It was no easy task to list out the top tacos in Jax, so instead of relying solely on my taste buds, I enlisted the help of my favorite fellow food bloggers around town. Together, we’ve created a pretty strong list of the best tacos in Northeast Florida. Let’s break it down, taco lover.
AJÚA (Jacksonville Beach)
New to Northeast Florida, AJÚA serves up authentic Mexican flavors with a modern twist. We’re talking unforgettable street tacos from the dorados de pollo (crispy chicken, salsa roja, chipotle crema, cabbage, and cotija) to the mouth-watering carne asada (skirt steak with pasilla negro, chile de arbol, pico, and lime crema). Fun fact: The team behind our beloved Kairos is behind this one! 311 3rd Street N, Jacksonville Beach 32250
Añejo Cocina Mexicana (various locations)
Five stars with a salt rim! Añejo is where flavor meets flair. The tacos are basically edible happiness, and the margaritas are a whole vibe. Get the Cadillac margarita. Thank me later. Trying to cut out carbs, no problem. Order your taco with a cheese shell. So good! And, they’re not tacos, but you get extra credit if someone at the table orders that burrito loco or the chimichanga. If you know, you know. 335 Pine Lake Drive Suite D104, Nocatee, FL 32081; 170 Fountains Way, Suite 1, St. Johns, FL 32259; 330 A1A N, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082; 650 E. Twincourt Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32095; 220 Riverside Avenue #103, Jacksonville, FL 32202; 2039 Hendricks Avenue, Unit 211, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Bartaco (Riverside)
Want bougie rooftop views with your tacos? Then bartaco in Riverside is the place for you. Bartaco’s Baja fish option is the Beyoncé of tacos. It’s flawless and iconic. The crispy fish, tangy slaw, and zesty chipotle aioli… good Lawd, it’s good! 1534 Oak Street, Suite 101, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Casa Reina Tequira & Tequila (St. Augusine)
Casa Reina has this princess feeling like a queen with the beautiful rooftop views and outdoor seating. You just can’t beat this location in the middle of our beautiful historic city of St. Augustine. The shrimp and the steak tacos are my favorites, but Casa Reina is tacos, and so much more. You’ve just gotta try it. Thank me later. Extra credit if you order the jalapeno rellenos. Woah, Mama, they’re good! 1 Anderson Circle, St. Augustine FL 32084
READ: Tequila, Salt, and Lime: Our Favorite Margaritas in Jax
El Agave Azul (Baymeadows)
The award-winning El Agave Azul understands the assignment. The tacos are flawless. Try the birria tacos — they’re a fan favorite. The drinks are basically a personality enhancer, and the queso will make you want to propose. The vibes are good, and the staff makes you feel right at home serving up smiles with the salsa. 8763 Old Kings Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32217
El Paso Taco Truck (Beach Blvd.)
El Paso Taco Truck will change your taco-loving life, one tortilla at a time. The tacos are like street food royalty. They’re hot, fresh, and so good you’ll consider writing them a love letter. No frills, no fuss, just straight-up taco perfection. If you’re not obsessed yet, you haven’t tried the right one. 10551 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32246
Flying Iguana (Neptune Beach)
Flying Iguana is one of my favorite beachside taco spots. You’ve got to try the blood orange margarita. It’s delicious, and it’s my favorite marg on the menu. Try one… or 3. My top items on the menu are the carnitas taco, the queso blanco, and fresh guacamole made tableside. The steak and chicken tacos are also yummy options. 207 Atlantic Boulevard, Neptune Beach, FL 32266
READ: Quest for Queso: Finding the Best Cheesy Dip in the 904
La Nopalera (various locations)
I have been going to La Nopalera for decades, and it will forever be special to me. My favorite taco is the carnitas taco served with diced fresh onion, cilantro, and hot sauce. Rice and beans on the side? Yes, please! And don’t forget the queso and the frozen margarita. This meal will have you dancing in the street, people. 9734 Crosshill Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32222; 1571 CR220, Orange Park, FL 32003; 12640 Bartram Park Boulevard #5, Jacksonville, FL 32258; 111 Bartram Oaks Walk, Fruit Cove, FL 32259
Mojos Tacos (St. Augustine)
Mojos in St. Augustine are coming in hot, and I’m not just talking spice. Their tacos are showstoppers — bold, juicy, and gone way too fast. RIP to your self-control when you have a Mojo taco in your hand. The chicken taco is the fan favorite. It’s a double-decker delight with soft and hard shells fused with melted cheese, cradling slow-roasted chicken, fresh pico, lettuce, and their signature mojo sauce. 551 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32080
Oaxaca Club (Jacksonville Beach)
It’s pronounced “wah-hah-kah.” For me, this list would not be complete without Oaxaca, because, well, I’m a bougie girl, and this place speaks to my heart. They feature local, seasonal ingredients paying homage to the city of Oaxaca in Southwest Mexico. If you go, I promise you won’t be disappointed. I’ve tried almost everything on the menu and it’s all mouthwatering. Seriously. All of it. It’s that good. 131 1st Avenue N #102, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Pepper’s Cocina Mexicana & Tequila Bar (various locations)
Pepper’s feeds you like you’re their long-lost tequila-loving cousin. The tacos slap, the chips and salsa keep coming, and the margaritas hit hard. The service is fast and friendly, and all the dishes are satisfying. 530 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034; 1560 Business Center Drive, Suite 14, Fleming Island, FL 32003; 55 Harper Lane, Saint Johns, FL 32259
Pico Princess (various locations)
This one is basically taco royalty. Follow Pico Princess on Instagram to see where you can catch her delicious tacos (often at local farmer’s markets). I promise every bite will be a flavor bomb. If tacos had a throne, Pico Princess would be sitting on it with a glittery crown made of lime wedges. Also perfect if you’re in the mood for some of the freshest Tex-Mex pico, guacamole, and seasoned pinto beans.
TacoLu (Jacksonville Beach)
A Jacksonville staple. If you know, you know. TacoLu doesn’t just feed you — they heal you with tacos. And the margaritas? Dangerous. Like, text-your-ex dangerous. The vibe is chill, the staff is cool, and the queso was sent straight from heaven. It’s true — 10/10 would recommend. If you see me there, just look away because there’s probably queso dripping down my shirt, and I’ve just ordered another margarita. 1712 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Taqueria Cinco (Five Points)
This is our personal favorite! Located in the heart of Riverside, Taqueria Cinco brings Mexico City flavor with a side of aesthetic. Their tacos are small but mighty — like a chihuahua with a culinary degree in tacos. Get the Al Pastor if you want to ascend spiritually to taco heaven. Bonus: They have churros. If you leave without them, we can’t be friends. 809 Lomax St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Tepeyolot Cerveceria (San Marco)
Inspired by family recipes, Tepeyolot Cerveceria (Tepey’s for short) makes everything fresh daily and is prepared to perfection (trust). Casual and family-friendly, to try Tepey’s and its authentic Mexican street food is to love it — and don’t forget about their craft beers and fresh-made margaritas and sangria. 2130 Kings Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207
In conclusion (aka taco-clusion), this is definitely a taco-loving town. Whether you’re craving tradition, fusion, or something that makes you text your ex, “You’d love this place,” there’s a taco in Jax with your name on it. So go forth, my tortilla-loving friends. Eat boldly. Dip generously. And always — always — order the queso.
