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11 Taco Places In Las Vegas You Just HAVE To Try

October 4 is National Taco Day! And this year October 4 is on a Tuesday, so obviously you HAVE to get a taco today (or two….or twelve). Before we talk…

9 Tacos Places In Las Vegas You Just Have To Try
Marcos Elihu Castillo Ramirez via Getty Images

October 4 is National Taco Day! And this year October 4 is on a Tuesday, so obviously you HAVE to get a taco today (or two....or twelve). Before we talk about the best taco places in Las Vegas, let's get some history up in here.

According to nationaldaycalendar.com, the origin of tacos go way back to Mexico, long before the Spanish arrived there in 1519. Back then tacos didn't have all the savory stuffings we know of today. It was basically a fresh corn tortilla filled with small bites of fish or other meats.

The sour cream, tomatoes, lettuce and guacamole version of tacos is actually very modern. Less than 100 years old. So...the modern taco is younger than Betty White was...let that sink in for a minute.

The origin of the word "taco" is actually a topic for debate. But many people agree that it came from 18th century silver miners in Mexico. In an interview with Smithsonian Magazine, Jeffrey M. Pilcher, professor of history at the University of Minnesota, said this about it.

"My theory is that it dates from the 18th century and the silver mines in Mexico, because in those mines the word “taco” referred to the little charges they would use to excavate the ore. These were pieces of paper that they would wrap around gunpowder and insert into the holes they carved in the rock face."

The first accounts of tacos in America came from the turn of the 20th century, when many Mexican immigrants started arriving in America. Over the next few decades the taco would evolve into what we know today. As the meats and vegetables available in America would replace the traditional ingredients from Mexico.

So now that you know WHY you're eating tacos today, here's the WHERE we think you just have to try.

Wendy Rush, 96.3KKLZ Las Vegas

1. Bomb Tacos

Locals and visitors alike agree Bomb Tacos are one of the best places in Las Vegas to get a taco. And of course they are...it's in the name! You can find them at 3655 S Durango Drive and 3345 East Patrick Lane.

2. Salud Mexican Bistro

Locals agree that Salud's Mexican Pizza is ridiculously good. Or if you're feeling more adventurous, give their Octopus tacos a try. They're located in Vegas at 8125 West Sahara Avenue.

3. Tacotarian

These are hands down, the BEST vegan tacos in Las Vegas. I bet your meat-eating friends will have no complaints about this place. They have four locations in the Vegas area. Downtown at 1130 S. Casino Center Blvd, in the southwest at 6135 South Fort Apache Road and in Henderson at 75 South Valle Verde. And their newest location is now open in Vegas at 5025 Blue Diamond Road.

4. Tacos El Gordo

And for you carnivores, tf you're not drooling over this video, I don't know what's wrong with you. When you order an Adobada taco here, they'll cut the meat directly off the rotisserie. It's ah-maz-ing! Find them in Las Vegas at 2560 W. Sunset Road or at 3041 S Las Vegas Blvd, and on the northside at 3260 Losee Road North or 1724 E Charleston Blvd.

5. The Taco Stand

Don't let their simple name fool you. This place serves up some of the best tacos in the country. You have to try the Asada and Al Pastor tacos when you're there. Find them at 3616 Spring Mountain Road.

6. Taqueria El Paisano

If you're looking for the best lamb tacos you can find, this is the place to be. Of course, anything on the menu is amazing if you prefer something else. They're at 8025 N 10th St in Las Vegas.

7. Taqueria Casa Del Sabor

Casa Del Sabor is another contender for the best tacos in Las Vegas. Their street tacos are definitely something to write home about. They have three locations, at 530 Las Vegas Blvd North, 6840 W. Sahara Avenue and 4935 S Palo Verde Road

8. Abuela's Tacos

Abuela's Tacos is arguably one of the best places in Las Vegas for a great taco. Their handmade tortillas are amazing and their chilaquiles are seriously out of this world. That's why they are the Best of Las Vegas winner two times! Find them at 4225 E. Sahara Ave.

9. Carnitas Don Claudio

If you've never been to Carnitas Don Claudio, please do yourself a favor and get over there right now. This place has the most amazing Tacos al Pastor. Perfectly balanced sweet and spicy. They're located at 2333 North Jones Blvd.

10. Juan's Flaming Fajitas Cantina

People who frequent Juan's swear this is the best Mexican food they've ever had. Located in Henderson, they offer party-style platters and catering too. Which is good, cause you're going to want the biggest portions you can get when you taste this food.

11. Tacos and Beer

If you're in the mood for some variety, you cannot go wrong with this place. From their Puerco Verde tacos to their Vegan Korean BBQ Tacos, everything is delicious. Check them out at 3900 Paradise Road in Las Vegas.

Wendy Rush is the midday host on one of Vegas's top stations, 96.3 KKLZ. She has been with the station for ten years and comes with a diverse career background. In addition to being a radio host, Wendy has lived the Vegas life as an entertainer. She has been a celebrity impersonator, rock band singer, and improv comedian. As a content creator for 96.3 KKLZ, Wendy writes about music, celebrities, mental health and wellness, and life as a Las Vegas local.