The Originals: Where Puffy Taco History Was Made
- Ray's Drive Inn: Often hailed as the birthplace of the puffy taco, Ray Lopez started serving these inflated beauties back in 1956. Ray's offers a trip back in time, blending a classic 50s drive-in feel with a traditional taqueria. They serve a wide array of fillings, including classic picadillo (ground beef), shredded chicken, savory carne guisada, and even beef fajitas, all encased in that signature light-yet-sturdy shell. It's the quintessential San Antonio puffy taco experience.
- Henry's Puffy Tacos: Carrying on the family tradition, Ray's brother Henry Lopez opened his own spot in 1978, further cementing the puffy taco's place in the city's heart. With two locations (the original now called Henry's Puffy Tacos Express), they've served millions of these delights. Henry's boasts an extensive list of fillings, from ground beef and stewed chicken to bean & cheese and guacamole, ensuring a perfect puffy taco for every palate.
Masters of Masa and Texture
The magic of the puffy taco starts with the masa. These spots pay special attention to their foundation:
- Lala's Gorditas: For a unique textural take, visit Lala's. Their puffy taco shell uses a thicker, denser masa, ground fresh daily using their own molino (corn grinder), resulting in a texture some compare to cornbread. While also famous for their gorditas, their puffy tacos – especially with bean and cheese, shredded chicken, or beef picadillo fillings – offer a distinct and delicious experience.
- Teka Molino: With a history stretching back over 85 years, Teka Molino is another institution dedicated to quality masa, grinding and nixtamalizing their own corn. This dedication, featured on Netflix's "Taco Chronicles," shines through in their popular puffy tacos (often filled with picadillo) and their famous bean cups.
- Taco House: Don't let the simple name fool you. Taco House is revered for both its breakfast tacos and its puffy tacos, showcasing a mastery of tortilla texture – achieving that perfect balance between crispy puff and soft interior. They excel with classic fillings like beef picadillo and carne guisada.
Other Puffy Taco Champions
The quest for puffy perfection doesn't end there. These spots are also highly regarded:
- Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant: This beloved family restaurant has a rich history and a significant puffy taco claim to fame: co-owner Diana Barrios Treviño famously defeated celebrity chef Bobby Flay in a puffy taco "Throwdown" on Food Network, defending San Antonio's signature dish.
- Pete's Tako House: A downtown staple since 1978, this family-run Tex-Mex eatery consistently delivers quality, including their well-respected puffy tacos filled with ground beef or shredded chicken.
- Oscar's Taco House: Serving San Antonio since 1962, Oscar's offers a classic drive-in experience alongside its puffy tacos, featuring a variety of fillings including a standout chicken tinga and even a simple bean and cheese option.
San Antonio is undeniably the home of the puffy taco. From the historic originals to spots experimenting with masa, each offers a slightly different interpretation of this local treasure. The best way to find your favorite? Embark on your own puffy taco tour and taste the crispy, pillowy magic for yourself.
