Miami may be best known for its world-class seafood and vibrant Cuban dining scene, but this "Magic City" also throws down on tacos. From old school carnitas to innovative fried chicken and ahi tuna, take a bite into these tortillas.
Salsa Fiesta
This locally owned mini-chain is a bit of a misnomer—it’s not actually a salsa bar—however, the tacos are a party for the taste buds. The composed options offer choice of meat, of vegetables and flavorful accoutrements like the Spicy Tangy, a piquant mix of poblano rajas, corn, lettuce, crushed chili salsa and cheese. 2929 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305.400.8245
Coyo Taco
Local produce? Check. Humane meats? Yep. House-pressed tortillas? Obviously. This popular Wynwood taqueria hits all the hipster requirements—hidden speakeasy included—but it goes beyond current trends. Executive chef Scott Linquist previously studied Mexican cuisine, around Mexico, with leading authorities including Rick Bayless and Oaxacan legend, Susana Trilling. 2300 NW Second Ave., Miami, 305.573.8228
Huahua’s Taqueria
Find creative Southwestern-inspired fare at this casual Lincoln Road place, helmed by Arizona native Todd Erickson. Start the day with breakfast tacos (cheesy eggs, carnitas and hash browns) or soak up the night with fried chicken stuffed in a flour tortilla. 1211 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, Fla., 305.534.8226
El Taquito
A longtime favorite among University of Miami students, this laid-back spot offers high-quality Mexican fare on a budget. The broke and the well informed travel to three Miami-area locations—Coconut Grove, Kendall, Little Havana—for drool-worthy tacos al pastor. 3410 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, Fla., 30.446.2303; 1380 SW 8th St., Miami, 305.854.6279; 14429 SW 42nd St., Kendall, Fla., 305.553.0090
My Ceviche
What started as a no-frills storefront shelling ceviche next to a South Beach hostel, has turned into one of South Florida’s hottest quick-serve concepts. Try one of the seafood tacos filled with fish, shrimp, charred octopus or the local, dearest, raw tuna. 1250 S. Miami Ave., Miami, 305.960.7825; 235 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, Fla., 305.397.8710
Talavera Cocina Mexicana
Sample elevated regional Mexican fare at this sophisticated Coral Gables hotspot. Saddle up to the bar, order a margarita, some tacos (hint: go for the carnitas or cochinita pibil with Yucatan-style baked pulled pork) and join the fun. 2299 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, Fla., 305.444.2955
Tacology
With multi-hued wood, vibrant lanterns and a greenery covered indoor pergola, this new Brickell restaurant beckons guests to unwind. Sample artistic tacos, like lobster or barbacoa, on homemade corn tortillas at the taco stand, one of several stations in this “mercado-style dining” concept. Brickell City Centre, 701 S. Miami Ave., Miami, 786.347.5368
Taquiza
Every morning, chef Steve Santana of Taquiza grinds masa for his handmade blue corn tortillas. Nearly a dozen composed options cover an array of traditional ingredients varying from beef barbacoa, chicken and chorizo to rarer finds, like grasshopper and lengua (beef tongue). 1506 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, Fla., 305.748.6099
Viva México
Knosh on authentic Michoacan-style carnitas tacos at this tiny, cash-only Little Havana taqueria. Various cuts of pork are essentially confited to savory melt-in-your-mouth decadence, placed on a tortilla, topped with onions, lime and multiple salsa options. 502 SW 12th Ave., Miami, 786.350.6360 (no website)
Chapultepec Mexican Bar & Restaurant
Right around the corner from Gulfstream Park, this nondescript, strip mall restaurant serves some of South Florida’s top tacos from a stand in the parking lot. Late into the night on Fridays and Saturdays, this place rolls out its grill to offer killer carnitas, carne asada and more to ravenous locals and revelers. 23 NW Second Ave., Hallandale Beach, Fla., 954.456.0771 (no website)