You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t love tacos, and there are so many great options throughout the Richmond area that it can feel overwhelming at times.
It’s important to note that tacos are so much more than a protein in a corn or flour tortilla. Tacos are not monolithic; they can be vegetarian or contain fish and have countless toppings that help create those flavor-bursting pockets of deliciousness.
For this issue, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites, with some not-so-obvious choices in the mix, which we hope will provide a guide to trying some out-of-the-way places that you might normally drive by. That old adage that some of the more tucked-away joints have some of the best food is true, and although we’ve chosen some places that are well known, we had several taste tests to ensure there’s something here for every mouth and every budget. – D.F.
Could they have the best carnitas taco in Richmond? They think so.
The vibe: Big taco energy with sleek, in-the-club black booths.
Taco order: Slow-roasted pork in lots of lard and cooked in copper pots, then heated to a high temp for those incredible, crispy bits. When pressed about their family recipe, they will only say it takes a long time to make great carnitas. –R.M.
8026 West Broad St.
El Chido’s authentic tacos pull no punches at any of their establishments.
The vibe: An order-at-the-counter, definitely-get-the-fresh-fried-tortilla-chips-in-large-quantities kind of spot.
Taco order: A double-griddled corn tortilla piled with crumbly, spicy reddish-brown sausage, a slim lime wedge and tossed together onion and cilantro. Make use of the serve-yourself salsa bar. The spicy red salsa is the perfect addition to this $3 handheld. –R.M.
Three locations:
7568 W Broad St., 4013 W. Broad St. and 6715 Staples Mill Rd.
You’ve heard of the movie, now try the delicious restaurant located inside Veil Brewing’s taproom on Forest Hill.
The vibe: Hipster, but in the best way possible.
Taco order: Those in the know flock here for their quesabirria. If you haven’t tried one, you’re missing out. Beef or chicken tacos are filled to the brim with gooey cheese served with beef consommé to dip your taco into rich, meaty juice. Pro tip: Maybe don’t wear white. –D.F.
4910 Forest Hill Ave.
House-made tortillas change color based on the vegetable juices at this former house-turned-restaurant.
The vibe: Instagrammable.
Taco order: On our last visit, a graceful, carrot-tinged flour tortilla stood up to chopped sausage, red onion and shredded pickled carrots. If La Doña sold its salsa macha, a chile oil salsa from by the gallon, we’d all buy it; it features charred peppers, fresh and seasonal seeds like sesame and pumpkin, and fresh peppers in a base of spicy dark burgundy oil. –R.M
6404 Horsepen Rd.
Blink and you might miss this strip mall spot, but you’ll want to pull over for the closest to West Coast tacos we may have in Richmond.
The vibe: Cozy, neighborhood eatery where everyone knows your name.
Taco order: Major toss-up between the cabeza (beef cheek or head) or beef brisket. The roasted cabeza is equal bits tender and fatty. Go ahead and order four, we won’t judge. –D.F.
4086 Crockett St.
Spicy roasted broccoli may seem out of place in a taco, but trust us, it isn’t.
The vibe: Family-friendly, buddies, out-of-towners, something for everyone.
Taco order: The broccoli in the taco is cooked until fiery and crisp, topped with a velvety pumpkin seed mole and a piquant chimichurri. All of this is packed into their homemade masa tortillas and dotted with a little fresh cheese. The result is splendid and somehow, meatier than any meat version. –R.M.
5820 Patterson Ave, Suite 103
Everything’s bigger in Texas. This Austin transplant chain has three local spots – and one memorable devil-in-a-diaper mascot.
The vibe: Counter-service, comfortable dining rooms, full bar, to-go margaritas
Taco order: The non-traditional tacos are the move here. Standouts are the crossroads taco (brisket, cilantro, grilled onion, jalapenos, avocado, jack cheese, tomatillo) and the trailer park taco (chicken, lettuce, pico de gallo, green chiles, poblano ranch, mixed cheese). Folks love the green chile queso and chips, but our money’s on the surprisingly delightful airstream salad: mint, avocado, pico de gallo, grilled corn, cotija cheese, peppadew peppers and pistachios sit atop a bed of romaine and arugula. – M.S.H.
Three locations:
3510 W Cary St., 1315 Huguenot Rd., and 11120 West Broad St.
A traditional turnpike hotspot
The vibe: Dinner served on paper plates, Liga MX soccer league on several TV screens, heavenly smells from an open kitchen
Taco order: Try the traditional, slow-cooked al pastor –as many as possible. They’re only $1.99 on Taco Wednesdays, but don’t forget about the incredible charcoal rotisserie chicken and churros. –M.S.H.
6531 Midlothian Turnpike
A fresh take on Mexican-American food with great salsa variety; originally started in Staunton, Virginia.
The vibe: Family-friendly suburban dining beneath wall murals of roses, counter-service, a smattering of beers.
Taco order: Mix and match traditional Mexican with more Americanized tacos. We suggest pollo (chicken) on corn, marinated with citrus, oregano, and garlic and topped with sour cream, cotija and radish, and brisket on flour, braised in chilis and garnished with pickled red onion, queso fresco and cilantro. Add on as many salted chips as possible to dip in the tangy, tomatillo-cilantro-lime salsa. [Note: Salsas are available to purchase on their own, and you may want to stock up]. –M.S.H.
2003 Huguenot Road Suite #102
