The Best Breakfast Tacos in San Antonio

Most taquerias serve barbacoa only on weekends, a testament to the time and attention the dish requires. El Milagrito serves it every day until they close or run out, and it’s always outstanding. At the restaurant, open and buzzing with customers since 1969, cooks combine a mixture of beef cheeks and meat from the head, wrap it in a maguey leaf, place a cow tongue on top, and steam it (the tongue is served separately). The maguey imparts a subtly vegetal flavor, and cooks reserve just enough fat so that each bite of meat is unctuous. Some diners order a barbacoa plate and assemble their own meal, while others prefer to have the tender meat packed into tacos by El Milagrito’s seasoned cooks. Either way, enjoy a side of potatoes cooked in red-tinged chorizo fat and shower each bite with a squeeze of fresh lime.

Maria’s Cafe

1105 Nogalitos St.

Maria Beza opened her snug taqueria in 1989, and her creative offerings established her namesake café as a neighborhood favorite. Here, you’ll find the Puffchilada, a puffy taco stuffed with a cheese enchilada, and the Taco Ondo, blending potato, egg, bacon, carne guisada gravy, and shredded yellow cheese. Outside, Maria’s husband, Tom, smokes a mean brisket that graces many of the best dishes. Try the Big Joe’s Taco, with chorizo, egg, bacon, brisket, cheese, and bright pico de gallo. For something a bit leaner, go for the El Mayor, a tribute to Mayor Ron Nirenberg (a one-time bodybuilder who keeps in impressive shape) with eggs, beans, and serrano chiles on a corn tortilla. A sign describing the mayor’s namesake taco is tacked onto a corkboard alongside his autograph and a note proclaiming “Viva Maria!”

Little Taco Factory

1510 McCullough Ave.

A chorizo and egg taco is simple, but the combination is tricky to get right. The chorizo is often greasy while the egg is prone to becoming rubbery. The Little Taco Factory’s version is a masterclass. Owner Maria Rodriguez takes the time to drain the chorizo and mix the crumbles while cooking the egg so the filling is evenly seasoned. The Rodriguez family has honed their technique since 1970, drawing diners from downtown and the surrounding neighborhood for tacos, gooey yellow cheese enchiladas, and loaded combo plates. Expect to order your breakfast to go because there are only a handful of tables in the tiny dining room.

Original Donut Shop

3307 Fredericksburg Rd.