The classic combination of a corn flour tortilla with a choice protein, topped with lime, cilantro, and onions is hard to beat. While not overly complex, the flavor combinations are both delicious and open to variety based on the meat selection and salsa pairings. While I enjoy Americanized Mexican food, there’s something about the more authentic flavors that keep me returning as a customer at these four spots.
Over the years, Augusta has moved from having little to no authentic Mexican food, to having a great selection. Here are the Top 4 Authentic Mexican Taco Spots in Augusta, GA that you should give a try. You might just turn into a regular like me.
| Individual Taco Price | Unique Feature | Location | |
| Taqueria El Patron | $2.99 | – First of its kind in Augusta – Best street-style tacos with corn flour tortilla, meat, onions, cilantro (tripa and chorizo are all-time favorites) | Washington Road near Chick Fila and Bowlero |
| The Crazy Empanada | $4.00 | – Food truck with 4 choices of empanadas, tacos, a Cuban Sandwich, or side of Mexican Corn | Pop-up locations viewable on their Facebook page |
| Taqueria El Rey | $3.00 | – Largest alcohol selection of the bunch, with the signature margarita tower special – Also, a Salsa bar with 9+ choices for those chips | Washington Road, Martinez |
| La Jalisciense Taqueria | $2.50 | – Has an attached grocery store and pool table and jukebox | North Augusta, SC (off Old Edgefield Rd.) |
1. Taqueria El Patron (Washington Rd., Augusta)
Started back in 2012, Taqueria El Patron will always be the original spot for authentic Mexican cuisine in Augusta, Georgia. Having been a regular here for 8 years, the things that keep me coming back (at least monthly) are the high quality of the food, combined with excellent customer service and unbeatably-low prices.
And word has spread. Several years ago, Taqueria El Patron expanded to the adjacent area to acquire more space for dining booths and tables.
For $6.00, you can have two tacos and your tortilla chips, with their three signature sauces – salsa verde, red sauce, and chipotle-hot sauce. For a few dollars extra, get yourself an order of guacamole. All the items, from the corn flour tortillas to the asada, are made in-house with fresh ingredients. Additionally, there is a kid’s menu.
Pro Tip: Try the two-taco special first before branching out to other menu items. Also, they do not serve alcohol here, but do have the most spacious tables and booths for indoor seating.
The Crazy Empanada (Food Truck)
The Crazy Empanada‘s menu is straightforward and incredibly delicious. They offer four selections of empanadas and tacos, with additional choices for a side of Mexican Corn or a Cuban Sandwich entree. There are also four drink selections.
Truly a hidden gem, The Crazy Empanada was previously located off Riverwatch Parkway in Martinez. However, as of this article’s writing, they are currently just operating out of their food truck with (hopefully) plans for a new permanent location. But for now, they will just be available on a pop-up basis. If you message them on their page on Facebook, they are quick at responding (I got a response in 5 minutes on a Saturday morning).
| Empanadas | Chicken / Beef / Chorizo / Spinach & Mushroom | $4.00 |
| Tacos | Chicken / Beef / Chorizo / Spinach & Mushroom | $4.00 |
| Sandwich | Cuban Sandwich | $7.00 |
| Side | Mexican Corn | $4.00 |
| Drinks | Horchata Horchata w/ Cafe Jamaica Passion Fruit | $2.00 $3.00 $2.00 $2.00 |
Check out their Facebook Page to find the Food Truck Location
Taqueria El Rey (Washington Rd., Martinez)
Located in Martinez’s shopping center where Washington and Davis Rd. meet, Taqueria El Rey has quickly become an Augusta favorite. From the salsa bar with nine varieties to the margarita tower, this place has a larger and more traditional restaurant environment. On Thursdays, you will find specials on margaritas. And if you feel like having it delivered, you can find their menu on Doordash.
Additionally, Taqueria El Rey has the highest capacity for indoor seating and has select outdoor seating available on certain occasions (I’d call ahead to check about that outdoor seating ahead of time). While the menu for desserts is limited, Taqueria El Rey is in the same plaza as Lil’ Dutch Bakery. If you want information on Lil’ Dutch Bakery or other dessert spots in town, I recommend checking out this recent article on our site.
Pro Tip: The burritos here are enough for two folks, so I usually split one if I’m with friends or family. Also, try the hot peanut salsa – it’s one of a kind!
La Jalisciense Taqueria (North Augusta, SC)
The fourth and final spot is La Jalisciense Taqueria out in North Augusta, SC. While it’s a short drive from downtown North Augusta, it’s definitely worth the visit. The building appears to be a converted grocery store and/or gas station, which you’ll spot as you start getting out into the countryside.
While unassuming in exterior appearance, La Jalisciense Taqueria has amazing food. The corn tortillas are homemade and fresh, along with their salsa verde and red sauce. At $2.50 a pop, these are the cheapest tacos you’ll find on the list. There’s a jukebox and pool table in the back as well for some additional entertainment.
Since there is a small grocery store attached to the restaurant, on your way out maybe grab some ingredients for making your own tacos at home (check out the recipes below for some suggestions)
Menu (see above photo)
Pro Tip: The red sauce is pretty hot, and pick up a bag of corn tortillas from the grocery section on the way out (located in the back refrigerators). Also, seating is pretty limited inside.
15 Minute Street Chorizo Tacos from Ethan Chlebowski’s YouTube Channel.
Carne Asada Taco Recipe from Cooking Con Claudia’s YouTube Channel.
Here’s one of many cookbooks with a lot of good taco recipes – The Taco Tuesday Cookbook: 52 Tasty Taco Recipes to Make Every Week the Best Ever by Laura Fuentes. You can find it here on Amazon.
*This post contains an affiliate link to Amazon.com.
