We absolutely LOVE the taco scene here. There is nothing like walking out of your door and following your nose to the smell of sizzling meat and fresh corn tortillas. If you are staying in the Amapas area, you are basically in the heart of the action. We always tell people that Amapas is the absolute best place to rent because you get the peace of the hills but you are just a few minutes away from the best street food in the world.
When we talk about the vibe in Old Town, it is all about the simple things. You don’t need anything fancy when you have a plastic stool and a plate of the best Al Pastor you’ve ever tasted. We have spent countless nights wandering these streets, and we’ve found the spots that locals really go to. If you are looking for puerto vallarta rentals condo options, you’ll be happy to know that most of these spots are right in your backyard.
The King of the Night: Pancho’s Takos
You cannot talk about tacos in this city without mentioning Pancho’s Takos. It is arguably the most famous street taco stand in the area. It’s located on Basilio Badillo and opens up in the late afternoon. You will see the line before you see the stand. We’ve seen people wait for an hour just to get a seat!
But is it worth it? YES. The Al Pastor here is legendary. They have this massive trompo (the vertical spit) and the guys working it are like artists. They slice the meat so thin and then flick a piece of pineapple from the top of the spit right into the taco. It’s a show! If you are a solo traveller, pull up a stool at the bar and watch them work. It’s the best entertainment in town.
The Local Alternative: Tacos Sonorita Olas Altas
If the line at Pancho’s is just too long, we always head over to Tacos Sonorita on Pino Suárez. This place is AMAZING!! They have a very similar menu but the wait is usually much shorter. We highly recommend visiting around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM when the dinner rush is just starting.
The quality is super consistent. We love their flour tortillas: they are thick and chewy, just like they make them up north. It’s a great spot to hit if you are just coming back from the beach and want something quick and delicious before heading back to your condo rental puerto vallarta to relax.
Smoky Flavor at Taqueria Las Güeras
For something a little different, you have to find Taqueria Las Güeras. It’s a bit more of a sit-down spot on Venustiano Carranza, but it still feels totally local and simple. They specialize in Al Pastor too, but it has this incredible smoky flavor that sets it apart.
One of our favorite things about this place is the salsa bar. They bring out six different salsas to your table! Some are creamy, some are chunky, and some will absolutely blow your head off with heat. We always tell our guests that staying in an apartment nearby means you can take your leftovers home, but honestly, there are rarely any leftovers here.
Morning Fuel: Taqueria el Moreno
If you think tacos are just for late at night, you are missing out. In Mexico, breakfast tacos are a way of life. Taqueria el Moreno on the corner of Madero and Constitucion is where you go for fresh birria. Birria is spicy stewed meat (usually beef or goat) and it is the ultimate comfort food.
They make their tortillas fresh right there on the griddle. You can get your tacos "con consome," which means they give you a little cup of the broth to dip your taco in. It is SOOO good! We’ve included this in our 2026 guide because it’s such an authentic experience. If you had a few too many margaritas the night before, this birria will bring you back to life.
Seafood Delights at Mariscos Cisneros
You are at the ocean, so you have to eat some seafood tacos. Mariscos Cisneros on Aguacate is our go-to spot. They’ve been around for a long time and they know exactly what they are doing. Their fish and shrimp tacos are incredible, but if you want something really special, order the "shrimp with cheese" taco.
It’s rich, savory, and perfectly fried. They are only open until about 8:00 PM, so this is more of a lunch or early dinner spot. It’s a very short walk from the Amapas area, making it a perfect pit stop during your day of exploring Old Town.
The Secret Pork: Carnitas Stand
On the corner of Cardenas and Aguacate, there is a small carnitas stand that opens up in the afternoon. Carnitas are slow-cooked pork, and when it’s done right, the meat just melts in your mouth. This is real-deal street food. You stand on the sidewalk, eat your tacos, and toss your napkins in the little bin.
We love the energy here. It’s fast, it’s loud, and the food is cheap and delicious. It’s these little neighborhood spots that make living here so special. When you are staying in the Amapas neighborhood, you start to recognize the guys running the stands, and they’ll start to recognize you too.
Tips for the Best Taco Experience
If you are new to the street food scene, here are a few things we’ve learned over the years:
- Follow the crowd. If a stand has a lot of locals standing around it, that’s where the good stuff is.
- Cash is king. Most of these small stands don't take cards. Always keep some pesos in your pocket.
- The salsa rule. Usually, the red salsa is hotter than the green, but not always! Test a tiny drop before you pour it all over your taco.
- Don't be shy. If you aren't sure what to order, just ask for "dos de pastor con todo" (two pastor tacos with everything). "With everything" usually means onions, cilantro, and pineapple.
Why Amapas is the Place to Be
We really can't stress enough how much we love the Amapas area. It’s tucked just slightly away from the main noise of the bars, but you are still within a five-to-ten-minute walk of every single taco spot we mentioned. You get the best of both worlds: a quiet place to sleep and a world-class food scene at your doorstep.
Our condos like Sueño and The Nest are right in this sweet spot. We’ve designed them to be comfortable and simple, giving you a great home base for your adventures. There is nothing better than grabbing a bag of tacos from a street stand and bringing them back to sit on your balcony and look at the ocean. It is the ultimate Puerto Vallarta experience!
If you are planning your trip, make sure to check out our other recommendations for the best things to do in the city. We are here to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful place. We are so grateful to everyone who comes to visit and falls in love with this city just like we did.
These taco spots are more than just places to eat; they are the heart and soul of the community. Every time we go to Pancho's or El Moreno, we feel that connection to the city. We highly recommend you step out of your comfort zone, try a new salsa, and enjoy the best food the world has to offer.
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