Nobody plans for a taco craving that hits like a Miami heatwave—sudden, urgent, and demanding immediate satisfaction. But when it strikes, you need more than just any tortilla-wrapped filler; you need the kind that makes you forget the humidity, the kind worth braving Ocean Drive traffic for. These spots deliver exactly that: tacos so compelling they justify the journey and the inevitable salsa-stained shirt.
Mama’s Tacos Latin Restaurant Miami Beach
$$ | (786) 413-6037 | WEBSITE
Think of the classic pastor taco and a guava margarita as Batman and Robin, and your craving is one of the many villains they fight. Or just think of them as a very good taco and a fruity Latin cocktail. Or just don’t think at all, and come to this Miami Beach spot and order them. You might need two.
Burgermeister – South Beach
$$ | (305) 534-0070 | WEBSITE
Provided you can remember to come hungry and actually make it through one of their enormous burgers, Burgermeister is a perfect post-excursion feast. Burgermeister’s burgers (there are several signature options on the menu) are all outstanding, which is why this place usually has a steady crowd soaking up the Miami sun.
Any of them are going to make you feel thoroughly satisfied, but our personal favorite is the BM Deluxe Truffle Burger, which has premium beef, that amazing chimichurri mayonnaise, and truffle fries on the side. It’s rich, flavorful, and might just make you forget about the long day of Miami activities you powered through hours ago.
Abuela’s Tacos
$$$ | (786) 709-6012 | WEBSITE
Abuela’s Tacos is pretty much the most perfect casual taco spot that a hungry (or happily buzzed) person in Miami Beach could ask for. The beautiful, old, and charming place feels more like a welcoming Central American courtyard than your average cramped taqueria. The tequila shots are generous and so is the food, which includes authentic Mexican dishes and really tasty tacos—which are what you want to get here.
The chipotle shrimp tacos are our favorite and come loaded with shrimp and the right amount of acidity and herbal tones. Your hungry ass will love them, even though the portions are large and filling instead of your typical dainty street-style bites.
Coyote Taqueria
$$ | (786) 278-9044 | WEBSITE
Coyote Taqueria in Miami Beach (it’s a go-to spot for many visitors) serves freshly made guacamole, delicious fajitas, and phenomenal birria tacos. Our favorite taco here is the birria taco—a juicy, perfectly grilled meat that comes with your choice of toppings. We order ours with generous portions and spot-on margaritas. We know tacos with margaritas sounds a little indulgent, but they’re more refreshing and flavorful than Coyote’s fun and big mojitos, and cost about the same.
The tacos come with authentic flavors, a modern touch, and an inviting ambiance that makes you want to come back. Sip it up with their excellent Watermelon mojito and pretend you’re celebrating a birthday (or just someone who didn’t have seven shots of tequila last night).
Matilda’s Taco Bar
$$ | (786) 741-8666 | WEBSITE
Matilda’s Taco Bar is our favorite taco spot in Miami Beach. And like all good taco bars, you can come here and order amazing tacos, delicious margaritas, and one of the best quesadillas in Miami (a.k.a. the holy trinity of quick Mexican meals). But if you’re in need of something not fried or meaty, order one of their vegetarian options. There’s street seating with a nice atmosphere, but it’s also a solid to-go option if you can’t be around humans right now.
Taco Rico
$ | (305) 535-5757 | WEBSITE
When we’re craving tacos, all we really want is fresh ingredients, generous portions, and someone to keep the chips and salsa coming. That’s exactly what you’ll get at this classic Miami Beach spot. Taco Rico is affordable in a good way, with tasty Mexican favorites like chicken fajitas, burritos, nachos with homemade guacamole, and a lot more you can enjoy when you’re not thinking ‘This is too good to be true’ between bites.
Oh Mexico Taco Shop Ocean Drive
$$ | (786) 883-0709 | WEBSITE
Oh Mexico Taco Shop is a lively Mexican spot right on Ocean Drive with a perfect front patio for people-watching. But they serve some really tasty Mexican food with excellent service. They also have that perfect beachside meal known as al pastor tacos for around $14. The flavorful plate comes with tender marinated pork, fresh pineapple, onions, and cilantro on warm corn tortillas. And it’s not just the taste that’s impressive.
That al pastor is perfectly seasoned with just a touch of char from the grill, and the pineapple goes so well with the savory pork. Pair it with one of their watermelon lemonades, and you might just have the energy to head back to the beach and enjoy the Miami atmosphere.
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
$$ | (305) 704-2145 | WEBSITE
There are two ways to handle a Miami night—one ends with something predictable, but the other option is something just a little more vibrant. For that, head to Bodega Taqueria y Tequila in Miami Beach, home of the best shrimp taco in Florida. They serve other things like carne asada and birria, but the shrimp taco, which is packed with fresh seafood flavor, is going to feel like diving face-first into a pool full of lime and cilantro.
Taquiza
$$ | (786) 588-4755 | WEBSITE
Taquiza serves the tacos of a top-tier Mexican spot, but the Miami Beach restaurant is relaxed enough that you can still show up in flip-flops and devour some of the best blue corn tortillas in Florida. They also have both delicious margaritas and gluten-free options (in case you want to keep the vibe going). The food is the main reason you come here, though. Those totopos we mentioned are exceptional—warm, puffed, and better than any chips you’ve had.
But if you’re really hungry, go for the solid chicken taco, fabulously marinated and a favorite. A fish taco for your main is also a very good idea.
Don Sombrero
$$ | (305) 990-5247 | WEBSITE
So you had one too many frozen mango margaritas at that beach club yesterday (ouch). Lucky for you, Miami Beach has one of Florida’s best recovery spots: Don Sombrero. It’s tucked along a vibrant strip and serves birria tacos and nachos—both loaded with their incredible made-upon-request spicy sauces: chipotle, habanero, jalapeño, verde, roja, and a secret house blend.
Skip the basic piña colada from the tourist trap next door and order the guacamole instead—a fresh avocado mash that will have you enjoying the lively atmosphere with friends again in no time.