15 best tacos in Boston

This tiny, family-owned taqueria in Eastie is super authentic, from homemade salsas to the popular lengua (tongue) tacos. Weekends are when the real star is available: the birria taco—beef slow-cooked with adobo spices, then chopped fine and topped with cilantro and onion—is a must, worth the trek alone.

Head out to Waltham for some real taco truck fare. Here you’ll find fare that's quick, cheap, and fresh. Plus, you actually have the fairly rare opportunity to try a cabeza taco. The tender, fatty beef cheek is delicious, and it’s topped with a big slice of avocado that balances the flavor intensity.

Tortas are the main draw at Tenoch, but the fish tacos are a worthy alternative. The breaded fish is topped with cucumber, cilantro and a creamy green salsa that enhance rather than mask the fish. Co-owners (and brothers) Alvaro and Andres Sandoval hail from Veracruz, and this taco is a good representation of the flavors and ingredients of that region.

With two locations Burlington and Boston’s Seaport, this locally loved restaurant gives a nod to Mexican cooking techniques and pays homage to traditional roots. Their popular Grilled Certified Angus Beef NY Strip Steak tacos feature guacamole, pico de gallo, and cotija cheese, all piled into a flour tortilla.

This taqueria, co-owned by Dropkick Murphy’s frontman Ken Casey, dishes out California-inspired tacos at three Boston locations, including a newly opened Mission Hill spot. The Fish Frito Taco was dethroned as the most popular by the introduction of the Beef Birria Taco -  shredded beef, chihuahua and cheddar cheeses, and white onions served hot and crispy in a hand-pressed corn tortilla, and accompanied by a savory tomato broth for dipping.

You wouldn’t expect to find such a superior taco in such an industrial-chic space. But chef Daniel Bojorquez is a native of Hermosillo, Mexico, which explains the exquisite preparation of this carnitas taco, the only taco on the menu. Bojorquez cures the pork shoulder overnight with the skin still on, then slow roasts it for 12 hours before serving it with lime salsa verde, chile de arbol and chopped white onions and cilantro.

Cochinita pibil is another authentic and hard-to-find taco. Fortunately, there's Rincon Mexicano. The traditional Yucatan preparation features pork marinated in citrus juices and seasoned with annatto seeds, which give the meat a burnt orange tinge. The house-made tortillas from chef-owner Lorenzo Reyes seal the deal.

Lone Star caters to the young and hip of Allston, with a cool vibe and plenty of craft beer. But the carnitas taco is a notable offering for all to try. Confit pork is slightly crisped before serving, wrapped in a house made corn tortilla, then topped with onions and cilantro, plus queso fresco and salsa verde. Street corn is a tasty side dish.

El Pelón Taqueria has been a Fenway mainstay for years. While it's known for its giant burritos, don't miss the fish tacos (cornmeal-crusted cod with arbol chile mayo and pickled cabbage) or the tacos caramelos (grilled steak with melted jack cheese, hot sauce, salsa fresca and guac).

Corn tortillas are ground and pressed in house at this Central Square taqueria and cradle an innovative range of fillings from smoked tofu to chorizo to charbroiled pork. The classics are equally delicious, so don't miss the fried shrimp taco or the outstanding fish taco, made with fresh cod, cabbage slaw, onion, cilantro, and chipotle aioli.

More than just noodles and fried rice, these Thai menus feature authentic, regional dishes and fiery flavors.

Boston's top Indian restaurants offer a surefire option for a tasty, inexpensive meal appealing to both vegetarians and omnivores.