As a part of this yr’s Tailgate, CultureMap’s celebration of everybody’s favourite strategy to get within the sport day spirit, we’re asking readers to find out the very best taco spot in Houston in our Prime Taco Event.
Selecting one greatest taco joint out of a whole bunch of certified companies is just about not possible. As an alternative, we’ve chosen 16 favorites throughout a couple of classes, together with superb eating, breakfast tacos, a few quirky one-offs, and extra fashionable taquerias which are pushing Houston ahead.
The nominees are paired up, bracket-style, to compete in opposition to one another. Readers can vote for his or her favourite restaurant in every matchup. The winners will go on to the following spherical, till a champion emerges.
Spherical one voting is open now till midnight on Friday, August 29. It’s possible you’ll vote as soon as per day.
We’ll reveal the winner on stage at The Tailgate occasion Thursday, September 11 at eighth Surprise. The evening will embody tailgate-inspired delicacies from native eating places; premium cocktails; activations and appearances out of your favourite Houston groups, together with the Texans, Astros, and Dynamo and Sprint soccer golf equipment; a silent public sale of sports activities memorabilia, and extra.
Early-bird tickets are on sale for $25 for basic admission and $45 for VIP. Learn extra about The Tailgate right here, keep up to date by way of our editorial sequence, and nab discounted tickets right here.
Listed here are the nominees in CultureMap’s Prime Taco Event:
Flora Mexican Kitchen vs. Mayahuel
At Flora, chef Mate Zorrilla brings expertise from Mexico Metropolis to a menu that features tacos wrapped with tortillas which are created from nixtamalized corn. Newcomer Mayahuel brings just a little extra star energy courtesy of chef Luis Robledo Richards, winner of the Greatest Pastry Chef in Latin America from the World’s 50Best and a choose on Netflix’s dessert competitors present Sugar Rush. Each restaurant are serving elevated Mexican delicacies, however just one will advance to spherical two.
Cuchara Mexico Metropolis Bistro vs. Maximo
At Cuchara, chef Ana Beaven has been serving Montrose a style of Mexico Metropolis since 2012 with fan favorites just like the signature Tacos Dorados with potato and chorizo. At Maximo, 27-year-old chef Adrian Torres is serving crisp fish tacos and a brisket suadero taco alongside extra elevated fare reminiscent of masa cornbread with caviar. Each restaurant will serve you a potent margarita to pair with the tacos, however just one will transfer on to spherical two.
Urbe vs. Tacos Doña Lena
At Urbe, James Beard Award winner Hugo Ortega pays homage to Mexican avenue meals with a menu that features a avenue taco sampler and first-rate cochinita pibil. Tacos Doña Lena turned a Yelp sensation because of its signature birria tacos, however don’t skip the surprisingly meaty tasting soy pastor. Each eating places are redefining informal taquerias in Houston, however just one will transfer on on this event.
Papalo Taqueria vs. Cochinita & co.
Regardless of a humble location in downtown’s Finn Corridor meals corridor, Papalo has earned statewide approval for dishes such because the zanahoria taco (confit carrot) and slowly-cooked pork shoulder in roasted tomatillo salsa. Chef Victoria Elizondo has earned a James Beard Award semifinalist nomination for Cochinita’s flavorful fare, together with the signature cochinita pibil and the shrimp with pineapple pico de gallo. Each of those eating places are amongst Houston’s most compelling fashionable taquerias, however just one will transfer on to spherical two.
Candente vs. Eight Row Flint
Though Candente is primarily recognized for Tex-Mex staples like fajitas and enchiladas, the signature birria tacos, made with smoked and braised brief rib and beef shank, are both a hearty entree or a shareable appetizer. Tacos have all the time been on the menu at each of Eight Row Flint’s places — served on nixtamalized corn tortillas, natch — with the Brussels sprouts taco being significantly noteworthy. Might both of those eating places recognized for one nice dish win this event?
Little Rey vs. Tacos a Go Go
At Little Rey, chef Ford Fry makes use of a custom-designed grill and smoker to serve juicy hen and succulent beef wrapped in fluffy flour tortillas — topped with diner’s selection of toppings from the salsa bar. Tacos a Go Go is a Houston staple that’s as well-known for its breakfast choices in addition to lunch and dinner fare just like the carne guisada and lamb barbacoa. Solely considered one of these family-friendly favorites will transfer ahead.
Laredo Taqueria vs. Villa Arcos
At each its places on Washington Avenue and within the Close to Northside, diners line up for Laredo Taqueria’s expertly-prepared breakfast tacos. After all, no Houston breakfast tacos are extra beloved than Villa Arcos, with its 2023 return to service being universally cheered citywide. Each of those eating places are amongst Houston’s favourite methods to get up, however just one will make it to spherical two.
Tacos Tierra Caliente vs. The Taco Stand
Generations of Montrose diners have relied on Tierra Caliente for all the pieces from tacos al pastor to lengua, all enhanced by the meals trailer’s home made salsas. The Taco Stand places a extra fashionable spin on the formulation, serving a spread of proteins wrapped in both corn or flour tortillas which are made in home. Each of those eating places are fast and inexpensive, however just one will transfer on to spherical two.
—
The Tailgate is dropped at you by FLIGHT by Yuengling, Puttshack, Mizzen+Most important, Sysco To Go, Antone’s Well-known Po’ Boys, and extra to be introduced.
