Pride of place seems to unite New Mexicans, regardless of all the diverse categories we use to identify ourselves. Something about the uniqueness of our lands and people foster a kinship with our fellow residents. But there’s one surefire way to create a divided state: today we are ranking the top taco trucks in New Mexico.

Put up your dukes, Land of Enchantment residents, because this is by no means the final word on the best of the best. However, based on word of mouth, unofficial surveys, culinary awards and line length, we present to you our take on New Mexico’s tastiest taco trucks. Let’s dive in:

El Chile Toreado
807 Early St. Santa Fe, NM 87505
1311 Siler Road Santa Fe, NM 87507 (Mr. Polish Stand)

We start with a beloved mainstay: El Chile Toreado. El Chile has a nearly 20 year history in New Mexico and is known for their namesake – signature ultra spicy jalapeños – as well as their bounty of help-yourself condiments and peppers. The highest-reviewed menu items include their carnitas, breakfast burritos (served until 11 am), and their uniquely spicy green sauce – a closely guarded secret family recipe. Their sausage-based offering, the “Mr. Polish,” is a nod to the family patriarch’s original hot dog cart that started their journey to food truck success: they’ve notably been selected as one of the southwest region’s 2023 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists.

El Mero Mero
3000 Carlisle Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87110

Many New Mexicans have endured a lengthy line for a legendary El Mero Mero taco. Paired with consistently above average (if not excellent) customer service, the tacos are worth the wait. Menu highlights include the tinga chicken and asada. For a truly New Mexican experience, pair the rich chicharron with the bright acidity of their famous green salsa.

Fusion Tacos
502 Old Santa Fe Trail Santa Fe, NM 87505
Additional SF + ABQ Locations

Fusion Tacos is a relative newcomer to the New Mexico food scene and is already a strong favorite for top taco truck honors among Yelpsters, bloggers and locals. Started in Santa Fe in 2019 by Perla Ramon and her family, Fusion Tacos now has multiple truck and brick and mortar locations and is still growing. A standout for their mix of fast and healthy menu options, their birria quickly became a customer favorite either in taco or ramen form. Fusion Tacos is also in the health and fitness arena, offering meal prep plans {https://fusiontacosnm.com/meal-prep/} and fit-specific menus.

Dope Street Tacos
2501 E. Main Street Farmington, NM 87401

Near the Four Corners, Dope Street Tacos is making a name for itself. The Farmington-based taco truck is known for its take on birria tacos and unique “Dope Sauce.” Most patrons advise to order extra Dope Sauce as it pairs well with just about everything.

La Pichorrita
401 Isleta Blvd SW Albuquerque, NM 87105 (Permanent Stand)
Three Additional Trucks in the ABQ Area

Often simply called “barbacoa y birria,” by its fans, La Pichorrita has a well-deserved and devoted following. Their famously highlighted top two menu items can be ordered as life-changing tacos, or if you need to feed more than a few people, you can order meats by the pound that come with warm stacks of tortillas and all the salsas and fixings you could hope for.

Taqueria Mexico
300 Menaul Blvd NW Albuquerque, NM 87107

We are bending the “must-be-or-have-been-a-food-truck” rule slightly to include a final honorable mention: Taqueria Mexico. Originally a walk-up stand, Albuquerque citizens used to risk their lives crossing Lomas to secure a tasty taco. Now located in a brick and mortar establishment, it’s a bit safer to peruse their large menu and enjoy a bowl of their famous posole.

Are you now hungry for tacos, or hungry for a fight? We at State ECU are always happy to take up a best-taco debate, especially when it involves hands-on research. Next Taco Tuesday, make sure to support our diverse and always hardworking population of local taco vendors.