Vancouver’s taco scene is as varied as the weather along the Columbia—one moment you’re craving a simple street-style al pastor, the next you’re hunting for some avant-garde fusion that makes you question everything. Between the reliable old-school taquerias and the new-wave spots pushing boundaries, we’ve found the absolute best. Here are the 10 tacos in Vancouver, WA, that are worth braving any line for.
tacos n’ cream : ‘Where’s the Grease?’
$$ | (503) 862-9096 | WEBSITE
Weekend visits are essential at Tacos n’ Cream since this Vancouver spot has become a destination for taco enthusiasts seeking quality. The atmosphere feels clean and rejuvenating, with simple wooden tables and bright lighting that highlight the vibrant food. Outside, a small patio with colorful chairs provides the perfect setting to enjoy exceptional dishes like the perfectly seasoned fish tacos. Inside, upbeat Mexican music plays softly, but the focus here is squarely on the food.
And hopefully you’re focused enough to appreciate every bite or else you’d miss out on the incredible elote and asada.
Auto’s Pub
$ | (360) 253-6253 | WEBSITE
If you’re not a regular at SE Vancouver’s Auto’s Pub, then it’ll be $12 (cash or card, thankfully) for one of their legendary burgers. And a cozy atmosphere and great service will make it worth it. While other spots may have more elaborate menus, this pub gives you a classic experience that stretches from sizzling patties to friendly camaraderie.
And if not for the dim lighting and classic rock hum, the attentive staff like Tabitha and bartender Nikki could convince you you’re being taken care of at some neighborhood institution. Hardworking servers combined with local regulars means we can unwind here—and enjoy our meal without feeling rushed. The menu’s focus on meaty burgers is overshadowed by excellent service that makes us forgive the lack of meatless options like a bean burger.
Muchas Gracias
$ | (360) 892-4471 | WEBSITE
A bright, cheerful sign welcomes you to Muchas Gracias. If that sign doesn’t draw you into this casual Mexican spot, the aroma of sizzling meats and warm tortillas is the best invitation that this is a genuine place for a satisfying meal. But it’s not all about the lively atmosphere and reasonable prices, the food (authentic Mexican) is excellent here.
Burritos are typically generous enough for sharing, but we find it hard to part with dishes like the juicy shredded chicken burrito and the flavorful carne asada burrito stuffed with tender beef.
Delicious Tacos Food Truck
$ | (360) 921-6709 | WEBSITE
Vancouver foodies are suckers for authentic Mexican street tacos. So this food truck in a parking lot gives the people what they want and even throws in some seriously good birria tacos that remind them why they keep coming back. There’s often a line of hungry regulars waiting to order, so grab a chicken or asada street taco with rice and beans and wait it out at one of their fold-out tables. The area here isn’t exactly picturesque since it’s more industrial lot than scenic dining spot.
But there’s quick service from the lovely staff to keep things moving, some standout dishes like the veggie nachos and mulita if you’re feeling adventurous, and the always reliable price-to-quality ratio gives you some grade-A flavor without breaking the bank.
Muchas Gracias Mexican Food
$ | (360) 892-2120 | WEBSITE
Muchas Gracias Mexican Food is a gold standard for your taco cravings since it has some of the best Street Tacos in Vancouver and a close-up look at authentic Mexican preparation. Plus, it’s a great place for hearty appetites since the portions are generous and the sauces come in house-made varieties to keep up with the demand of the loyal, long-time crowds. And the addition of breakfast burritos to the menu provides bites to wash down the heavy-handed enchilada sauce.
Get the absolutely amazing Chile rellenos packed with rice, beans, grilled jalapeños, corn tortillas, guacamole, sour cream, and Pico.
Little Conejo
$ | (360) 718-2633 | WEBSITE
This taco spot sits just 15 minutes from PDX, making it an easy stop before or after flights. The vibrant, colorful decor with painted pots and plants creates a lively atmosphere that encourages taco-lovers to settle in, especially before heading to nearby events. They keep the menu focused too with standout options like the Al Pastor, Choriqueso, and Pescado Frito tacos while most of the sides like chips and salsa are reasonably priced and satisfying.
But despite the occasional long line, it’s hard to deny that Little Conejo is a must-visit spot to catch fantastic carnitas or a Sunday brunch to impress all your friends.
Carlos Birrieria
$ | (360) 975-0328 | WEBSITE
Vancouver already has plenty of taco spots on this list, but another has entered the chat with the strength of amazing fish tacos and tacos al pastor just waiting to be discovered. Carlos Birrieria sits in a convenient location with plenty of parking—a quick minute or less drive away from downtown. We come here when we want to avoid the crowds at other places or need the option of take-out (which some sit-down restaurants lack).
Grab a delicious piña colada and a table in the clean dining area where you can take in the always-welcoming family atmosphere. If the weather threatens to keep you inside, the accessible interior still has a friendly feel and great service. Plus, the overall experience shines like a gem even if you’re just passing through.
Hops n Drops
$$ | (360) 314-2558 | WEBSITE
If and when you want to escape the throngs of sports fans crowding every other bar in Vancouver, hit Hops n Drops early in the day. Numerous TVs, a lively atmosphere serving up strong and plentiful drinks (get their ice-cold beer), and friendly staff always makes us forget we’re in just another sports bar. They serve a full menu here, but we usually stick to the burgers, specifically the legit patty melt or the big, juicy bacon burger.
It’s never exactly quiet here (the great food might be the culprit), but we can physically and figuratively look down on the people scurrying through other spots and judge them for not making the wise choice to be at these tables too.
Miss Lala’s Taqueria y Birrieria
$ | (360) 721-4169 | WEBSITE
The food truck at Miss Lala’s has a lot to offer if you’re a fan of watching cars cruise by while you eat, but we prefer to gaze lovingly at the birria tacos on our table. And after hunting for one of those parking spots by the mart, refueling is a must, so snag the Al pastor tacos (our fave) topped with fresh white onions and radish. If tacos cramp your style, the taqueria also has great breakfast burritos.
Take your horchata or Jamaica drink to their sunny outside tables or to the welcoming spot beneath the open sky. But if there’s no scratch salsa on the table, you’re kinda doing it wrong.
Taqueria Don Jose
$ | (360) 916-9912 | WEBSITE
The food truck at Taqueria Don Jose always has a line because this Vancouver spot is the perfect quick stop to grab lunch or dinner on the go. And you’ll usually find a mix of everyone here: taco enthusiasts, families picking up takeout, and people like us who just love authentic Mexican flavors. Order a carnitas taco with grilled onions and stare appreciatively at the sizzling grill.
And after a few bites of that, it’ll be time to direct your attention toward their breakfast menu—and more specifically toward our favorite items like the generous bacon burrito topped with sour cream and the unique pastor tacos with French fries.