Breakfast tacos are a decidedly Texas culinary phenomenon. With roots in the Hill Country around Austin and San Antonio, today the warm tortilla wrapped around eggs and an assortment of meats, cheeses and other ingredients can be found from Beaumont to Laredo. Here in Houston, finding the best places is almost a right of passage. Here are a few spots to check out.
El Rey Taqueria
For 18 years, El Rey Taqueria has been a staple in Houston, fusing both Mexican and Cuban cuisine. Don’t miss the options for breakfast tacos, from the Egg Cuban Taco with black beans and plantains to the Mexican Egg Taco with tomatoes, onions, and jalapeño. Their ingredients are fresh, plus they feature an extensive coffee menu and fresh squeezed orange juice.
Locations: 910 Shepherd Dr., 233 N Loop W, & 9742 Katy Fwy Ste. 100
Villa Arcos
Christian Navarro’s grandmother, Velia Duran, opened Villa Arcos in 1977. His mother, Yolanda, took over when Velia retired in the mid 80’s. Last year, following Yolanda’s passing, Christian Navarro took over and has made Villa Arcos a tribute to Yolanda’s life as well as to the Mexican tradition that has made Villa Arcos a gem of Houston. The original menu from the 70’s remains, which is why some of the best breakfast tacos in Houston can be found there.
Location: 3009 Navigation Blvd
Laredo Taqueria
You can’t go wrong with breakfast at Laredo Taqueria. Try any of their thirteen varieties ranging from barbacoa to chicharron, but whatever you do, don’t forget to ask for some special spicy green sauce. Laredo Taqueria’s location off Washington Ave. is good for those visiting Houston’s historic downtown.
Location: 915 Snover St.
Chilosos
The sign at the entrance of Chilosos reads, "Enter as strangers, leave as friends." We have to agree: the best kinds of friends make good breakfast tacos. Chilosos is proud to feature fresh market produce and hand-rolled tortillas. While most breakfast tacos are smaller, Chilosos uses larger sizes that can be packed to capacity, all carrying the flavor of the chefs’ grandmothers’ kitchens.
Location: 701 E. 20th St.
Tacos Tierra Caliente
Don’t be fooled by the appearance of this hole-in-the-wall taco truck. Breakfast tacos come at only $1 each, and have earned quite the reputation in Houston. The ingredients are so fresh you hardly need any extra sauce, but they have both a green and a red sauce that pack a punch. Try egg and potato, egg and ham, or egg and chorizo.
Location: 2003 W. Alabama St.
Tacos a Go Go
Marivel Gomez, a native of Hidalgo and chef at Tacos a Go Go, has been cooking from the ripe age of six. Her food is loved at all times of day, but that might partly be because breakfast is available all day! Rather than pre-set combinations, Tacos a Go Go has you pick two of your favorite from their premium toppings. There are two locations: Midtown and the Heights.
Locations: 910 Louisiana St., 3704 Main St., 2912 White Oak Dr., & 3401 W. T C Jester Blvd.
La Guadalupana Cafe and Bakery
Even if you are reading this after breakfast hours, you’re in luck: La Guadalupana Cafe and Bakery serves breakfast all day. Choose between three options: especial, home-style, and la mexicana. Native Houstonians will suggest grabbing a cup of cinnamon coffee and enjoying some time outside with your taco selections.
Location: 2109 Dunlavy St.
