Every city claims to have the best tacos—Memphis, though, surprises you in all the right ways. It’s not just about barbecue or blues riffs echoing down Beale Street. Dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover a taco scene as memorable as a stroll along the Mississippi at sunset. I still remember the evening when a burst of bright cilantro and smoky chicken from a tiny shop in Midtown completely changed how I felt about local tacos. Since then, I’ve sampled a wild range from the city’s best: inventive, traditional, and everything in between.
If you’re on the hunt for Memphis tacos worth your appetite, you’re in the right place. This list isn’t just a rehash of online reviews. It’s built from real tableside chats, flavor-packed afternoons, and those quiet moments when a warm tortilla hits just right. Whether your cravings lean classic or creative, you’ll find a spot here tailored to your taste and free from anything questionable. Get ready to meet the Memphis taco circuit at its finest.
Where to find the best tacos in Memphis, TN
Here are some of the top spots to find the best tacos in Memphis, TN:
- Sunrise Memphis
- The Soul Fish Cafe Inc
- Maciel’s Tortas & Tacos
- Elwood’s Shack
- Flying Fish
- Lafayette’s Music Room
- Babalu
- Soul Fish Cafe – Poplar Avenue
- Central BBQ
- Central BBQ
1. Sunrise Memphis
If you think tacos only belong at lunch or dinner, Sunrise Memphis is ready to change your mind. Located on Jefferson Avenue, this spot blends bright, friendly energy with a menu that proves breakfast tacos deserve the spotlight. The place hums with good music and even better morning conversation.
I remember an early stop here after a long night—what woke me up? Their breakfast tacos stuffed with fluffy eggs, crisp potatoes, and fresh salsa bursting with flavor. Each bite feels like the South meeting Mexico over a cup of strong coffee.
Order the tacos with avocado and house-made salsa for a Memphis-style twist: hearty, hands-on, and just the right comfort. Sunset or sunrise, these are tacos to return for, every time.
2. The Soul Fish Cafe Inc
Dining at The Soul Fish Cafe Inc on Cooper Street feels like a taste of the Delta—bold, soulful, and always fresh. This is the spot I stumbled into on a rainy day, only to be greeted by warm hospitality and even warmer plates. The vibe is casual, leaning into a relaxed Southern charm that’s perfect for catching up.
They stand out by putting their own spin on tacos, featuring fillings you wouldn’t expect. The blackened catfish tacos are a Memphis favorite. Lightly spiced and flaky, they rest in soft tortillas with crisp slaw and cilantro-lime sauce that’s a step above your usual fare.
Order the catfish tacos and savor the unexpected harmony of Southern flavor and taco tradition. It’s comfort food worth coming back for.
3. Maciel’s Tortas & Tacos
Maciel’s Tortas & Tacos may be tucked downtown, but its flavors command attention all across Memphis. This place has the colorful, bustling setting that invites you to linger, whether you’re solo or with friends. On one visit, I watched regulars cheerfully chat with staff—always a good sign.
What sets Maciel’s apart? It’s the real-deal, Mexico City-style tacos—fresh, direct, made to order. Each tortilla is warmed just before serving, and the fillings never skimp on authenticity or quality.
Go for the grilled chicken or veggie tacos; you’ll taste why they’re local favorites. Bright salsa, heaps of cilantro, and simple ingredients let every bite shine. Maciel’s elevates classic street tacos to a Memphis experience you won’t forget.
4. Elwood’s Shack
Elwood’s Shack is easy to miss, tucked beside a hardware store on Summer Avenue. But step inside—or grab a seat outdoors—and you’ll see why locals keep this hidden gem busy. My first meal here was a spontaneous lunch that soon turned into a favorite food memory.
The star? Their fish tacos. Think flaky, grilled fish layered with crisp slaw and a tangy sauce, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. It’s not your everyday taco; it’s a blend of Southern comfort and coastal freshness.
Order the grilled fish tacos and taste how Elwood’s brings a Memphis twist to a classic. Big flavors, casual vibes, and genuine smiles—they’re always on the menu.
5. Flying Fish
At Flying Fish, you can almost feel the river breeze as you walk in. This spot near downtown is bright and quirky, decorated with fishing memorabilia and a sense of humor. I stopped in once after a Grizzlies game and have been hooked ever since.
Flying Fish isn’t shy about seafood. Their fish tacos—grilled or fried to your liking—feature perfectly seasoned fillets, crisp lettuce, and a lively salsa that brings real zest. It’s a taste of the Gulf, right in the heart of Memphis.
Try the grilled fish tacos for a light, satisfying meal. They’re quick, flavorful, and show how Flying Fish keeps things fresh and fun, all with a dash of Southern flair.
6. Lafayette’s Music Room
Stepping into Lafayette’s Music Room is like dropping into Memphis’s past and present at once. The stage crackles with energy, and the crowd is as eclectic as the menu. I remember catching a jazz set there, tacos in hand, the city’s vibe blending perfectly with every bite.
Lafayette’s doesn’t just serve music—they serve up some unexpected taco creations, too. Their grilled shrimp tacos combine Gulf Coast freshness with Southern flair, tucked into soft tortillas and topped with tangy slaw and a hint of lime.
Order the shrimp tacos to enjoy a meal that matches the venue’s energy: lively, bold, and impossible to forget. Here, dinner and a show isn’t just a phrase—it’s how you do Memphis right.
7. Babalu
Babalu brings a dose of modern fun to Midtown, with bright interiors and a menu that nods to both Latin and Southern roots. My first trip was a lazy Sunday lunch, and I left with a new standard for creative tacos in Memphis. The vibe is effortlessly cool, matched by friendly service and inventive plates.
What makes Babalu pop? The taco menu changes up classic expectations. Their veggie tacos feature roasted cauliflower, pickled onions, and fresh herbs—full of punchy flavors without feeling heavy. Each order feels custom, crafted for those who want something familiar yet different.
Try the veggie or chicken tacos for a fresh twist on the taco tradition. Every bite is lively, colorful, and unmistakably Babalu—a bit Memphis, a bit Latin, and always a crowd-pleaser.
8. Soul Fish Cafe – Poplar Avenue
Soul Fish Cafe on Poplar Avenue feels like a laid-back Southern porch, where folks trade stories and swap bites. On my first visit, the friendly hum of regulars made it feel like a neighborhood staple even before I saw the menu. The vibe is bright and welcoming, with plates that reflect Memphis’s love for soulful, comforting food.
The kitchen brings a Southern twist to everything, especially their fish tacos. These tacos are packed with blackened or grilled fish, topped with crisp slaw and a touch of creamy sauce. Each taco bursts with well-seasoned freshness.
Go for the blackened fish tacos. They embody what Soul Fish does best—blending local flavor and relaxed Memphis character into every bite.
9. Central BBQ
Central BBQ is known for its smoky aroma the minute you pull into the lot. This Memphis hotspot draws lines for a reason, and it’s not just the ribs or pulled chicken. I first found myself here on a quest for Memphis barbecue and was surprised to discover the taco offering—worth every bite and then some.
Central BBQ’s tacos take the spirit of good barbecue and wrap it in a fresh tortilla. Their smoked chicken tacos stand out, packed with juicy meat, crisp slaw, and tangy sauce. There’s nothing fussy, just honest southern barbecue meeting taco form.
Order the pulled chicken tacos for that signature Hickory-smoked taste. The balance of rich smoke, crunch, and bright toppings makes these tacos both classic Memphis and distinctly Central BBQ.
10. Central BBQ
Central BBQ on Central Avenue is where barbecue memories are made—big flavors, blue neon, and plates you can’t put down. Walking in, the energy is unmistakably Memphis, right down to the smoky scent that follows you out the door. I once watched a full lunch rush dig into tacos here, every table grinning.
This location nails the formula: tacos stuffed with slow-smoked chicken, topped with crunchy cabbage and a light hand of sauce. There’s real barbecue character in every bite, but it never overpowers the fresh ingredients.
Get the smoked chicken tacos for a taste of Central’s magic wrapped up in a tortilla. It’s southern barbecue, no frills, only flavor—just the way Memphis likes it.
More Things to Try in Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best types of tacos to try in Memphis?
Memphis shines with classic options like grilled chicken, veggie, and blackened fish tacos. Unique local twists, such as catfish or barbecue chicken tacos, reflect the city’s love for Southern flavor.
Are there vegetarian or vegan taco options in Memphis?
Absolutely. Many spots, including Maciel’s Tortas & Tacos and Babalu, offer vegetarian and vegan tacos filled with fresh veggies, beans, and creative toppings.
Which Memphis taco spots offer gluten-free options?
Several places, like Central BBQ and Flying Fish, provide gluten-free tacos or can customize your order to fit special diets. Always check with staff to confirm what’s available.
Do any Memphis taco restaurants serve breakfast tacos?
Yes, Sunrise Memphis makes breakfast tacos a standout, offering combinations with eggs, potatoes, and salsa, perfect for a hearty morning bite.
Is there a spot in Memphis for seafood tacos?
If seafood is your craving, try Elwood’s Shack, Flying Fish, or Lafayette’s Music Room for memorable fish or shrimp tacos—each served with a Memphis touch.
