Top 5 Breakfast Tacos in Austin

I want to start out by saying that as a gringo from Long Island I have no right to deem which breakfast taco reigns supreme out here in Austin. Breakfast tacos are a coveted staple and I don't want to get hurt if I say the wrong thing. Also, I only moved here a year ago and who knows if I've truly even found the best spots yet. So please, dear reader, take my top 5 with a grain of salt. I'm just reporting what my tongue favored thus far in my taste bud journey.

Rosita's Al Pastor

Rosita's is one of the first taco places I heard about when I first moved here because obviously from the name, they have the strongest Al Pastor in the game and everybody knows it. But what no one felt like telling me is that their breakfast game is just as strong. I came down with a case of the hangovers one morning that only a pile of breakfast tacos could cure and being that this was the most familiar taco establishment I knew, I took the trip.

I ordered two Chorizo, Egg and Cheese Tacos with an Al Pastor Taco as well because I have an addiction. I also always grab extra Verde Salsa because my spice limits know no bounds. The spicy, meaty chorizo, fluffy eggs and melty cheese drenched in that salsa and wrapped in Rosita's house made flour tortilla is like a warm hug hand delivered to my stomach. I eat the Al Pastor like a dessert. I felt much better after that meal and I hope Rosita's cures all your hangovers as well.

Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ

Valentina's is a place to go when you want the meat sweats first things in the morning. Grab your friends, head on down to Valentina's and get ready to spend $9 on a breakfast taco that is actually 100% worth it. Why are they worth it? They are GINORMOUS. You think you'd want two of them but one will do the trick and then some.

I'd recommend going straight for the Real Deal Holyfield with Brisket. This Flour Tortilla is loaded with Refried Beans, Potatoes, a Fried Egg, a THICC piece of Smoky Bacon and an even THICCER slab of their Succulent Brisket, all topped with their Tomato Serrano Salsa.

The only thing that upsets me is that they charge you for extra salsa but that is truly the only downside to this meal of a breakfast taco. May the meat sweats be with you.

Juan In A Million

This establishment caught my attention from their name alone. To hear they have one of the best and most filling breakfast tacos in town only made me more excited. When you go to Juan In A Million the Don Juan El Taco Granda is a must have. It's their secret combo of Egg, Potato. Bacon and Cheese, comically piled into one singular Tortilla.

You could attempt to pick it up and eat it as such but thankfully your waiter usually asks you if you'd like a few more tortillas on the side. My recommendation is at least three. Pro Tip for first timers: When they give you their complimentary chips and salsa for the table, take the chips, crush a few on top of your tacos and then douse it all in their spicy, flavorful salsa. It adds a perfect layer of crunch and heat that takes their breakfast taco game to the next level.

Joe's Bakery

It may say Joe's Bakery, but this sit down Tex-Mex establishment gives off more of a Grandma's Kitchen vibe. To me, this is the quintessential breakfast spot. Coffee is always flowing, the food is filling and the prices are dirt cheap. I'm not gonna lie. I've never had straight up breakfast tacos here but the plates I get come with two fresh flour tortillas which lead me into making my own tacos every time.

One of my two usuals is the Joey Rocha Plate, a hefty serving of Carne Guisada that comes with Two Eggs however you like them, these Fried Potato Disks, Refried Beans, and Sausage or Bacon. My other usual and my absolute favorite is the Chicharrone Plate which is served with a helping of Chicharrone tossed in a heavenly Spicy Salsa, Two Eggs (I like them over medium), those Potato Disks, and Refried Beans. Whichever one I end up ordering, I take every component of the plate and pile a little bit of each onto a fresh tortilla, top it with their house made salsa and stuff it into my face. It hits the spot every single time. Give it a try and let me know if you get the same Grandma vibes.

El Tacorrido

El Tacorrido has been my favorite on the go breakfast taco spot ever since I was running late for work one morning but also needed something in my stomach or else I would die mid shift. They were one of the only taco spots I knew that had multiple locations and a drive thru so I took a chance and was pleasantly surprised. I ordered their Ham, Egg and Cheese as well as a Bean and Cheese Taco.

They both were decently priced, came out fast, hot and fresh and were perfectly filling. And I know this isn't a breakfast taco but I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you that their drink called El Equinox, Iced Horchata with a shot of Espresso, is my newest addiction. It's everything I want to compliment abd wash down my breakfast tacos. The Sur, Riverside and Burnet locations are the only ones that serve it but if you have a caffeine addiction like me, they are worth the trip.

In conclusion, breakfast tacos come in all shapes and sizes. We all have a personal favorite that fills us up, that or cures our hangovers or even reminds us of Grandma's house. But no matter which one it is, please don't hurt me.

If you have other taco spots you didn't see on this list, message me at @thefarebear on lnstagram, I'll check them out personally and see if I have to revise my list. Seriously, please don't hurt me.

Article by Ryan Kober

Ryan Kober is an Actor, Food Blogger and Chef. He is taking a bite out of the Austin culinary world until his doctor gets concerned with his health.

lnstagram - @thefarebear