Where To Find The Best Tacos in Louisville, Kentucky

Updated as of March 2021

We saw a meme somewhere recently that said ‘Being a foodie isn’t a personality trait’ and we have to say… WE DISAGREE! People who love the experience of good food are our people. If you love to eat, our casa is your casa you know? Tacos are no different and we’ve tried about a thousand of them jussst to make sure our recommendations were correct. Here are the best tacos in Louisville!

Other Louisville Foodie Posts:

• Louisville’s Best Fast & Local Lunch Spots
• Best Seafood In Louisville

P.S. Did you know there’s such thing as National Taco Day? October 4th, every year Americans celebrate their love for tacos (and margaritas) – by consuming 4.5 billion tacos!

Best Louisville Taco Trucks

From waterfront music to bourbon festivals and farmers’ markets, Louisville has had no shortage of perfect breeding grounds for food trucks. That incluudesss food trucks with tacos, margaritas, and all of the special sauces to slather all over your tacos. (Just because it’s a food truck doesn’t mean you won’t get the full experience!) Here are a few of our favorite taco trucks in Louisville!

1. Holy Molé

Holy Mole has been on the Louisville food truck scene for a very long time and it’s easy to see why. At three tacos for 12$ – Holy Mole has some amazingly cheap tacos for how good they are. Seeing them at all of our favorite festivals downtown always brings us joy! What makes Holy Mole special: the mole. If you don’t know what mole is, let’s start from the top.

Pronounced MOH-lay, it’s the Spanish word for sauce. Lol so anyone using the phrase ‘mole sauce’ is saying ‘sauce sauce’. Be prepared to get laughed at! (Just kidding… sort of.) But basically – mole is a sauce made from chocolate and a variety of chilis, garlic, etc. Might sound weird but trust us it’s delicious! For more of an explanation into what Holy Mole’s mole brings to the table, see here.

Where They’re Usually Parked: Find out on Instagram – Usually around festival season!

2. Taco La Esperanza

You might also know them as ‘Hope on Wheels’ – but Taco La Esperanza serves tacos in J-town along with a few other items you can’t grab from your normal taco food truck. Also serving tortas – basically awesome Mexican sandwiches – and Philly Cheese sandwiches, Taco La Esperanza kills it during the lunch rush hour.

Taco La Esperanza’s hours are Tuesday through Saturday 4-11 or 12 pm. Usually parked at 3401 Breckenridge Lane, visit their Facebook Page – To find out where they’re gonna be parked!

3. Traveling Kitchen

If you’re one of those people that likes non-traditional tacos – The Traveling Kitchen’s tacos are for you. Getting 5/5 stars on Yelp – these tacos are well worth the drive to wherever they’re parked. Flavor profiles like – Kimchi steak, tempura fish, and pork dumplings are the exotic Asia flair that you didn’t know you needed!! (We know pork dumplings aren’t technically a taco – but MAN are they delicious in combination with a kimchi steak taco!!)

Also available for parties and events – email them at travelingkitchen@yahoo.com. To find out where they’re parked, follow them on Instagram!

Where They’re Usually Parked: Downtown Louisville { Around UofL} – Sometimes Middletown – Click here to find them on Instagram with daily locations as well.
Hours: Varying between 11AM – 7PM

Best Traditonal Tacos in Louisville

Traditional tacos are going to be the simple ones! Really good quality tortillas, well-seasoned meats, fresh toppings, and creamy cojita..? Typically called ‘street style’ when you only get onions and cilantro – this is our favorite way and we highly recommend it! It’s how you taste the meats and get the best flavors.

Now that you’ve read my ‘Ode to Traditional Tacos’ here are a few of our favorites around Louisville.

1. La Rosita

Where our love for Louisville’s taco scene was born. A true hole in the wall, we’ve seen La Rosita grow from a Mexican grocery and butcher, to now a full-fledged restaurant. Seeing them from their humble beginnings makes us SO proud! {Totally non-sarcastic here- when you walk in you’ll understand why. They’re incredibly nice and will remember you!}

More than just tacos, they also do quesadillas and burritos which we love just the same. Make sure to douse everything you order in the two special sauces that’ll be brought to your table!! This is the no-fuss no-frills taco experience we all need.

Address: 8730 Westport Rd, Louisville, KY 40242
Hours: Monday through Thursday 9 a.m to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday 9 a.m to 8:30 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

2. Ramiros Cantina

I {Shelbs} only grew up in Louisville for 3 years or so in high school – and during those formative years is when my love for foodie atmospheres was born. It’s almost impossible to avoid becoming a foodie if you live here? Anywho- one of the very first restaurants I fell in love with was Los Aztecas. When they rebranded a couple of years ago – they renamed it to Ramiro’s Cantina.

Their food is good, they have a great patio, and walking along Frankfort Avenue is just perfect on an evening stroll with your honey-bun! As far as their tacos go- they have everything you could possibly want and more!

Address: 2350 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky 40206
Hours: Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

3. Guaca Mole

While not the main focus of their restaurant – Guaca Mole’s tacos are actually pretty good! They serve al pastor, Pescado (fish), and chicken tinga tacos along with a vegetarian taco option! (Picked up the vegetarian tacos for lunch one day when going through our vegan phase and was pleasantly surprised by how good they were!)

They also do mole-style Mexican dishes if you don’t get a chance to try it from the Holy Mole taco truck! (Keep in mind this location gets really busy because it’s near the mall and St.Matthews – a busy lunch spot in Louisville!)

Address: 9921 Ormsby Station Rd Louisville, KY 40223
Hours: Monday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday 12 a.m. to 9:30pm and Sunday 12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where To Find Birria Tacos in Louisville

If you’ve never heard of birria tacos – it’s basically taking the US by storm. A new fad in the US even though it’s traditionally from the era of the Conquistadors down in Mexico!

So what is it? Only the most flavorful, sensual taco experience you didn’t know you needed. Birria itself is typically stewed meat typically from goat or lamb – and serviced with onion and cilantro. The taco version of birria is basically that stewed meat, onions, cilantro, and cheese in a fried taco – served with a side of the consume broth. SO good!

1. Taco City Louisville

Hands down Ev’s favorite taco joint in Louisville, Taco City Louisville has stolen our hearts! As one of the only places that serves birria tacos in Louisville – it’s fast become a favorite in our house. {Not all birria tacos are made the same and the ones from Taco City are truly awesome!

Taco City in general just has amazing tacos – and they’re doing so well they’re now opening another location in Middletown. For a perfect breezy afternoon that needs birria tacos, hit up the Highlands location and sit out on their great patio!

Highlands Location Address: 1283 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40204
Hours: Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday 12-9 p.m.

Middletown Location: Coming Soon

2. Taco Choza

One of the best parts about Taco Choza is their awesome patio! I went on a lunch break at work and sat outside in the sun? Best pic me up I could’ve asked for on a Tuesday… if only I could’ve ordered a margarita! But getting schmammered on your work lunch break is probably frowned upon?

So what did I order since I couldn’t get a margarita? A baja fish, carne asada taco, and chorizo taco. Since Taco Choza is one of our newer taco locations I feel like I needed to know how they did on their staples and it was amazing! Really good quality meats and very full tacos.

**Tip** If you like spicy food – make sure to try the habanero sauce? It’s actually one of the spiciest sauces I’ve found in a while and soooo good!!!

Address: 3922 Westport Rd, Louisville, Kentucky 40207
Hours: Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Saturday 11 a.m to 10 p.m.

Best California Style Tacos in Louisville

Think more along the lines of California tacos here? These are going to be your trendy tacos and the ones that explode with overlapping flavors!

1. Taco Luchador

As one of the OG trendy taco places in Louisville, Taco Luchador has been so successful in their taco creation, they’ve opened 3 locations!

Also serving birria tacos, they also have awesome California-style tacos with great combinations of flavors. Not to mention probably the only place that we’ve ordered a Mexican-style soup from? It was sooo good I drank it from the big bowl! Favorite taco: the steak ‘Asada’ taco. It’s got the perfect crisp without being dry in any way.

Highlands Location: 938 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 20204
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.

St. Matthews Location: 112 Meridian Ave, Louisville, KY 40207
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.

Downtown Location: 500 West Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m; Saturday, noon to 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.

2. Bandidos Taqueria

The best thing about Bandidos is that not only are their tacos amazing, they’re also really close to Shelbs work. This means we get them allll the time on date lunches. {If you don’t do date lunches with yourself or your partner – you’re missing out!} With two locations in Louisville and one in Lexington – plenty of opportunities to grab a taco.

What we like most about Bandidos is the quality of their meats. No other tacos in town rival the consistent flavorful juiciness of their chicken and chorizo. Totally drool-worthy and worth driving over to UofL! But be sure to get there early enough before the lunch crowd. UofL is doing a ton of construction on campus and it’s a popular lunch spot. If that one gets too full – you can always head to the downtown location!

UofL Address: 423 University Blvd, Louisville, Kentucky 40217
Hours: Monday through Friday 10 a.m. through 10 p.m.

Downtown Address: 905 E. Liberty St. Louisville, Kentucky 40204
Hours: Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

3. Mexa Taco

Two words: HANDMADE. TORTILLAS.

With a slogan like ‘Tacos in handmade tortillas taste better.’ – Mexa Tacos has to be good, right? Let us tell you – they are. With online ordering and two locations – they’ve made it perfectly easy to grab their Crunchy a cheese signature taco! The biggest twist – they have different kinds of tortillas.

Louisville Location Address: 305 West Market St., Louisville, KY 40202
Hours: Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

4. Zombie Taco

The only one of its kind in Louisville – a 24 hours-a-day taco stop!! We didn’t even know we needed this – but after drinks, concerts, or anything downtown… is there really anything you want other than food?! The answer is NO. That’s why Chicago, Louisville, and Austin, Texas are all crushing the market.

A favorite is their ‘Taco Survival Box’ including 3 tacos and a side of chips and salsa. We really think if we were trapped on a desert island, tacos would be one of the necessary survival supplies.

Address: 100 W Washington St, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202
Hours: 24/7

Non-Latin Inspired Louisville Tacos

Not all tacos are Latin-inspired, and Louisvillians have perfected throwing anything into a taco. Let’s just say.. we’re not mad about it. It justifies eating more tacos on a regular basis.

1. Galaxie Bar

Tacos with a side of music and margaritas to go? Yes please!! All of their tacos are named after space-themed things like the Vader Fries? Their best tacos are the Philly Cheesesteak, Baja shrimp, and wakatacka tacos!

Head to their Facebook to watch out for their margarita week special! To see what live music is playing – head to their Instagram. Trivia and dance parties while eating delicious tacos are waiting for you!

Address: 732 East Market Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

2. Con Huevos

This is the breakfast-style taco place of your dreams!! Con Huevos is a breakfast and brunch style Mexican restaurant that Louisvillians can’t seem to get enough of. {Hence the 3 locations around the ‘Ville.}

Their breakfast tacos are in corn tortillas {good for anyone looking for gluten-free options} and boasting a flavor profile. Chorizo, eggs, avacado, and queso? What could be more delicious for breakfast?!!

Frankfort Avenue Location: 2339 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m Saturday through Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Holiday Manor Location: 4938 US Highway 42, Louisville, KY 40222
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m Saturday through Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Omni Hotel Location: 210 W Liberty Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m Saturday through Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

3. Agave & Rye

Beyond being a really cool place to hang out, arcade and the patio of your dreams – Agave & Rye have some of the best tacos in Louisville. Not to mention they’re totally different from what everyone else has! Think… a kangaroo taco? Yes. You read that right. Kan-ga-roo. Genuinely not even sure we realize you could eat kangaroos..? But it was REALLY good.

Besides having bomb tacos.. they also serve incredibly good margaritas! This place is seriously perfect for date nights, big groups of friends, etc.

Address: 426 Baxter Ave Louisville, KY 40204
Hours: Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m to 10 p.m.

4. V-Grits

Vegan and food and beer… not exactly your first thought for tacos right? You would be wrong!! Vgrits doesn’t offer up the only vegetarian/vegan tacos in Louisville – but with being vegan is what they’re known for – they really do it the best!!!

They have spicy bbq tofu tacos and fried dill pickle tacos – which sounds really strange at first? But they’re VERY good. The fried dill pickle taco reminds us of a true Southern staple fried pickles – and it’s totally delicious!

Besides the tacos – they also brew beer with a mission! A portion of every chimera beer goes towards supporting charities in Louisville! Supporting worthy causes and serving delicious tacos sounds like a perfect combo!

Address: 1025 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY 40206
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

5. Hammerheads

Hammerheads is a Louisville institution. Frequented by many locals since their opening in 2010, they also own Game and Ostra (two great restaurant concepts in the Louisville area!). They’ve also opened a second location for Hammerheads because the concept is so popular. Their main vibe is high-quality barbecued meats – included brisket, Nashhot pork belly, and pulled pork.

Their tacos are chock full of tasty combinations, worthy of making any southerner drool. Duck tacos with jalapeno-lime mayo, Pork Belly tacos available in Nash-hot or Original, and catfish tacos. (Perfect if you’re looking for good seafood in Louisville!)

Germantown Address: 921 Swan St Louisville, Kentucky, 40204
Hours: Monday through Saturday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Highlands Address: 2222 Dundee Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40205
Hours: Monday through Saturday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Other Louisville Taco Joints On Our Bucket List

We haven’t been able to try every single taco place because while the limit does not exist on how many tacos is too many tacos.. there are other cuisines to try. WEIRD RIGHT?! But here are a few taco places in Louisville on our list that others have found to be amazing and that we plan on trying this year!

• La Tropicana – on the courier journals list for best tacos in Louisville a few years ago? I don’t know how we even missed this one but it’s worth giving a look around!
  Address: 5215 Preston Highway, Louisville, Kentucky 40213
  Hours: M-Thursday 9AM to 10PM Fr-Sa 9AM- 11:30PM Su 1:30 to 11:30 pm
• Panchitos – 2 locations and an ice cream, Mexican dessert/taco shop? We’re interested.
  Addresses: 2245 Bardstown Road / 8118 Preston Highway
  Hours: Su – Thur 11AM – 9 PM Fri – Sa 11AM – 10AM
• Noche Mexican BBQ – a gourmet Mexican BBQ place inside of an old church. Again.. interesting and will be trying soon!
  Address: 1838 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40205
  Hours: 11 AM to 12 PM most days

Note: The Kentucky Taco is now permanently closed. They will be missed! As the only fried chicken tacos that we knew of, we’re sad to see a little variety go in Louisville’s taco scene. **Hint Hint: If you’re looking for a business to start – we would definitely support you!!

Louisville Taco Week

Taco Tuesday has been a fan favorite across Instagram for years but now Louisville is stepping it up a week. The second week of April has officially been denoted, ‘Louisville Taco Week’!! Here’s what you need to know:

• $2 Tacos at participating restaurants
• Louisville Taco Week Passports at participating restaurants
• 3 Tacos must be ordered to get your stamp!

Our top picks for restaurants participating in Louisville Taco Week:

• Agave & Rye
• Limon y Sal
• Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen
• Molly Malone’s Irish Pub – Interesting
• Noche Mexican BBQ
• Taco City Louisville
• Taco Luchador
• The Ainsworth
• The Limbo
• The Raven Irish Pub & Restaurant – Also interesting..
• Torchy’s

No matter where you chose – remember that you’re supporting local. If they’re busy the second week of April this is why and it’s a great thing to revitalize the Louisville restaurant scene after a couple of hard years during the pandemic. Remember to have a little grace… or another margarita!

Ev and I love our city and its vibrant foodie scene- there’s really nothing we won’t try. If you know of any other places we need to try to add to our list of best tacos in Louisville, comment below!!

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Until next time friends,

Thanks for sharing!