23 Tasty and Cheap Taco Places Across the U.S.

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TACO TEMPTATION

Tacos are a reliably cheap meal option, especially on the go. While many Mexican restaurants have pre-selected combo plates or platters that can be spendy, most also offer an a la carte option for tacos. Whether they're from a food truck or a sit-down restaurant, these tacos from across the U.S. are not to be missed when you're in the neighborhood.

Related: 16 Budget-Friendly Mexican Dishes

TAQUERIA EL PUEBLITO, TUCSON, ARIZONA

This low-key restaurant sells tacos for $2.79 each, though some Yelp reviewers say just one is hearty enough for dinner. Vegetarians can try the rajas con crema, while carnivore diners have high praise for the barbacoa crispy tacos and tacos al pastor.

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VERACRUZ ALL NATURAL, AUSTIN, TEXAS

The cheerful blue Veracruz All Natural taco truck driving around Austin (there's also a bricks-and-mortar location in Round Rock) is a hit with locals for its good food at dirt cheap prices. Try the $2 breakfast tacos.

TACOS ATOYAC, PHOENIX

Taco connoisseurs head to Tacos Atoyac in Phoenix for good food that's easy on the wallet. The standard tacos are $1.60 and the wildly popular fish tacos are only $2.30 each.

TAQUERIA MEXICO, ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

At $2.30 each, the a la carte tacos at Taqueria Mexico are not only cheap but can be filled with barbacoa, lengua, carne asada, carnitas, chicharrón, and the traditional ground beef. While reviewers at TripAdvisor note that the place isn't much to look at, they say the food is top-notch.

ANTIQUE TACO, CHICAGO

Antique Taco has plenty to offer Chicago-area taco aficionados. Their menu is short, but unique ingredients include curry, pickled jalapeños, and sriracha tartar sauce. While the prices may seem steep, each "taco" is actually a set of two.

LA PERLA TACO TRUCK, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

Regularly parked close to the West Oakland BART station, the La Perla Taco Truck attracts hungry folks in search of fresh, inexpensive eats. Fans rave about the $1.25 tacos, with props given to the wide selection of meats, including tongue and tripe.

MARY'S TACOS, BOERNE, TEXAS

Mary's Tacos has the cheap prices and quality food to attract devoted fans. The breakfast tacos get the most praise in reviews on TripAdvisor, and the food (including the tortillas) is prepared fresh.

EL TORO BRAVO, SARASOTA, FLORIDA

TripAdvisor commenters give this Southwestern restaurant 4.5 stars out of 5, and a single soft taco costs only $2.25. No lard in the food here -- the chef-owner uses only olive and canola oil for improved flavor.

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TAQUERIA DEL SOL, HOUSTON

Those seeking quality Mexican fare in the Houston area have plenty of choices, but Taqueria del Sol has earned 4.3 stars out of 5 on Zomato. Tacos cost less than $2 each.

BARRIO, CLEVELAND

Barrio lets customers build their own tacos. They're priced at $3 each, including many gourmet, free add-ons such as habanero/mango barbecue sauce and apple jicama slaw.

DISTRICT TACO, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA

Head to District Taco to grab three breakfast tacos for $8 anytime; the breakfast menu is served all day. The price for regular tacos is the same at lunch and dinner, too.

IGUANA'S MEXICAN STREET CAFE, LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN

Iguana's offers $2.50 a la carte tacos and has plenty of raves on Yelp, where fans gush over the food but warn that the cafe is small inside.

POPO'S FIESTA DEL SOL, PHOENIX

Popo's Fiesta Del Sol has been a fixture since 1964 and has a 99-cent special on tacos every Thursday. While the prices aren't as cheap the rest of the week ($3.75 and up), reviewers praise the hearty portions.

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LOS DOS POTRILLOS, CENTENNIAL, COLORADO

With three locations in Colorado, Los Dos Potrillos is a popular haunt in Centennial and beyond. The chain offers three crunchy shell tacos for less than $9, as well as other tasty taco combinations.

TACOS EL RANCHO, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

This taco truck in Sunset Park has a small but varied menu and great prices, especially for New York City. Tacos are about $2 each, with 10 varieties from vegetarian to carne asada.

Related: 10 Gourmet Food Trucks Every Foodie Will Love

EL CAMION, SEATTLE

Tacos at El Camion ring up at $1.95 each, and there are 11 options, including pork three different ways. Lines form early, so it's best to grab a bite during non-peak hours.

TACO BAMBA, FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA

Tacos are $3 each at Taco Bamba in Falls Church. The menu is long, with everything from traditional tacos to specials created by a guest chef each month. The original location is small, but Taco Bamba has expanded into sit-down dining in Springfield and Vienna.

TACOS BAJA, LOS ANGELES

For cheap tacos, go no further than Tacos Baja in East L.A. While the regular menu boasts plenty of inexpensive deals (tacos range from $1.39 to $3.25 each), on Wednesdays fish tacos are only 99 cents.

LA SUPER-RICA, SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA

This restaurant was a favorite of Julia Child, so it's no surprise the hype is huge and the lines are long. Tacos are priced at about $2.50 and up, making this a cheap spot in a pricey town.

TAQUERIA COATZINGO, QUEENS, NEW YORK

Tacos are a mainstay at Taqueria Coatzingo, where the Mexican staple costs just $2.50 and chips and salsa are complimentary. Every taco is served cone-style, wrapped in tissue paper, and topped with fresh guacamole.

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EL PAISA TAQUERIA, ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

El Paisa serves up $1.25 tacos as well as Mexican Coke in glass bottles. The joint doesn't take credit or debit cards so be sure to bring cash, and brush up on your Spanish -- the menu is just as authentic as the food (although the staff helps clueless customers order).

¿POR QUÉ NO?, PORTLAND, OREGON

The $3 (and up) tacos at ¿Por Qué No? are made with locally sourced ingredients, GMO-free oils and sustainably fished seafood. The lines get long but tend to move quickly -- and the staff takes drink orders while patrons wait.

EL COME TACO, DALLAS

Traditional tacos are served up daily at El Come Taco, and at $1.95 each, they're easy on the wallet. Zagat has bestowed a 4.5 rating on the eatery, noting the hip vibe and wide selection.

23 Tasty Taco Places Across the Country