El Paso is absolutely packed with taco options, but Taconeta is the place locals whisper about when they want to impress out-of-town friends with something seriously next level. 🌮
This modern taqueria works like a love letter to Mexican street food: heirloom corn tortillas, inventive fillings, and bright flavors that make every taco feel like its own little story. Add in craft margaritas, aguas frescas, and a breezy patio, and you’ve got a spot that turns a casual taco run into a full-on hangout. 🍹✨
How Taconeta won El Paso’s hearts
Taconeta grabbed El Paso’s attention by obsessing over the basics done right.
Instead of buying tortillas, they use heirloom Mexican corn, put it through a traditional nixtamalization process, and grind it on a volcanic stone mill, then press each tortilla fresh so every bite has that deep, toasty corn flavor. 🌽
Suadero with brisket confit and salsa matcha, punchy Baja-style fish, slow-cooked carnitas with crunchy chicharrón, and delectable seafood tacos all feel familiar yet totally dialed-in, making Taconeta a rare place where meat-eaters, seafood lovers, and vegans all get equally exciting options. 😋
A huge part of the restaurant’s charm comes from its laid-back service model and vibe. Guests order at the outdoor-access window, grab a number, then hang out at first-come-first-served tables while servers bring out tacos, elotes, drinks, and extra rounds as the night goes on.
The casual-but-attentive style—paired with drinks like margaritas and cucumber-based aguas frescas—turns the place into an easygoing gathering spot for after-work hangs, date nights, and late-night cravings. 🌵
Reviews also gush about the little extras that make Taconeta feel like a modern neighborhood favorite: deep-fried green bean tempura, grilled sweet potatoes with salsa macha, bright Aztec salad, and that refreshing cucumber drink you suddenly want to order every time.
Over time, this attention to detail pushed Taconeta beyond “cool taco place” status into “destination” territory for people all over the city and visitors who plan a stop as soon as they hit El Paso. 🌮❤️
Food Highlights
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Suadero Taco: Brisket confit tucked into a fresh blue-corn tortilla with salsa matcha or salsa “goku,” guacamole, onion, and cilantro. This one is a must-order for first-timers because it shows off Taconeta’s signature style—tender beef, punchy chile heat, creamy avocado, and a tortilla with real character.
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Pollo Taco: Achiote-marinated grilled chicken with avocado, onion, and cilantro keeps things simple but incredibly flavorful. Fans love it as a lighter, super-satisfying option that still brings that smoky, citrusy achiote profile and proves chicken tacos don’t have to be boring. 🐔
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Carnitas Taco: Pork shoulder confit served with guacamole, escabeche, and bits of chicharrón for extra crunch. This taco wins hearts with its crispy edges and rich, juicy interior, and the tangy pickled veggies keep it from feeling heavy, making it a repeat favorite for many regulars. 🐷
- Grilled Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes finished with pumpkin seed salsa macha, cilantro-lime aioli, and crispy kale. This dish hits that sweet-savory-spicy balance and shows off Taconeta’s more creative side, making it a favorite for people who want something hearty and unique on the table.
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Baja Fish Taco: Tempura-fried cod topped with chile mayo, cabbage slaw, and pico de gallo. It’s a go-to for seafood lovers who want that classic Baja-style combo of crispy fish, creamy heat, and fresh crunch, and many diners call it one of the best fish tacos in the city. 🐟
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Shrimp Taco (Aguachile / El Teofilo-style): Variations like shrimp a la Mexicana with melted cheese and a crispy tortilla, or aguachile-inspired shrimp with bright lime and chile notes, deliver big flavor in just a few bites. These tacos are beloved by guests craving something zesty, briny, and a little decadent. 🍤
- Avocado Tostada & Aztec Salad: The smashed avocado tostada with toppings like peanuts, kale, and pickled red onion, plus the Aztec salad filled with charred corn, beans, and veggies, give lighter eaters and vegans exciting options that still feel bold and satisfying. These are great for rounding out a shared meal or balancing heavier taco choices. 🥑
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Mushroom Taco: Tempura mushroom with black beans, salsa matcha, and crispy kale gives plant-based eaters some serious fireworks. It’s popular with vegans and omnivores alike because the textures—crunchy, creamy, and tender—make it feel just as exciting and satisfying as the meat tacos. 🌱
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Elote / Elote en Vaso: Mexican corn served on the cob or in a cup with lime mayo or aioli, cotija, and chile powder. Diners call it a must-order side that perfectly matches the tacos, bringing sweet, smoky, tangy, and spicy notes in every spoonful or bite. 🌽
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Crispy Ejotes (Tempura Green Beans): Green beans fried in tempura batter and served with chile mayo, lime, and tajín. This unexpected side has a dedicated fanbase because it’s crunchy, snackable, and just different enough to feel special without overshadowing the tacos.
Atmosphere
Taconeta delivers big Mexico City energy with an El Paso soul, pairing its taco window with a colorful, modern patio that feels like an urban backyard party.
Bright decor, string lights, and plenty of open-air seating create a casual, buzzy vibe that’s perfect for groups, dates, and solo taco missions alike. 🌮🎉
The order-at-the-window setup keeps things relaxed, while servers circulating through the patio make it easy to add another taco or drink without ever leaving your seat.
It’s the kind of place where music, conversation, and the smell of fresh tortillas blend, making it feel more like a neighborhood hangout than a formal restaurant. 🌵
Bottom Line
Visit Taconeta for heirloom-corn tortillas, creative tacos from suadero to Baja fish, vegan-friendly options, and an easygoing patio perfect for margaritas and long conversations.
Go when you want modern Mexican street food and a menu that makes every taco feel like a small event.
It’s ideal for El Paso locals, road-trippers, and taco obsessives who care as much about tortillas and sides as they do about what’s inside the taco. 🌮🔥
Address:
Taconeta
311 Montana Ave Ste A1, El Paso, TX 79902
📞 (915) 303-8038
🕔 Open Tue–Sat 11 AM–10 PM; Sun 11 AM–10 PM; closed Mon