Valle de Mexico Tacos / Step Out Buffalo
Updated 4/9/2018
Whether it’s Taco Tuesday (or just a regular old day in need of a pick-me-up tbh), you should know exactly where to get the best tacos in town. Over the past couple years Western New York’s taco game has slowly yet steadily increased. It’s safe to say we now have a very respectable list of taco slinging spots to be proud of.
Recently we’ve seen a lot more awesome taco places show up in WNY, but these 6 have been around for at least a few years. This list consists of a few of our classic favorite tacos that go above and beyond the typical lacking (IMO) hodgepodge of meat, flour tortillas, cheddar cheese, soggy lettuce, and unripe tomatoes. There’s one exception, but we have our reasons. #drunkfood
Here’s some of our top picks for “classic” Buffalo taco joints!
La Divina Tacos / Step Out Buffalo
La Divina
Style: Eat-in or Take-out, No table service
The only way to describe the tacos at La Divina is “sent from above”. The corn tortillas, the flavor packed meat, the simple fresh, homemade toppings at your disposal. They even have a variety of hot sauces, cilantro, lime – it’s the stuff dreams are made of. Being a Mexican grocery store, the place doesn’t have tons of bells and whistles, but if you’re in need of a killer taco it’s 100% worth a visit.
Taco Pescado at Deep South Taco / Step Out Buffalo
Deep South Taco
Style: Table Service, Take Out
The newbie on the block does it right from shell to toppings. Deep South Taco offers tons of options including favorites like Al Pastor (marinated grilled pork) and Carne Asada (Grilled steak), some less common options such as Panza (crispy braised pork belly), Chorizo (house-made pork sausage), and Pescado (crispy or grilled fish), and some downright noteworthy fillings including Huitlacoche (corn truffle) and Papas Con Rajas (potato). In total they boast 11 tacos plus 2 specialty options. We can’t stress enough – you cannot go wrong here.
Skinny Thai Taco from Lloyd Taco Trucks / Step Out Buffalo
Lloyd Taco Factory / Trucks
Style: Quick Serve, Eat In, Take Out / Food Truck
Restaurant Info
Lloyd was one of the first local establishments (first the food trucks, then the factory) to really innovate on the taco. While their cabbage filled, pickled red onion topped tacos aren’t for absolutely everyone, we urge you to try it before you knock it. We crave these cali-esque concoctions on the reg. It’s important to remember to try different things in order to find your place in the Lloyd world, once you do you’ll be on board for life. Just go with it, have some fun, and for the love of god always try the specials.
Steak Tacos at Cantina Loco / Step Out Buffalo
Cantina Loco
Style: Table Service, Take Out
Another first mover in the taco innovations department, this Allentown hot spot serves up some mean tacos. We especially enjoy Cantina Loco’s culinary approach to Mexican cuisine, creating fun spins on tradition with options like Koreatown (Kalbi Short Ribs, kimchee, spicy sauce), California Fish Taco (Crisp fried fish, cabbage slaw, pickled onion, spicy sauce), and Skirt Steak (Grilled steak, cheese, chimichurri, pickled onion, tomato). Their marg menu doesn’t suck either. Like, at all.
Mighty Taco
Style: Quick Serve, Take Out
What can we say, we like our Mighty Taco. Sure, some might claim this chain (albeit local) doesn’t deserve a spot on the list, but we say to hell with the haters. When you’re in dire need of a late night snack (FYI the others won’t be open), drunk food, hangover cure, or comfort food, these guys always have your back. And to be fair their tacos really aren’t all that bad. Sure we’re not talking handmade corn tortillas or slow roasted this and that, but maybe that’s one of the reasons we love it so much. If you’re a true Western New Yorker you know why this baby made the list.
Mexico City (formerly known as Valle of Mexico II)
Style: Table Service, Take Out
This once South Buffalo-based Mexican restaurant has since moved to Hamburg is most comparable to La Divina in terms of flavor. Its new residence is based inside a reconverted Arby’s and boast $6.99 lunches. As a bit of a hole in the wall (in a good way) with sometimes spotty service (which has only got better since opening) Mexico City (formerly Valle of Mexico)’s focus is on the food – as it should be. Their impressively large and authentic menu leaves no Mexican staple left behind including but not limited to mole, sopas, tortas, tamles, and some kick ass tacos. This is a place where you can dive deep into Mexican culture and cuisine without leaving town.