Late Night Tacos

It’s Never Too Late

When the bars close and the music fades, the real taco hunt begins. Late-night tacos are a different breed: messier, richer, and somehow exactly what you need after an evening out. Whether it’s a classic, a 24-hour breakfast taco, or a messy birria taco dipped into a savory sauce, these spots prove that in this town, the night goes on forever and the “taco” party never ends.

Granny’s Tacos: Rico Taco
Long-time Eastside favorite, Granny’s Tacos graduated from taco truck to full on nightlife destination. Now operating out of a full bar alongside its original menu, patrons can start or end a night out with authentic flavors and generous servings. The Rico, one of Granny’s signature tacos, highlights a complex and exciting mole sauce (a family recipe) over shredded chicken and Mexican rice. After an evening out with friends, it’s the perfect, savory, yet sweet, carbo-loaded nightcap.

Sunday-Thursday 8-12am, Friday-Saturday 8-2am
1401 E 7^th St.
grannystacosatx.com
@grannystacosatx

One Birria: Quesabirria Tacos
One Birria is one of those “if you know, you know,” spots that locals like to keep close to the chest. This little taco truck off I-35’s frontage road is perfectly situated to be the last leg of a night out, though it ought to be in consideration as a destination in its own right. The quesabirria plate, which features three perfectly crispy tacos, comes with the requisite consommé for your dipping pleasure.

Monday-Sunday 11:30-2:30am
517 N IH 35
orderonebirriatx.com

Tyson’s Tacos: Señor Ranger
East Austin’s Tex-Mex scene has spoiled local taco lovers, and Taco Bell just doesn’t cut it, not even for the late night cravings. Tyson’s steps in as the night owl’s savior. A rare 24/7 joint, Tyson’s unique concoctions are reliable and delicious. The Señor Ranger taco is versatile. With bacon, peppers, potatoes, and a generous amount of fajita meat, it can easily play the role of late night dinner or early morning breakfast.

Open 24/7
4905 Airport Blvd.
tysonstacos.com
@tysonstacos

Suerte’s: Dessert Taco
RIP Choco Taco 1983-2022. Klondike’s “Original Ice Cream Taco,” a waffle cone shaped to resemble a hard shell taco filled with vanilla ice cream and topped off with chocolate and peanuts, was a beloved treat whose retirement was met with much disappointment from dessert lovers across the nation. Thankfully, the treat is resurrected in glorious form on Suerte’s dessert menu. This grown-up version features a chocolate-masa shell, peanut caramel, cinnamon semifreddo, and roasted peanuts. The nostalgia tastes almost as good.

suerteatx.com

Locals Know ATX Taco Tours walking food tour through East Austin Texas

Locals Know Tacos Tour
Pack Austin’s best tacos into one extremely tasty afternoon with a guided walking tour of EASTside Magazine’s favorite taquerias. Each featured spot along the leisurely mile-long route is nationally recognized for taco excellence. Skip the lines, and eat your way through East Austin’s tastiest taco corridor, all while learning a little bit of local history from expert guides. Expect mural photo ops and the chance to sample a plethora of the tacos listed in this very lineup.
eastsideatx.com/tacotours

Don’t Skip the Dessert

Licha’s Cantina’s: Churros
Warm and soft inside, crispy on the outside, filled with caramel and dusted with cinnamon and sugar, served with dolce de leche for dipping

Vivo’s: Sopapillas
Flaky pastries sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar, served with a side of honey

Tres Amigos’: Xanga
Cheesecake wrapped in sweet bread, lightly fried, topped with caramel, and served with a side of Mexican vanilla ice cream

Veracruz Fonda & Bar’s: Concha Sandwich
Traditional Mexican concha of your choosing filled with Mexican vanilla ice cream

Fonda San Miguel’s: Tres Leches Cake
Creamy cake, topped with fresh fruit, served alongside mango sorbet, topped with lime zest

Buenos Aires Café’s: Alajor De Chocolate
Chocolate cookie filled with dolce de leche, dipped in chocolate