The puffy taco is a big part of San Antonio’s food. Many restaurants say they are the home of this special dish. At Lala’s Gorditas, owner Steven Pizzini says they’ve been making it since 1938, so they believe they’ve been doing it the longest.
While you can find puffy tacos in other Texas cities, San Antonio is where they’re the best. You can trust the local restaurants here to fix your cravings because no one else has been making it as long as they have.
Ray’s Drive Inn
Over on the Westside of San Antonio, Ray’s Drive Inn is a go-to spot for locals. It’s been around forever and is known for its puffy tacos. People love the crispy dog and the original taco, but you can also get it stuffed with things like carne guisada, shrimp, fajita, or avocado. It’s one of those places everyone in town knows about, serving up simple, tasty food that’s hard to beat
Henry’s Puffy Taco
If you’re craving puffy tacos, you’ve got to try Henry’s Puffy Taco. It’s a one-of-a-kind place. The tacos are stuffed with tasty stuff like spicy beef fajita, and the flavor is just unbeatable. You can add extra toppings to make it even better. Don’t forget the chips and salsa on the side. And for something fun, they even throw a cherry on your puffy taco meal!
Los Barrios
Los Barrios is a family-owned place that’s been around since 1979, and it’s a big deal in San Antonio. People love their puffy tacos filled with stuff like beef, chicken, or beans. They top them off with guacamole, lettuce, and tomato. If the weather is nice, sitting out on the patio makes the whole experience even better.
Teka Molino
Teka Molino has been around forever and is one of the oldest Tex-Mex spots in San Antonio. People love it for the puffy tacos, and it’s a local favorite. They’ve got all the good stuff—beef, chicken, bean, and guacamole tacos. If you’re in town and want to try something tasty, this is the place to be.
Pete’s Tako House
If you’re ever around downtown San Antonio, stop by Pete’s Tako House. It’s been around for a long time and serves really good Tex-Mex. Their puffy tacos are a big deal—stuffed with either ground beef or shredded chicken, plus fresh lettuce, tomato, and shredded cheese on top. A cold beer or margarita goes perfectly with the meal.
Jacala
Jacala has been a go-to spot in San Antonio since 1949. They’re best known for their crispy puffy tacos that people love. Whether you’re grabbing lunch or sitting down for dinner, their plates always hit the spot. They also have tasty tamales and cheesy enchiladas that make you feel right at home. It’s one of those places where locals have been enjoying great food for years.
El Milagrito Café
At El Milagrito Café on St. Mary’s Strip, you’ll find a true gem. It’s a local favorite for those craving Tex-Mex and perfect hangover meals. Their puffy taco plate comes with tasty rice and beans, making it a go-to spot for lunch and all-around deliciousness.
Oscar’s Taco House
If you’re around San Antonio, stop by Oscar’s Taco House on the Southside for some tasty puffy tacos. It’s a great spot for a quick, easy meal with delectable plates. Their puffy tacos are the star item, and you can get them with beef, chicken, bean & cheese, or guacamole. They also have carne guisada and fajita options. The meal comes with three tacos, so make sure you’re hungry!
Lala’s Gorditas
If you’re in Southtown, you’ve got to check out Lala’s Gorditas. It’s a little gem in San Antonio where locals go for the best gorditas and puffy tacos. Grab a seat at a picnic table and enjoy tacos topped with fresh lettuce, juicy tomato, and smooth crema, with a bit of tangy curtido on top. For more taco goodness, Taco Hut is also a solid spot to hit for some tasty bites.
Tommy’s Restaurant
Tommy’s is a local chain with five locations scattered around the city, and everyone around here knows and loves their puffy tacos. You can pick beef or chicken, and the tacos are always tasty. Plus, people also come for the puro duo of barbacoa and an ice-cold Big Red. It’s a spot that’s regarded as a favorite for good reason..
Tito’s Mexican Restaurant
Over in the King William district, Tito’s is a chill spot people love. If you’re hungry, their puffy tacos are just what you need, with tasty options like picadillo or pollo guisado to fill your plate. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a drink, like one of their margaritas, and enjoy the vibe. Their happy hour deals are a real draw, making it easy to kick back and relax.
Chela’s Tacos
If you’re in the mood for some tasty Tex-Mex, check out Chela’s Tacos at their original Broadway location or the spot on St. Mary’s. They’ve got crunchy hard shell tacos filled with your choice of meat, then piled with tomatoes, lettuce, and melted cheese. Each taco is a real specialty, and they’re seriously delicious. If you love Mex flavors, this is the place to score some great bites. Trust me, they’re yum!
Alamo Cafe
At Alamo Cafe, you can grab some great puffy tacos. They use corn masa that’s hand-pressed and lightly fried for a soft, crispy shell. The puffy taco plate comes with two tacos stuffed with seasoned chicken or beef, cooked in a fajita-style way. They top them with tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese. It also comes with rice, beans, and a side of fresh guacamole. If you’re craving Tex-Mex favorites, this is one of the best locations in San Antonio to try.
FAQ
Puffy tacos are a Tex-Mex specialty where the taco shell is deep-fried until it “puffs” up, creating a crispy yet soft texture. They’re typically filled with seasoned beef, chicken, or beans, along with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.
Top spots for puffy tacos include Henry’s Puffy Tacos, Ray’s Drive Inn (where they originated), and Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant. These places are local legends when it comes to authentic puffy tacos.
Crispy tacos are made from a pre-cooked hard shell, while puffy tacos are fried from fresh masa, making the shell light, airy, and crunchy, but softer than traditional crispy tacos.
Puffy tacos aren’t inherently spicy. However, you can add heat with toppings like salsa, jalapeños, or spicy meat fillings if you want a kick!