Finding the best taco in Atlanta means driving to Smyrna, where Tacos La Villa has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine since 2011.
This isn’t a trendy fusion spot with overpriced small plates.
Tacos La Villa delivers genuine flavors from Villa Purificación, Jalisco, Mexico, with prices that let you eat well without breaking the bank.
The restaurant boasts a 4.5-star rating on Yelp with over 1,300 reviews, proving its status as Atlanta’s taco authority.
What Makes Tacos La Villa the Best Taco in Atlanta
The secret to earning the title of best taco in Atlanta lies in authenticity and consistency.
The family behind Tacos La Villa brought traditional recipes from their hometown in Jalisco, honoring generations of culinary tradition with every dish.
For over 13 years, they’ve maintained the same commitment to fresh ingredients and traditional preparation methods that made them popular in the first place.
At just $2 per taco, the value proposition becomes immediately clear.
The taco plate deal offers three tacos, rice, refried beans, and a drink for $10.99, making it one of the most affordable quality meals in the metro area.
Reviewers consistently praise the generous portions, with meat so abundant it sometimes spills out after the first bite.
The restaurant doubled its dining space after acquiring the adjacent retail location, a testament to overwhelming demand.
Despite the expansion, tables fill quickly during lunch and dinner rushes, with customers gladly waiting because the food delivers every single time.
One reviewer noted after years of living in Atlanta, they finally tried Tacos La Villa and wished they hadn’t waited so long.
Why Atlanta Chooses This Best Taco in Atlanta Spot
Tacos La Villa operates with impressive efficiency despite constant crowds.
Customers order at the counter, watching the kitchen team prepare fresh food while the line moves quickly.
The staff manages high volume without sacrificing quality, keeping orders accurate and food hot.
The Self-Service Experience
What elevates the best taco in Atlanta experience is the extensive condiment bar.
After receiving your order, you customize tacos with fresh cilantro, diced onions, sliced radishes, jalapeños, lime wedges, and multiple salsas ranging from mild verde to fiery red.
This self-service setup lets you build your perfect taco exactly how you want it.
Family Tradition Meets Modern Convenience
The Tacos La Villa website explains their mission: sharing the gastronomy of Villa Purificación with Georgia families.
Every dish tells a story of tradition, family, and authentic Mexican heritage passed down through generations.
The owners treat customers like family from the moment they walk through the door, creating a welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back.
The Best Taco in Atlanta Origin Story
The family originally from Villa Purificación, Jalisco, opened their first Georgia location in Smyrna in 2011.
They brought with them recipes and techniques perfected over generations in their Mexican hometown.
The goal was simple: share authentic Mexican cuisine full of flavors that transport diners through customs still honored with great pride.
Over 13 years, Tacos La Villa expanded from one location to five across the metro area, including spots in Kennesaw, a second Smyrna location, and a cantina in Marietta.
A fifth location on Canton Road in Marietta is coming soon.
This growth reflects consistent quality that turned first-time visitors into loyal regulars who eat here weekly.
What Sets This Spot Apart
The restaurant earned its reputation by focusing on authenticity rather than trendy interpretations of Mexican food.
Traditional preparation techniques from Jalisco remain unchanged, even as the business scaled up.
Fresh ingredients get selected daily to guarantee quality in every dish.
The addition of a full bar with a dedicated bartender mixing margaritas and other cocktails transformed Tacos La Villa into an all-day destination.
Customers can enjoy a Presidente beer while waiting for their food or settle in for drinks with dinner.
The casual, loud atmosphere with music and sports on TV creates an energetic environment perfect for groups and families.
Atlanta’s Favorite Best Taco in Atlanta Menu Items
Food Highlights
- Birria Tacos: Tender, slow-cooked beef braised in rich, flavorful spices gets served inside crispy, griddled tortillas. Finished with melted cheese, onions, cilantro, and a side of warm consommé for dipping. Multiple reviewers specifically mention the birria tacos as delectable and well-packed with meat. The juicy, bold flavor packed into each bite justifies the popularity. At $13.99 for the plate, the value matches the quality. 🥘
- Carnitas Tacos: Reviewers rave about the carnitas having just the right amount of fat and meat for maximum juiciness. The pork gets slow-cooked until tender, then crisped slightly for texture. One Elite reviewer called these “the most juicy and delicious carnitas” they’ve had. The generous portions mean you’re getting substantial protein in every taco. The authentic preparation method produces carnitas that rival anything you’d find in Mexico. 🐷
- Taco Plate: This bargain offering includes three tacos with your choice of protein, rice, refried beans, and a drink for just $10.99. Customers can choose from carne asada, pastor, carnitas, chicken, beef tongue, chorizo, and more. The plate consistently gets praised for being filling and worth every penny. One reviewer noted you could eat here daily and never repeat the same combination within a year. 🌮
- Birria Pizza: This bold fusion creation starts with a crispy, golden crust layered with melted cheese, tender birria beef, fresh onions, and cilantro. Baked to perfection, every slice gets served with warm consommé for dipping. The combination of crunchy, cheesy, and juicy creates the ultimate birria experience in pizza form. At $22.99, it’s become one of the signature dishes that sets Tacos La Villa apart. 🍕
- Chimichanga: Available with chicken or carnitas, this deep-fried burrito arrives hot and crispy on the outside with tender filling inside. Reviewers note the carnitas version outperforms the chicken option. The generous portions make this a filling meal. The chimichanga represents traditional Mexican-American comfort food done right. 🌯
- Pastor Tacos: Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit gets sliced fresh onto tortillas with characteristic caramelized edges. The meat arrives with hints of pineapple sweetness and warm spices. The traditional preparation method produces authentic al pastor flavors. Multiple reviews specifically call out pastor as a top choice worth ordering. 🔥
Atmosphere
The restaurant occupies a large space in a shopping center alongside Goodwill and Pirate’s Boil, with plenty of parking available in the shared lot.
Inside, the dining area features both counter seating at the bar and numerous tables that fill quickly during peak hours.
A large monitor shows sports games while music plays in the background, creating a lively but not overwhelming noise level.
The casual, self-serve setup means customers order at the counter, grab their own drinks from the fountain, and customize tacos at the condiment bar.
This efficient system keeps things moving even when the restaurant reaches capacity.
Outdoor seating provides additional options during nice weather.
The expanded space includes a full bar with a dedicated bartender mixing margaritas and serving beer.
The family-friendly environment welcomes kids while also functioning as a spot for after-work drinks and casual gatherings.
Despite the crowds and energy, service remains quick and organized.
Bottom Line
Visit Tacos La Villa for the best taco in Atlanta featuring authentic Jalisco recipes, unbeatable prices starting at $2 per taco, generous portions with quality ingredients, and a self-serve condiment bar that lets you customize every bite.
With over 13 years of consistent excellence and five locations across metro Atlanta, this family-owned restaurant proves authentic Mexican food doesn’t need gimmicks. 💯
Address: Tacos La Villa
2415 Cobb Pkwy SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
📞 (770) 951-0415