As we approach our favorite tequila-heavy holiday—Cinco De Mayo—we thought it was only fitting that we dedicate a roundup to the food that goes hand-in-hand with an ice-cold margarita. As usual, tacos are on the rise in Miami with new eateries popping up throughout the city, each putting their own unique spin on the Mexican dish. However, only few truly can stand out from the rest, and offer something special to the consumer that makes it one of our favorite spots in the city. Here, we take a look at which destinations in Miami are serving up the most delicious and inventive tacos, and our favorite dishes to order.
BODEGA TAQUERIA Y TEQUILA
Photo Credit: Menin Hospitality
The Mexican speakeasy famous for its hidden bar behind the bathroom doors offers some of the most diverse and delicious tacos in the city. You can’t go wrong with Bodega‘s famed Barbacoa tacos, deliciously made with Guajillo Braised Short Rib, cotija cheese, charred onions, potato sticks, cilantro and salsa rosada. Or if you’re meat-free, opt for the delectable Aguacate Con Frijoles—a tasty blend of avocado, black refried beans, cotija, lettuce and a spicy red chili crema. Other classics are the Steak Chimichurri or Texas BB Carnitas. Make sure to pair it with their mouth-watering chips & guac and a spicy margarita for the ultimate experience.
THE TACO STAND
Photo Credit: The Taco Stand
A newcomer to the Miami taco scene, The Taco Stand recently opened up in the hot neighborhood of Wynwood, hailing from Southern California. Since its opening, it’s steadily drawn in a consistent crowd of Miamians who crave the comfort food. It also happens to house the ultra-secret omakase spot Hiden in the back of the shop, which can only be accessed through a one-time only padlock code. The menu is limited but each taco is equally delicious. Highlights include the classic Carne Asada Tacos, the spicy Camaron Tacos with a delicious chipotle sauce, Nopales for the vegetarians and the mouth-watering Mar y Tierra Fries.
CAJA CALIENTE
The Edgewater food truck serves up some of the freshest tacos in the city. With a limited but tasty menu, Caja Caliente specializes in homemade, Cuban-style tacos. Favorites include the Lechon Taco created with “Abuela’s lechon,” pico de gallo, Mexican cheese and Mika’s special sauce and the Shrimp taco made with fresh, jumbo shrimp, avocado, black bean and mango pico de gallo drizzled with Mika’s special sauce.
HOT LIME
The newest taco transplant located in the Miami Design District’s bustling St. Roch Food Hall is Hot Lime, a craft taco and ceviche eatery. They specialize in Peruvian-influenced ceviche and Argentinian-influenced tacos, each created with top-tier ingredients and flavor combinations. The tortillas are grilled to a perfect crisp, making the small-sized tacos the perfect crunchy lunchtime meal. One of our favorites is the shrimp tacos, created with sautéed shrimp in olive oil chile de arbol garlic sauce. Be sure to pair it with their counter-side prepared guacamole or sweet potato chips, which they bake and season in-house.
TAQUIZA
Taquiza is another beloved taco outpost located in Miami, serving up traditional Mexican-style tacos and street fare. They’re famous for their healthy, homemade, gluten-free tortillas that are made in-house daily using organic corn. They’ve continued to draw a large fan-base at their original Miami Beach location—so much so, that they’ve recently expanded to a second location in North Miami Beach, which is allegedly almost four times the size as the original locale. Hot menu items include the classic Al Pastor, the rich Huitlacoche Taco with truffle corn and the spicy Rajas Taco.
COYO TACO
Photo Credit: COYO Taco
Coyo Taco is perhaps one of Miami’s longest-standing taco joints, opening up its first location in Wynwood and later opening a second eatery in Brickell. In Wynwood, the taco shop also houses a secret speakeasy bar in the back that whips up a killer spicy margarita. But if you’re looking to grab a bite during the day in between walking through the colorful streets of Wynwood, take a spot on the picnic bench and order up one of their decadent taco creations. We suggest Pollo al Carbon or the Nopales (made with grilled cactus, quinoa, queso fresco) for the vegetarians and vegans.
TACOLOGY
Photo Credit: Tacology
Located in the happening Brickell City Centre, Tacology offers an extensive menu of cheat-worthy Mexican dishes and particularly mouth-watering tacos, in an inviting and lively atmosphere. The menu features grilled tortillas, lettuce wraps, and blue corn tortillas with a variety of flavor combinations that are one more delicious than the next. One of our particular favorites is the “La Costra”—essentially, melted and fried cheese with a choice of meat on top ranging from Pastor, Chargrilled Ribeye, Skirtsteak or Chicken.
