Taqueria La Matraca
4607 Saint-Denis Street | Website
This no-frills taqueria on the Plateau serves up super authentic tacos. Named after a wooden noisemaker, the atmosphere at Taqueria La Matraca is often a boisterous one. Check out their tacos al pastor—trompo (vertical spit) roasted, the marinated pork is shaved and served on a warm toasted corn tortilla, topped with onions, cilantro and pineapple.
© Two Food Photographers (Alison Slattery)
Icehouse
51 Roy Street East | Website
Icehouse isn’t exactly a taqueria, but it is known for being Montréal’s go-to spot for everything Tex-Mex. Fried chicken tacos, fish tacos, or even fried shrimp tacos: load up on tacos that will entice enthusiasts and offend purists.
El Rey del Taco
232 Jean-Talon Street East | Website
Located right in the Jean-Talon Market, “The King of Tacos” is another destination for authentic street food tacos. From chicken, pork and beef to lamb, chorizo and beef tongue, this place has it all. Part specialty grocery store and part restaurant, El Rey del Taco is your one-stop shop for all Mexican food needs.
Tacos & Tortas
51 Rachel Street West | Website
Tacos & Tortas menu consists of Mexican street food classics, tacos and tortas (sandwiches). Of its fresh corn tortillas made to order, don’t miss the bistec tacos— thinly grilled slices of flank steak, sautéed onions and grilled cactus, topped with a slice of fried potato and garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.
La Capital Tacos
1096 Saint-Laurent Boulevard | Website
La Capital serves authentic Mexican tacos in the heart of Chinatown. Their location may be deceiving as their menu does not consist of fusion items. Choose from six different tacos that include the classic carnitas, al pastor, shrimp as well as a “taco del dia” (a taco of the day special).
© Two Food Photographers (Alison Slattery)
Tacos Frida
4350 Notre Dame Street West | Website
This family-run neighbourhood corner store is popular spot for tacos as well as Mexican groceries and specialty grocery items. Choose from pulled chicken, beef, pork and vegetarian tacos and wash them down with one of their homemade horchata.
Tacos Don Rigo
4740 Saint-Jean Boulevard | Website
Located in suburb of Pierrefonds, the drive out to the West Island is worth it for one of the city’s best quesabirria tacos. Kitschy decor with the intoxicating smell wafting from the plancha, It’s a fiesta everyday at Tacos Don Rigo. Burritos, quesadillas and more.
Escondite
Several locations in Montreal | Website
This local taqueria bills itself as a “cervecería de barrio” which basically means a neighbourhood bar. With five locations, this spot if satiating taco cravings and quenching thirsts with their signature tequila cocktail menu. Tapas style, their menu is easily shared which is great because you’ll want to try everything.
Taco Trunp
388 Saint-Zotique Street | Website
This colourful taqueria located in Little Italy playfully pokes fun at a former President’s hair and likens it to the shape and colour of their bright yellow corn tortillas. From al pastor, carnitas and fried fish tacos, this spot is claiming to be the “best tacos in Canada”. We guess you’ll just have to try to find out.
Jason Lee
Jason is a food eater and picture taker. As the blogger behind Shut Up and Eat, he covers everything food, from recipes to reviews. Jason has vowed that he will not stop until he has officially eaten his way across Montréal. It’s a big claim, and it’s one he’s making.
