Where to Get Birria Tacos in Edmonton

Birria tacos are quickly gaining popularity in the Edmonton food scene and I’m excited to see more taco businesses offering these as an option. I’ve checked out a few spots for birria tacos now so thought I’d share some spots where you can find birria tacos in Edmonton!

Birria tacos are normally made with slow-cooked beef, that’s stuffed in a fried tortilla, and served with consommé – the richly flavoured broth that the meat was cooked in. Traditionally, you enjoy birria tacos by dipping it directly into the consommé but it can also be consumed separately too. I definitely recommend dipping it for the extra flavour though!

If you have not yet tried birria tacos, you’ve gotta get some! They are so delicious and definitely one of my go-to taco options now (where it’s available). Here are a few spots in Edmonton that offer birria tacos… FYI prepare to get a little messy because birria tacos wouldn’t be birria tacos without the mess (and a little oil)!

Tacos El Nido ($11.95) – CLOSED

Sharing a space with PresoTea at the University of Alberta, you can enjoy bubble tea with tacos at Tacos El Nido (and ramen too, if you order from their other sister business, Jiro Ramen). There are several taco options on the menu but of course, I always go for the birria tacos. Tacos El Nido’s birria tacos are double stacked and nice and crispy and there is a fair portion of beef and cheese in each taco.

However, unlike other competing spots, the birria tacos at Tacos El Nido do not automatically come with the consommé so don’t forget to order it on the side if you want to dip (+$4.95). I find the broth here to be a little thicker/stew-like and sweeter with hints of Asian flavors but its quite complementary when paired with the tacos themselves. PS. Tacos El Nido is currently one of the only spots I know of where you can grab tacos from regularly, any day of the week!

Bandito Taco Kitchen ($15)

With a menu that features different types of birria tacos, Bandito Taco Kitchen is the first business in Edmonton to focus solely on birria tacos, while featuring other rotating flavours. I first tried them as a pop-up business but now they’ve entered the food truck scene! I love how they have halal and vegetarian options to cater to different dietary needs too. Right now, they offer pork, chicken, and mushroom/jackfruit birria tacos that are accompanied with their corresponding consommé.

The portion is a good size, with 3 in an order and consommé is included. The tacos from Bandito are some of my favourite in the city and I particularly love the mushroom-jackfruit birria tacos! While birria tacos are famously known for being a meat-filled taco, I the vegetarian option is a great alternative to try out. You’ll want to make sure you try their salsa verde too, it’s great. Bandito Taco Kitchen is currently on wheels as a food truck, keep an eye out on their social media for updates on where they are parked.

El Mero Mero Taqueria ($13)

El Mero Mero Tacqueria is a food truck that has a menu full of delicious taco options, birria tacos included! The birria tacos come in an order of 3 with the consommé and the beef is super tender and juicy.

There is less cheese in these tacos than other spots, but that just helps the flavour of the beef really stand out. Their consommé is a little sweet and sour with a mini kick at the end – amazing with the tacos but quite good on its own too. I found the birria tacos at El Mero Mero to be the least oily as they are served on soft tortillas and not deep fried. I recommend enjoying a side of their awesome horchata drink with your tacos too. Check out their website to find out where they will be parked next.
Update – As of July 2022, El Mero Mero has opened a taqueria/restaurant space that can be found at 12223 156 St NW!

Yanna’s Kitchen ($14.50)
Yanna’s Kitchen started off as a home-based business selling birria tacos. Recently, this local business moved to a commercial kitchen and birria tacos, burritos, and fries are now available for pick-up or delivery through Skip the Dishes and Door Dash. The birria tacos from Yanna’s Kitchen are fairly large and filling. The meat is flavourful and it’s great to see other there’s birria options outside of just tacos! Because these are takeout items, I recommend eating it right away to enjoy them to the fullest.

Empanaderia YEG ($22/box of 6)
If you love birria tacos and you’re down for empanadas, you are in for a treat with Empanaeria YEG. This is a locally-owned business that makes AMAZING empanadas and birria is one of the flavours offered. I love the empanada pastry dough and the attention to detail for each flavour. They also recently started serving up birria ramen… super unique! Currently, orders are taken through the form they link on their Instagram and pick-up is in the south end of Edmonton. Keep an eye out on their social media for more info.

Smokin’ Barrels Cocina Latina ($19/3 tacos)
Smokin’ Barrels is a new-er restaurant located in NW Edmonton. There is limited seating but if you get a chance to dine in, definitely try their birria tacos! These were really delicious – tender, tender beef brisket and a decent amount of cheese. The consomme is a smaller portion than other places I’ve tried but there’s just enough to dip your taco. During my first visit, I was fairly impressed and look forward to coming back to try some of their other Mexican dishes.

All in all, there’s a growing number of really great spots to check out for birria tacos in the Edmonton area. While some of these options may require planning ahead, know that no matter where you get your birria fix, you are in for a really awesome and filling meal! Birria tacos just hit different and I personally enjoy them a lot. Let me know if there are any other spots to check out for birria tacos!