Best Tacos in Colorado Springs

Torchy’s Tacos, La’Au’s Tacos, Fuzzy’s Tacos, Tacos El Güero and El Ray Del Taco (the king of the taco, translated) are a few of the standouts for tacos in Colorado Springs. Tacos are just about the most perfect food. Even Jack in the Box or Taco Bell tacos aren’t the worst choice when you gotta have a taco, but we list here more of the Taco-lover taco restaurants in Colorado Springs. Real tacos are different than fast food tacos with flavor, simplicity, and history. Here are some of the taco places in Colorado Springs that we love most! 

Torchy’s Tacos | Dine in or Drive Through
1358 Interquest Pkwy Suite 100,
Colorado Springs, Colorado
80921

Tacos Del Gordo | AKA Tacos El Gordo
Dine in or Drive Through
1614 S Academy Blvd
Colorado Springs, Colorado
80916

La’au’s Taco Shop
830 N. Tejon St. #110  | William Spencer Center
Colorado Springs, Colorado 
80903

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop | Tex Mex
5915 Dublin Blvd
Colorado Springs, Colorado
80923

3111 N. Chestnut Street
Colorado Springs, Colorado
80907

140 E Cheyenne Road
Colorado Springs, Colorado
80906

El Rey Del Taco 2
3878 Maizeland Road 
Colorado Springs, Colorado
80909

Nacos Tacos
233 N Academy Blvd | Academy Mart
Colorado Springs, Colorado
80909

Zapata Mexican Taco Shop
207 W. Rockrimmon Blvd Ste E
Colorado Springs, Colorado
80919

Tacos El Güero
1853 S. Academy Blvd
Colorado Springs, Colorado
80906

When it’s Taco Time…

Colorado Springs is home to many excellent taco restaurants, each with their unique flavor and style. Whether you are looking for traditional Mexican tacos or more inventive creations, you are sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at five of the best taco places in Colorado Springs: Torchy’s Tacos, La’Au’s Tacos, Fuzzy’s Tacos, Tacos El Güero, and El Ray Del Taco.

Torchy’s Tacos in Colorado Springs

Torchy’s Tacos is a popular taco chain that originated in Austin, Texas, but has since expanded to over 80 locations in seven states, including Colorado Springs. Their menu is known for its creative and unique taco combinations, such as the Trailer Park (fried chicken, green chilies, lettuce, pico de gallo, and shredded cheese) and the Brushfire (Jamaican jerk chicken, grilled jalapeños, mango, sour cream, and cilantro). However, they also offer more traditional options, such as carne asada and barbacoa. Their tacos are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and their homemade sauces are a standout feature. The atmosphere at Torchy’s is laid-back and fun, with colorful decorations and a friendly staff.

La’Au’s Tacos in Colorado Springs

La’Au’s Tacos is a family-owned and operated taco restaurant located in downtown Colorado Springs. They specialize in Hawaiian-style tacos, which combine traditional Mexican flavors with Hawaiian ingredients such as pineapple and coconut. Their menu includes options such as the Kalua Pork (smoked pork, cabbage, pineapple, and cilantro), the Huli Huli Chicken (grilled chicken, teriyaki sauce, pineapple, and cilantro), and the Coconut Shrimp (coconut-breaded shrimp, cabbage, mango salsa, and cilantro). The tacos at La’Au’s are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and their sauces are made in-house. The atmosphere at La’Au’s is casual and inviting, with a bright and colorful interior.

Fuzzy’s Tacos in Colorado Springs

Fuzzy’s Tacos is a Texas-based chain that has expanded to over 150 locations in 16 states, including Colorado Springs. Their menu features a mix of traditional Mexican tacos and more creative options, such as the California Heat (tempura shrimp, bacon, avocado, feta, and Sriracha-lime sauce) and the Baja Fish (tempura fish, garlic sauce, lettuce, and pico de gallo). They also offer breakfast tacos, quesadillas, and burritos. Fuzzy’s tacos are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and their sauces are a standout feature. The atmosphere at Fuzzy’s is laid-back and casual, with a friendly staff and a fun, beachy vibe.

Tacos El Güero in Colorado Springs

Tacos El Güero is a popular food truck located in Colorado Springs that serves authentic Mexican street tacos. They offer a variety of meat options, including carne asada, al pastor, and chorizo, as well as vegetarian options such as nopales (cactus) and rajas (roasted peppers). Their tacos are served on soft, warm corn tortillas and topped with cilantro and onion. The atmosphere at Tacos El Güero is casual and friendly, and the staff is always happy to make recommendations.

El Ray Del Taco in Colorado Springs

El Ray Del Taco is a small, family-owned taco stand located in Colorado Springs. Despite its humble surroundings, it has gained a reputation as one of the best taco places in the city. They offer a variety of traditional Mexican tacos, including lengua (beef tongue), cabeza (beef head), and tripa (beef tripe).

What Goes into Making Authentic Tacos

When it comes to authentic tacos, the key is in the details. From the type of meat and tortilla to the toppings and sauces, every component of the taco plays a crucial role in creating a delicious and authentic flavor.

Let’s start with the tortilla. Authentic tacos are made with corn tortillas, which are made from masa, a dough made from corn that has been soaked in lime water. This process, known as nixtamalization, helps to remove the hull and outer layer of the corn and release its nutrients. The masa is then pressed into thin circles and cooked on a comal, a flat griddle or skillet. This results in a soft and slightly chewy tortilla that provides the perfect base for the taco.

Next, let’s talk about the meat. There are several traditional meats used in authentic tacos, including carne asada (grilled steak), al pastor (marinated pork), barbacoa (slow-cooked beef), and carnitas (slow-cooked pork). The key to authentic flavor is in the seasoning and cooking method. For example, carne asada is typically marinated in a blend of lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and chili peppers before being grilled over high heat. Al pastor is marinated in a blend of spices and pineapple juice before being cooked on a spit and shaved off in thin slices. Barbacoa is typically slow-cooked in a pit or oven until it is tender and flavorful, while carnitas is simmered in its own fat until it is crispy and caramelized.

Now let’s move on to the toppings and sauces. Authentic tacos are typically served with a variety of fresh toppings, such as chopped cilantro, diced onions, and sliced radishes. Salsa is also a key component, and there are countless variations depending on the region and type of taco. For example, tacos al pastor are typically served with a spicy red salsa made from dried chilies, while carne asada tacos may be topped with a fresh pico de gallo or guacamole. Other popular toppings include crumbled queso fresco, sliced avocado, and pickled jalapeños.

Finally, let’s not forget about the garnishes. Lime wedges are a must for squeezing over the tacos, and some people also like to add a sprinkle of salt or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Making authentic tacos requires attention to detail and a deep understanding of the traditional ingredients and cooking techniques. From the fresh corn tortillas to the perfectly seasoned meat and flavorful toppings, every component plays a crucial role in creating a delicious and authentic flavor that is sure to satisfy any taco lover.

Choose one of these great Colorado Springs taco restaurants on Taco Tuesdays, or any night of the week!

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