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Where to Find the Best Puffy Tacos San Antonio Has to Offer: West Side & Downtown Originals
Ray’s Drive Inn
Image credit: @raysdriveinn Instagram
Localite Tip: Cash is king here, and grabbing a booth inside lets you soak in decades of local historic photos and pop culture decor.
Operating Hours: Monday Closed | Tuesday – Thursday & Sunday 11 am – 8 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 9 pm
Where: 822 SW 19th St, San Antonio, TX 78207
How Much: $3.50 – 4.50pertaco(10 – $15 per person)
Pete’s Tako House
Localite Tip: Parking can fill up fast during lunch rush hours, so aim for an early lunch around 11:15 AM.
Operating Hours: Daily 7 am – 3 pm
Where: 502 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: $3.75 – 4.75pertaco(10 – $18 per person)
Best Puffy Tacos San Antonio Tex-Mex Fans Love: North Central & Northwest Favorites
Henry’s Puffy Tacos
Image credit: Henry’s Puffy Tacos Facebook
Localite Tip: If you’re short on time, check out their Express location on Woodlawn Avenue for drive-thru ordering.
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 10 am – 9 pm | Friday – Saturday 10 am – 9:30 pm | Sunday Closed
Where: 6030 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78238
How Much: $4.25 – 5.25pertaco(12 – $20 per person)
Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant
Localite Tip: Reservations or early arrivals are recommended for weekend dinner, as tables fill quickly.
Operating Hours: Monday Closed | Tuesday – Thursday 11 am – 9 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 10 pm | Sunday 10 am – 9 pm
Where: 4223 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78212
How Much: $4.50 – 5.75pertaco(15 – $25 per person)
Teka Molino
Localite Tip: Pick up a cup of their house-made corn masa chips or a cup of guacamole to go with your order.
Operating Hours: Sunday – Wednesday 7 am – 9 pm | Thursday – Saturday 7 am – 10 pm
Where: 7231 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78216
How Much: $3.75 – 4.75pertaco(10 – $15 per person)
Taco House
Image credit: Taco House Facebook
Localite Tip: The morning and midday lines move fast, but arriving before 11:30 AM guarantees short waits.
Operating Hours: Monday Closed | Tuesday – Saturday 7 am – 2 pm
Where: 6307 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78216
How Much: $3.25 – 4.25pertaco(8 – $13 per person)
Authentic Tex Mex Puffy Taco Spots: Southside & East Side Classics
Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar
Image credit: Rosario’s Mexican Restaurant Facebook
Localite Tip: Ask about their puffy tacos. They may be off the menu, but they are good.
Operating Hours: Monday Closed | Tuesday – Thursday & Sunday 11 am – 10 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 11 pm
Where: 722 S St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: $4.00 – 5.00pertaco(10 – $16 per person)
Eddie’s Taco House
Localite Tip: Keep cash handy, as Eddie’s operates cash-only or has card minimums during peak hours.
Operating Hours: Monday 7 am – 3 pm | Tuesday – Wednesday 7 am – 9:30 pm | Thursday 7 am – 10:30 pm | Friday 6 am – 10:30 pm | Saturday 7 am – 10 pm
Where: 3755 Thousand Oaks Dr, San Antonio, TX 78247
How Much: $3.50 – 4.50pertaco(8 – $14 per person)
Rolando’s Super Tacos No. 1
Localite Tip: Bring a big appetite or plan to share; one super puffy taco here can easily equal two at standard spots!
Operating Hours: Monday – Tuesday & Thursday – Friday 7:30 am – 1 pm | Wednesday Closed | Saturday – Sunday 8 am – 2 pm
Where: 919 W Hildebrand Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201
How Much: $4.50 – 6.50persupertaco(10 – $16 per person)
Las Palapas
Localite Tip: Check their weekday specials for discounted taco combinations and daily lunch value deals.
Operating Hours: Daily 6 am – 10 pm | Hours vary by location
Where: 3039 TPC Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78259 (Multiple San Antonio Locations)
How Much: $3.50 – 4.50pertaco(8 – $14 per person)
Know Before You Go
While many of the most historic puffy taco havens are centered around San Antonio’s historic West Side and Southtown neighborhoods, excellent options span clear across the metroplex into North Central, the Northwest Side, and Stone Oak. Whether you are staying near the Downtown River Walk, visiting the historic Pearl district, or exploring suburbs like Leon Valley, Castle Hills, or Alamo Heights, a legendary puffy taco spot is typically within a 15-to-20-minute drive. Because puffy tacos are fried fresh to order, remember that their signature shell is best enjoyed immediately at the table or drive-in carhop rather than packed away in a closed take-out container!
Common Questions about Best Puffy Tacos in San Antonio
Who has the best puffy tacos in San Antonio?
While opinions run deep among locals, Ray’s Drive Inn (the original birthplace) and Henry’s Puffy Tacos are widely considered the gold standards. Los Barrios is another top contender, famous for defeating Bobby Flay on the Food Network.
Are puffy tacos a San Antonio thing?
Yes! Puffy tacos were invented in San Antonio in the mid-20th century, specifically credited to the Lopez family on the city’s West Side. They remain an iconic regional Tex-Mex specialty unique to the Alamo City.
What makes a puffy taco puffy?
A puffy taco is made by taking a fresh, unbaked disk of raw corn masa and dropping it directly into hot frying oil. As the moisture in the masa turns to steam, the tortilla inflates and creates a light, hollow, crunchy yet pillowy shell.
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