Putting together a list of 7 Must-Have Tacos In Cleveland is no easy task. First, it was really hard to look at these delicious photos and not crave all the tacos as I wrote. Second, I know I am not sharing many great places to get tacos and that may be controversial. At the end of the day, this is all my opinion, and I don’t think I’m going to let you down here. These tacos are t a s t y.
These seven taco spots have been in our rotation for years now and have become our go-to spots to get what we consider the best. Tell me in the comments your favorite spots to get tacos in Cleveland! I’d love to know. In the meantime, feast your eyes and keep reading to see who made our list for the 7 Must-Have Tacos In Cleveland. Enjoy
La Plaza Taqueria
Visit Site | 13609 Lakewood Heights Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44107
Located on Cleveland’s west side is La Plaza Taquieria, a small, Mexican restaurant attached to the front of the La Plaza Supermarket. Once a small stand at the market, now a full restaurant serving up tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and much more. There’s a chilled bar with several delicious salsas to choose from, some desert options, and several indoor seats for guests.
I recommend: I get the Pollo and the Carne Asada with corn tortilla then add Cilantro and Verde sauce with a side of rice. Delicious.
Parking: There is a parking lot adjacent to the supermarket.
Other details: Indoor seating available. Salsa bar with many options. Connected to a supermarket.
Barrio
Visit Site | 806 Literary Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44113 (Tremont Neighborhood)
This choose-your-own-adventure taco joint was one of the first extremely popular spots in Cleveland and according to their website, one of the top-10 taco stands in the United States. The OG Barrio location in Cleveland’s Tremont Neighborhood is still extremely popular, often with waits of an hour or more to get a seat. Since 2012, they have now opened multiple locations in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and beyond. If the line at Tremont is too long, you can try Downtown, and Lakewood as nearby options.
I recommend: Tacos are DIY to what you like and they often have seasonal combinations they suggest. My fave is a flour shell, spice-rubbed chicken, and all three cheese offerings. Also, do not skip the queso, it’s so freaking good you will scoop it all up.
Parking: Tremont location has limited street parking. You may have to go around the block to find a spot. Pay attention to street signs, if you park in the wrong spot your car will get towed.
Other details: Indoor, bar, and outdoor patio seating. Brunch on Saturday & Sunday. Iconic mural on side of the building. No reservations, wait times can often be an hour or more at peek times.
Avo Modern Mexican
Visit Site | 2058 W. 25th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44113 (Ohio City Neighborhood)
A relatively new kid on the block is Avo Modern Mexican. Opening during the pandemic replacing one of our much-loved taco spots that closed its doors in 2020, this new shop has won us over with its delicious Fundido and tacos.
I recommend: My favorite dishes are Fundido, Elotes, Verde Burrito, and shredded chicken tacos with cilantro and queso fresco. Doesn’t seem like a lot on a taco, but I assure you it bursts with flavor.
Parking: Street and small neighboring lot
Other details: Outdoor seating, reservation, waitlist, and take-out options available.
Ohio City Burrito
Visit Site | 1844 W. 25TH Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44113 (Ohio City Neighborhood)
Ohio City Burrito is one of our favorite go-to taco joints for a quick, customizable meal and had to make the list of Must-Have Tacos in Cleveland. They are set up Chipotle-style, where you choose what you want in your tacos, bowls, and burritos as you move down the line, but they have so much more flavor.
I recommend Talia’s tacos with white rice, chicken tinga, corn salsa, cilantro, and cheese. So good. On occasion, I get this as a Brother’s Burrito or Naked Burrito depending on how I feel that day. Get a bottle of Jarritos and a side of chips and it’s a solid meal.
Parking: Street parking or pay parking behind the building or across the street in the West Side Market lot.
Other details: Small outdoor seating area. Takeout and delivery options. Additional locations.
Momocho Mod Mex
Visit Site | 1835 Fulton Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44113
Momocho is a popular Cleveland taco and Mod-Mexcian food restaurant that may be known to non-locals by its spot on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives fame, but to locals, it’s known for its delicious and unique Mexican-inspired food and incredible guacamole. It might be the best guacamole I’ve ever had. We scored the chef’s table for an anniversary dinner once, it was so fun to get samples and watch them cook.
I recommend Guacamole! Seriously, do not skip. I’m good with the traditional, but the goat cheese was good, too, I like the Pollo (chicken) Taquitos with a side of steamed white rice and black beans. My original go-to Chicken Tinga seems to no longer be on the menu.
Parking: Street parking and a small lot next to the building.
Other details: Indoor, bar, and outdoor seating. Chefs table option. Sister restaurant El Carnicero.
Hola Tacos
Visit Site | 12102 Madison Ave, Lakewood, Ohio 44107
Another fairly new taco joint on the scene is Hola, brought to us by the owners of Barroco Arepa Bar. The shop may be small, but they aren’t small on flavor. Really tasty tacos and some unique dishes like Birria Pizza and Mexican Ramen. Since opening in their original Lakewood, Ohio spot they’ve opened two more shops on Cleveland’s East Side.
I recommend: Quesos with charred corn-it’s served with large, flat corn tostadas as chips that you break apart. I also like to get the Chicken Tinga tacos that just have Cotija Cheese and cilantro (minus the pickled onions, habanero, and Mexican crema). Next on my list is the new Chicken Birria Taco! If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Mexican Ramen or Birria Pizza.
Parking: There are a few spots next to the restaurant, but they are always full when we get there so we usually opt for street parking next to or across the street.
Other details: Small shop that has a covered indoor space and enclosed patio space. Sister restaurant Barroco is also worth a visit and has some of their tacos on the menu.
Hacienda Tapatia
Visit Site | 1572 W 117th St, Lakewood, Ohio 44107
The last on my list of 7 Must-Have Tacos in Cleveland This spot is somewhere we’ve gotten takeout from quite often due to how delicious it always is and holds up for the 10-minute drive home.
I recommend: Street Tacos Meal – it’s all you need. There’s a huge menu, but this has never let us down. I get the Grilled Chicken and my husband gets the Steak. Perfection. We do get a side of Guacamole and Queso Dip which I often pour on my tacos.
Parking: There is a lot behind the shop which should have enough parking.
Other details: While we usually get this as take-out, there is ample indoor and bar seating.
If you love tacos and are in the Cleveland, Ohio area you’ve got to try these! Did I not mention your favorite place to get tacos? Let me know in the comments!
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