Top Taco is a reader's choice competition that sets out to discover who makes the best taco in metro Phoenix. In 2023, Estero Beach , a small food trailer known for fish and shrimp tacos, earned the title. Who will win this year?
On Sept. 17, we asked you to submit your favorite taco restaurants for consideration. From over 200 nominations ranging from food trucks to upscale eateries to mom-and-pop taquerias, we narrowed the field to the ten restaurants with the highest number of nominations that fit the criteria of being local and taco-focused.
Only one can be crowned Top Taco 2024. Now's your chance to decide.
Voting is open at a zcentral.co m and will close at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6.
Before you vote, let's meet the finalists.
CruJiente Tacos - Phoenix
CruJiente 's tacos are not the typical carne asada and carnitas that you'll find at many other popular Phoenix taquerias, but international twists. Readers especially love the Korean fried chicken taco.
"The Korean Fried Chicken has been nationally recognized, and the signature CruJiente fried tacos are just a better version of the fried tacos you get at any cheap taco place in the Valley. Shout out to the mushroom for being a great vegetarian option, and it pairs well with the steak taco," wrote Chris B.
"We drive from the north west valley at least twice a month for these amazing tacos! They are the absolute best and have amazing flavor!! The salsa and guacamole are great too!," wrote Mary.
Details : 3961 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-687-7777, crutacos.com .
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Estero Beach Tacos - Phoenix
Last year's reigning Top Taco winner, Estero Beach Tacos is known for its seafood tacos. Readers also recommend the carne asada and vegetable tacos.
"The tacos are served with very generous portions, the shrimp is cooked to perfection, the sauces are worth licking your fingers for, but over all, the taco comes with an abundance of flavor. I’m making myself hungry for their tacos by typing this," wrote Yareli G.
"The flavor, tortilla used, flavor, and it’s juicy! The vibe and everything about it!" wrote Andres C.
"Jorge is an amazing man who takes pride in what he does. He is always looking for quality ingredients to make sure every bite is delicious & the rim dip they offer with every agua fresca us amazing!" wrote Jennifer L.
Details : Uptown Farmer's Market, Saturdays at 5757 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. @esterobeachtacos on Instagram. facebook.com/people/Estero-Beach-Tacos .
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Lola's Tacos - Glendale
Lola's Tacos serves up carne asada, chicken and al pastor on homemade corn tortillas during Cardinals games at State Farm Stadium.
"Making tacos for the masses and still keeping the street taco authenticity," wrote one reader.
"The service is amazing and the quality of the food is delicious," wrote Daniela D.
"The flavor of Lola’s tacos is like no other," wrote Lisa.
Details : Inside State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale. facebook.com/LolasTacos323 .
Pelon's Food Truck - metro Phoenix
Pelon's Food Truck pops up at events and festivals around metro Phoenix and can be booked for private catering or chef dinners.
"Flavors, presentation and texture are just the best in the Valley!" wrote Michael F.
"The flavors are boooomb," wrote Mario U.
"The Baja taco with pickle onions and pickle cabbage was really good, we come multiple times just for the Baja, and also the carnitas is really good," wrote Carolina M.
Details : @pelonsfoodtruck on Instagram. pelonsfoodtruck.com .
PoNy's Miches - Goodyear
Readers love PoNy's Miches ' seafood tacos, which go down easy with one of their namesake micheladas.
"Shrimp and fish tacos!! The sauce, flavor on those tacos is just amazing!! It’s a must try!!!" wrote Susie M.
Another reader wrote, "Fresh tortillas, fresh home made beer batter, and homemade sauces. Cilantro sauce and spicy mayo."
Details : 725 Estrella Pkwy., Suite 125, Goodyear. @micheladas_el_pony on Instagram.
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Ta'Carbon - Phoenix, Glendale
Ta'Carbon is beloved for its carne asada tacos. Readers also love the taco hazz plate.
"The taco hazz with the green chili and cheese is so delish. It is the absolute perfect combination, yet so simple," wrote Calvin E.
Another reader wrote, "The Hazz is the best possible version of carne asada, served smothered in cheese and chilies with access to an unlimited salsa bar."
Details : 2929 N. 43rd Ave., Phoenix. More locations at tacarbon.com .
Taco Boys - Downtown Phoenix
Taco Boys' carne asada tacos received plenty of votes from readers, who seemed to favor the downtown Phoenix location in particular.
"Best asada in town," wrote Ben P.
"Traditional to Sonoran style — simple with great ingredients," wrote Julian F.
"Tacos al Carbon cooked with charcoal over open fire. Carne Asada has the best flavor & portions money can't beat," wrote Erik J.
Aron S. wrote that they love the "atmosphere and food. Smell of wood smoke and organized chaos."
"Cooked over a woodfired grill, super tender and well-seasoned," wrote Brett N.
Details : 620 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. 602-675-3962. More locations at aztacoboys.com .
Tacos Chiwas - Phoenix, Mesa
Readers love Tacos Chiwas' carne asada, al pastor, chicken and vegetable tacos.
"Feels the most authentic while also going high quality," wrote one reader.
"Beef, Ham, Jalapeño, Anaheim Chiles, Asadero Cheese all in one taco? Unbeatable combination of flavor," wrote Craig W.
"Always perfect, always fast, good quality meat, cooked properly," wrote Daniel B.
"The freshest ingredients, quality meats, fabulous salsas and the best staff!" wrote Carrie D.
"Classic & delicious flavors, constant quality, underrated great service, good price," wrote Tim K.
Details : 1028 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 602-358-8830. More locations at tacoschiwas.com .
Tacos Huichos - Phoenix
Readers voted for Tacos Huichos' carne asada tacos more than any other option they serve, though they are also known for their al pastor.
"Flavors and meat quality are the best! Great salsa also!" wrote one reader who called themself the Taco King.
Details : 1941 E. Oak St., Phoenix. 480-398-6766, facebook.com/tacoshuicho1 .
Xolo - Phoenix
Readers couldn't decide on just one taco from Xolo — carne asada, carnitas, al pastor, barbacoa, chicken and seafood all received numerous votes.
"Very authentic and also innovative with varying levels of spice," wrote Andee S.
"Crispy, sweet and hot, excellent meat quality," wrote Alan M.
"This neighborhood restaurant is a hidden gem in Moon Valley at 7th St and Thunderbird. Great weekday specials and weekend brunch. Tasty, and locally owned small business," wrote Janet H.
"The tacos at Xolo are the best I’ve had. They are always hot and fresh, flavorful and I can tell they are made with love. The owners are amazing! Go support them!!" wrote Shelby H.
"The flavors are rich, they don’t skimp on meat or topping and they have taco Tuesdays specials extend into Wednesday!!! What’s not to love!" wrote Annette S.
Details : 13216 N. Seventh St., Suite 4, Phoenix. xolophx.com .
Reach the reporter at endia.fontanez@gannett.com . Follow @EndiaFontanez on X, formerly Twitter.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: These 10 Phoenix restaurants are Top Taco 2024 finalists. Vote for the best
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