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I love Austin, Texas born Torchy’s Tacos! Since Torchy’s unveiling in Denver they have become my go-to spot for quick “DAMN GOOD” tacos!
Torchy’s is perfect for my indecisive taco junkie personality. It’s wonderful to mix and match different tacos to my palate’s desires. It was out of this taco wavering one day I decided “I want to try them all!” It became my mission to taste every Torchy’s taco, including their secret menu, and determine which Torchy’s taco was the BEST!
You say “Hold up. Wait a minute. I didn’t know they had a secret menu?”
Yes, 7 super secretive delicious tacos on their secret menu, and 22 not so secret tasty tacos on their regular menu. For a whopping 29 different taco options (30 if you count their monthly taco)! I figured what better way to share this information then rank every Torchy’s taco!
The Taco Ranking Process
I didn’t eat all these tacos in one sitting. That would be insane! This massive tasting took months to complete, and numerous tacos were savored. I’m glad I did. I discovered several bold new taco flavors. Some I never would have normally considered.
Check back often. I’ll be updating this article monthly as Torchy’s does a “Taco of the Month” that of course I have to try! I didn’t include these rotating monthly tacos in the ranks since they aren’t available all the time. I do recommend you try them. Torchy’s comes up with countless tasty combinations. Some I wish they had on their menu all the time! Now let’s get to the main event taco rankings…
29. Potato, Bean, & Cheese
(#5 Breakfast Taco)
Your given a choice between refried black or pinto beans on this vegetarian breakfast taco. They pack it with seasoned home fries. The beans are slightly spicy, but this taco definitely could benefit from punching it up a notch with green chilies for 25 cents. Also consider the addition of avocado (or maybe an egg lol). A dependable vegetarian option, but they easily have other tacos that surpass this one in flavor.
28. Ranch Hand
Torchy’s version of the breakfast classic steak & eggs. Strips of flavorful marinated beef. Their famous diablo sauce for a Texas kick! That heat will endure so it’s not for people who don’t like fiery foods. The grilled beef can be chewy, which is why this taco ranks so low. They have better breakfast meat alternatives.
27. Mr. Orange
Surprisingly, I find this fish taco flat and unexciting. It lacks a crispy outer-layer, bold Cajun spices, and flaky succulent center I desire from a perfectly-done blackened salmon. The corn & black bean relish, cotija cheese, and cilantro are too mild of flavors to overpower the doubled up limp soft corn tortilla and dried-out fish. If I was going to order this taco again I’d suggest it on flour. Then drown it in their divine avocado sauce to try and save it!
26. Potato, Egg & Cheese
(#2 Breakfast Taco)
This taco is pretty basic. I wouldn’t hesitate to add green chilies for 25 cents, and choose a sauce to jazz it up! It’s not bad. The vanilla ice cream of Torchy’s breakfast tacos. Nothing wrong with vanilla. Just nothing special. A perfect decision if you’re hungover, and need something milder for the tummy.
Tasty Tips: Don’t forget to start off with their MUST EAT award winning Green Chile Queso and Guacamole as an appetizer. If you don’t want a huge portion, or are dining solo, they offer a half portion of their Queso and Guac. All you have to do is ask as it is not on their regular menu.
25. Green Chile Pork
I heart Torchy’s juicy tender pork carnitas. I actually think it’s one of the best meats they offer. Regardless, this taco is missing that vavavoom factor. They suggest having it on corn tortillas, which is a mistake. The tortilla falls apart and is dry. I’d switch it up and get this on flour. Torchy’s makes a few tweaks to this taco design on their secret menu, which really catapults its sister taco up the ranks. Get that taco!
24. Mad Cow
(Secret Menu)
If you were alive in the 80’s the naming of this taco “Mad Cow” is absolutely horrible. Otherwise this is a mild taco where you mostly taste a pile of mellow jack cheese and fajita beef. The black beans are mashed, and don’t add a lot of gusto, only texture. This is my least favorite secret menu taco. Torchy’s let’s work on that name change!
23. Chicken Fajita
Marinated grilled chicken served with seared onions and colorful bell pepper strips. Wonderful if you want fajitas without all the work. Unfortunately, it lacks that craveable juicy chicken component that makes a sizzling fajita so good. It’s surprising this taco doesn’t come accompanied with an avocado, sour cream, or guacamole option. I’d definitely consider those topping additions to zhuzh it up!
22. Monk Special
A dependable breakfast taco. The combo of eggs, bacon, green chiles, cheese, and tomatillo sauce rolled up taste like a mini breakfast burrito. The chiles and salsa verde mix together to resemble a green chile concoction. The problem is I live in Denver where authentic smothered green chile breakfast burritos reign supreme! This taco doesn’t stand a chance when I can have the real deal.
21. Fried Avocado
A solid vegetarian taco. Breaded and lightly fried avocados that are crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside. Normally served on corn tortillas. If you’ve read this far you get the gist that I’m not a huge fan of Torchy’s corn tortillas. You can always change up your tortillas preference when you order, which I would. What makes this taco sing is the drizzle of poblano sauce. I could put that dressing on everything!
20. Migas
Different cities are known for distinctive breakfast loves. New Yorkers have their bagels. Denver a fondness for breakfast burritos. The Migas is an Austin, Texas breakfast dish staple. All the flavors work together in perfect unison. Eggs, cheese, pico, crisp tortillas strips, and flavor injection from the diced green chiles. Topped with a big creamy avocado slice and lip-smacking tomatillo salsa verde. The Migas is a trusty breakfast taco with a nod to Austin Tex-Mex.
19. Democrat
Moist tender shredded beef barbacoa served the authentic way with onions & cilantro. Topped with a lush avocado slice, sprinkle of cotija cheese, and served on a traditional corn tortilla. Unfortunately, it’s missing the home cooked herbs and spices goodness factor found from a mom-and-pop Mexican establishment that can make this meat so swoon worthy.
18. Crossroads
I’m at a crossroads. Some of you may like the tender aggressively smoky beef brisket. Topped with grilled onion, pickled green jalapenos, chopped cilantro, creamy avocado, and soft shredded jack cheese. I’m partial to this taco on flour instead of the corn tortilla suggested. They have a secret menu brother taco “The Matador” where the fillings and sauces just work better. Keep reading to find where that taco ranks.
17. Republican
This taco is huge! A big grilled jalapeño link. Unfortunately, I don’t pickup a ton of jalapeño flavoring. More reminiscent of a hot dog. I think the sausage tastes better when paired with eggs. Rather than trying to carry the whole taco show by itself, Torchy’s offers so many other ways to have their jalapeño sausage that is more desirable.
16. Beef Fajita
The marinated beef has great flavor, but can be chewy. The grilled veggies add crunch. What’s surprising is this taco doesn’t come all dressed up with sour cream, guacamole, or an avocado slice. I’d definitely think about adding one of those toppings to complete this fajita.
15. Independent
If your gluten conscious this taco is amazing! If your a meat eater it’s just good. The fried portobello mushroom gives crunch. While the spicy vinegary carrots pair well with the nutty Parmesan fresco cheese. Lots of robust flavors extracted from every bite. One of their best vegetarian tacos offered.
Tasty Tips: They may have a limited dessert selection but their Lil’ Nookies are sinfully good. Chocolate chip cookie dough fried crunchy on the outside and ooey gooey deliciousness on the inside! They are super sweet & rich so only the small portion is needed.
14. The Wrangler
I think the idea of mixing barbecue & breakfast fare is culinary genius! Sadly, I’m not always a huge fan of Torchy’s beef brisket. It can taste dried out, but does have that good Texas smoke. Served with tomatillo sauce that adds another flavor dimension. When ordering this taco just be warned it has the widest range of outcomes. If the brisket has been cooked low & slow, and is tender & juicy that day, this taco is tasty! But if it’s off and chewy, you’ll regret this Texas brunch.
13. Bacon, Egg, & Cheese
(#1 Breakfast Taco)
Bacon & egg lovers unite in perfect flavorful breakfast taco harmony! Tender smoky pieces of bacon cooked right into the egg like an omelet. The ideal breakfast taco pairing. Pure amazing breakfast bliss! My favorite way to jazz up this taco is to add fresh avocado and smother it in Torchy’s heavenly poblano sauce. Remember you can also kick it up a notch with green chiles for only 25 cents!
12. Jalapeño Sausage, Egg, & Cheese
(#4 Breakfast Taco)
On this breakfast number taco they cut up chunks of Texas favorite jalapeño sausage links and cook it right into your eggs. Making for a delish combination that shows off the flavor of the sausage. I love to customize this taco by adding those green chiles for the perfect kick! This is my second favorite way to enjoy their jalapeno sausage. Keep reading to find out my first choice!
11. Chorizo, Egg, & Cheese
(#3 Breakfast Taco)
Eggs, chorizo, cheese, & green chiles are just breakfast flavors meant for each other! The spicy chorizo is cooked right into the egg. This breakfast taco is perfect to splurge and add those green chiles!
10. Dirty Sanchez
(Secret Menu)
This taco recently made its jump from breakfast to debut on the secret menu. One of their best vegetarian options. It starts out with fluffy eggs. Then is layered with a fried poblano chile & creamy guacamole goodness. Mexican-style escabeche carrots add crunchy texture & pickled spicy zing. Sprinkled with cheese and drizzled with poblano ranch! The unconventional combination of ingredients taste incredible together. If you’re looking for an unexpected breakfast, bursting with flavors & colors their’s a lot of tastes at play with this taco.
9. Brushfire
This is the spiciest taco on their menu, and that heat tends to linger. The combo of mango, grilled jalapeño, and fiery diablo sauce meld to deliver a sweet blaze. Wait for it. Wait for it. Then BAM it’s there and you can’t get rid of it. The drizzle of sour cream help to extinguish the flames…a little bit. Can’t say you weren’t warned with a name like “Brushfire!”
8. Jack of Clubs
(Secret Menu)
A taco homage to huevos rancheros. Definitely has a kick from the combo of spiced home fries, black bean purée, & diablo sauce. Super crunch from the mega tortillas strips. Capped off with a runny egg that breaks all over your face when you take that first glorious bite! Be sure to have napkins at the ready. Preparation is key with this taco. If the egg is fried over easy this taco is marvelous! But if it’s fried over hard you miss out on that delicious yolk. Meh. It’s this inconsistency that can lower it’s ranking.
Tasty Tips: The Jack of Clubs is my favorite breakfast taco with one caveat, I create my own secret menu item and add chorizo! Don’t get me wrong this taco is good on its own merit. But, adding chorizo is a game-changer. I strongly believe this is the way this taco should be served. Indulge me. Your welcome.
7. The Matador
(Secret Menu)
This taco is massive with two tortilla shells. Soft flour on the outside & crisp corn tortilla in the center. Love the crunch from the fried corn shell. The chopped beef brisket has a big smokey flavor, but not one that I totally dig. More like liquid smoke. Topped with pickled onions for a sweet tangy pop. A huge hunk of creamy avocado. Capped off with a drizzle of sour cream and tomatillo salsa that dissipates the smoke component and makes this taco come together.
6. Trailer Park Hillbilly Style
(Secret Menu)
I think they should rename this “The Kitchen Sink” taco. It’s a spinoff from the original Trailer Park trashy taco. Like so many sequels in life the OG is always better. This taco almost has too much stuff packed into it if you can believe that. The juicy fried chicken can get lost in a sea of meats, cheeses, and sauce. Goes to show sometimes more is not always better. Keep reading to find where the original lands in the ranks.
5. Ace of Spades
(Secret Menu)
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and this taco is no exception! It’s so huge they have to serve it on a bigger tortilla. You’ve got yourself a one and done taco situation on your hands! Two bbq style meats, three different kinds of cheese and a fried egg. A big smokey flavor with a kick from the combo of brisket & full size link. This is my favorite way to enjoy their jalapeno sausage. A super delicious mess! Napkins on standby!
4. Tipsy Chick
What makes this taco so DAMN delicious is the bacon bourbon marmalade! Epicurean liquid gold! The supporting ingredients include: slices of grilled chicken, fresh spinach, corn kernels for texture, green chiles for slight hotness, and a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce. The highlight of this taco is large pieces of chopped bacon you can actually see in a sweet luscious bourbon jam. What’s not to love?
Tasty Tips: Don’t be afraid to ask for any of their sauces on another taco. A Torchy’s team member had the ingenious suggest to top the monthly Roscoe chicken & waffle taco with bacon bourbon marmalade. Mind blown! I’m often slathering their poblano sauce all over every taco! You can buy their Diablo Sauce on Amazon here.
3. Baja Shrimp
What makes this taco pop is the contrast in flavors. Plump seasoned fried shrimp are topped with slightly sweet pickled onions that mix with the salty textured cotija cheese. A burst of heat from the pickled jalapeños and drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce. As a personal touch I like the addition of diced mango to this taco! Magnifique!
2. Green Chile Pork Missionary Style
(Secret Menu)
I ❤️ this taco! First off it’s massive, and I really dig their shredded pork. The carnitas and fried chicken are probably my favorite meats at Torchy’s. I love the crunch factor from the fried corn tortillas plus it provides a useful purpose to help this taco stay together while devouring it. Bonus! Vinegary sweet pickled onion, creamy guacamole, and divine chipotle sauce work in harmony. I’d pick this Green Chile Pork version hands down every time!
1. Trailer Park (Trashy)
Let me first say, the only way to get this taco is Trashy! Are you feeling trashy today? When you ask for it “Trashy” in Torchy’s lingo this means you take off the lettuce & add their award winning Green Chile Queso. A no brainer to me! If you don’t get this taco “trashy” it’s ranking plummets. I mean lettuce over cheese…come on.
Deliciously moist juicy fried chicken topped with pico, green chiles, shredded cheese & smothered in green chile queso. The piece de resistance is the drizzle of delish poblano sauce! As a bonus I like to cap my trashy taco off with a luscious fresh avocado slice so I can feel healthier while I devour that scrumptious succulent fried chicken! Torchy’s I think I’m in TACO LOVE!
Which Torchy’s taco is your #1? Drop us a comment about your favorite Torchy’s taco or tag us on Instagram or Facebook @FoodandCocktailScene.
Tasty Tips: You can top ANY Torchy’s taco with their award winning Green Chile Queso. Just ask to “Get it trashy.”
Photo: Torchy’s Tacos Facebook
My favorite Torchy’s Tacos location is Broadway & 11th in Denver, CO. While your grabbing delicious tacos check out the cool street art nearby. In the parking lot is an amazing mural depicting iconic musical artists David Bowie, John Lennon, Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, and B.B. King. Across the street a tribute to the late Prince. Located behind the restaurant sits The Curious Theatre Company that is painted in rainbow colors and butterflies.
Does Torchy’s Taco’s have any Taco’s with ground beef, or what is the closest? We have a Torchy’s opening soon in Indiana, and we can’t wait. Yeee-Haaaa!
Hello fellow taco junkie! Torchy’s doesn’t normally carry any Taco’s with ground beef, but they do have ground chorizo, which I think is more flavorful! In January 2020 Torchy’s featured the Midnight Cowboy as their “Taco of the Month.” This tasty taco was packed full of seasoned ground beef, potatoes, pickled onions, sour cream, jack cheese, and cilantro with diablo sauce on a crisp corn tortilla inside a flour tortilla. You never know when the Midnight Cowboy might ride back into town.
Wow, I’m loving our new Jeffersonville, Indiana Torchy’s! I’ve been four times so far. Does anybody know if the taco’s on the secret menu are available at all Torchy’s? I’ve been doing my order on line and picking up, I don’t see many of the taco’s listed here in their menu. Thanks
Let’s taco ’bout it…I believe the secret menu tacos are available at all Torchy’s, but you’ll have to call them to place the order for the Secret Menu tacos over the phone. Live everyday like it’s taco Tuesday!