
Bring your appetite to this Mexican 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. For more information about the location and menu, head to the Taqueria Mexicana website.
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. For more information about the locations, head to the Casa Taco website.
Address: 5801 Academy Road NE, Suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87109
Address: 704 Highway 195, Elephant Butte, NM
Lupe’s serves up authentic Mexican food, bursting with flavor. Prices are ridiculously low – keep an eye out for the crispy taco specials or grab yourself a carne asada burrito. Whatever you order is sure to be amazing! For more information, head to the Lupes Antojitos Mexican Food Facebook page.
Dining in New Mexico doesn't have to be fancy to have an incredible meal. And there’s certainly 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. For more information on hours and location, visit the El Rigobertos Taco Shop Facebook page.
Address: 166 Central Park Square, Los Alamos, NM 87544
As far as road trips in New Mexico go, we think one centered around tacos is a fantastic idea! Are you ready to take this taco trail?
While you’re planning a culinary tour of New Mexico, you may also want to consider exploring our enchilada trail.
Address: 603 Santa Cruz Rd, Española, NM 87532, USA
Address: 109 S Maple St, Clovis, NM 88101, USA
Address: 2215 Missouri Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001, USA
Address: 309 E Pine St, Deming, NM 88030, USA
Address: 300 Menaul Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107, USA
Address: 5801 Academy Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, USA
Address: 704 NM-195, Elephant Butte, NM 87935, USA
Address: 180 US-550, Bernalillo, NM 87004, USA
Address: 166 Central Park Square, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Taco Trail In New Mexico
February 26, 2021
Melissa Mahoney
What are the best Mexican restaurants in New Mexico that aren’t on this trail?
The Land of Enchantment has some of the best Mexican food in the country. You will see long lines at The Pepper Pot Restaurant in Hatch, the chile capital of the world. When you’re here, order a Chile Relleno and definitely try the salsa here. It’s so good! Family-owned La Choza in Santa Fe creates authentic quality Mexican food and the best red and green chile around! This award-winning restaurant is a true gem and a local favorite. Visit to find out how good it is for yourself.
Where can I find the best margaritas in New Mexico?
Since the Land of Enchantment has some of the best Mexican food in the country, it comes as no surprise you can find some pretty amazing margaritas as well. At Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi in Santa Fe, head to the bar and lounge for a trio of signature margaritas. They are divine! If variety is what you want, variety is what you’ll get at Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen in Santa Fe. With over 100 different margaritas on the menu, you’ll have plenty of options for an excellent cocktail.
Are there any other food trails in New Mexico I should take?
Our Margarita Trail will take you on a boozy adventure through some of the best spots in Santa Fe. You may also wish to follow the Enchilada Trail for some mouthwatering enchiladas around the state. Food trails are the best kind of trails, don’t you agree?
Address: 603 Santa Cruz Rd, Española, NM 87532, USA
Address: 109 S Maple St, Clovis, NM 88101, USA
Address: 2215 Missouri Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001, USA
Address: 309 E Pine St, Deming, NM 88030, USA
Address: 300 Menaul Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107, USA
Address: 5801 Academy Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, USA
Address: 704 NM-195, Elephant Butte, NM 87935, USA
Address: 180 US-550, Bernalillo, NM 87004, USA
Address: 166 Central Park Square, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA
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