The Best Tacos in Fort Wayne, Courtesy of Matt Thomas and Jake Sauer—
Taco Tuesdays have been a long-standing tradition for some of us at OLG, and we’ll never stop tasting our way through the city. Over time, we’ve put together lists of Best-of’s. Here’s a look into our cilantro-filled perspective.
*Note: we always go with onions & cilantro on a corn tortilla.
La Michoacana
1421 N Wells St, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
This one is by far our favorite spot. Please go here to support these folks. Their steak and chicken tacos are tasty and seem to have extra flavor that no other spot can quite replicate.
Pro tips: Get three tacos. In the summer, think about leaving with an ice cream treat. Also, their business hours are listed as opening at noon, but sometimes it’s more like noon-thirty. (It’s sad when we have to turn away!)
Tacos Arandas “El Amish”
2012 Broadway, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
“El Amish” stands on its own as a one-of-a-kind taco shop. In fact, that’s basically all they serve. No chips with your salsa, only cucumbers (we haven’t tested the BYOChips yet), but the taste of the tacos make up for it. Also, note their addition of a grilled onion to each order. The atmosphere here is our favorite of the shops.
Pro tips: The tacos are larger so we usually get two. They offer a condiment tray and a variety of sauces. Be very careful because most of those (including the one that LOOKS like guac) are pretty hot.
Taqueria Coahuila
3123 S Clinton St, Fort Wayne, IN 46806
Known by many fans as “the orange building by South Side”, this place has rightfully gained a reputation as a top taco spot. Their smaller-sized tacos (order 3-4) are very tasty.
Pro tip: This place is cash only.
Nuevo Leon Grill
5002 Decatur Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46806
We honestly weren’t sure about this place after our first time (mostly because the spray painted bed sheet used as a “Now Open” sign), but after a few visits, they’ve proven to make some good tacos at a great value (and updated their signage).
Pro tip: Try the bean soup, just do it.
George’s / Salsa Grill
2021 Broadway, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
You can never go wrong here. They’ve been doing tacos for a long time and get it right. Free chips and salsa.
Pro tips: Try the chili chicken tacos and splurge on some queso for those chips. Tacos are cheaper on Wednesdays.
El Paraiso
Within El Paraiso Supermarket, you’ll find a great little taco spot. We think the asada and pollo tacos are similar to Gerorge’s, however they do a nice job cooking the tortillas to perfection. Even though we haven’t tried the fruity desert stand across the room, it looks like it wouldn’t disappoint either.
Pro tip: Try the barbocoa.
El Salvador
515 E Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Located in a gas station strip, this restaurant has a lot to offer. Their tacos are great. The chicken in particular is better than most. Free chips and salsa.
Pro tip: Order a pupusa with your tacos!
Taqueria Mi Tierra
2302 S Calhoun St, Fort Wayne, IN 46807
If you want some good tacos and you’re on South Calhoun, stop here.
Pro tip: This is a cash only spot. “Watermelon Water” (along with some other flavors) is worth trying.
Laredo Restaurant & Grocery
1854 Broadway, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
We keep this spot in the lineup because their tacos are delightful and they have booths for a sit-down experience. Free chips and some of the best salsa of the lineup.
Pro tips: You pay in the back. The menu doesn’t show straight-up tacos as an option, but you can obviously order them individually.
Taco Zone
6433 Bluffton Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46809
One of our more recent discoveries, this place is a great option for a taco spot on the south side of Fort Wayne. It’s also the only one with aquariums, v ambient fam.
Pro tips: Since they offer “American tacos” make sure to specify “Mexican.” You order at the window, not the table.
The Hoppy Gnome
203 E Berry St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Ok, fine, we’re breaking rules here as far as “traditional,” but we can’t not mention a great establishment downtown.
Pro tip: If you’re hungry get the Cubana Torta with a side of the Mexican French dip sauce.
Others we’ve been to: Bravas (RIP taco bus), Taqueria El Ranchito, Famous Taco, Nacho’s Taqueria (s’alright), Don Chavas/Las Lomas/Cebollas (GREAT other food, but misses on tacos), Albertos, Taco Bell (if you’re still reading, we salute you).
