The Best Places to Try Birria Tacos in the US, Mexico, and Beyond

Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary adventure as we delve into the realm of Mexican cuisine, showcasing the marvel of birria tacos. This delectable masterpiece boasts succulent meat, predominantly beef or goat, marinated in a luscious and fiery broth. Slow-cooked to perfection, the tender meat is then meticulously shredded and generously encased within crispy corn tortillas, soaked in the very same broth before being skillfully fried. A tantalizing ensemble of chopped onion, vibrant cilantro, zesty lime wedges, and an additional portion of the broth for dipping completes this symphony of flavors. For the ultimate indulgence, some establishments even grace their birria tacos with a melty crown of cheese, further elevating their irresistible appeal.

Originating in the mesmerizing state of Jalisco, Mexico, birria tacos have earned their rightful place as a quintessential delicacy at weddings, festivals, and various jubilant occasions. A true culinary chameleon, birria also takes on the form of a comforting soup or stew, accompanied by the choice of bread or tortillas. Etymologically speaking, “birria” derives from a colloquial Spanish term denoting something of remarkable excellence or magnificence.

In recent years, birria tacos have surged in popularity, captivating not only the hearts of Mexicans but also bewitching enthusiasts across the United States and other corners of the globe. An influx of restaurants and food trucks have eagerly joined the birria revolution, each putting their unique spin on the delectable creation through the application of diverse meats, tantalizing sauces, and innovative toppings. Brace yourselves, for the culinary landscape now boasts a myriad of birria-infused delights, ranging from pizzas to nachos and even ramen.

As fervent supporters of the birria movement, we understand your burning desire to embark on an unforgettable gastronomic voyage. Thus, we present to you an exquisite compilation of the finest establishments where you can embark on a birria taco odyssey in the United States, Mexico, and beyond. Brace yourselves as we traverse the realm of authenticity, flavor, and a tapestry of tantalizing sensations that will leave you yearning for more.

The Premier Birria Taco Destinations in the United States

With its vast and diverse Mexican population, the United States stands as a treasure trove of birria taco havens. Embark on a flavorful journey to savor the best offerings from coast to coast. Brace yourselves for the following culinary meccas:

1. Birrieria Tijuana in Phoenix, Arizona: Awarded the prestigious title of Best Quesabirria in Phoenix by The Phoenix New Times in 2020, this establishment stands as a testament to exceptional culinary craftsmanship. Their tantalizing beef birria tacos tantalize with a symphony of textures — a crispy exterior enveloping a succulent interior, complemented by copious amounts of delectably melted cheese and fresh, vibrant toppings. Dare to explore their diverse menu featuring birria ramen, burritos, and tortas.
2. Tacos El Patrón in San Francisco and Pleasant Hill, California: Prepare yourself for an epicurean adventure of monumental proportions. At Tacos El Patrón, expect colossal birria tacos that brim with the mouthwatering essence of deliciously tender beef. Each bite becomes a heavenly experience when submerged in their rich consommé. Experience culinary perfection with two conveniently located Bay Area establishments awaiting your presence.
3. AK House of Birria in Anchorage, Alaska: Witness the birria taco revolution spreading its wings to the picturesque landscapes of Alaska. Founded by a passionate husband-and-wife duo inspired by the enigmatic dish showcased on the Cooking Channel, AK House of Birria unveils tantalizing beef birria tacos. Tender, bursting with flavor, and undeniably satisfying, these delicacies mark the first step in their grand journey. Keep an eye out for their forthcoming expansions featuring the inclusion of goat meat and a remarkable food truck experience.
4. La Colonial Supermercado y Taqueria in Huntsville, Alabama: Underneath the unassuming facade of a Mexican grocery store and taqueria, lies an extraordinary revelation. Prepare to be enthralled by the extraordinary birria tacos offered at La Colonial. While they employ beef instead of the traditional goat, their creations are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Delight in the harmonious marriage of juicy beef, accentuated by the timeless pairing of onion and cilantro. Should your adventurous spirit guide you, explore the tantalizing birria quesadilla or the audacious birria pizza.
5. Birrieria San Marcos in Chicago, Illinois: Amidst the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of Chicago, one name reigns supreme in the realm of birria tacos. Birrieria San Marcos tantalizes your senses with their distinctive goat meat birria, promising an unparalleled flavor profile and captivating textures. Each taco boasts a crispy exterior embracing the tender and succulent core, adorned with a melty cheese crown and a symphony of fresh toppings. Brace yourself for an all-encompassing birria experience, extending beyond tacos to encompass soul-warming birria soup, enchiladas, and huaraches.

Embracing the Authenticity of Birria Tacos in Mexico

To bask in the glory of the most authentic birria tacos, one must embark on a pilgrimage to the birthplace itself — Mexico. Prepare to be transported to the heart of Mexican culinary tradition as we unveil some of the most renowned establishments:

1. Birrieria Las 9 Esquinas in Guadalajara, Jalisco: Enveloped in the rich tapestry of Guadalajara, Birrieria Las 9 Esquinas stands as a time-honored bastion of birria excellence. With a legacy spanning generations, this hallowed establishment showcases the classic pairing of goat meat birria with the simplest yet most tantalizing accouterments. Picture a harmonious ensemble of tortillas, tender meat, aromatic onion, vibrant cilantro, and a zesty hint of lime. Should your palate seek an alternate form of enjoyment, savor the birria in its soup or stew form, accompanied by a choice of bread or tortillas.
2. Birrieria El Tijuanazo in Tijuana, Baja California: Nestled amidst the vibrant streets of Tijuana, a city celebrated for its amalgamation of Mexican and American culinary influences, Birrieria El Tijuanazo reigns as a mecca for birria taco enthusiasts. Celebrating the irresistible allure of beef birria, prepared in a grand metal pot, this extraordinary establishment delivers an unparalleled taste sensation. Savor the crispiness of each meticulously crafted taco, generously layered with onion, cilantro, and a tantalizing salsa. Dare to broaden your horizons with their extensive menu, which includes birria nachos, burritos, and fries.
3. Birrieria La Polar in Mexico City: In the heart of Mexico City, a vibrant tapestry of culture and gastronomy unfolds. Amidst this vibrant realm, Birrieria La Polar emerges as a beacon of culinary prowess. Their remarkable birria, prepared with succulent lamb and lovingly cooked in a magnificent metal pot, beckons to be experienced. Prepare to be enveloped in a world of tenderness as each taco delivers a symphony of flavors, complemented by the familiar embrace of onion, cilantro, and a hint of lime. For those who seek a soup or stew adventure, accompany their birria with a choice of bread or tortillas.

Indulging in the Global Birria Taco Phenomenon

Beyond the borders of the US and Mexico, the global appeal of birria tacos has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. Explore these noteworthy destinations where birria tacos have made their mark:

1. Birrieria La Esquina in Toronto, Canada: Situated in Toronto, a city renowned for its multicultural and cosmopolitan food scene, Birrieria La Esquina spearheads the introduction of birria tacos to its diverse culinary landscape. They embrace the rich tradition of beef birria, prepared in a grand metal pot, resulting in a delectable symphony of textures and flavors. Discover the crispy allure of their tacos, accentuated by the tantalizing combination of onion, cilantro, and salsa. Expand your birria journey by venturing into their menu featuring birria soup, nachos, and quesadillas.
2. Birrieria El Chivito in Madrid, Spain: Unveiling a world of birria tacos in Madrid, a city revered for its opulent and diverse gastronomic offerings, Birrieria El Chivito stands as a true gem. Embark on a journey infused with the flavors of goat birria, lovingly prepared in a grand metal pot. Each taco captivates with its tender and succulent nature, harmoniously paired with onion, cilantro, and a refreshing zest of lime. Embrace the spirit of birria in its soup or stew form, relished alongside a choice of bread or tortillas.
3. Birrieria Los Primos in Sydney, Australia: In the vibrant culinary landscape of Sydney, where innovation and diversity flourish, Birrieria Los Primos emerges as a testament to the global allure of birria tacos. Delight in their signature beef birria, simmered to perfection in a grand metal pot, as it unravels an array of captivating flavors. Experience the satisfying crispness of their tacos, adorned with onion, cilantro, and a delightful salsa. Allow your birria exploration to extend beyond tacos, exploring their offerings of birria soup, nachos, and burritos.

Conclusion

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary culinary adventure with birria tacos, a pinnacle of Mexican cuisine. These tantalizing creations feature tender meat enveloped in a rich and spicy broth, encased within crispy corn tortillas. Accompanied by chopped onion, cilantro, lime wedges, and additional broth for dipping, these tacos hold an irresistible charm. As birria tacos continue to captivate palates around the world, indulge in their glory at some of the finest establishments.

Whether you find yourself in the US, Mexico, or beyond, the captivating flavors of birria tacos await your discovery. From Birrieria Tijuana in Phoenix, Arizona, to Birrieria Las 9 Esquinas in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and Birrieria La Esquina in Toronto, Canada, allow yourself to be transported by these culinary treasures. Remember, once you savor the magic of birria tacos, your journey into the world of delectable gastronomy will never be the same.