I have been living the dream here in Puerto Vallarta for quite a while now. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that you cannot say you have truly experienced this city until you have tucked into a plate of real carne asada.
We are not talking about some bland steak you might find at a tourist trap. We are talking about smoky, juicy, perfectly charred meat that makes your taste buds sing!!
Finding the best spots in Old Town can feel like a mission, but it is the best kind of mission you can imagine. Whether you are a solo traveler or here with the whole family, the food scene in Zona Romantica (also known as Old Town) is absolutely AMAZING.
Why Old Town is the Heart of the Taco Scene
Old Town is where the soul of the city lives. The cobblestone streets and traditional Mexican architecture make every meal feel like an event. We LOVE the vibe here because it is so authentic and welcoming.
When we first started looking for the best rentals in puerto vallarta, we knew we wanted to be close to the action. Being able to walk out of your door and smell the charcoal grills firing up is a game-changer for any vacation.
Old Town and Zona Romantica are basically the same place, so don't get confused when people use both names. It is the center of everything delicious!
El Sabor Jarocho: A Hidden Gem
If you want a spot that feels truly local, you have to find El Sabor Jarocho. It is a small stand right across from the super-famous Pancho’s Takos. While everyone else is standing in a massive line at Pancho's, we usually head right here.
The carne asada is smoky and overfilled. They don't skimp on the meat at all! It is juicy and has that perfect fire-roasted flavor that you just can't get at home.
It is one of the best carne asada tacos we have ever had in PV. Plus, it is a bit cheaper and much faster than the big-name spots. Highly recommended if you want pure meat and fire with no frills!
Tacos Sonorita Olas Altas
Another favorite of ours is Tacos Sonorita. They are located in the Olas Altas area of Old Town. This place is basically the local's answer to the more touristy stands.
They use fire-roasted meats and their salsas are incredible. But best of all, you have to try their volcanes. A volcan is a tortilla grilled until it is crispy, topped with melted cheese and then piled high with that sizzling carne asada.
It is SOOO good. We literally dream about the rib tacos here, too. If you are staying nearby, this should be a nightly stop for you.
Where to Stay for the Best Foodie Experience
If you are planning your trip, you might be wondering which area is the best for your home base. While Old Town is great, we think the Amapas area is actually the best place to rent.
Amapas is just a tiny bit south of the main hustle of Zona Romantica. It is quieter and feels a bit more exclusive, but you are still just a short walk away from all the taco stands.
We always recommend checking out rentals puerto vallarta in the Amapas area because you get the best of both worlds: peace and quiet at night, and easy access to the best food during the day.
The Late Night Legend: Taqueria La Hormiga
Sometimes the best cravings hit late at night. That is when you head to Taqueria La Hormiga on Lázaro Cárdenas. They don't even open until about 7 PM, and they stay busy until the early hours of the morning.
This is the classic plastic-stool experience. You sit on the sidewalk, watch the world go by, and eat some of the best street tacos in the city. Their asada is always fresh off the grill.
It is such a fun atmosphere. You will see locals, expats, and tourists all sitting together enjoying the same AMAZING food. If you want to know more about the street food scene, you should check out our guide to a local street food crawl.
Don't Forget the Salsas!
The meat is the star, but the salsas are the supporting cast that makes the show complete. Most stands will have a variety of bowls filled with different colors and spice levels.
Be careful with the habanero ones if you aren't used to heat! We always go for the fresh pico de gallo and a big scoop of creamy guacamole.
The way the cool avocado pairs with the hot, charred beef is just perfection. Most places also give you grilled knob onions (cebollitas) which are sweet and delicious.
Tips for Your Taco Adventure
If you are a solo traveler, don't be shy! Taco stands are the friendliest places in the city. Just pull up a stool and say "dos tacos de carne asada, por favor."
Before you head out, make sure you aren't falling into common traps. We have a great post about mistakes to avoid with local rentals that will help you stay in the best spots.
Always bring small pesos. While some sit-down restaurants take cards, the best street stands are cash only. It makes the whole process much smoother.
Final Thoughts on Carne Asada
Puerto Vallarta is a food lover's paradise, and the carne asada in Old Town is the crowning jewel. From the smoky stands on the street corners to the more established taquerias, there is something for everyone.
We are so grateful to live in a place with such vibrant culture and incredible flavors. Every meal feels like a celebration of life here.
If you are coming to visit, make sure you put a taco crawl at the top of your list. You won't regret it! It is the best way to see the city and fill your belly at the same time.
We want to see your favorite taco finds! Share your food photos with us on Facebook.
About the Author
