When most travelers think of Los Cabos, images of golden beaches, deep-sea fishing, and buzzing nightlife come to mind. But for locals, there’s one true flavor that defines Cabo’s spirit: tacos.

From humble street carts to stylish mezcal bars, Los Cabos has a taco for every craving. With so many options, the challenge isn’t finding tacos—it’s choosing the right ones. That’s why we turned to true experts: Cabo locals and our podcast guests, who live, work, and eat here daily. The result? A curated guide to the best tacos in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, from seafood legends to hidden late-night gems.

Why Trust This Taco Guide?

Unlike generic “best of” lists based on Instagram photos, this guide is built on real experiences:

• * Local voices—Cabo residents share where they actually eat.
  
  
• * Podcast insights—Chefs, artists, and entrepreneurs reveal their go-to taco spots.
  
  
• * On-the-ground research—firsthand tastings, verified reviews, and food writing from the past year.
  
  

We’ve organized our list by taco icons, hidden gems, categories, and a suggested taco crawl so you can design your own flavorful adventure in Los Cabos.

The Taco Icons of Cabo

🌮 Tacos Gardenias: A Seafood Institution

If you ask where to find the quintessential Baja fish taco, nine out of ten locals will point you to Tacos Gardenias. Family-run for over 30 years, this spot is famous for shrimp, lobster, and fish tacos, all served with fresh tortillas and a legendary salsa bar.

Many visitors say they return daily during their stay, while locals call it their “reliable everyday taco spot.” Affordable, fresh, and unpretentious—this is the definition of Cabo comfort food.

📍 Calle Paseo de la Marina, Cabo San Lucas

🌮 La Lupita Taco & Mezcal: Trendy Meets Traditional

For a modern twist on Mexican tradition, head to La Lupita Taco & Mezcal in San José del Cabo. Creative dishes like duck tacos with mole or roasted cactus for vegetarians pair perfectly with an extensive mezcal selection and live music nights.

It’s become so popular that the brand is expanding to Dallas, Texas, in 2025. Still, the original San José location remains the crown jewel.

📍 Calle José María Morelos, San José del Cabo

🌮 Tacos Guss: A Downtown Favorite

Located in the heart of Cabo San Lucas, Tacos Guss attracts both locals and tourists. Known for al pastor, carne asada, and shrimp tacos, it wins for consistency, flavor, and affordability.

As one traveler put it, “Our entire lunch was less than $30, and the tacos were fantastic.” For budget-friendly bites downtown, Guss delivers.

📍 Av. Lázaro Cárdenas, Cabo San Lucas

🌮 Los Claros: Flavor Without the Tourist Prices

A seafood lover’s paradise, Los Claros serves fresh fish, shrimp, and smoked marlin tacos at local prices. Their salsa bar—featuring everything from creamy guacamole to fiery habanero—is a highlight in itself.

Affordable, family-friendly, and packed with flavor, Los Claros is a must-stop.

📍 Calle Ignacio Zaragoza, Cabo San Lucas

🌮 Metate Cabo: The Elevated Taco Experience

Want tacos with a gourmet twist? Metate Cabo blends traditional flavors with fine dining flair. Think slow-braised meats, handmade tortillas, and seasonal farm-to-table ingredients served in an open-air, rustic-chic setting.

This is where locals go for a special night out, proving that tacos can be both rustic and refined.

📍 Camino del Colegio, Cabo San Lucas

🌮 Taquería El Paisa: The Late-Night Hero

When Cabo’s nightlife winds down, Taquería El Paisa comes alive. Known for juicy suadero, sizzling al pastor, and smoky carne asada, it’s the go-to for night owls and locals after midnight.

Affordable, authentic, and open late—this is the raw, unfiltered Cabo taco experience.

📍 Lázaro Cárdenas, Cabo San Lucas

Bonus Hidden Gems Worth Discovering

• * Las Guacamayas—Famous for hearty tacos and molcajetes.
  
  
• * Ramiro’s Tacos—A street stall beloved for its suadero.
  
  
• * La Taquiza Centro—Great for quick bites in downtown San José.
  
  
• * Mi Zarape—A local neighborhood favorite for al pastor.
  
  

Best Tacos in Cabo by Category

Looking for something specific? Here are the best tacos in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo by type:

• 🐟 Best Fish Taco: Tacos Gardenias—crispy, golden perfection.
  
  
• 🍤 Best Shrimp Taco: Los Claros – grilled shrimp recommended.
  
  
• 🐖 Best Al Pastor: Taquería El Paisa – sizzling late-night favorite.
  
  
• 🥩 Best Suadero: Ramiro’s Tacos – rich, melty beef cuts.
  
  
• 🍽️ Best Gourmet Taco: Metate Cabo – chef-driven creations.
  
  
• 🌱 Best Vegetarian Taco: La Lupita – roasted cactus and cheese.
  
  

How Much Do Tacos Cost in Cabo?

Eating tacos in Los Cabos is budget-friendly compared to dining in resorts. On average:

• * Street stalls: $25–40 MXN ($1.50–$2.50 USD) per taco
  
  
• * Casual taquerías: $40–70 MXN ($2.50–$4.00 USD)
  
  
• * Upscale spots: $90–150 MXN ($5–$9 USD)
  
  

💡 Pro tip: Taquerías are generous with salsas, limes, and toppings. Two to three tacos are usually plenty for a full meal.

Taco Culture in Los Cabos: Local Tips

• * Salsas matter—start small; some pack serious heat.
  
  
• * Taco time—locals enjoy tacos at lunch or late at night.
  
  
• * Keep it simple—the best tacos need little more than meat, tortilla, and salsa.
  
  
• * Seafood safety—Stick to reputable spots for raw or lightly cooked seafood.
  
  

Insights From Our Podcast Guests

We asked Cabo locals and insiders on our podcast, “Where do you go for tacos?”

• * Chef Julio (San José del Cabo): “Gardenias is the place I take friends—the shrimp tacos never fail.”
  
  
• * Artist Daniela (Cabo San Lucas): “Late nights always end at El Paisa. The pastor tacos taste better at 2 a.m.”
  
  
• * Entrepreneur Miguel (La Paz): “Metate shows tacos can be fine dining. It’s where I bring clients.”
  
  

These voices confirm what we discovered: Cabo locals value the classics while celebrating new taco creativity.

Cabo Taco Crawl: A Suggested Itinerary

Want to sample the best in one day? Try this Cabo taco crawl:

1. Lunch at Tacos Gardenias—start with seafood tacos.
   
   
2. Afternoon stop at La Lupita—mezcal and creative flavors.
   
   
3. Evening bite at Los Claros—a light fish taco before sunset.
   
   
4. Late-night at El Paisa—finish with sizzling al pastor.
   
   

FAQs About Tacos in Los Cabos

Are tacos safe to eat in Cabo?
Yes—especially at busy, established taquerías. High turnover means fresher ingredients.

What makes Baja tacos unique?
They feature seafood, cabbage, crema, and salsa on corn tortillas.

Can I find vegetarian tacos in Cabo?
Absolutely. La Lupita, Metate, and some stalls offer cactus, cheese, and bean options.

What’s the difference between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo tacos?
Cabo San Lucas leans toward late-night, tourist-friendly spots, while San José offers more artisanal and creative versions.

Final Bite: Why Cabo Tacos Belong on Your Travel List

Tacos in Los Cabos are more than food—they’re a cultural ritual, a way for locals to connect, and a flavor-packed memory every traveler takes home. Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, following local taco recommendations will enrich your Cabo experience.

Skip the tourist traps and follow the locals: try Gardenias for seafood, La Lupita for mezcal and creativity, or El Paisa after midnight.

Hungry for more Cabo insider tips?

• 🎧 Subscribe to our podcast for weekly food and travel recommendations.
  
  
• 📩 Join our newsletter for curated Cabo guides and hacks.
  
  
• 🍴 Share this article with your taco-loving friends—because Cabo tacos are best enjoyed together.