8 places to get the best breakfast tacos in Houston
From food trucks to family joints, these top spots for breakfast tacos in Houston deliver authentic Tex-Mex flavors with homemade tortillas, fresh eggs, and just the right kick.
Rule number one: Never mess with a Texan’s breakfast tacos. We take our tacos seriously, and we expect a filling, savory breakfast with just enough heat to remind us that this is the home of Tex-Mex, y’all.
Maybe it’s part of our Tejano heritage, but we prefer our eggs with all the fixins, nestled inside a warm, fresh-from-the-skillet tortilla and topped with salsa. Here in Houston, where our greatest pride lies in our diversity, you’ll find tacos everywhere. The only problem is that the options can be daunting. Our abundance of taco purveyors includes food trucks, hole-in-the-wall joints, plaza spaces, and colorful houses, meaning tacos are usually within arm’s reach if you know where to find them.
We’ve done the work for you, combing through reviews and ratings to curate a list of taco eateries favored by Houstonians across the city. Here’s where you can find some of the tastiest, most highly rated breakfast tacos in H-Town.
1. Sunrise Taquitos
Where: 3 locations in Spring, Memorial, and Copperfield
As one Redditor said of the Spring location, “Don’t let the attached gas station fool you—these are seriously great tacos.” And that’s pretty much the vibe of Sunrise Taquitos, whether the restaurant is next to a barber shop (Spring) or in an unobtrusive plaza (Copperfield).
This family-owned and operated restaurant proudly serves food created from recipes formulated 30 years ago in the Valley, and everything is made from scratch. Choose the build-your-own taco option, which allows you to select your tortilla (corn or flour), filling (from 11 choices, including Mexican eggs, Migas, and bacon), and toppings (like jalapeno, Pico de Gallo, and grilled peppers), all for just $3.55.
2. Brothers Taco House
Where: Emancipation Ave., Houston
When you find a taco place that’s been open for more than 40 years, run—don’t walk—to that place. In this case, you’re headed to Brothers Taco House, a consistently beloved experience some describe as “God tier.”
This Latinx and women-owned Mexican restaurant, self-described as divey and casual, offers 20 taco combinations that include the papa-a-la-Mexicana and the Mexican spicy pork. Every taco on the menu is priced between $1.90 and $2.75, an arguably hard-to-beat price. You can also customize your taco for just $3.25.
Sit inside, outdoors, or use the drive-thru service for a quick and easy breakfast pick-me-up.
3. Villa Arcos
Where: Navigation Blvd, East End
You can’t miss the bright red house on Navigation, and you shouldn’t because Villa Arcos is a must-stop taco place that garners rave reviews within the Houston community.
A huge selling point is Villa Arcos’ 36 (!) taco filling options that include potato and ham, bacon and beans, and super bacon, a fan favorite. Diners love the friendly atmosphere and the fact that guests are made to feel like family.
Don’t leave without checking out the beautiful mural on the outside wall—an impressive artistic work by neighborhood artist Angel Quesada that captures the family, friends, and neighbors that have made Villa Arcos a success. It’s a great spot for a photo op with your favorite breakfast taco in hand.
4. Cantina Barba
Where: Main St., Houston
Their menu says it best: Cantina Barba—where breakfast tacos are sold “all damn day.” As proof, this fun, tongue-in-cheek establishment is open until 2 a.m. during the week and 3 a.m. on weekends.
That might be because it doubles as a mezcal bar, but let’s not forget what’s important here. That would be the steak & eggs breakfast taco filled with carne asada, eggs, cheese, and grilled onions. It’s the kind of dreamy dish that makes you close your eyes, sigh, and thank your lucky stars you live in Houston.
By the way, you might remember Cantina Barba in its previous iteration on wheels when it was called Taqueria Barba. Renamed when it moved to its permanent location, it’s every bit as good as when it drew long lines as one of Houston’s favorite taco trucks.
5. Tacos Tierra Caliente
Where: Two locations, a Taco truck on W. Alabama St. and a brick-and-mortar on Durham Dr.
This eatery ranks #3 on Yelp for best breakfast tacos in Houston, with the pastor and the chicharron tacos taking the highest honors with reviewers.
Tacos Tierra Caliente opens at 5 a.m., so early risers and shift workers can fill up on some fantastic tacos before the sun even rises. The aromas from the food truck will draw you in, and you won’t want to leave anytime soon. Tacos here are on the small side, so consider ordering more than you usually would, but no worries; at $2.50 a pop, this is still the best breakfast deal around.
Note: Tacos Tierra Caliente passes credit card fees on to customers, so if you want to save a buck or two, bring cash. At $2 a taco, you can leave the Benjamins at home.
6. The Pit Room
Where: Two locations in Montrose and Memorial
If you live in Houston, you’ve been to The Pit Room. It’s pretty much a staple for U.S.D.A. Prime brisket, heritage pork, and all things BBQ—in other words, the typical Texan diet.
But you might be surprised to hear that The Pit Room also serves up a mean breakfast. That brisket that you love for lunch and dinner? Imagine it in a breakfast taco along with an egg and jalapeno cheddar sausage. Now we’re cooking!
All the breakfast tacos here come with refried beans, and you can help yourself to the condiment bar to create your own taco masterpiece with dollops of Salsa Roja, Salsa Verde, Pico de Gallo, chopped onion, cilantro, homemade hot sauce, and pickled jalapenos.
7. La Chingada Tacos & Tequila
Where: Northwood St., Houston Heights
Oaxaca and Mexico City are renowned for their food scene, and here in Houston, you can have the best of both at La Chingada Tacos & Tequila.
Established in 2016 as Unos P’nches Tacos, the restaurant underwent a name change but retained its focus on homemade family recipes passed down through several generations. The tacos are the perfect blend of ingredients and family history—think chorizo and beans topped with the ever-popular green salsa and the kind of warm service that makes you feel like you’re at Abuela’s house.
If you dine in, you’ll be treated to a trio of salsas served with warm chips—an unexpected complimentary add-on you didn’t know you needed but will now expect alongside your breakfast tacos. But trust us and save room for the main event. The tacos here are substantial, and you’ll fill up fast.
If you don’t, well, just come back later. Breakfast tacos are available all day, and no matter when you arrive, you’ll be greeted with friendly service and reasonable prices.
8. Soliz Casa de Tacos
Where: Dulles Ave, Stafford
If you find yourself in the Fort Bend area, take a quick trip to Soliz Casa de Tacos on Dulles Ave., just off Hwy. 90A. Always busy and bustling, this small eatery with counter service is best for a grab-and-go meal that will start your day off right.
It says something that Soliz Casa de Taco’s original location opened its doors in 1984, and after 41 years, they’re still going strong. Repeat customers love the tender, flavorful meat, the crunchiness of the onion and bacon toppings, the fresh salsa, and the soft tortillas, all combined into the perfect taco.
If you don’t live close by, make a point to get here on a weekend when barbacoa tacos make an appearance on the menu. This specialty taco is only available on Saturdays and Sundays, and you just might find that it’s your favorite breakfast taco of all.
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