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8 of the best taco joints in Vancouver

Whether you are looking for a quick meal or an evening out with margaritas and cold beer, there's no shortage of good taco joints in Vancouver. Here's our guide to some of the city's best.

Whether you are looking for a quick meal or an evening out with margaritas and cold beer, there's no shortage of good taco joints in Vancouver. Here's our guide to some of the city's best.

 Photo Courtesy: La TaqueriaPhoto Courtesy: La Taqueria

A Vancouver institution since 2009 and now with three locations, La Taqueria Pinche Shop is the city's top destination for street style Mexican tacos. Choose from an excellent selection of locally sourced meat, vegetarian or vegan tacos as well as daily specials. For carnivores, The Al Pastor (pork marinated in achiote chilli and pineapple), Pollo Con Mole (free range chicken with chocolate mole sauce) and the De Cachete (braised beef cheeks) are local favourites. For the more adventurous try the De Lengua (braised beef tongue) or for seafood lovers the changing Pescado (fish taco). Vegetarian and vegan options include the popular Rajas Con Crema (roasted poblano peppers with creamed corn), Frijoles Charros Con Queso (refried cowboy beans with Mexican Cheese) and their newest creation, Hongos Con Kale (mushrooms and kale). Tacos with meat fillings are $3.00 each or four for $10.50. Vegetarian/vegan options are $2.50 each or four for $8.50.

La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop

322 West Hastings Street. (Gastown)

2549 Cambie Street. (Cambie and West Broadway).

1305 Welch Street. (North Vancouver)

 Photo courtesy: TacofinoPhoto courtesy: Tacofino

Tacofino started in 2009 as a bright orange food truck in a Tofino parking lot serving up Baja inspired tacos to hungry surfers, locals and tourists. They expanded to Vancouver with a food truck and now have three restaurants in the city including their just opened location in the heart of Yaletown. Enjoy the chill SoCal vibe, along with an eclectic menu of Mexican inspired dishes and an excellent drink list including flights of tequila. Tacos are priced from $6.00 to $7.00 and served up on warmed flour tortillas. The now legendary fish taco (tempura ling cod, chipolte mayo, cabbage, salsa fresca) is a must eat. The menu includes both meat and vegetarian taco options including the popular Squash and Cauliflower, excellent Lamb Birria and the Al Pastor made with spit-roasted pork. The in-crowd's destination for tacos and killer cocktails.

Tacofino

2327 East Hastings Street.

Blood Alley Square. (Gastown)

1025 Mainland Street. (Yaletown)

 Photo Courtesy: GringoPhoto Courtesy: Gringo

With a dive-bar charm all its own, Gringo's serves up cheap draft beer, margaritas and bourbon along with 80's and 90's music. Tacos are $2.75 each, three for $8.00 or 6 for $15.00 and they hit the spot especially after a few double "Margs". Try the Austin (brisket, fried onions, slaw) it's surprisingly good. Popular with the late-night drinking crowd or industry staff getting off work. Weekends do get a little rowdy and a doorman helps monitor the crowd. Now open for lunch, Gringos with extremely friendly staff is perfect for wasting away an afternoon.

Gringos

27 Blood Alley Square.

 Photo Courtesy: TacomioPhoto Courtesy: Tacomio

The newest taco joint in Gastown, Tacomio is a small casual eatery catering to those who want a quick bite for lunch or dinner. Here the menu is dedicated to Mexican inspired tacos with a few side dishes including Chicharrones (crispy pork rind and corn chips) and Mexican Chicken Soup. Tacos are $3.00 each,  four for $10.00 and six for $15.00.  Vegetarian options include Rajas Con Crema or Frijolitos (pinot beans). For meat lovers try the popular  Papas Con Chorizo or Pollo Con Mole (clay-baked chicken). The fish taco, Pescado Fresco features fresh B.C. Albacore tuna and is worth the additional $1.00 fee. Tacomio also offers house-made non-alcoholic beverages, "Aguas Frescas" including their strawberry version of the popular Mexican drink, horchata for $3.00.

Tacomio

449 Abbott Street. (Gastown)

 Photo Courtesy: Lucky TacoPhoto Courtesy: Lucky Taco

What's better than drinking margaritas and eating tacos after a hard day on the beach? Open from 5pm-late, Lucky Taco caters to the Kitsilano crowd with daily drink specials, an excellent selection of tequilas and a Mexican inspired menu. Tacos are priced from $5.00 to $6.00 and include their own in-house creations such as the Cheeseburger, sinful Fried Chicken or the simply must eat, Crispy Cauliflower that will satisfy both carnivores and vegetarians. There are also more traditional options such as the Al Pastor (braised pork) or the Baja style Pescado (fish) tacos. The patio is perfect for warm summer evenings. A much welcomed addition to the restaurants on Yew Street.

Lucky Taco

1685 Yew Street. (Kitsilano)

 Photo Courtesy: Sal Y LimonPhoto Courtesy: Sal Y Limon

Located in a small strip mall at Fraser and Kingsway, Sal Y Limon is Mount Pleasant's neighborhood destination for budget-friendly Mexican eats. If you can't find a table, take-out is always an option and the line-up moves quickly. The family friendly eatery serves up tortas, classic Mexican Sopes (served on deep-fried tortilla shells) and a variety of tacos for $2.25 or $2.75 with cheese. While vegetarian options are limited to zucchini and veggies, there is a good selection of meat and fish tacos. Local favourites include the Al Pastor (marinated pork with pineapple), Pollo Pibil (slow-roasted chicken) and Shrimp tacos.

Sal y Limon

701 Kingsway. (Mount Pleasant)

 Photo courtesy: Molli CafePhoto courtesy: Molli Cafe

For those who love authentic Mexican cuisine, the tiny Molli Cafe is a must eat destination. Located beside the gas station at Burrard and Davie, Molli Cafe which opened in 2015 offers  torta sandwiches, conchas (Mexico's famous pastry) as well as outstanding tacos for $2.75.  Try the Papas Con Chorizo (potatoes with home-made chorizo) or vegetarian, Frijol Con Queso (slow cooked black beans and farm style fresh cheese) as well as the heavenly Pulled Lamb tacos which are offered only on Saturdays.

Molli Cafe

1225 Burrard Street. (Downtown)

 Photo Courtesy: The Fish CounterPhoto Courtesy: The Fish Counter

The Fish Counter offers the city's best fish and chips and is a serious contender for best fish taco. The Baja-style taco comes with battered Ocean Wise cod, addictive tangy slaw, mango salsa and spicy crema. $5.95 each or four for $20.00. If you are lucky you might find a seat in the tiny bench seating area or take-out might be your best option.

The Fish Counter

3825 Main Street.