Choosing only one location for each tier in some categories is next to impossible. BBQ in Austin is definitely one of those challenges.
Tier 1: Franklin's Barbeque
Rosita’s checks all the boxes on what you should look for in a breakfast taco place. You walk up to the food trailer and notice there is a good mix of English and Spanish speakers, get to the front to order and see they have fresh tortillas that are being rolled out. On top of that all the breakfast tacos are under $2, so get a couple. We usually go for the chorizo & egg, bacon & egg, and/or migas & egg. The warmth of the fresh tortilla paired with a crispy protein mixed with eggs(not just placed on top) is the perfect way to start your day.
Tier 2: La BBQ
Pueblo Viejo has been a go-to breakfast taco for years, even as they change and add locations the quality is still amazing. Unlike Rosita’s, they pack their tacos, so you really only need one or two, which at the $2.50 is very reasonable. The house favorite is the Taco Viejo with chorizo, potato, egg, and beans. You won’t want to put it down once you pick it up and you’ll notice that the tortilla doesn’t wrap around the fillings, so make sure you have a napkin ‘cause it is going to get messy.
Acceptable Tourist Trap: Salt Lick in Driftwood
Honestly, Veracruz could easily be the best in town and the word has gotten out to the point where even out of towners are making sure they stop by, thanks Food Network! With 4 locations now they are absolutely killing it, but you should also expect a little wait in the mornings. Homemade tortillas, fresh juices(just give me a horchata now please!), and irresistible taco combinations you can’t really go wrong. Our favorite combo is the migas taco and add chorizo. With the popularity the prices have gotten a little higher($3.50 average), which is probably why it isn’t #1 on our list. This is the only place on our list that has some healthier option, not that we care, but it is an added bonus if you keep those friends around.
Max and Matt’s Undercover Gem: Micklethwait
This little food trailer is tucked into a Shell station off N. Lamar right before P Terry’s going North. Don’t let the looks deceive, this little trailer packs a real punch! They have fresh tortillas that come hot off the press and the two ingredient tacos feel like they have so much more flavors than the ingredients that are listed. For $1.50 buy a bunch of these and be the office hero. The tortillas alone are worth going for and you can’t go wrong with any of their breakfast taco offerings. You know it is good because the construction workers are driving offsite to get a bag full of these instead of eating from the food truck on site
Don’t Believe the Hype: Terry Black's BBQ and Stubb's BBQ
Yea, bring on the “You are crazy!” and “I can’t believe you are hating on the best taco places in Austin.” Yes, these are the two biggest taco names in Austin, but that doesn’t make them the best. Neither of these places is bad, but for breakfast tacos, you can find a lot better. What you will see at both places are store-bought tortillas, the eggs on the bottom, and the extra ingredients on top. For basic breakfast tacos, you are better off making these tacos at home and spending $8 at the grocery store and having ingredients to make tacos for a handful of people.
Tier 1: Franklin BBQ
900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
Tier 2: La BBQ
2027 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Acceptable Tourist Trap: Salt Lick BBQ
18300 FM 1826 Driftwood, TX 78619
512-858-4959
Matt and Max's Undercover Gem: Micklethwait
1309 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702