13 Authentic Spots for the Best Tacos in Cancun
When you’re on vacation, it’s easy to want to eat your way through the city and nothing beats the taste of a good taco.
They’re a great way to enjoy the flavors of Mexico in a compact bite.
With taco stands on seemingly every street corner, it’s hard not to eat everything in sight.
But save your stomachs! Here’s a guide to the top 15 places for the best tacos in Cancun.
1. Taqueria Coapeñitos
Taqueria Coapeñitos is a local eatery in Cancun that has some of the most amazing tacos you’ll ever try.
Bursting with traditional Mexican flavors, everything on the menu will make your mouth water!
The house specialty is the Taco Coapeñito – flavorful deliciousness for only $1 a pop.
Located on Nader Avenue, this place isn’t difficult to find either; they’re nestled under a bright yellow building and you can’t miss their glowing sign at night.
2. Los Tarascos
If you’re looking for tacos and only tacos, Los Tarascos has to be one of your stops.
A popular chain with multiple locations across Mexico, this eatery is a local favorite that’ll leave you craving for more – even if it is your hundredth stop.
The Cancun location has been noted for its late-night hours, which make it easy to satisfy your craving when you’re hungry and sober enough!
It’s said that they serve some of the best pastor tacos around too.
As a bonus, Los Tarascos also has margaritas and burritos available; both are equally as tasty as their namesake dish.
3. El Polilla
Make your way to El Polilla, a hole-in-the-wall taco stand that serves up some of the tastiest tacos in town.
Located right in Mercado Ki Huic, they’re known as the best place to go for juicy and flavorful carnitas.
It’s normal for there to be a long line here, but don’t let that discourage you!
Portions are huge – each order comes with a heaping serving of meat and two tortillas.
Come early because these guys run out fast; if not, it’s almost certain that there won’t be any left by the time lunch rolls around…
4. Carnitas Don Enrique
If you’re looking for deliciously authentic pork carnitas, look no further than Carnitas Don Enrique.
This taco joint is a local favorite, located in a charming neighborhood in downtown Cancun.
The tacos are flavorful and fresh, with a homemade taste that will make you want to come back for more.
The restaurant is as unassuming from inside as it is from out, but who really cares when you’re noshing on some mean tacos.
5. Taqueria Los Chachalacos
Taqueria Los Chachalacos is another one of Cancun’s favorite places for tacos, especially the late-night crowd in the Zona Hotelera.
Don’t go looking for fancy décor or designer tacos; instead, this place focuses on flavor!
The charcoal-cooked meat brings a unique flavor that you won’t find anywhere else, bursting with flavor and served hot right off the grill.
The restaurant stays open pretty late so if you’re craving midnight tacos, these guys will be open and waiting for you.
Spend 150 pesos and snag a free dessert as well!
6. El Socio Naiz Taquería
El Socio Naiz Taquería is the perfect place for people looking to experience something new.
The tacos are simple and unpretentious, with a playful modern twist while still staying true to their origins as a Mexican staple.
They have “traditional” taco options as well as more imaginative combos like the waka wakas and surf & turf (pork and octopus).
7. Tacos Los Parejas
This taqueria began its roots in Mexico City and can now be found in Cancun, winning over the locals and gaining fans with its authentic flavors.
Specializing in tacos de costilla (rib meat), this place is sure to fill you up with their huge portions and low prices.
On weekends they have special menus with yummies such as gorditas and BBQ’d tacos.
You can’t go wrong with whatever you order at Los Parejas – they’re that good.
8. Gory Tacos
Located in downtown Cancun, Gory Tacos is arguably one of the city’s most loved taco joints.
This hole-in-the-wall local favorite is a haven for taco lovers but it’s not just about the food; the restaurant owner is charming and you’ll want to be here for the atmosphere.
The tacos are cheap and the portions are generous; order the steak tacos or if you love seafood, try out the garlic shrimp.
9. Tacos Rigo
Tacos Rigo is all about that balance of familiar and new; if you’re expecting a run-of-the-mill taco stand, look elsewhere.
Rigo takes things up a notch, with unique fillings you won’t typically see from a taco joint.
They’ve been serving up the best of Mexico since 1988 and their salsas are some of the best in town – trust us on that!
With every type of filling from suadero (thin cut of beef brisket) to cabeza (roasted meat from an animal’s head), there’s something that’ll catch the eye of an adventurous foodie.
The only thing you’ll regret is not stopping by sooner.
10. Taco Y Tequila
When you’re in the Hotel Zone, there’s one place to go for tacos: Taco Y Tequila.
Their tacos al pastor are widely considered some of the best around, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Their traditional tacos are made with 100% natural ingredients, in addition to their own creations that are very popular among the locals.
This place is a bit pricier compared to other options, but if you want an authentic Mexican meal that goes above and beyond in quality, it’s worth it.
And of course, go for the tequila – it’s in the name.
11. La Loteria Taqueria
La Loteria Taqueria has been a local hotspot for tacos in Cancun, serving amazing food that will make your mouth water as soon as you walk through the door.
Opening late into the night, this place is a guaranteed good time for your taste buds, especially when you’re looking for some local comfort food.
The tacos are reasonably priced and come in large portions, making it a great place to share with friends.
12. Taqueria El Ñero
If you’re looking for tacos in the downtown area, skip the chain restaurants and head straight for Taqueria El Ñero.
Not only is their food affordable, but their tacos are better than some of the more fancy restaurants in town.
We recommend trying their Campechanos (mixed pork and beef tacos) – it’s a combo made in heaven!
13. Los de Pescado
Los de Pescado is the go-to place in town for fish and shrimp tacos.
With three locations around Cancun, it’s well worth it to drop by at least once.
It looks like nothing special on the outside, but once you dig into one of their tacos you’ll see why the locals love it so much.
The authentic tacos are under $2 for two and will have you licking your fingers clean – don’t forget to order a Corona to wash it all down.
They open at 10 am and close at 5:30 pm every night, so make sure you get there before they run out of tacos!
