Some of the best tacos in Indiana come from small counters, strip mall storefronts, and spots with a drive-thru window. This list covers seven taquerias from Indianapolis to Evansville that keep things simple: good meat, warm tortillas, onions, cilantro, and salsa.
A few make their own tortillas, and others are known for one standout taco, like al pastor or birria. Save it for your next road trip, or send it to the friend who always asks where to eat.
1. Taqueria Y Tortilleria El Benny, Indianapolis, IN
The second word in the name matters most. El Benny is a tortilleria as well as a taqueria, so the tortillas are made in-house instead of coming out of a bag.
The shop is in a suite at 8975 E Washington St on the east side of Indianapolis. The menu covers tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and tortas, with food made from scratch daily.
For a first visit, I would start with the quesabirria tacos and a couple of steak tacos. Tamales, house-made chips and salsa, and homemade churros round out the table.
Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday, and Sunday opens early at 9 AM before closing at 7 PM. Most meals land between $10 and $20 per person.
Parking is free in the lot and on the street. Takeout and delivery are available, and catering is offered for bigger gatherings.
2. The Famous Taco, Fort Wayne, IN
A drive-thru taqueria open until 11 PM on weekends is a useful thing to know about. The Famous Taco on North Clinton Street in Fort Wayne serves classic street tacos and stays open late every night.
The steak street tacos come with onions and cilantro, served with rice and beans. Red and green sauces are on hand, and the choice of meats includes lengua, carnitas, and shrimp.
Meat-free diners can try the vegetarian Huarache Taco or Super Burrito. Save room for fried ice cream, which is one of the restaurant’s best-known desserts.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu. Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings get busy, so a weekday lunch is the easier time to sit down.
Hours are 10:30 AM to 10 PM Sunday through Thursday, with an extra hour on Fridays and Saturdays. Parking is free.
3. Taqueria Chicago, South Bend, IN
Here is a simple ordering tip: ask for your tacos Mexican style. That means corn tortillas with onions and cilantro, and it is the way to go at this no-frills shop on West Western Avenue.
Barbacoa and carnitas are the meats to know. The tacos de lengua also have a loyal following, and the Taco Campechana mixes more than one meat in a single taco.
Breakfast people get a treat too. Menudo with pata is served every day, and the doors open at 9 AM.
The menu goes well past tacos, with enchiladas in mole sauce, quesadillas, alambre norteño, and horchata. There is also a full vegetarian menu with tostadas and tortas.
The shop is open until 10 PM Monday through Saturday and 9 PM on Sunday. Parking is usually easy, and delivery is available.
4. 3 Amigos Taquería, Bloomington, IN
Bloomington has plenty of places to eat, and 3 Amigos still finds a way to stand out. Its menu reads like a taco sampler, with options you will not find at many corner shops.
Choices include chicken tinga, birria, barbacoa, pork belly, and lengua. The Baja fish taco, the taco California, and the Surf N’ Turf Taco add a bit of a twist.
Burritos are large and come with fresh salsa. Taco Tuesday deals bring in a crowd, so Tuesday afternoon is one of the busier times.
This is the most polished stop on the list. There is outdoor seating where dogs are welcome, full vegan and vegetarian menus, and TVs for watching games.
Reservations are accepted, which helps with groups. Hours are 11 AM to 9 PM on weekdays, 9:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and it is closed on Sundays.
5. La Campirana, Evansville, IN
Bright colors and a walk-up counter set the tone at La Campirana on North Burkhardt Road. You order at the counter, grab a seat, and the food shows up fast.
Street tacos with beef or pork lead the menu, and carnitas are a specialty. Sopes come in orders of three, and shrimp flautas are a nice change from the usual taco run.
The drinks and sides add to the fun. Fresh juices and pineapple water pair well with elote en vaso, which is corn served in a cup.
Vegetarian and vegan diners have a full menu, including quesadillas and tamales. Fruit cocktail works well as a light dessert.
A scheduling note: La Campirana is closed on Mondays. It is open 10 AM to 8 PM the rest of the week, and Sunday afternoons fill up quickly.
6. Las Brazas Taqueria, Lafayette, IN
Al pastor is the main reason to visit Las Brazas. Many in Lafayette consider it the best version in town.
The marinated pork is served simply, with onions and cilantro on top. Order a cup of horchata on the side.
Las Brazas also serves traditional birria and lamb soup. The alambre comes with steak or al pastor, and the Torta Cubana is a good pick for big appetites.
The Union Street location is bigger than the original, with more room to sit down. Shrimp huaraches and vegetarian burritos give the menu some variety beyond tacos.
Plan around Mondays, when it is closed. Hours are 11 AM to 8 PM on Tuesdays and Sundays, and 11 AM to 9 PM Wednesday through Saturday.
7. Las Adelitas Taquería, Elkhart, IN
Weekend visits get a bonus at Las Adelitas. That is when the tortillas are made by hand.
This small family-owned spot is located on County Road 20, outside Elkhart. The pastor and asada tacos are the most popular orders, and pico de gallo is a good side.
The salsa has real flavor, and the chips and salsa are a strong start to any meal. Portions are generous, and prices stay affordable.
Beyond tacos, the menu includes birria with consommé, camarones a la diabla, ceviche tostadas, sopes, and the California Burrito. Bottled Jarritos are available too.
Las Adelitas is open every day from 10 AM to 8 PM. Friday midday is the busiest time, and parking is free.
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