It seems like every food has its designated day, and tacos are no exception. Whether you prefer sizzling fillings layered into crunchy shells or meat and cheese bundled into a soft tortilla, Charm City offers plenty of spots to indulge in a flavorful fiesta. In honor of National Taco Day on October 4, head to any one of these casual cantinas to sip margaritas and chow down.
Banditos Bar & Kitchen: Gather a group of friends and make your way to this Federal Hill favorite, which features nightly food and drink deals such as $2 tacos on Tuesdays and $8 burritos on Thursdays. Whether you’re in the mood for toasty sandwiches, spicy wings, or savory tacos, there are plenty of Mexican-inspired offerings to choose from. Standouts include street steak tacos with chimichurri slaw and fish tacos with chipotle mayo. 1118 S. Charles St., 443-835-1517.
Blue Agave: Hang out beneath the twinkling lights at this festive Federal Hill haunt where the menu lists everything from empanadas and salads to mussels and fajitas. Taco options are plentiful, with fillings such as carne asada, chicken, shrimp, and Portobello mushrooms. And, if you’re up for a challenge, dig in to the “el Toro Grande”—a two foot monster burrito filled with chicken, beef, vegetables, and jalapeños. If you finish it, Blue Agave foots the bill. 1032 Light St., 410-576-3938.
Clavel: Although this Remington newbie sits only a block away from its sister restaurant W.C. Harlan, it has an identity all its own. Inspired by a trip that owner Lane Harlan took to Oaxaca, Mexico, Clavel emphasizes zesty ceviches, an exhaustive list of mezcals, and affordable tacos. From pork and bitter orange to beef tongue and salsa verde, the mezcaleria offers seven unique taco combinations for less than $5. 225 W. 23rd St., 301-848-2849
Johnny Sanchez: Named after its celebrity chef owners John Besh and Aarón Sanchez, this trendy tacqueria inside Horseshoe Casino boasts colorful globe chandeliers, a hand painted calavera (sugar skull) mural behind the bar, and a private tequila-tasting room for high rollers.The menu lists a variety of inventive tacos and tostadas, including a crispy Louisiana shrimp taco with chili aioli and pickled carrots and a cauliflower taco with roasted corn salsa and habanero passion fruit. 1525 Russell St., 443-931-4575
La Tolteca: With outposts everywhere from Canton to Salisbury, this casual cantina has become a go-to neighborhood spot for diners across the state. The striking interior highlights brick archways and furniture hand-painted with murals of Mexican landscapes, making it a perfect place to dig in to cultural classics.You can’t go wrong with one of La Tolteca’s 19-oz. frozen margaritas paired with chicken or beef tacos, a hefty burrito, or a deluxe taco salad. Multiple locations including 10010 York Road, Cockeysville, 410-683-3340
Mari Luna Mexican Grille: Featuring a dining room embellished with decorative sombreros, this beloved Pikesville BYOB is bursting with fun flair. The flagship location (Mari Luna also features its spinoff Latin Grille one mile away) delivers dishes ranging from gazpacho to pan-seared salmon with mango papaya sauce, but the tacos are a must-try. Take your pick from fish, shrimp, lamb, or pork varieties served atop steamy corn tortillas and smothered in guacamole and Pico de Gallo. 102 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, 410-486-9910
Nacho Mama’s: You might have to post up near the bar for a while before being seated at this charming Canton mainstay, but the food is well worth the wait. Known for its vintage Elvis décor and boozy hubcap margaritas, Nacho Mamas is a popular gathering place for diners to enjoy hefty portions of everything from nachos to chimichangas. Highlights include quesadillas that outsize the plates that they’re served on and chicken, steak, chorizo, or barbecue pork tacos. 2907 O’Donnell St., 410-675-0898
Papi’s Tacos: The eats at this Fells Point hangout, from restaurateur Charlie Gjerde, are inspired by the authentic antojitos (small bites) of Mexican street fairs. Take advantage of nightly drink deals during “Papi Hour” while chowing down on delicacies such as yucca fries, fried plantains, and braised corn on the cob. The customizable street tacos, available authentic style (chopped cilantro, onion, nepoles, and lime) or gringo style (shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and jack cheese) are also a fan favorite. 1703 Aliceanna St., 410-299-8480
R&R Taqueria: The accolades keep on coming for this nationally recognized taco joint, which was recently featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. While one of the two R&R locations is attached to a gas station, don’t let the exterior fool you, because the food is top-notch. Chef/owner Rodrigo Albarran serves up his signature Tex-Mex fare, including tortas (Mexican style sandwiches) tacos al pastor (pork marinated in dry chiles) and enchiladas, at the casual carry-out. Multiple locations including 7894 Washington Blvd., Elkridge, 410-999-0001
Tako Korean BBQ: It’s no secret that Camden Yards has stepped up its concessions game recently, and included in the influx of gourmet grub is this Korean-inspired taco stand on the lower concourse. Indulge in kogi beef or chicken tacos topped with Asian slaw and hot steamed pork buns while rooting for the birds. 333 W. Camden St., Lower Deck next to Gate E, 888-848-2473