Explore the best tacos from two of the country's culinary capitals: Mexico City and Tijuana. These places will make you want to come back every chance you get.

Taquería Los Picudos, CDMX
Mexico City is synonymous with tacos al pastor and suadero. For Juan de Dios Garza: “It’s hard to find another taco that represents the city so much. Perhaps the stewed tacos on every corner. But within the diversity offered in the concrete jungle, charcoal tacos deserve their place in Olympus. A true spectacle with glowing grills fed by charcoal, operated by agile eyes and hands. The art of taming fire, when to put on and take off the tortilla, the protein, or the cheese. The delicious smell of smoke that envelops everything.



Los Picudos, in the Del Valle neighborhood, is a must-stop on the taco tour. Here, they dedicate themselves to everything that has to do with fire and smoke. Upon entering, at first glance and right in the center: the grill, the taqueros, and a lot of smoke. Your nose will be saturated with an intoxicating smell of meat kissed by fire. You will be amazed to see the taqueros operating the grills that are literally resting over the coals. You wonder how they don’t burn something. If you’re looking for chatty taqueros, this is not your place. The stoic-looking taqueros practice their craft with as much seriousness as the Japanese do with yakitori.

What to order? Everything. It’s not a joke or exaggeration. Steak tacos, grilled onions, volcanes, alambres, and more, but the pork chop and rib taco will be etched in your brain and taste buds. It's not a cheap taquería (payment is in cash), but there is no better feeling than paying for something that exceeds all your expectations.”
Address: Calle Moras 230 and Miguel Laurent, Colonia del Valle, CDMX.
Photo: @mexicanfoodporn

Tacos El Sinaloense, Tijuana
Tijuana makes me happy. It is a border capital whose identity is reinvented daily. In Tijuana, there’s always a party in its cantinas, music, art and food festivals, good beer, and the best: a gastronomic proposal that will allow you to eat excellently 365 days a year. From classic and must-visit places that are a reference in Mexico and the United States, to new restaurants that integrate the best of both sides of the border, in Tijuana you are guaranteed to eat like a king.



And while seafood, birria, and grilled tortas from Wash are classics, my corner gem is Tacos El Sinaloense. Here you will find the best tacos de asada, adobada, tripa, and cabeza from the north. You can order them in corn or flour tortillas; in vampiros or mulitas, with or without cheese. Any option will be served with a generous portion of guacamole, fried onions, and more than five salsas to accompany your late-night craving. It’s the perfect place to visit after the party or simply when you want to enjoy a good taco.
Address: Calle Alba Roja 12888, Tijuana
Recommendation: Fer Balmaceda

Tacos La Especial, Tijuana
A classic taquería and a favorite of travelers from all over the world is Tacos La Especial. Arturo Herrera, a Tijuana grill master, tells us that they serve the best steam tacos with meat and potato, red chicharrón, and beans from Tijuana. “These tacos have been around for 68 years in one of the most touristy areas of the city. Their main distinguishing feature is their side dishes like pickled carrots and fresh cambray onions. The salsas are a delight. For me, the king is the bean taco, as it has a unique recipe in the city. In the seventies, it was customary to go after the events of the bullfighting, a treat for the palate!”
Address: Avenida Revolución 718, between 3rd and 4th, Zona Centro, Tijuana.
Hours: 9 am to 11 pm