San Antonio: Land of the deep-fried taco
The “puffy taco” is San Antonio's “pride and joy.”
By at least one measure, San Antonio is the world capital of Tex-Mex cuisine, said the editors of Saveur.com. Consider the “puffy taco,” the Texas city’s “pride and joy.” Not content to use a skillet to warm its tortillas, San Antonio instead plumps them up by dropping them in a deep fryer, then piles them high with “American-size quantities” of chicken, lettuce, cheddar, and anything else your heart might desire. Puffy tacos aren’t served everywhere in San Antonio, but the “classic” spots below can all be counted on for “big-hearted” Tex-Mex fare.
Mi Tierra Café y Panadería This landmark bar, restaurant, and bakery is open 24/7, seats 500, and is often enlivened by strolling mariachi musicians. Stop in for a combo plate of tacos, enchiladas, and chile con queso. 218 Produce Row, (210) 225-1262
Rolando’s Super Tacos Rolando’s tacos are billed as the biggest in town. And no wonder: Each shell is 12 inches wide. 919 W. Hildebrand Ave., (210) 732-6713
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Pete’s Tako House Extra-thick, soft flour tortillas are “another San Antonio signature,” and the ones here are as “robust as any we’ve had,” filled with everything from beef tongue (lengua) to country sausage. 1022 N. Main Ave., (210) 224-2911
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Store closings could accelerate throughout 2025
Under the Radar Major brands like Macy's and Walgreens are continuing to shutter stores
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Crossword: February 20, 2025
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published
-
Sudoku hard: February 20, 2025
The Week's daily hard sudoku puzzle
By The Week Staff Published