The Grand Lawn at Epic Central was filled with grills, rotisseries and flavors to treat the hundreds of people who answered the call of hunger.  

Initially, the event was scheduled for Saturday, June 6, but it was moved to Sunday due to weather.  

In May, Texas Monthly released its list of the 25 best new taquerias in Texas. The author, taco editor José Ralat, said the event was a taste of the best of the best in the state.  

“I am super excited that vendors from all over the state are coming; it’s a long way, it’s super exciting,” Ralat said.  

The event brought together 13 taquerias: Aquí se Come, from Arlington; El Pastor es mi Señor, from San Antonio; El Come Taco, from Dallas; Jimenez y Friends Barbecue y Taqueria, from Lubbock; Ki’Mexico ETX, from Longview; Knight Out, from Fort Worth; Panfila Cantina, from San Antonio; Ramen del Barrio, from Austin; Resident Taqueria, from Dallas; Señor Oink, from Farmers Branch; Taco King, from Plano; Taqueria MTZ, from Amarillo; and Vaqueros Texas Bar-B-Q, from Allen.  

“The taco has already conquered Texas. It went from being a snack to a main course,” Ralat said. “Tacos are everywhere now — in homes, food trucks, and restaurants. It’s the people’s food, and there’s a taco for everyone.”  

Some of the most popular tacos were the trompo negro and ribeye tacos served by Knight Out. Its chef, Osman Avila, said he was happy to have been included on the Texas Monthly list.  

“It even gives me goosebumps,” Avila said. “We’re working hard here to be the best in the whole country.”  

Another favorite was the al pastor taco from Panfila Cantina, featuring meat cooked in a smoker — not on a spit — and topped with grilled pineapple. Its chef, Charlie Gonzalez, said he was honored to be considered one of the best tacos in the state.  

“I’m really glad that so many people can try our tacos here at this event,” Gonzalez said. 

One of the most innovative tacos was the escargot taco served by Resident Taqueria. Its chef, Andrew Savoie, said he was happy to be able to showcase his food to more people.  

“Being on that list is fantastic,” Savoie said. “And this event is a way to celebrate tacos in our community.”  

Another innovative taco came from Ramen del Barrio, which featured carnitas with furikake chicharrón: a fusion of Mexican chicharrón with a Japanese rice seasoning. Its chef, Chris Krinsky, said he was surprised to be included among the best tacos in Texas because his business isn’t a taqueria, but a Japanese ramen restaurant.  

“That means we’re doing something right,” Krinsky said. “And this is just one of a million ways to make a taco.”  

A second Texas Monthly’s Taco Fest 2026 will also take place in Houston on July 25 at Discovery Green, located at 1500 McKinney St.