Shrimp tacos are one of my all-time favorite foods The combination of tender shrimp, cool cabbage slaw, spicy sauce, and warm tortillas is simply irresistible The flavors and textures come together to create a meal that leaves me satisfied yet somehow still craving more.
Recently, I was really wanting some great shrimp tacos but wasn’t sure where I could get some near me. I decided to do some digging, ask friends for recommendations, and ultimately found 10 amazing local spots to get my shrimp taco fix. Through my search, I learned just how popular shrimp tacos have become at restaurants all over. Here’s the inside scoop on satisfying your shrimp taco craving no matter where you live.
Start Your Search in Tacotowns
Some cities like Los Angeles, Austin, and Houston have become widely known as taco havens. Their heavy Mexican cultural influences and thriving food scenes have produced some exceptional shrimp taco purveyors. For example, search Houston’s Tacotown and you’ll find taquerias like Torchy’s Tacos, El Rey Tacos, and Blanco Tacos + Tequila serving up celebrated shrimp tacos.
Don’t limit yourself to just the big names though. Be sure to check reviews and ask locals for recommendations of their favorite neighborhood spots too. Sometimes the hole-in-the-wall, family-run taquerias have the best kept shrimp taco secrets.
Head to the Water
Living near a coast or major fishing port likely means you’ve got access to the freshest shrimp around. Seek out places known for their local seafood. The closer they are to the source, the better quality their shrimp tacos will be. Here in Maryland, I’ve found great shrimp tacos at restaurants in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and beach towns like Ocean City and Annapolis.
Similarly, business near fish markets or wharfs like Seattle’s Pike Place and San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf tend to highlight their fresh, local seafood Their shrimp tacos should definitely be on your radar.
Ask a Foodie Friend
Don’t underestimate the power of crowdsourcing. Let your fellow taco lovers guide you to their go-to shrimp taco spots. Post on social media asking friends for recommendations Check online reviews on sites like Yelp, Google, and Foursquare Look at posts hashtagged #shrimptacos on Instagram for visual inspiration.
Pay attention when a certain place keeps getting mentioned. Consistently good reviews or photos are telling signs of shrimp tacos worth seeking out. If someone raves about a restaurant’s shrimp tacos, that’s your cue to try it.
Peruse Food Halls and Trucks
Two newer major shrimp taco sources to check out are food halls and food trucks. Urban food halls provide a collection of small, specialty vendors all under one roof. They’re great for finding a range of cuisines and trying different shrimp tacos. For example, Seattle’s Pike Place Market food hall has taquerias alongside seafood counters with fresh shrimp.
Meanwhile, food trucks offer quick, on-the-go eats like shrimp tacos. They often park near bars and nightlife spots when cravings kick in. Tracking down favorite trucks on social media can help you find times and locations to get your mobile shrimp taco fix.
All You Can Eat Shrimp Tacos
For indulging extreme shrimp taco cravings, keep an eye out for all-you-can-eat specials. Brazilian steakhouses like Fogo de Chão sometimes offer seasonal all-you-can-eat shrimp tacos as an appetizer. Local bars or Mexican restaurants may have weekly all-you-can-eat shrimp taco nights.
Even if limited to just one night, be sure to take advantage of these shrimp taco feasts when you find them. They’re the perfect opportunity to get your fill! Just beware the inevitable food coma.
DIY Shrimp Tacos
When good shrimp tacos can’t be found nearby, take matters into your own hands. Grab fresh shrimp and tortillas and make them at home. Shrimp cooks fast, so you can whip up a skillet of easy garlic lime shrimp in under 15 minutes. Quick pickled onions, pico de gallo, guacamole or pulled together toppings from the fridge elevate store-bought ingredients into restaurant-worthy tacos.
I also keep a few bags of prepared coleslaw mix on hand for quick shrimp taco nights. A basic recipe I turn to combines mayo, sour cream, sriracha, garlic, cumin, and cayenne pepper for an easy creamy, spicy sauce. Add that to warm tortillas layered with shrimp, slaw, avocado and you’ve got craveable shrimp tacos in under 30 minutes.
Expand Your Search
If you’re still coming up empty in your shrimp taco search, start looking beyond just Mexican restaurants. Nowadays, shrimp tacos appear on all types of menus. Seafood restaurants, food trucks, gastropubs, and even pizza joints are serving shrimp tacos.
Consider checking places known for fish tacos too. Where you find good fish tacos, tasty shrimp tacos likely aren’t too far away. The popularity of shrimp tacos means you’ve got more options than ever.
Don’t Settle
With so many restaurants making shrimp tacos these days, quality can vary drastically. Don’t settle on mediocre tacos just to satisfy a craving. Pay attention to shrimp quality, sauce flavor, tortilla type, and topping freshness. A great shrimp taco balances textures and vibrant flavors in each bite.
If a place misses the mark, move on. Part of finding a new favorite shrimp taco spot is experiencing some duds along the way. Just consider it helping narrow down the nearby gems.
Trust Your Instincts
Over time, your shrimp taco intuition will get stronger. Note places that draw your eye and spark that taco tingle. Maybe it’s the amazing aroma when passing by or seeing words like fresh, homemade, and authentic that grab your attention.
When a restaurant gives you that feeling of just knowing they’ve got to have good shrimp tacos, listen to your gut. Chances are your shrimp taco radar is leading you where you need to go.
Enjoy the Hunt
Finding the best shrimp tacos near you takes effort but reaps tasty rewards. Getting out and trying new spots nearby helps you discover hidden taco treasures. Plus, you get to enjoy eating shrimp tacos along the way!
Even after getting your fill, the shrimp taco hunt continues as new places pop up. Part of the fun is always being on the lookout for the next great shrimp taco. So embrace your endless quest for shrimp taco satisfaction – just make sure to come hungry.
Frequency of Entities:
Houston: 3
Los Angeles: 1
Austin: 1
Seattle: 2
San Francisco: 1
Baltimore: 1
Ocean City: 1
Annapolis: 1
Pike Place Market: 2
Fisherman’s Wharf: 1
Fogo de Chão: 1
