Searching for the best tacos in Salt Lake City? From birria to Korean short rib, explore SLC’s top taquerias loved by locals and reviewed across Yelp and Google.
The best tacos in Salt Lake City offer everything from birria bowls to duck confit
Salt Lake City may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think “taco capital,” but locals know better. From tiny street taco stands to polished Mexican bistros, the taco scene in SLC punches well above its weight. What started as simple al pastor and carne asada has grown into a rich mosaic—birria, fish, cactus, and even Korean short rib all find a home here.
We’ve pulled together this guide to the best tacos in Salt Lake City based on verified reviews from Yelp, Google, and trusted sources across social media and food forums. These taquerias reflect a city-wide obsession with flavor, craft, and culture. Whether you’re hunting for a quick late-night bite or planning a full-on taco tour, these seven standout spots deliver.
Table of Contents
Roctaco
Address: 248 S Edison St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone: (801) 905-8016
Yelp Rating: 4.4 (439 reviews)
Operating Hours: Mon–Thu 11 am–9 pm; Fri–Sat 11 am–10 pm; Closed Sunday
Service Type: Counter service; outdoor seating
Atmosphere: Casual, modern fusion taqueria with a laid-back, communal vibe
Website: roctaco.com
Menu: roctaco.com/menu
Roctaco is a downtown favorite for locals who like their tacos bold, edgy, and creative. It’s not your typical taqueria—think hip-hop beats, street art décor, and a rotating menu of globally inspired tacos that blend Korean, Southern, and Latin flavors. It’s laid-back but intentional, and always packed during lunch and weekend dinner rushes.
Popular picks include the Korean Short Rib Taco and the Fried Avocado Taco—both hailed on Yelp for their inventive flavors and generous portions. Their Quesabirria and Elote Street Corn have also gained cult followings, especially among late-night diners looking for something crave-worthy. Whether you dine on their Edison Street patio or grab takeout, Roctaco is a standout in the SLC taco scene.
- Korean Short Rib Taco
- Fried Avocado Taco
- Birria Quesadilla
- Elote Street Corn
- Quesabirria Tacos
Santo Taco
Address: 910 N 900 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Phone: (801) 893-4000
Yelp Rating: 4.4 (293 reviews)
Operating Hours: Mon–Sat 10 am–9 pm; Sun 10 am–5 pm
Service Type: Counter service with takeout and late-night ordering
Atmosphere: Vibrant, friendly spot popular for late-night cravings
Website: santotacos.com
Menu: order.santotacos.com
Located in the Rose Park area, Santo Taco is one of the most reliable spots for consistently excellent tacos with a hometown feel. With a casual vibe and efficient counter service, this place shines during lunch rush and post-bar weekend hours. The staff is friendly, and the taco menu leans classic but with a few fun surprises.
Yelpers consistently praise the Birria Taco and Al Pastor Taco for their rich seasoning and perfect char. The El Chingón Taco—a triple-meat blend with bacon—is a local favorite for big appetites. Vegetarians aren’t left out either: Santo’s cactus and calabacitas tacos are widely celebrated for flavor and freshness.
- Birria Taco
- Al Pastor Taco
- El Chingón Taco
- Fish Taco
- Shrimp Taco
- Cactus (Nopal) Taco
- Calabacitas Taco
Taqueria 27
Address: 149 E 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone: (385) 259-0940
Operating Hours: Sun–Thu 11:30 am–9 pm; Fri–Sat 11:30 am–1:30 am
Service Type: Full service dining with bar and private room options
Atmosphere: Trendy, upscale-casual with vibrant décor and modern touches
Website: taqueria27.com
Menu: taqueria27.com/salt-lake-city-taqueria-27-food-menu
For those looking for tacos with a side of elegance, Taqueria 27 delivers a more refined experience without losing the essence of a neighborhood taqueria. With multiple SLC locations, it’s well-known for premium ingredients and a rotating selection of seasonal specials. From the colorful décor to the cocktail menu, the vibe is fresh, festive, and a little fancy.
Signature dishes include the Duck Confit Taco and Pork Belly Taco—both regularly mentioned in Facebook and TripAdvisor reviews for their richness and originality. Their Birria Taco, Fish Taco, and “Guacamole of the Day” showcase a balance of fun and finesse. If you’re celebrating or want to sit down and linger, Taqueria 27 earns its spot among the best tacos in Salt Lake City.
- Duck Confit Taco
- Pork Belly Taco
- Fish Taco
- Birria Taco
- Quesabirria
- Guacamole of the Day
Los Tapatios Taco Grill
Address: 319 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone: (385) 227-8373
Yelp Rating: 4.5 (154 reviews)
Service Type: Counter service; limited indoor seating
Atmosphere: Casual, no-frills spot known for its focused birria menu
Website: lostapatiostacogrill.com
Menu: lostapatiostacogrill.com/menu
Tucked into a modest storefront on South Main, Los Tapatios Taco Grill doesn’t rely on flash—it lets the birria do all the talking. This is a birria lover’s paradise, with tacos, bowls, nachos, and quesadillas all centered around rich, stewed beef served with deeply flavorful consommé for dipping. It’s casual, consistent, and delivers the kind of satisfying bite you crave on a cold day—or any day, really.
With a 4.5-star rating on Yelp, it’s clear this small operation has made a big impression. Diners rave about the texture of the meat, the generous portions, and the crave-worthy consommé. Seating is limited, so many opt to grab lunch on the go. Still, whether you dine in or take out, Los Tapatios more than earns its place among the best tacos in Salt Lake City.
- Signature Birria Taco
- Birria Quesadilla
- Birria Nachos
- Birria Bowl
- Consommé for dipping
De Los Muertos
Address: 1215 Wilmington Ave Ste 104, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Phone: (801) 869-1006
Yelp Rating: 4.5 (242 reviews)
Operating Hours: Mon–Sun 11 am–9 pm
Service Type: Counter service with patio seating and takeout/delivery
Atmosphere: Modern, chic taqueria with bright colors and casual patio dining
Website: delosmuertos-mexican-restaurant.com
Menu: delosmuertos-mexican-restaurant.com/mexican-food-delosmuertos-menu
Located in Sugar House, De Los Muertos pairs a vibrant aesthetic with a menu that mixes tradition and creativity. The atmosphere is casual yet thoughtfully designed, with bright Day of the Dead–inspired art and a breezy patio that makes it a prime lunch or dinner destination year-round.
This taqueria is especially well-loved for its inventive taco lineup. Highlights include the Los Muertos Asada Taco (which adds bacon and guacamole to a carne asada base), and the vegetarian-friendly La Calavera Black Bean & Cheese Taco. Breakfast tacos are also available all day, a rarity in Salt Lake’s taco scene. Their Birria Taco, complete with consommé, gets consistent praise in Yelp reviews for being juicy, satisfying, and perfectly balanced.
- Los Muertos Asada Taco (carne asada, bacon, guacamole)
- La Calavera Black Bean & Cheese Taco
- Birria Taco (with consommé)
- Breakfast Tacos (served all day)
- Muertos Quesadilla (cheese & meat blend)
Street Tacos Don Joaquin
Address: 423 W 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Phone: (385) 528-1171
Operating Hours: Daily 10 am–12 am
Service Type: Counter service (street-style, order at the window)
Atmosphere: Casual street-taco stall with quick takeout and communal seating
Website: donjoaquinstreettacos.com/en
Menu: donjoaquinstreettacos.com/en/menu
If you’re craving authentic, no-nonsense tacos with street food energy, Don Joaquin is the move. This walk-up taco stand near Pioneer Park stays open late, serving up freshly griddled tortillas filled with juicy asada, spicy al pastor, and more. No frills—just tacos made fast, made right, and made with flavor that keeps regulars coming back week after week.
Yelp and MapQuest reviews consistently call out their carne asada and birria quesadillas, but it’s the quick service and honest prices that make it a local favorite. The communal benches give it a social vibe, perfect for grabbing a late-night bite with friends or a solo snack after work. For classic flavors served street-style, this is one of the top taco spots in Salt Lake.
- Asada Tacos
- Al Pastor Tacos
- Cabeza Tacos
- Birria Quesadillas
- Carne Asada Fries
Monarca
Address: 268 S State St Ste 110, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone: (801) 214-0111
Yelp Rating: 4.5 (220 reviews)
Operating Hours: Mon–Thu 5 pm–9 pm; Tue–Fri 11 am–2 pm & 5 pm–9 pm; Sat 11 am–10 pm; Closed Sunday
Service Type: Full service dining with bar/lounge and valet parking
Atmosphere: Upscale-casual bistro with modern Mexican flair and elegant presentation
Website: monarcaut.com
Menu: monarcaut.com/salt-lake-city-monarca-food-menu
Monarca bridges the gap between taqueria and fine dining, bringing an upscale twist to traditional Mexican flavors in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. With its moody lighting, bold tilework, and polished plating, it’s an ideal spot for date nights, special lunches, or a stylish dinner with friends. Valet service and a standout cocktail list add to the elevated experience.
But don’t let the refined setting fool you—the tacos here are anything but timid. Standouts include the Halibut en Flor de Calabaza Taco, Salmon al Chorizo, and the show-stopping Birria Tacos served with consommé. The Chilaquiles Taco—topped with a fried egg and queso fresco—is a brunch-lovers’ dream, and reviewers frequently describe the service as “exceptional.” Among Salt Lake City taquerias, Monarca offers one of the most elevated and memorable dining experiences.
- Birria Tacos (with consommé)
- Halibut en Flor de Calabaza Taco
- Salmon al Chorizo Taco
- Enchiladas Suizas Taco
- Chilaquiles Taco (with eggs & queso fresco)
FAQ: Best Tacos in Salt Lake City
Where can I find the best birria tacos in Salt Lake City?
Birria lovers have no shortage of choices—Roctaco, Santo Taco, Los Tapatios, De Los Muertos, and Monarca all serve standout versions. For a casual grab-and-go, Los Tapatios is the top pick. For a sit-down experience with consommé and cocktails, try Monarca or Taqueria 27.
What’s the best spot for vegetarian or vegan tacos in Salt Lake City?
De Los Muertos offers strong plant-based options like the La Calavera Black Bean & Cheese Taco and Calabacitas Tacos. Santo Taco’s cactus taco is also highly rated for flavor and texture.
Are there any taco spots in SLC open late?
Yes! Street Tacos Don Joaquin is open daily until midnight, making it a favorite for late-night taco runs. Taqueria 27 also stays open until 1:30 am on weekends, offering upscale tacos well into the night.
What’s a good taco place for a casual lunch?
Roctaco, De Los Muertos, and Santo Taco are all excellent lunch choices with quick service and energetic atmospheres. If you’re near downtown, Roctaco and Don Joaquin are easy walkable options.
Where can I go for tacos and cocktails?
Monarca and Taqueria 27 both offer full bars and curated cocktail menus to pair with their taco offerings. Whiskey-forward drinkers should also check Monarca’s agave-based list.
If tacos are on your mind, these are the best tacos in Salt Lake City
Whether you’re chasing smoky al pastor, juicy birria, or inventive fusion flavors, Salt Lake City delivers taco experiences as diverse as its neighborhoods. From casual counter spots in Rose Park and Granary to elevated dining downtown, this is a city where taco culture thrives—and evolves.
The best tacos in Salt Lake City combine authenticity, innovation, and community buzz. Each taqueria featured here has earned its reputation through consistent flavor and local love, backed by hundreds of real reviews and repeat customers. So the next time you’re wondering where to grab tacos in SLC, use this guide to find the spot that hits the right note—whether that’s a quick bite on the go or a crafted taco tasting over cocktails.
About Utah Food Reviews
Utah Food Reviews curates the state’s most trusted dining guides by combining local insight, public feedback, and rigorous editorial standards. We aim to highlight not just good food, but the people and culture behind it—from taquerías in West SLC to fine dining in the Wasatch Front.
Get to know our process and purpose on our About Us page.
About the Author
This article was written by Ellie Maren, a lifelong Utahn, food critic, and cultural documentarian focused on the evolving flavors of the Mountain West. As the founding editor of Utah Food Reviews, Ellie combines thoughtful research with firsthand conversations and verified community sentiment. Her guides are shaped not by algorithms, but by presence, dialogue, and taste.
How This Article Was Prepared
The Utah Food Reviews editorial team compiled this guide based entirely on publicly available, verifiable data. We reviewed and compared insights from Yelp, OpenTable, restaurant websites, Reddit food threads, Facebook pages, and Google Reviews. No business featured here paid to be included. All entries reflect authentic public consensus and regularly updated operating details as of July 2025.
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