The Haunted Road Trip: Texas’ Ghostly Trails and Taco Tales

From the vast plains of West Texas to the bustling streets of Houston, Texas offers more than just its renowned southern charm. If you dare to venture into the state’s spooky side, be sure to complement the chills with some fiery taco flavors.

1. The Menger Hotel, San Antonio

The Ghostly Tale: Situated next to the Alamo, the Menger Hotel is the oldest hotel west of the Mississippi. Rumor has it that Teddy Roosevelt’s spirit lingers in the bar, recruiting ghostly Rough Riders.

Taco Tip: A stone’s throw away is La Gloria. Dive into their Tacos al Pastor, a rich blend of marinated pork and pineapple.

The historic Menger Hotel in San Antonio, with its grand architecture against a clear Texas sky.

2. The Driskill Hotel, Austin

The Ghostly Tale: Built in 1886, it’s considered one of the most haunted hotels in Texas. Visitors report seeing the ghost of a little girl playing with her ball on the grand staircase.

Taco Tip: Fuel up at Veracruz All Natural for some authentic migas tacos before you take on the phantoms of the Driskill.

The iconic Driskill Hotel in Austin showcasing its ornate balcony and majestic facade.

3. Jefferson Hotel, Jefferson

The Ghostly Tale: This charming hotel in the quaint town of Jefferson is a hotbed of paranormal activity. Tales of ghostly figures and the piano playing on its own add to its mystique.

Taco Tip: Pop over to Joseph’s Riverport Barbecue and try their brisket taco – it’s a Texas twist that’s sure to delight.

Jefferson Hotel's vintage exterior with its warm, welcoming front porch set in a serene backdrop.

4. The Catfish Plantation, Waxahachie

The Ghostly Tale: This eatery, housed in a Victorian-era home, is not just known for its seafood. Patrons have reported apparitions, cold breezes, and even floating dishes!

Taco Tip: For a less haunted meal, visit Taqueria Hernandez in town. Their fish tacos provide a fresh bite, free of ghostly encounters.

The charming Victorian structure of Catfish Plantation, with its vibrant garden surroundings.

5. The Baker Hotel, Mineral Wells

The Ghostly Tale: Once a glamorous destination, now an abandoned relic, it’s said to be haunted by several spirits including the ghost of a woman who leapt to her death.

Taco Tip: Refuel at Taco Casa in Mineral Wells. Their crispy beef taco is a classic that’ll recharge your spirit for the next ghostly tale.

The towering, abandoned edifice of The Baker Hotel, looming under a dusky Texas sunset.

“Explore Texas’ haunted highways, from the ghostly corridors of San Antonio’s Menger Hotel to the eerie tales of Austin’s Driskill. Complement each chilling stop with the Lone Star State’s finest tacos for a journey that tantalizes both your spine and taste buds.”

With these ghost stories and taco recommendations in hand, you’re all set for a thrilling Texan adventure that caters to both your love for the paranormal and your palate!

California & Texas: The Mexican Food Titans of the U.S.

The United States has long held a love affair with Mexican cuisine. From the zesty flavors of a good guacamole to the rich depth of mole sauces, Americans can’t seem to get enough. But two states, in particular, have emerged as the undisputed champions of Mexican dining: California and Texas. Together, they house over 36 percent of the nation’s Mexican restaurants! With such an abundance, how does one decide where to dine? Fear not, fellow foodies, for we have curated a list of 20 must-visit spots across these two great states.

In California: The West Coast Wonder

In Texas: The Lone Star Love for Mexican Food

Both California and Texas proudly wave the flag of Mexican culinary excellence. Whether it’s the fresh coastal flavors of California or the deep-rooted Tex-Mex traditions of Texas, every food lover will find their match in these states. ¡Buen provecho!

Dallas Travel Guide: The Lone Star’s Taco and Tequila Capital!

Dallas! Known for its cowboy boots and larger-than-life everything. But did you know that this Texan titan is also a haven for taco enthusiasts and margarita mavens? If you’re daydreaming about the perfect taco-topped travel destination, hitch your wagon to this Dallas guide!

Best Time to Visit:

Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) are the top picks. With mild temperatures and plenty of festivals, Dallas comes alive during these seasons. Plus, imagine biting into a juicy taco on a sun-kissed patio, margarita in hand, while enjoying that gentle Texan breeze. Pure bliss!

Must-Visit Spots:

1. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden: Blooming flowers, meandering pathways, and yes, the occasional spot to grab a taco from nearby vendors during events. The serene beauty here pairs well with spicy delights!

2. Reunion Tower: Get a bird’s eye view of Dallas! And once you descend, the city’s streets will guide you to a smorgasbord of taco joints.

3. Deep Ellum: Known for its vibrant street murals, live music venues, and eclectic vibe, this neighborhood is also a hotbed for culinary delights. Dive into some of the city’s best tacos and hip bars here.

Taco Stops:

1. Velvet Taco: Located near the Knox-Henderson area, this spot gives traditional tacos a quirky twist. Think tikka masala or falafel tacos. They’re unconventional and unforgettably delicious!

2. Revolver Taco Lounge: A Deep Ellum gem, this lounge offers hand-made tortillas and some of the most authentic tacos in town. Their Pato Al Mole taco is a must-try!

3. Taquero: Situated in West Dallas, this spot is known for its unique offerings like the pulpo (octopus) taco. A treat for adventurous taco lovers!

For the Best Margarita:

Meso Maya: Not far from the Dallas Museum of Art, Meso Maya boasts a margarita that many locals swear by. Their ‘Avocado Margarita’ is creamy, tangy, and oh-so-refreshing. A perfect blend of tradition and innovation!

Dallas might be known for its skyscrapers, cowboy culture, and sports, but its taco and tequila game is top-tier. So, whether you’re a dedicated taco-traveler or a casual traveler looking to spice up your journey, Dallas promises a fiesta of flavors and fun.

Pack your appetite and your adventurous spirit, and let Dallas dazzle you.

Tex-Mex Delights: Exploring Texas’ Finest Queso and Taco Restaurants

When it comes to Tex-Mex cuisine, the state of Texas holds the crown for delivering some of the most mouthwatering and flavorful dishes in the United States. From cheesy, gooey queso to tantalizing tacos that burst with flavor, Texas has a culinary heritage that continues to delight locals and visitors alike. In this article, we’ll take a dip into the world of Tex-Mex queso and embark on a Tex-Mex taco adventure, highlighting the top ten restaurants in the state that serve up the best of these scrumptious treats.

Tex-Mex Queso: A Cheesy Heaven

Queso, a delightful blend of melted cheese, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices, is an essential Tex-Mex staple that leaves taste buds craving more. Whether it’s served as a dip with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, enchiladas, or fajitas, Tex-Mex queso never fails to bring smiles to the faces of food enthusiasts.

The Top Ten Tex-Mex Taco Restaurants in Texas

Torchy’s Tacos (Austin): A beloved Austin institution, Torchy’s Tacos is renowned for its inventive taco creations and delectable queso. Try their “Trailer Park” taco, filled with fried chicken, green chilies, and queso, for a flavor explosion.

Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia (San Antonio): A San Antonio icon, Mi Tierra serves up classic Tex-Mex tacos with a side of vibrant atmosphere. The “Carne Guisada” taco, slow-cooked beef in savory gravy, is a must-try.

El Real Tex-Mex Cafe (Houston): Step into nostalgia at El Real, where they recreate vintage Tex-Mex flavors. Don’t miss their “Brisket and Pickled Jalapeno” taco, a fusion of smoky brisket and tangy jalapenos.

Gloria’s Latin Cuisine (Dallas): Gloria’s offers a fusion of Tex-Mex and Salvadoran flavors. Their “Puerco Adobado” taco, featuring marinated pork, is a fan favorite.

Laredo Taqueria (Houston): A hidden gem in Houston, Laredo Taqueria serves authentic street-style tacos bursting with flavor. Try their “Carnitas” taco, filled with succulent, slow-cooked pork.

Tacos Tierra Caliente (Houston): This food truck serves up some of the best tacos in Houston. The “Barbacoa” taco, made with tender, juicy beef cheek, is a standout.

Chuy’s (Various Locations): Chuy’s is known for its fun and lively atmosphere and flavorful Tex-Mex fare. Don’t miss their “Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom” taco, topped with creamy queso and spicy sauce.

TacoDeli (Austin and Dallas): TacoDeli is famous for its fresh and innovative taco combinations. The “Frontera Fundido” taco, with shredded pork and melted jack cheese, is a must-try.

Pico’s Mex-Mex (Houston): Pico’s offers an upscale take on Tex-Mex classics. Their “Picos Taco” with a choice of mouthwatering fillings is sure to delight.

Velvet Taco (Dallas and Fort Worth): Velvet Taco’s diverse and adventurous menu includes tacos like the “Rotisserie Chicken” and “Slow-roasted Angus Brisket,” both a delight to the taste buds.

When it comes to Tex-Mex delights, Texas is undoubtedly the place to be. From the luscious and creamy queso that warms the soul to the tantalizing array of taco creations, the Lone Star State offers a culinary adventure like no other. So, don your sombrero and hit the road to explore the top ten Tex-Mex taco restaurants in Texas, where flavor and authenticity come together to create a fiesta for the senses.

TacoTuesday.com Does Houston, TX

TacoTuesday.com is on a mission to find all the best tacos and Taco Tuesdays, helping to make it easy for fellow taco lovers to do the same on TacoTuesday.com. The crew recently visited Houston, Texas to find the best tacos and margaritas throughout the city and surrounding areas. For an entire week, the Taco Tuesday team ate their way through the city in search of the most exciting, diverse and unique tacos that Houston has to offer. The team found them and are spotlighting the top ten on Instagram over the next three weeks. The videos capture each restaurant’s unique vibe, menu and culture.

Beginning today, three to four new videos a week will be premiered on social media for the next three weeks. Follow along as TacoTuesday.com explores the largest city in Texas and its’ wide variety of taco offerings.

“Houston really blew us away with how diverse their taco scene is,” said Pamela Waitt, founder of TacoTuesday.com. “Each restaurant we visited had its’ own distinct style and vibe. From BBQ to fusion tacos and fresh seafood caught in the Gulf of Mexico, we couldn’t get enough of the tacos Houston had to offer. We’re excited to share what we discovered through the videos we’ll be rolling out.”

TacoTuesday.com is quickly becoming the leading free resource for the taco obsessed. With plans to visit more Texas & California taco hotspots soon, taco aficionados and restaurants alike have found a new home for everything relating to tacos. 

To learn more, follow @TacoTuesday.Official on social media and sign up for the www.TacoTuesday.com newsletter.

Find all the tacos at TacoTuesday.com, a database of restaurants that serve Taco Tuesday specials across the United States. The juggernaut of a website is quickly becoming THE free resource for restaurants to add their Taco Tuesday menu while giving millions of taco obsessed consumers a convenient way to find tacos. The site is continuously expanding, with exciting future plans to combine tacos, technology and happiness.  Follow TacoTuesday.com on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter for more entertaining content and tips on how to live your best life while eating more tacos and drinking more margaritas. Sigh up to receive the TacoTuesday.com newsletter here to be invited to special events.

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