Where to Find the Best Tacos in Atlanta

Atlanta’s taco scene is serious. Whether you want late-night street tacos on Buford Highway, creative fusion tacos on the BeltLine, or family-run taquerías on the south side, you can find almost any style of taco somewhere in the metro area.

This guide focuses on taco places in Atlanta, Georgia, organized by neighborhood and style so you can quickly decide where to go, whether you live here or you’re just in town for a few days.

A Quick Overview: Atlanta Taco Neighborhoods at a Glance

Buford Highway: Classic Taquerías and Street-Style Tacos

Buford Highway is one of the most reliable areas in metro Atlanta for no-frills, flavor-first tacos. You’ll find counter-service spots, small storefronts, and taco trucks with:

• Corn tortillas made in-house or sourced from local tortillerías
• Al pastor, carnitas, asada, lengua, and barbacoa as standard options
• Simple toppings: onion, cilantro, lime, and salsas instead of heavy cheese or sour cream

Typical features you’ll see along Buford Highway:

• Affordable pricing – ordering several tacos to sample different meats is normal
• Bilingual menus (Spanish and English) at many locations
• Late hours at some taquerías, especially on weekends

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want a focused experience, many locals treat Buford Highway as a DIY taco tour: park once, try a couple of tacos at one spot, then drive or walk to the next within a short stretch.

📝 Tips for Buford Highway tacos:

• Look for spit-roasted al pastor (vertical rotisserie) if you want something especially flavorful.
• Many places are cash and card friendly, but it’s still smart to have a little cash on hand.
• If you’re not sure what to order, starting with tacos de asada (steak) and al pastor is a safe bet.

West Midtown & Howell Mill: Trendy Taco Bars and Patios

If you want tacos plus a scene—patios, cocktails, and a crowd—West Midtown around Howell Mill Road and Marietta Street has several taco-focused restaurants and bars.

Common characteristics here:

• Fusion and elevated toppings (think: braised short rib, grilled fish, specialty sauces)
• House margaritas and cocktails, often popular during happy hour
• Indoor-outdoor seating that fills up on weekends and game days

These spots are convenient if you:

• Work in the area and need a group-friendly lunch
• Want pre-show tacos before a concert or event nearby
• Plan a low-key date night with shareable plates and tacos

Because the area stays busy, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, it can help to:

• Arrive earlier in the evening, or
• Be prepared for a short wait during peak hours.

East Atlanta, Edgewood, and Little Five: Creative and Vegan-Friendly Tacos

The east side—East Atlanta Village, Edgewood, Inman Park, Little Five Points—leans into:

• Creative taco fillings (Korean-style BBQ, Nashville hot chicken, cauliflower, jackfruit, etc.)
• Vegan and vegetarian tacos, including plant-based proteins and dairy-free sauces
• Bars where tacos are part of a larger menu with wings, burgers, and bar snacks

Expect:

• Casual, laid-back environments, often with music and nightlife nearby
• Good options if your group mixes meat eaters and plant-based diners
• Late-night food windows or kitchens that stay open later than typical restaurants in some spots

This side of town is useful if you’re walking the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail or exploring music venues and bars and want something more interesting than a basic beef taco.

Midtown & Downtown: Tacos for Lunch, Offices, and Visitors

If you’re staying in a Midtown or Downtown Atlanta hotel, at a convention, or working near Peachtree Street, you’ll find taco spots geared to:

• Fast-casual counter service – build-your-own tacos, bowls, or salads
• Office workers and event attendees looking for quick but decent lunches
• Tourists who want something familiar and easy to order

Expect:

• Shorter menus compared to full taquerías
• Options for chicken, steak, ground beef, and sometimes fish or shrimp
• Customizable toppings, including lettuce, cheese, beans, rice, salsa, and guacamole

Many of these places are clustered around:

• Major hotels and office buildings
• MARTA stations like Peachtree Center and Midtown

If you’re in town for a conference at the Georgia World Congress Center or visiting attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola, you can usually reach a taco spot within a 5–15 minute walk or short rideshare.

Grant Park, Reynoldstown, and the BeltLine: Walkable Taco Stops

The neighborhoods along and near the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside and Southside Trails—such as Grant Park, Reynoldstown, Cabbagetown, and Old Fourth Ward—offer:

• Tex-Mex and modern Mexican–inspired tacos
• Easy takeout for picnics in parks like Grant Park or along the BeltLine
• Spots that cater to families, runners, and cyclists out on the trail

You’ll commonly see:

• Pairings like tacos + queso + chips + a margarita or agua fresca
• Weekend brunch menus featuring breakfast tacos
• Patio seating that’s dog-friendly at many places

If you’re planning a day on the BeltLine, it’s convenient to:

1. Start with coffee and a light snack.
2. Walk or bike the trail.
3. Stop mid-route for tacos and a drink before heading back.

Southwest and South Atlanta: Underrated Local Taquerías

Areas like Southwest Atlanta, Hapeville, and parts of Forest Park and Lakewood may not be the first places visitors think of for tacos, but they have:

• Smaller, family-run taquerías and food trucks
• Affordable taco plates that work well for families and larger groups
• Less crowded dining than central neighborhoods

You’ll often find:

• Straightforward meat, onion, cilantro tacos with a selection of salsas
• Options like tortas, quesadillas, and burritos on the same menu
• Breakfast offerings in the morning at some locations, such as huevos con chorizo or breakfast tacos

If you’re near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, there are also several Mexican and Latin American eateries within a short drive to grab tacos before or after a flight.

What Types of Tacos You’ll Commonly Find in Atlanta

Across the city, most taco places fall somewhere along a spectrum from traditional taquería to modern fusion bar. You’ll typically see:

Classic Taquería Tacos

These are most common on Buford Highway and in family-run spots around the metro area:

• Corn tortillas (often double-stacked)
• Meat-focused fillings like:
  • Carne asada (grilled steak)
  • Al pastor (marinated pork, sometimes with pineapple)
  • Carnitas (slow-cooked pork)
  • Pollo (chicken)
  • Lengua (beef tongue) and other offal in more traditional taquerías
• Simple toppings: diced onion, cilantro, lime, radishes, and usually red and green salsas

Tex-Mex and Americanized Tacos

Common near offices, malls, and tourist-heavy areas:

• Flour or hard-shell tortillas
• Ground beef, shredded chicken, or grilled steak
• Lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, and sometimes rice and beans inside the taco
• Combo plates with beans and rice on the side

Modern, Fusion, and “Chef-Driven” Tacos

Widespread in Midtown, West Midtown, and east-side neighborhoods:

• Fillings like fried fish, shrimp, short rib, pork belly, or international flavors (Korean, Caribbean, Southern-style)
• House-made sauces, pickled vegetables, or slaws
• Smaller plates meant for sharing, often paired with cocktails or craft beer

How to Pick the Right Taco Place in Atlanta

When you’re choosing where to go, consider:

1. Style and Atmosphere

Ask yourself:

• Do you want authentic, straightforward tacos with minimal toppings?
• Or are you in the mood for creative, Instagram-friendly tacos with sauces and garnishes?
• Do you prefer quiet and casual, or a lively bar scene?

Buford Highway and small neighborhood taquerías are better for the first; Midtown, West Midtown, and the BeltLine are better for the second.

2. Dietary Needs

Most areas in Atlanta now offer options for:

• Vegetarians and vegans – look for roasted vegetables, beans, tofu, jackfruit, or cauliflower tacos, especially on the east side and around the BeltLine.
• Gluten-conscious diners – traditional corn tortillas (without flour added) are often naturally gluten-free, but it’s best to confirm with staff if you have strict requirements.
• Dairy-light or dairy-free – classic taquería-style tacos rarely include cheese or sour cream by default.

If you’re unsure, you can usually ask the staff to customize toppings or keep a taco simple.

3. Time of Day and Location

• For weekday lunch: Midtown, Downtown, and office-adjacent spots are usually faster.
• For weekend afternoons: BeltLine and Grant Park areas offer a nice walk-and-eat setup.
• For late night: certain Buford Highway taquerías, bar-connected taco windows, and some East Atlanta spots stay open later than standard restaurants.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Tacos in Atlanta

• Traffic and parking: Atlanta traffic can slow everything down, especially near Midtown, West Midtown, and major event venues. If you’re on a schedule, build in extra time for parking or consider MARTA or rideshare.
• Language: At many traditional taquerías, it helps to know basic Spanish names for meats (asada, pastor, carnitas, lengua). Menus often include English, but not always for every item.
• Cash vs. card: Most city taco places accept cards; some food trucks and smaller taquerías may prefer or require cash.
• Order style: Some counter-service spots give you a number or buzzer; in smaller taquerías, you might pay at the counter after you eat, so don’t worry if no one brings a check right away—just walk up when you’re finished.

How Visitors Can Plan a Taco-Focused Day in Atlanta

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want tacos to anchor your day, here’s one sample structure:

1. Midday:

   • Start with a quick taco lunch in Downtown or Midtown near your hotel or attraction.

2. Afternoon:

   • Explore the Atlanta BeltLine or one of the intown neighborhoods (Grant Park, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward). Grab a taco and a drink at one of the walkable spots.

3. Evening:

   • Take a short drive or rideshare to Buford Highway for a more traditional taquería experience. Order a few different tacos at one place, or try a couple of nearby spots if you have time.

This gives you a taste of how different Atlanta taco places can be depending on the part of town.

Atlanta’s taco options range from simple street-style tacos to elaborate chef-created versions, spread across almost every major neighborhood. Whether you’re commuting through Midtown, out late in East Atlanta, walking the BeltLine, or exploring Buford Highway, you can usually find good tacos within a short drive or ride almost any day of the week.