When it comes to finding the ultimate carne guisada taco in San Antonio, who better to ask than the neighbors themselves? We scoured a recent Nextdoor conversation where locals passionately debated their favorite spots for this beloved Tex-Mex staple—tender, slow-cooked beef swimming in rich, savory gravy, all wrapped in a warm tortilla.
From hole-in-the-wall gems to family-run institutions, these recommendations come straight from the people who know San Antonio’s taco scene best. Whether you’re team thick tortilla or team verde sauce, this grassroots guide will lead you to carne guisada glory.
Los Tacos Gueros (formerly Guero’s Taco Diner)
Rosalinda A. shared a heartwarming story about her grandmother’s carne guisada recipe before revealing that Los Tacos Gueros in Stone Oak is the only restaurant that measures up. High praise indeed!
This family-friendly spot on Huebner Road has recently changed its name slightly (you might still see it as Guero’s), but the quality remains consistent. Their carne guisada is featured in their signature “Trashcan” taco (eggs, potatoes, beans, bacon, carne guisada, and cheddar cheese—yes, all of it) and the “El Güerko” taco.
With a fresh salsa bar and homemade tortillas, this place honors abuela’s legacy.
20323 Huebner Rd, Ste 111, San Antonio, TX 78258
📞 (210) 495-4300
🕔 Mon-Sat 7 AM–2 PM, Sun 8 AM–1:30 PM
Eddie’s Taco House
The conversation kicked off with Letty M. championing Eddie’s Taco House on Thousand Oaks, earning an enthusiastic “100%” endorsement for their thick, fluffy tortillas. And honestly? Those tortillas alone are worth the pilgrimage.
Eddie’s carne guisada features tender beef in a beautifully spiced gravy with just enough kick to keep things interesting. One Yelp reviewer gushed about their visit from California, relieved to finally find authentic carne guisada after years of West Coast deprivation. The Northside location has been serving the community since 1976, and their dedication to quality hasn’t wavered.
3755 Thousand Oaks Dr, San Antonio, TX 78247
📞 (210) 490-5500
🕔 Mon 7 AM–3 PM, Tue-Wed 7 AM–9:30 PM, Thu 7 AM–10:30 PM, Fri 6 AM–10:30 PM, Sat 7 AM–10 PM
Melendez
Tonya R. dropped a single word: “Melendez.” And when a restaurant needs no further explanation, you know it’s legit. Located on Walzem Road, Melendez has earned a cult following for what reviewers call the “best carne gusada in town.”
The meat is tender with a unique flavor profile that defies easy description—one enthusiastic foodie admitted they couldn’t pinpoint what makes it so special, just that it is. Their thick, buttery tortillas and flavorful red and green salsas seal the deal. Bonus: they offer breakfast tacos for just $3.99 before 10 AM, making it an absolute steal for early risers.
4973 Walzem Rd, San Antonio, TX 78218
📞 (210) 265-3131
🕔 Mon-Sat 7 AM–3 PM (closed Sun)
Fidelos on Nacogdoches
Olivia M. suggested Fidelos, prompting an immediate response: “Fidelos is amazing! If you can get a table lol!” This beloved breakfast spot on Nacogdoches has developed such a loyal following that nabbing a seat can feel like winning the lottery.
Their carne guisada consistently ranks among the most popular dishes, with seven photos and 18 reviews singing its praises on Yelp alone. The restaurant opens at the ungodly hour of 5 AM on weekdays, catering to those who believe breakfast tacos are worth setting an alarm for.
10929 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78217
📞 (210) 655-8737
🕔 Mon-Sat 5 AM–3 PM, Sun 6 AM–3 PM
Tacos N Salsa
Charlie W. recommendation was refreshingly straightforward: “Tacos and salsa.” The Jones Maltsberger location of this local chain specializes in exactly what the name promises. Their Carne Guisada Deluxe—featuring tender stewed beef topped with a gently fried egg on a toasted tortilla—has inspired near-religious devotion.
One reviewer warned it’s so good “your knees will get weak,” so maybe sit down before taking that first bite. With multiple locations around San Antonio, Tacos N Salsa makes it easy to get your fix.
12820 Jones Maltsberger Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247
📞 (210) 764-5285
🕔 Mon-Sat 6:30 AM–2 PM, Sun 8 AM–2 PM
True Texas Tacos (HEB Gas Station at 1604 & Bulverde)
Todd D. dropped a recommendation that might raise eyebrows: the HEB gas station at 1604 and Bulverde. “Get the verde sauce. You’ll thank me later.” H-E-B’s True Texas Tacos concept proves that great tacos don’t require a sit-down restaurant.
Their carne guisada taco features “complex spices and a gentle chile heat,” though one reviewer noted it’s the real standout among their offerings. The fresh flour tortillas are made right before your eyes, and prices hover around $2.79—can’t beat that convenience store magic.
17439 Classen Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247 (inside HEB convenience store)
📞 (210) 642-4791
🕔 Mon-Sat 5 AM–2 PM, Sun 9 AM–2 PM
Chas Market & Kitchen
Kristin G. declared that Chas Market has “the absolute best tacos ever,” with special praise for those tortillas. Now here’s where things get interesting: Chas Market is primarily known as a Korean BBQ spot, but they also serve Mexican breakfast tacos that have earned a devoted following.
Located in a somewhat unassuming building on Pine Street, this hidden gem offers an unusual but beloved combination of authentic Korean food and breakfast tacos that’ll have you questioning why more places don’t combine these cuisines.
1431 N Pine St, San Antonio, TX 78208
📞 (210) 227-1521
🕔 Mon-Wed 6:30 AM–2 PM, Thu 10:30 AM–8 PM, Fri 10:30 AM–9 PM, Sat 7 AM–9 PM, Sun 7 AM–4 PM
Pete’s Tako House
Wayne W. brought the downtown flavor with Pete’s Tako House on Brooklyn Avenue, describing their carne guisada tacos as “huge and delicious.” He’s not exaggerating—Pete’s has been a San Antonio institution since 1978, serving oversized tacos stuffed with tender meat.
Their green salsa pairs perfectly with the rich beef, and Wayne’s suggestion to chase it with Big Red? Pure San Antonio wisdom. The homemade corn and flour tortillas elevate every bite.
502 Brooklyn Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
📞 (210) 224-2911
🕔 Mon-Sat 7 AM–3 PM, Sun 7 AM–3 PM
Taco Tex
Tom I. recommended Taco Tex at Brook Hollow and 281, a family-run spot that’s been quietly serving the north side since the early 2000s. This unassuming taqueria opens at 6 AM and serves until 3 PM, specializing in fresh breakfast tacos and traditional Mexican fare.
While specific carne guisada reviews are limited, locals praise their “great texmex food” and reasonable prices, making it worth a visit for taco completists.
15104 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78232
📞 (210) 490-2391
🕔 Mon-Sat 6 AM–3 PM (closed Sun)
Tejas Cafe
Both Violet E. and Victoria M. sang the praises of Tejas Cafe at O’Connor and Wurzbach Parkway, with Violet emphasizing their tacos are “huge and awesome.” The carne guisada here has earned 31 glowing reviews on Yelp, with one fan calling it their “always favorite.”
The portions are genuinely enormous—one reviewer noted they had “a heaping plate of carne guisada” with tender, fairly lean meat and mild but satisfying flavor. The friendly service and generous portions make this a solid choice for those who believe more is more.
12122 O’Connor Rd, San Antonio, TX 78233
📞 (210) 599-7573
🕔 Mon-Sat 6 AM–3 PM, Sun 7 AM–3 PM
Taco House (San Pedro)
Vanessa F’s pick was Taco House on San Pedro, noting “there is always a line, but totally worth it!” This neighborhood favorite has been serving the area for decades with their handmade flour and corn tortillas and home-style Mexican cooking.
The carne guisada features six photos and 15 reviews on Yelp, with customers praising the “best tortillas in the city” and describing everything from tacos to caldo as consistently delicious.
6307 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78216
📞 (210) 341-3136
🕔 Tue-Sat 7 AM–2 PM, Sun 7 AM–2 PM (closed Mon)
Mi Rancho Alegre
Jason Marx closed out the conversation with Mi Rancho Alegre on Nacogdoches near Thousand Oaks. This family-run restaurant has quietly built a reputation for serving authentic homestyle Mexican food since the early 2000s.
Their Mi Rancho Guisada Tacos are a menu highlight, with seven photos and seven reviews documenting their appeal. Lunch specials starting at $6.49 (including tea!) make this an incredible value, while the homemade tortillas and generous portions keep customers coming back.
12602 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78217
📞 (210) 599-7164
🕔 Tue-Sat 6 AM–3 PM, Sun 5:30 AM–3 PM (closed Mon)
Mi Rancho Alegre
Jason M. closed out the conversation with Mi Rancho Alegre on Nacogdoches near Thousand Oaks. This family-run restaurant has quietly built a reputation for serving authentic homestyle Mexican food since the early 2000s.
Their Mi Rancho Guisada Tacos are a menu highlight, with seven photos and seven reviews documenting their appeal. Lunch specials starting at $6.49 (including tea!) make this an incredible value, while the homemade tortillas and generous portions keep customers coming back.
12602 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78217
📞 (210) 599-7164
🕔 Tue-Sat 6 AM–3 PM, Sun 5:30 AM–3 PM (closed Mon)
Tamale Boy
Brett Alan H. added another gem to the list: Tamale Boy. While this spot is primarily famous for their award-winning tamales—especially the legendary “Kadillak” tamales stuffed with chicken, cream cheese, spinach, and jalapeños—their carne guisada tacos have developed a loyal following of their own.
With five photos and four reviews on Yelp specifically for the carne guisada, this South Flores location has become a Thursday-through-Sunday destination. One reviewer praised their Kadillac Lite and Carne Guisada combination with hot sauce, calling it perfection. Just get there early—they frequently sell out before closing time, and there’s nothing sadder than showing up to an empty Tamale Boy.
5300 S Flores St, San Antonio, TX 78214
📞 (210) 663-2033
🕔 Thu-Fri 8:30 AM–3 PM, Sat-Sun 7 AM–2 PM (closed Mon-Wed, or until sold out)
La Birrieria
La Birrieria on Perrin Beitel might seem like an unexpected addition to a carne guisada roundup—after all, this spot built its reputation on authentic birria tacos featuring both beef and lamb. But here’s the secret: they also serve a Texas Plate that includes carne guisada alongside enchiladas, beans, and rice.
One Facebook reviewer declared it “the best enchilada/carne guisada combo plate I’ve ever had,” praising the very tender beef and generously stuffed enchiladas. The restaurant’s bright, festive dining area features colorful Mexican cultural motifs, and the casual seat-yourself setup keeps things relaxed.
While you’re there, don’t sleep on their quesabirria tacos—the tender meat dunked in rich consommé has earned them a 4.5-star rating across 260+ reviews. Just note: no beer or alcohol served, but their homemade horchata and aguas frescas more than make up for it.
11211 Perrin Beitel Rd, San Antonio, TX 78217
📞 (210) 888-1825
🕔 Sun 11 AM–11 PM, Mon 11 AM–10 PM, Tue 10:30 AM–5 PM, Wed-Sat 11 AM–11 PM
Blanco Café
Let’s get one thing straight—no serious conversation about San Antonio comfort food is complete without a nod to Blanco Café.
This old-school Tex-Mex spot has been a fixture since the 1970s, and while it’s famous for enchiladas, locals know the carne guisada tacos are worth their weight in golden gravy. One Yelp reviewer described the dish simply as “WOW!”—and honestly, that says it all.
The beef is tender, the sauce perfectly seasoned, and those freshly made flour tortillas are thick, chewy, and unapologetically carby in the best way possible. Blanco Café is proof that sometimes the simplest places do carne guisada best—no gimmicks, just pure, slow-cooked soul.
1720 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78212
📞 (210) 732-6480
🕔 Mon–Sat 6 AM–9 PM, Sun 7 AM–3 PM
Rolando’s Super Tacos #1
If “go big or go home” were a taqueria, it would be Rolando’s Super Tacos #1. This North Central San Antonio legend has been feeding brave appetites since 1976, and their tacos are more like edible sleeping bags of joy—giant, delicious, and downright excessive in the best possible way. The Carne Guisada Super Taco is a local rite of passage: slow-cooked beef swimming in a silky comino sauce, then topped with melted cheese, guacamole, sour cream, onions, cilantro, and salsa. It’s priced around nine bucks, but one taco could easily feed two adults (or one very determined San Antonian).
Reviewers rave about the rich flavor, pillowy tortillas, and jaw-dropping size—“couldn’t finish it,” said one diner, “but I tried my hardest!” Whether you’re craving breakfast tacos, Tex-Mex plates, or a gigantic carne guisada masterpiece, Rolando’s gives you a hug in tortilla form.
919 W Hildebrand Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201
📞 (210) 549-5950
🕔 Mon–Sat 9 AM–3 PM (closed Sun)
