While the taco is a traditional Mexican cuisine in which a tortilla is folded or rolled around a filling, the dish is considered a staple of the American diet, becoming so popular that it is observed with its very own day of the week. Search #TacoTuesday on Instagram and you’ll instantly start craving one … or five.

In appreciation of a good taco, we rounded up several “best of” lists that highlight some of the top taco eateries around the country.  From coast to coast, food truck to fine-dining, chances are these famously delicious tacos may be in a city near you, or – dare we say – worthy of a trip.

• 21 Tempting Cheap Tacos for Under $3 (Source: Eater Austin) The taco competition is fierce in Austin, Texas, and you’ll see that many on this list of 21 don’t reside in brick-and-mortar establishments. Taco trailers dot the city, including Taqueria Morales. Its small, unassuming trailer can be found at a car wash south of downtown, serving up breakfast, street and specialty tacos like suardero, alambre and chicharron.
• 14 Excellent Houston Tacos You Need to Try Right Now (Source: Eater Houston) Self-proclaimed connoisseurs of Mexican food, Houstonians have discerning tastes when it comes to tacos. The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation is touted as THE place to take-out-of-town guests. While its “tacos al carbon” is a top recommendation on the menu, its followed closely by the octopus taco. 
• Top 50 Taco Joints in the Country (Source: Insider): Produced in collaboration with Yelp, Los Angeles’ Ave 26 Taco Stand ranks first on this list. No website, no corporate Facebook page, no fancy ambiance or even tables … just authentic street tacos that cost only $1. Ave 26 must be amazing as its reviews and word-of-mouth buzz shot it straight to the top.
• 30 Best Tacos in America (Source: Zagat): While many of the establishments on this taco “bucket list” hail from Texas and California – early adopters of Mexican fare – three Chicago restaurants are receiving “gold stars” for their taco innovation. Antique Taco adds a strip of bacon to its pork carnitas, infusing a smoky, crispy accent to the adobo-rubbed pork. Big Star focuses on quality, packing spit-roasted pork shoulder, grilled pineapple, onions and cilantro into its al pastor taco. Cemitas Puebla’s Tacos Arabes reigns supreme; perhaps it’s the smoky chipotle sauce.  

If you’ve visited any of the eateries on this taco “bucket list,” we’d love your take. If you have a favorite taco spot our readers should check out, consider adding to this list by commenting on our Facebook page!