Taking a trip to Puerto Vallarta? Love tacos? Looking for the very best places to get tacos in Puerto Vallarta? Well, I wrote this post for you.

Tacos are universally appealing—whether you love meat (carne asada, carnitas, or even cabeza), or mushrooms. They are endlessly customizable with salsa and toppings… and I love them.

Where to Get Tacos in Puerto Vallarta

On vacation, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with researching destinations, airfare, hotels, and activities—so I did the research, talked to the locals, went on a taco tour, and ate a lot of tacos to create this Puerto Vallarta taco guide for you. Enjoy!

Pancho’s Takos

Pancho’s Takos: Basilio Badillo 162, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

I waited in line for 30 minutes at 9pm, inhaling the intoxicating aroma of the al pastor as it rotated on a spit. Its edges caramelizing on the open flame, which creates a juicy, tender pork, seasoned with achiote paste and pineapple. The resulting dish is moist, juicy pork, that’s slightly sweet and slightly spicy. Traditionally, al pastor tacos are served in corn tortillas with raw chopped onions and cilantro, but feel free to order them to your liking.

Did you know al pastor actually comes from the Middle East? Yes, al pastor is inspired by shawarma! Lebanese immigrants moved to Mexico in the early 1900s and they brought their spit-roasted meat with them.

I’m one of those people that likes to return to a restaurant as soon as I discover it because we just want more. My husband and I returned to Pancho’s Takos twice in our six day vacation to Puerto Vallarta. You’ll have to wait in line for these tacos, but I promise it’s worth it.

Order this: If you like cheese, order the al pastor quesadillas—the creamy melted cheese plays nicely with the sweet pineapple and spicy al pastor.

Pepe’s Tacos

Pepe’s Tacos: C. Honduras 145C, 5 de Diciembre, 48350 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Every single local we asked about tacos told us to go to Pepe’s, so it’s no wonder they are known as “Puerto Vallarta’s Best Tacos”. Like Pancho’s, Pepe’s is known for their al pastor tacos, which do not disappoint. Their salsas (ranging from creamy avocado to spicy habanero), add an additional layer of depth to these tasty tacos. Add a slice of on-the-house marinated grilled onion to your taco.

Order this: al pastor tacos. Just do it.

El Puerto de Oro

El Puerco de Oro location: Mérida 128, Versalles, 48310 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

You’ll find pork tacos throughout Vallarta, but some of the best are at El Puerco de Oro in the Versalles area. The fatty morsels are served on blue corn tortillas and you can get them topped with chicharrons (crispy porky goodness). Then visit the salsa bar and customize to your liking.

Order this: Pancita en salsa verde.

Abulón, Antojería del Mar

Abulon location: Hamburgo 137, Versalles, 48310 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Abulon features seafood in all its delicious forms. Located in the Versalles area of PV, you may expect a little wait or try to make a reservation.

Order this: Octopus tacos, fried red snapper (huachinango)

Mariscos La Tia Ñaña

Mariscos La Tia Centro location: C. Honduras 215, 5 de Diciembre, 48350 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Aptly named Marisco’s La Tia—Tia means aunt in Spanish—which basically means these tacos are family heirlooms. Marisco’s La Tia originally started in 1975, La Tia now has three restaurants, including one in Centro.

Order this: Marisco’s La Tia’s crown jewel is their taco de marlin, which highlights a locally caught blue marlin that’s been smoked with mangrove wood, marinated in soy sauce and salsa verde, then flash crisped on the flat top grill with onions, then served on a fresh flour tortilla, topped with shredded lettuce and a creamy chipotle sauce. The result is a salty, crispy, savory taco with a similar taste to jerky.

Tuna Azul Zona Romantica

Tuna Azul location: Calle Francisca Rodriguez 155, Altos. Esq. Olas Altas, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Right near the malecon, up the stairs, you’ll find a little bar that serves incredible seafood, especially the tuna. They also have a larger restaurant in the Versalles area.

Order this: anything with tuna in it. The tuna and avocado tiradito is a highlight.

More Tacos To Enjoy

Tacos de Cabeza– Head tacos are made on a flat-top grill, covered with a towel and steamed. This creates a super moist, delicate, fall apart meat.  I know eating “head” sounds gross (it’s usually cheek or jowls), but I promise it’s delicious.

Tacos de Asada – the most common taco type that you can find anywhere in Mexico. Carne Asada is grilled beef, often skirt steak or flank steak, usually topped with grilled onions, cilantro and salsa. 

Tacos de Birria – Birria is a popular stew originally from Guadalajara, made with marinated, stewed goat and served with cilantro, onions and corn tortillas. Try the birria tacos at the Birriería Robles in Zona Romantica.

Pro-tip: Don’t skip the taco stands. Taqueria El Cunado that starts serving up tacos at 10am. You can find it between Olas Atlas and Francisca Rodriguez streets. Tacos Memos Grill (near Aguacate and Basilio Badillo streets) is one of the oldest taco stands in the city. Try their Volcan salsa with the avocado cucumber salsa mixed with extra hot pepper paste.

Go on a walking taco tour with Vallarta Food Tours

If you really want a true taco experience in Puerto Vallarta, then my recommendation is simple: Vallarta Food Tours. One night on our vacation to Puerto Vallarta, we met up with a small group of other foodie travelers and went on a walking taco tour of Zona Romantica. We tried several of the tacos above, but also a total of 8 different tacos: all better than the next. I’ve never been so happy to walk for three hours!

If you’re looking for an experience outside of your resort in Puerto Vallarta, I recommend getting an Uber from your hotel, and getting some authentic Mexican tacos. Enjoy a stroll along the beach and the Malecon—the main shopping/entertainment/restaurant district—mainly popular with tourists and vendors in the afternoon and evening.

And another thing… many people told me to be careful when visiting Mexico, but to that, I’d say: Puerto Vallarta is very safe. There was noticeable police presence and security around. As always, practice common sense and be smart: don’t go places alone, be mindful of your surroundings, etc. Everyone I spoke to was very friendly and happy we were visiting Mexico. I can’t wait to go back again.

Via con dios and enjoy your tacos!

Salud.