Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Taco Spots in Hamilton for 2023

Michael Kras
25 Apr 2023

Who doesn’t love a good taco?

From Tex-Mex to fusion creations to simple & authentic recipes, Hamilton is surprisingly stacked when it comes to this traditional Mexican staple.

We’ve compiled a list of our favourites, running the gamut from popular nightlife spots to casual takeaway joints to hidden gems and everything in between. Without further ado, here are our top 10 taco spots in Hamilton for 2023!

Lemon & Ice

This brand new Concession Street spot is already becoming known for its delicious, nutritious bowls, smoothies, and tacos made with fresh, healthy ingredients.

The tacos are the furthest thing from “authentic,” but don’t let that deter you: they’re also so very tasty, with some current selections offering up fusion flavours inspired by Mediterranean cuisine and even Southern BBQ.

Doors Taco Joint & Metal Bar

Whoever had the idea to blend tacos with metal music deserves some kind of award.

A moody live music venue and taco bar, Doors Pub has been a Hess Street staple for 30 years in its beautiful heritage building, today serving up a menu of tacos and other simple Tex-Mex fare like antojitos, burritos, and quesadillas alongside cold beer and other adult beverages.

1101 Convenience

Sandwiched between Shorty’s Pizza and Bernie’s Tavern on Cannon Street is 1101 Convenience: a new-ish spot that attempts to replicate the old-school convenience store experience while serving as a shop for craft beer, local wine, and curated snacks.

The shop recently functioned as a takeaway spot for Italian-style deli sandwiches, but they’ve recently made a pivot to simple-yet-flavourful tacos including options like Cochinita Pibil, Braised Beef, or Mushroom topped with things like cotija cheese, salsa verde, and pickled jalapeño. Chips and churros round things off for a very solid lunch option.

Amigos

In its relatively short life, Amigos has become known as one of the city’s best spots for indulgent Tex-Mex dishes that go well beyond your standard Taco Bell in terms of quality and flavour.

Crunch wraps, loaded nachos, and burritos are major menu fixtures, but the tacos here are also well worth attention for the rich amount of options alone: beef, chicken, pork carnitas, jackfruit, Brussels sprout, and birria only scratch the surface.

Mesa

This cozy-yet-chic James North restaurant has been one of Hamilton’s prime spots for authentic Mexican cuisine for years.

You won’t find twisty takes on the traditional taco at Mesa: instead, you’ll find simple, high-quality fare built with great ingredients and classic Mexican flavours. Burritos, tamales, chimichangas, quesadillas, and much more are also on the menu here, giving visitors no shortage of choice for standout food.

La Bodeguita

A true hidden gem, La Bodeguita functions mostly as an independent grocer for Mexican goods; but they’ve also got a hot counter where they whip up some of the city’s best and most authentic tacos at some of the most affordable prices you’ll find in Hamilton.

Each taco will only set you back $3, and they’re served with onions, cilantro, and a choice of protein including chicken, beef, carnitas, chorizo, or barbacoa. They’re extremely simple, and oh-so delicious.

Mexican Kitchen

A gem of the Hamilton Farmers’ Market, Mexican Kitchen is a family-owned stand serving up incredibly tasty and passionately crafted Mexican fare that drips with authenticity.

The tacos here are excellent, and Mexican Kitchen also credits itself as one of the first, if not the very first, food spots to introduce authentic Birria to Hamilton’s food scene. Besides that, the taco selection is rangy and even includes vegetarian options like spiced potato or grilled poblano pepper. Whatever you order, you will not be disappointed.

The Mule

If you’re looking for the purest authenticity in your tacos, look elsewhere. However, if you’re looking for some of the tastiest tacos in Hamilton, you’ve come to the right place with The Mule.

A hip, laid-back staple of King William Street’s restaurant row, The Mule specializes in creatively designed tacos; a wide range of tequila, cocktail, and craft beer options; and other Mexican-inspired fare that favours inventive, playful, chef-driven recipes. The result? A hot spot in Hamilton that has held a strong place in the city’s culinary scene for years, opening further locations in spots like London, Port Dover, and Cambridge.

Maria’s Tortas Jalisco

A Stoney Creek gem with a rabid and devoted fanbase, Maria’s Tortas Jalisco is the kind of spot folks drive out of their way for. That’s how good the food is.

Fresh, authentic, Mexican fare and street food is the name of the game here, all prepared lovingly by this family-owned favourite. Tortas, burritos, quesadillas, chimichangas, and so much more are on hand here, and Maria’s enticing Taco Plate is generously portioned: two large tacos are topped with choice of protein, pico de gallo, onion, cilantro, and guacamole served with sides of rice and refried beans. Drooling yet?

Latin Food & Products

Many Hamilton foodies cite Latin Food & Products as the best taco spot in town, and they don’t do it lightly.

Another family-owned spot that prioritizes traditional Mexican flavours, recipes, and cooking methods, Latin Food & Products started as a tucked-away gem in the Hamilton Farmers’ Market and has since expanded with a second brick & mortar location at the corner of James North and York Boulevard.

Expect a diverse menu of tacos here, with almost a dozen options to choose from like Chicken Mole, Beef Fajitas, Carnitas, Panela Cheese, and Chorizo. Each one is somehow more enticing than the last. Latin Food & Products is an outstanding example of authentic Mexican tacos, in Hamilton or elsewhere.

Looking to explore more LOCAL taco spots? Then be sure to explore our search page!