Photo: Daniel Arriola/Unsplash
Mexican food is having a moment in Vancouver, and there’s no better way to jump on the bandwagon than to taste some of the best tacos in the city. Grab some friends and visit five local taco shops on this 6.3-kilometre-long self-guided tour that is perfect for biking or walking.
Biking Note: This route uses quiet streets and bike lanes where possible, but it does involve a little bit of riding on busy streets. Walk your bike on the sidewalk if you aren’t comfortable. Use this link for turn-by-turn directions on Google maps.
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First Stop: El Camino’s
Start your tour at El Camino’s, which specializes in Latin American street food.
They offer seven different types of tacos, including two vegan options. Their weekend brunch menu includes all of their tacos, so it’s a great place to start your Vancouver taco tour. El Camino’s is also known for their drink menu. Don’t miss their margmosas at brunch – they are a combo of a margarita and a mimosa!
Location: 3250 Main Street, Vancouver
Second Stop: La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop – Yukon Street
To get to your second stop, head west on 16th Street, then go right on Ontario Street. Turn left on 10th Avenue, then right on Yukon Street. Find La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop just after you cross Broadway.
When it opened in 2009, La Taqueria was one of the first dedicated tacos shops in Vancouver. Today they have five locations and a food truck, serving up 14 delicious taco varieties including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Locals love their Baja taco, made with seasonal fish and creamy coleslaw.
Location: 2450 Yukon Street, Vancouver
Third Stop: Mi Casa Mexicana
Your next stop is Mi Casa Mexicana in Kitsilano, 3.5 km away. To get there, head downhill on Yukon and then go left on 7th Avenue. Take 7th to Laurel Street, then turn right and head across the overpass to Charleson Park. Turn left onto the seawall and follow it past Granville Island. Turn left on Island Park Walk, right on Creekside Drive, then left on West 1st Avenue. Turn left to go south on Burrard to find Mi Casa Mexicana near the intersection with West 4th Avenue.
This cosy spot prides itself on serving home-style Mexican food made with family recipes. They have eight types of tacos on offer. Try their quesa-taco especial. It’s a taco of your choice covered with a layer of melted cheese and served with a side of pico de gallo.
Location: 2015 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Fourth Stop: Tacofino Kitsilano
Your next taco stop is just around the corner. Head west on West 4th Avenue for one block to arrive at Tacofino Kitsilano.
It all began as a humble taco truck in the parking lot of a Tofino surf shop. Today you don’t have to travel all the way to Vancouver Island to enjoy their tacos – they have seven locations around Vancouver. Each restaurant has its own vibe and a slightly different menu. At Tacofino Kitsilano don’t miss the crispy chicken taco which is served with pickled vegetables and chimichurri sauce.
Location: 1909 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver
Final Stop: Lucky Taco
To get to your next stop, head north (downhill) on Cypress Street, then turn left on 2nd Avenue. Go right at Yew Street and find Lucky Taco at the intersection of West 1st Avenue and Yew.
The playful decor adds a fun atmosphere to this small restaurant. They have 11 different tacos on the menu, each made with fresh corn tortillas. Vegetarians rave about their crispy cauliflower tacos. Meat-eaters should try their fusion-inspired fried chicken tacos which include pickled red cabbage, ponzu-infused barbecue sauce, and a ginger ranch sauce.
Location: 1685 Yew Street, Vancouver
Continue Your Vancouver Taco Tour
Vancouver has lots of other taco shops worth visiting. Why not design your own taco tour?
Las Margaritas: 1999 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver
Tacofino (additional locations): 8 East 5th Avenue, Vancouver; 1025 Mainland Street, Vancouver; 15 West Cordova Street, Vancouver; 1050 West Pender Street, Vancouver
La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop (additional locations): 322 West Hastings Street, Vancouver; 586 Hornby Street, Vancouver; 851 West Georgia Street, Vancouver; 213-1305 Welch Street, North Vancouver
Sal y Limon: 701 Kingsway, Vancouver; 1752 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Chanco Tortilleria: 560 Davie Street, Vancouver
La Mezcaleria: 1622 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
The Burrow (formerly known as Bandidas Taqueria): 2781 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
La Catrina Tacos: 1187 Denman Street, Vancouver
Lucha Libre Taqueria: 722 Nelson Street, Vancouver
Adelitas Restaurant: 5178 Victoria Drive, Vancouver
Sombreros: 1290 Howe Street, Vancouver
Cuchillo: 261 Powell Street, Vancouver
The Mexican Antojitos y Cantina: 1049 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tacomio: 1245 Glen Drive, Vancouver; 6025 University Boulevard, Vancouver; 1300 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver
TAKO – Taqueria Korean: 601 Expo Boulevard, Vancouver
Chupito: 322 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
Los Cuervos Taqueria & Cantina: 603 Kingsway, Vancouver
The Pawn Shop YVR Taco Bar: 1117 Granville Street, Vancouver
By Taryn Eyton
Source Inside Vancouver
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