Taco Week: Try These Cleveland Tacos

1942 Tacos & Tequila 
Why we love it: This Downtown spot boasts a colorful ambiance with floral chandeliers, sea blue walls and colorful margaritas in vessels embossed with the signature skull. Choose from a large menu of Mexican bites and unique twists on cocktails. Try this: The tacos de quesabirria ($15.69) are juicy and full of flavor, on grilled corn tortillas stuffed with slow-cooked braised beef with cheese, fresh onions and cilantro, served with a side of beef broth for dipping. 1220 Huron Road East, Cleveland, 216-350-1955, 1942tacostequilapa.com 

RELATED: Cleveland Taco Week Kicks Off April 13-19

Barrio Tacos 
Why we love it: This growing build-your-own taco joint deserves its cult following. Come for sensational black-and-white skull murals, sensational margaritas, a wide variety of savory protein choices and some killer patios. Try this: The Chicken Bacon Ranch ($5.50) features spice-rubbed chicken, Monterey Jack, lettuce and pico de gallo in a bombshell shell, finished with queso, crumbled bacon and avocado ranch. Various locations, barrio-tacos.com

Blue Habanero 
Why we love it: Say hello to the oversized flower-crowned Day of the Dead skeleton lady when you enter and get ready to dine at this Gordon Square margarita and scratch street tacos haven. Try this: The tacos huitlacoche ($15) feature Mexican truffle, corn, tomato, avocado and queso fresco with house spicy sauce, a rich, earthy delicacy long prized in Central Mexican cooking. 6416 Detroit Ave., Cleveland 216-465-1818, bluehabanerocleveland.com 

Cilantro Taqueria
Why we love it: A go-to for bold, craveable Mexican street food, this bright, quick-service spot delivers all the favorites, from burritos, tacos and tortas to birria tacos and build-your-own bowls. With six locations across Northeast Ohio, it has steadily earned its following and landed on Cleveland Magazine’s Best Restaurants list in 2023. Try this: The lengua tacos ($5.74) showcases the commitment to authentic flavor, with beef tongue slow-cooked for hours in herbs and spices until tender. Topped simply with cilantro, onion and salsa, the tacos highlight the meat’s rich, juicy texture. Various locations, cilantrotaqueria.com

Condado Tacos
Why we love it: A high-energy spot for build-your-own tacos, bold flavors and a laid-back, graffiti-covered vibe. Try this: The Sweet Heat ($5.95) layers braised beef brisket with queso blanco, smoked cheddar, pineapple salsa and habanero-mango sauce in a double shell, finished with cilantro, onion and a drizzle of chipotle honey. Various locations, condadotacos.com

Ghost Pepper Taqueria & Tequila
Why we love it: Covered in a sea of majestic red string and neon lights, this vibey taco and tequila hot spot transports you to a whole different world. Order one of more than 50 tequilas or a handcrafted cocktail from the vast menu. Try this: Come for Taco Wednesday and mix and match tacos ($4 each), like the Korean with flatiron steak, soy glaze, cabbage slaw, scallion and roasted peanut; the spicy Ghost Whisperer, with marinated chicken, ghost pepper dust, pineapple salsa and queso fresco; and the Mexi, featuring chorizo, pickled red onion, sunny egg, salsa verde and cotija cheese. 1278 W. Bagley Road, Berea, 440-625-6015, ghostpeppercle.com 

La Playa Fresh Seafood
Why we love it: La Playa transports guests to a bright coastal oasis, with sea-blue tones, colorful furniture and a sprawling outdoor beach bar inspired by a Mexican seaside town. The menu brings a fresh take on seafood from Puerto Vallarta, but it’s the viral soft-serve margaritas that have helped put the spot on the map. Try this: The tacos de chicharron de atun ($22) feature crispy tuna in warm flour tortillas with a cheese crust, red cabbage, pico de gallo, chili mayo and lime aioli. 6410 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-331-2757, laplayafreshseafood.com 

Los Arcos
Why we love it: This no-frills University Heights spot delivers dependable Mexican comfort food in a colorful, lively setting. It’s a go-to for generous portions, quick service and margaritas that keep the tables full. Try this: The tacos al pastor ($12.99) feature marinated pork topped with cilantro, onion, pineapple and spicy red tomatillo salsa. 2175 S. Green Road, University Heights, 216-862-6623, losarcoscle.com 

Read More: Cleveland's 28 Best Mexican Restaurants

Momocho
Why we love it: Known for colorful margaritas, fresh guacamole and a seasonal authentic modern Mexican menu, the trendy, dimly lit restaurant is housed in a historic building once used as a grocer that Chef Eric Williams decked out with unique Lucha Libre wrestler decor. Try this: The tacos dorado ($18.50) feature chorizo and potato with queso fresco in crispy blue corn tortillas, topped with chile ranchero sauce, pickled onions, crema and sofrito. 1835 Fulton Road, Cleveland, 216-694-2122, momocho.com

Monarca Cantina
Why we love it: Located on Medina’s picturesque Public Square, Monarca Cantina brings the vibrant flavors and colors of Mexico to the heart of Ohio. Try this: The French tacos ($17) combine skirt steak and house-made Mexican sausage with caramelized onions, cabbage and pico de gallo, all wrapped in a cheese-covered tortilla with hickory-smoked onion sauce. 108 Public Square, Medina, 330-723-0010, monarcacantina.com

RELATED: Cleveland's 30 Best Taco Dishes

Ohio City Burrito 
Why we love it: It’s the fresh ingredients like local tortillas, house-made sauces, local produce and house-ground chorizo that make this approachable taco and burrito shop stand out. After being marinated in the rub for 24 hours, the meats are slow-cooked overnight for 8-10 hours and hand-shredded. Relax in Ohio City Burrito's original namesake location, or swing by its other locations in Lakewood and Downtown Cleveland. Try this: The taco Mexicanos ($9.50), a trio of authentic street tacos made with robust flavorful barbacoa, with chopped onion, fresh cilantro and lime. Various locations, ohiocityburrito.com

Taco Tontos
Why we love it: Daily fresh batches of food are the secret to success at Taco Tontos, which got its beginning in Kent in 1972. “All of our salsas, all our sauces, our chicken is hand cut, our steak is hand cut,” says co-owner Jill Cobb. Try this: The sweet potato and black bean taco ($5–$6) is topped with lettuce, tomato and cheese for a satisfying, veggie-forward bite. 13321 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-221-4479, tacotontos.com 

Because Taco Tuesday isn’t enough, Cleveland Taco Week returns April 13–19, 2026, with specials priced at $10 or less at some of the city’s most popular taco spots. Each participating restaurant will offer its own unique take, giving diners the chance to explore new flavors and revisit local favorites. Use the Cleveland Taco Week app to map out your stops, discover new restaurants and share your experience along the way.

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