The Best Tacos in Vancouver: Your Fall 2025 Ultimate Guide!
Hey Vancouver! You know this city delivers stunning scenery, but it also serves up fantastic, authentic Mexican food. Whether you’re a diehard local or just visiting town, the search for the perfect taco can overwhelm you. As your local experts on flavour and fiesta here on Granville Street, we cut through the noise. We compiled the 2025 Guide to the Best Tacos in Vancouver, full of hidden gems and must-visit institutions, making your next taco obsession easy to find.
1. The Pawn Shop YVR: Unbeatable Value, Vibes & The Best Tacos in Vancouver
1117 Granville St, Vancouver, BC
You already read about us, and we earned our reputation! We rank as Vancouver’s top taqueria on TripAdvisor (#3 overall Mexican restaurant), known for unbeatable value and vibes. At The Pawn Shop YVR, you can order our new famous Carne Asada Taco, a top premium sous vide steak with fresh jalapeño-cilantro Chimichurri, or grab a comforting bowl of rich, authentic Tortilla Soup. Plus, don’t miss our incredible $2.49 OG Tacos Happy Hour from 12 pm–6 pm daily (all day Tuesday & Sunday). We aim to serve the best tacos in Vancouver with a side of epic atmosphere.
Ready to fiesta? Book your table now for The Pawn Shop YVR!
Discover More: Vancouver’s Top Taco Spots (Fall 2025 Edition)
Beyond our doors, Vancouver brims with fantastic taco joints. Here are nine more spots making waves in the city’s vibrant Mexican food scene.
2. La Taqueria
2450 Yukon St, Vancouver, BC
A long-running Vancouver favourite, La Taqueria focuses on traditional street tacos with a rotating selection. People often highlight their Trompo de Pastor and their commitment to local ingredients, offering a reliable taste of Mexico.
3. Santo Taco
108 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC
This authentic downtown taqueria is known for serving diverse tacos like Birria and Crispy Pork Belly on fresh, handmade corn tortillas. Santo Taco offers a go-to choice for rich, flavourful options.
4. Carnitas Don José
88 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC
Operating out of a food court in of the International Village Mall, this spot hyper-focuses on authentic, traditional Michoacán-style Carnitas (pork confit) crafted by a champion Charrería master. They truly specialize in one of Mexico’s most beloved dishes.
5. El Compadre Carnitas
988 Expo Blvd, Vancouver, BC
Another specialist in traditional, slow-cooked Carnitas, El Compadre allows patrons to choose specific cuts of pork, such as Maciza (lean) or Cueritos (skin), ensuring a personalized taco experience.
6. Chancho
2096 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC
This authentic Mexican tortilleria makes fresh corn tortillas in-house daily and celebrates its simple, traditional Carnitas and Birria tacos. Their fresh tortillas truly stand out.
7. Los Sapos Tacos
1780 W 3rd Ave, Vancouver, BC
Known for authentic Mexican street food, their highly-rated Al Pastor and the signature “La Gringa” Quesadilla (a deluxe Al Pastor quesadilla) demand a visit. This vibrant spot brings you classic flavours.
8. Ta Chingon Restaurant
2967 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC
A well-loved Kitsilano spot, Ta Chingon is famous for its excellent value, delicious Pork Belly Tacos, and the hearty Torta de Milanesa sandwich. People choose it for generous portions and flavour.
9. Lucha Libre Tacos
722 Nelson St, Vancouver, BC
This lively spot in the downtown core features a fun wrestling theme, offering street food staples and weekend brunch specials that include bottomless mimosas. Expect a dynamic dining experience.
10. La Mezcaleria
1622 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC
This sophisticated restaurant and cocktail bar celebrates its Queso Fundido and boasts one of the city’s largest selections of rare Mezcals and tequilas. Choose it for a refined, comprehensive Mexican experience.
Taco Terminology: Your Mini-Glossary
Understanding a few key terms will deepen your appreciation for Vancouver’s vibrant taco scene. Here are some essentials:
Birria: This savoury, slow-cooked stew (traditionally goat or beef) often becomes a taco filling, and we serve it with its rich consommé (broth) for dipping.
Carnitas: Literally “little meats,” this pork has been slow-braised or simmered in lard until incredibly tender, then often crisped. It remains a staple in Mexican cuisine.
Al Pastor: Thinly sliced pork marinates in chiles and achiote, then cooks on a vertical spit (like a trompo), and usually hits the plate with pineapple.
Carne Asada: Grilled and sliced beef, typically marinated to achieve tenderness and flavour. It makes a popular and versatile taco filling.
Chicharrones: A crispy flavourful dish of deep fried pork rinds (skin) or pork belly that’s served as a crunchy snack, side, or taco filling
Tortilla Soup: This classic, comforting Mexican soup uses a rich tomato-chile broth, topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and sometimes chicken.
Find Your Flavour: Experience The Best Tacos in Vancouver!
From traditional street food to gourmet twists, Vancouver truly delivers amazing tacos. We hope this 2025 (fall guide) helps you explore the incredible diversity our city offers.
While a fantastic array of options appears on this list, for unbeatable value, electrifying vibes, and the best tacos in Vancouver experience, you know where the party is: The Pawn Shop YVR.
Ready to try our top-ranked tacos? Book your table at The Pawn Shop YVR today!