Looking to step outside your taco comfort zone? From crispy bayou alligator in New Orleans to rattlesnake sausage on the Texas prairie, these 10 legendary spots serve up exotic, adventurous proteins. Here is how to order them and how to hack their menus into an unforgettable Taco Tuesday feast.
Location: Austin, TX
Website: evangelinecafe.com
What to Expect: A beloved South Austin staple for authentic Louisiana Cajun fare. Their fried alligator appetizer features tender gator lightly breaded, fried golden-crisp, and served with house dipping sauces that complement its mild, “chicken-meets-seafood” flavor profile.
The TacoTuesday Hack: Order the Fried Alligator appetizer along with a side of warm flour or corn tortillas, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and hot sauce. Fold the crispy gator inside for an off-menu Cajun-Tex-Mex fusion taco packed with crunch and spice.
Location: New Orleans, LA
Website: cochonrestaurant.com
What to Expect: James Beard Award-winning chef Donald Link turns out elevated Southern and Cajun specialties in the Warehouse District. A standout small plate is the Fried Alligator served with chili-garlic mayonnaise widely considered one of the best gator bites in NOLA.
The TacoTuesday Hack: While Cochon occasionally runs taco specials, you can build a high-end DIY gator taco anytime. Grab the fried alligator, ask for an order of house-made corn tortillas, and toss in a side of cabbage slaw to build a world-class chef-driven gator taco.
Location: Tuscumbia, AL
Website: rattlesnakesaloon.net
What to Expect: Tucked directly beneath an enormous natural rock overhang, this iconic watering hole is an experience all on its own. While the menu pays homage to its name with items like “Snake Tails” (crisp fried green beans), they frequently feature seasonal game and wild sausages.
The TacoTuesday Hack: When exotic wild game sausages hit the board, order a basket with grilled peppers and onions. Wrap them up in warm tortillas with jalapeños and salsa for a smoky, rugged “Outlaw Taco” under the cavern rocks.
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Website: lossombreros.com
What to Expect: Set inside a historic brick house, Los Sombreros is famous for genuine, regional Mexican cuisine. They periodically feature adventurous proteins like rattlesnake on seasonal menus, pairing the tender, lean meat with roasted Southwestern chiles.
The TacoTuesday Hack: When snake is on the special board, ask for extra house tortillas, roasted salsa, and fresh avocado. The avocado’s creaminess beautifully balances the mild, slightly chewy bite of the snake meat.
Location: Lockhart, TX
Website: blacksbbq.com
What to Expect: Operating since 1932, this family-owned joint is a holy grail for Central Texas pit-smoked BBQ. Alongside giant beef ribs and brisket, they occasionally Smoke specialty game sausages – including smoked alligator and pork sausage rings.
The TacoTuesday Hack: Slice the smoked alligator sausage into bite-sized coins, wrap it in a warm tortilla with pickled red onions, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of Texas BBQ sauce for a smoky, snap-filled BBQ taco.
Location: Multiple Locations, LA
Website: bayouhotwings.com
What to Expect: Known for doing things from scratch, this local Louisiana favorite serves up seasoned, deep-fried alligator bites that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
The TacoTuesday Hack: Grab an order of gator bites along with extra Cajun remoulade or jalapeño ranch. Load them into warm tortillas with shredded cabbage and citrus for a fast-casual, bayou-style street taco.
Location: New Orleans, LA
Website: pierremasperos.com
What to Expect: Housed in one of the French Quarter’s oldest historic buildings (dating back to 1788), Pierre Maspero’s cooks up heavy-hitting Creole classics, including generous baskets of fried gator tail.
The TacoTuesday Hack: Turn your starter into street food: ask for warm tortillas, shredded lettuce, and Creole mustard sauce. Assemble the gator bites with a splash of hot sauce for a New Orleans French Quarter taco.
Location: Multiple Locations throughout Florida
Website: gatorsdockside.com
What to Expect: True to its name, this Florida sports bar staple serves real, hand-breaded Florida gator tail bites paired with tangy sauce.
The TacoTuesday Hack: Order the gator tail with sides of pico de gallo, diced jalapeños, and warm tortillas. Top with hot sauce and lime juice for a sunny, Sunshine State-inspired gator taco.
Location: New Orleans, LA
Website: tujaguesrestaurant.com
What to Expect: As the second-oldest restaurant in New Orleans, Tujague’s offers a refined look at Creole culinary history. Their rotating menu frequently highlights elevated alligator preparations like gator sauce picante or pan-seared gator bites.
The TacoTuesday Hack: Pair their elevated alligator small plates with house pickled vegetables and warm corn tortillas for a sophisticated, historic take on game tacos.
Location: Cross Roads, TX
Website: prairiehouserestaurant.com
What to Expect: A true Texas steakhouse and saloon known for cooking over open mesquite fires. Prairie House has built a reputation for serving adventurous game, including rattlesnake appetizers when seasonally available.
The TacoTuesday Hack: Take the rattlesnake app, ask for grilled peppers, onions, queso fresco, and chipotle salsa, and load it into warm corn tortillas. It makes for an undeniable Lone Star conversation piece.
