Things to Do , Dining , Places to Eat & Drink
Let’s Talk Tacos
Posted: May 3, 2023
We’re living every day like it’s Taco Tuesday.
Life’s too short to dedicate just one day a week to tacos, especially in NEPA, where we have so many cool taco trucks, modern Mexican restaurants and authentic neighborhood taquerias. Some places keep it traditional with corn tortillas topped with cilantro and onion, while others go Tex-Mex style with crispy, fried shells and creative toppings. Either way, there’s no going back to those store-bought taco kits again.
Tacos might just be the perfect food: so simple, so versatile and so delicious. Sure, it’s impossible to eat them gracefully, but that won’t stop us. Head to these local restaurants to get your taco fix.
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Brass Buckle Restaurant
Conyngham, PA
This modern Tex-Mex restaurant in Conyngham whips up gourmet street tacos with unique fillers and toppings, including ahi tuna, Moroccan shrimp, Kobe beef and even lobster. No worries if you can’t choose—just order a taco flight to sample three different options.
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Bravo Tex-Mex
Pittston, PA
Bravo’s sophisticated, upscale Tex-Mex fusion spot brings a bit of sizzle to downtown Pittston. From fruity guac to tempura shrimp tacos, traditional with a twist is the name of the game. Be sure to BYOB for delicious margaritas to top it all off.
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Burrito Loco Mexican Grill
Dallas & Dickson City, PA
With locations in Dallas and Dickson City, family-owned Burrito Loco shares delicious home-cooked recipes across NEPA. If you’re an adventurous foodie, go for the Tacos de Lengua. And if you prefer to keep it simple, El Gringo is for you.
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Chicano's Restaurant
Scranton, PA
Don’t let the size fool you. This tiny Scranton restaurant has a huge local following for a reason. They whip up fresh-made tacos and other Mexican dishes faster than you can say “Taco Tuesday.”
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CK's Cantina & Grill
Dallas, PA
This Tex-Mex joint in Dallas devotes a huge part of the menu just to tacos. If you’re stuck, go for the fire-grilled street tacos topped with tangy lime, queso fresco, pico de gallo and lime avocado cream. If that’s not enough, CK’s has a full bar, outdoor seating and an ice cream stand.
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El Buen Amigo
Scranton, PA
El Buen Amigo in Scranton makes their own homemade tortillas, fills them with your choice of meat and tops it all off with cilantro and onion. Insider tip: order a side of the freshly made guac and chips.
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El Rey Azteca
Wilkes-Barre, PA
El Rey Azteca in Wilkes-Barre has a huge menu, but we’ll point you right to the Mexico City al pastor tacos. They bring spicy pork and sweet roasted pineapple together in delicious harmony. The Morelos steak tacos are another favorite made with a tried-and-true family recipe.
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El Tikal Mexican Restaurant & Bar
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Not that you need an excuse to eat tacos, but El Tikal is one of Wilkes-Barre’s newest Mexican cuisine spots and it has outdoor seating. Grab a table on the deck, BYOB and order enough tacos and taquitos to keep the good vibes going all evening.
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Hacienda Volcan
Scranton, PA
Hacienda Volcan in Scranton delivers a little piece of Mexico in every bite. They serve authentic tacos with just about every kind of filler you can think of, from chorizo to spicy tinga and everything in between.
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Italo's Restaurant
Scranton, PA
The whole “soft shell versus hard shell” thing is a serious debate. Luckily, Italo’s has you covered no matter what side you’re on. Be sure to try the refreshing fish tacos topped with grilled tilapia, slaw and avocado.
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Jalapeño Authentic Mexican Grill
Clarks Summit, PA
With a build-your-own bar, Jalapeño makes it easy to customize tacos (and other favorite dishes) exactly how you like them. If you need some inspiration, check out the Street Tacos portion of the menu. You can get three of a kind or mix and match.
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Margarita Azul
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Margarita Azul’s authentic soft-shell tacos have all your favorite fillers, including meats, seafood and vegetarian options. This Wilkes-Barre cantina keeps the fiesta going with tons of signature drinks.
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Taqueria El Paraiso
Wilkes-Barre, PA
When it comes to authentic tacos and Mexican dishes, this restaurant in Wilkes-Barre really is paradise. Pick your favorite filling, like chicken, beef, pork, chorizo, shrimp and more.
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Taqueria J. Zapata
Butler Twp., Drums & Hazleton, PA
Pull over as soon as you see that famous yellow taco truck. Taqueria J. Zapata is the real deal when it comes to Mexican food, and their tacos are no exception. Stop by their locations in Hazleton, Drums and Butler Township.
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Tequila Mexican Bar and Grill
Scranton, PA
This modern Mexican restaurant in downtown Scranton makes tacos stuffed with everything from pulled pork to beer-battered mahi mahi. And with a name like Tequila, you have to pair it with one of their signature margaritas.
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Tequila Sunrise
Milford, PA
Tequila Sunrise in Milford makes Mexican cuisine using family recipes. Whether you like the authentic soft shell or Tex-Mex hard shell, they have you covered. The restaurant is BYOB and offers outdoor seating.
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Tirado's Pizza Mexican Grill
Kingston, PA
With an entire page of the menu devoted to every kind of taco you can imagine, Tirado’s has options for everyone. You’ll probably want to try a bit of everything, so be sure to come hungry.
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Zack’s Taco Shack
Tannersville, PA
Zack’s Taco Shack in Tannersville kicks things up a notch with creative specials and gourmet toppings like shredded pork and slow-braised chicken. For a quick bite, grab a boardwalk taco. It’s all the fixings tossed in a bag and served with a fork for maximum taco efficiency.
Article Updated from its Original Version Published 7/22/2020.
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