Considering its West Texas location, Lubbock is not ordinarily associated with great Mexican food. Sure, Torchy’s and Fuzzys can please the masses with their consistent cuisine, but what about the local stands that may not be as trendy? Although they may take a bit more effort to find, the unassuming traditional, local Mexican food establishments readily exist in The Hub City, and their tacos are representing them well.
Here is a list of the top five restaurants for tacos in Lubbock, up for debate!
Raspados Colima
Open on weekends only, Raspados Colima gives you just a hint of delicious eats— and just like that, another week must pass until you can be a victim of taco wizardry once again. A week waiting for a taco from Raspados feels like an eternity in real-time, but the buck-fifty choice of pollo, asada, al pastor, or carnitas tacos is presented before you on a varied menu. With the juicy meat, the crunchy radishes, and the tart lime juice flooding the thin but durable double corn tortillas, whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong.
Raspados Colima is located at 2203 Clovis Road.
Now We Taco’N
Originally a food truck favorite, Now We Taco’N has graduated to the restaurant scene, conveniently located near campus on University Avenue. The menu is short and sweet, but doesn’t skimp on the essentials— tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas and chips and salsa. Although you can’t go wrong with your menu choice, one taco rises about all: the chicken taco. Thinly shredded and cooked just enough to maintain the chicken’s juicy texture, the tacos are topped with a creamy salsa adding a citrusy element. Also, now We Taco’N is located within a conjoined space with a convenience store, what more can you ask for than an affordable menu and refreshments?
Now We Taco’N is located at 1021 University Avenue.
Aranda’s Taqueria
Head down 34th Street with an appetite and you won’t be disappointed. Aranda’s Taqueria will charm your taste buds with their honest homemade flour and corn tortillas filled to the brim with charred chopped pork and steak, perfectly balancing the flavor and texture scale. The street-style tacos are served with a side of diced onion and cilantro— it’s up to you to decorate. Aranda’s is also a drive-thru, making the convenience of finding your taco fix all too easy.
Aranda’s Taqueria is located at 4001 34th Street.
Jalisco’s Taqueria
Jalisco’s does indeed offer a variety of entrees— enchiladas, tortilla soup, fajitas, and much more. Although you can’t go wrong when ordering here, the Mini Tacos are a must-have. You pick your protein, and they will deliver. These tacos pack a lot more than just meat. The homemade tortillas spilling with sautéed onions and peppers, sided with cilantro and lime just like any worthy street taco. Being a local favorite, this place is plenty busy most hours of the day, but the service is never lacking. Your basket will always be overflowing with warm tortilla chips and your glasses will always be at least half full.
Jalisco’s Taqueria is located at 2211 Avenue Q.
Raider Burrito
Raider Burrito… always there for you with arms wide open during the late hours of the night. But don’t be mistaken, this place is more than just a midnight snack. Although primarily known for their juicy burritos, hence the name, they have a variety of tacos made fresh to order straight from the grill. Carnitas, Al Pastor, ground beef, Taco Asada, and Barbacoa are the options for tacos. Juicy pork packed into a fat tortilla sprinkled with cilantro and moistened with salsa or guacamole; there’s nothing quite like them.
Raider Burrito is located at 2102 19th Street.
About Kalli Gardenhire
