The Best Puffy Tacos & Tex-Mex in San Antonio
The puffy taco is a San Antonio invention — here's where to eat it, plus the Tex-Mex institutions that have anchored the city for generations.
The puffy taco — a freshly fried, pillowy masa shell that puffs in the oil before it's folded around picadillo or beans — is San Antonio's own. Pair it with enchiladas, carne guisada, and a margarita and you have the city's Tex-Mex canon. These are the rooms that answer "where do I get puffy tacos and Tex-Mex in San Antonio," each scored and verified by Dim Hour, several of them generations-old institutions.
A note on the dish: a puffy taco starts as a ball of fresh masa pressed thin and dropped into hot oil, where it balloons into a light, crisp-edged shell. It's eaten immediately, while the shell is still warm — which is why it rarely travels well and is best had where it's made.
Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery
The 24-hour Market Square landmark — puffy tacos and enchiladas verdes under a ceiling of Christmas lights, with a pan dulce case by the door. Touristy, yes, but the puffy tacos and the around-the-clock hours earn it.
Rosario's Mexican Cafe y Cantina
A Southtown cantina where the puffy tacos share the table with enchiladas suizas and a strong margarita — a livelier, weekend-brunch-leaning take on the San Antonio standards.
Garcia's Mexican Food
A no-frills Fredericksburg Road spot built on handmade tortillas — the puffy tacos, cheese enchiladas, and carne guisada are the order. The neighborhood Tex-Mex plate, done right and cheap.
El Mirador
A Southtown institution since 1967 and a James Beard America's Classics honoree — the sopa Azteca, enchiladas, and carne guisada are the canon here. The award-winning end of San Antonio Tex-Mex.
Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant
The Barrios family's Monte Vista flagship, going since 1979 — the combo plate, enchiladas Barrios, and chiles rellenos are the classics, with puffy tacos on the side.
Casa Rio
The oldest restaurant on the San Antonio River Walk, open since 1946 — the combo plate and enchiladas come with a river-side table and a margarita. As much a piece of city history as a meal.
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Dim Hour scores every restaurant on food, service, ambiance, and value, and verifies every listing. This guide is updated as the catalog changes. Explore all San Antonio restaurants →