There’s no question that North Texas loves its chain restaurants. Both Dallas and Fort Worth each have a ton of great Tex-Mex restaurants, but not all of them are equally true to their roots. When you live in an area with so much great food, you might have to look a little further for authentic south-of-the-border tastes. The recipe for a taco is simple: tortillas (no crunchy shells!), meat, onions, and cilantro. Each of the following restaurants has their own spin on an authentic taco. You might have to look beyond the beaten path, but you’ll find the genuine tastes you’re craving at these taquerias.

Photo courtesy of Taqueria El Si Hay

Lengua Tacos at Taqueria El Si Hay - Oak Cliff

Taqueria El Si Hay (or TESH, as the regulars refer to it) is a walk-up taco stand in Oak Cliff, in the shadow of the Bishop Arts District. This is not a fancy restaurant with a romantic ambiance — in fact, there aren’t any tables at all. If you want the most authentic experience, get the lengua tacos with lots of the spicy red salsa. This walk-up stand offers authentic tastes of Mexico, with a variety of meats from Mexican standards like al pastor and chorizo to American favorites like chicken. The elotes — also known as street corn — are sold from a nearby cart and no trip is complete without them. 

Suadero Tacos at Tacos La Banqueta - Lakewood  

Suadero is a very thin cut of meat, either beef or pork. It’s an uncommon treat that you don’t find at many taquerias. Tacos La Banqueta offers it up on corn or flour tortillas in a divey atmosphere in Lakewood. It’s attached to a gas station, but don’t let that scare you away — this is where you’ll find some seriously good food. They even have a small indoor dining area. Like most taquerias, the menu here is small: tacos and quesadillas only. Don’t ask for avocado or expect rice or beans. Come hungry for classic, genuine tacos, and you won’t leave disappointed. 

Photo courtesy of El Come Tacos

Pastor Tacos at El Come Tacos - Lower Greenville

El Come Tacos is a hipster taqueria where few of the clientele look like they’re from Mexico, but the food is 100 percent authentic. The Lower Greenville spot offers lots of great meat choices and even a couple vegetarian alternatives, too. But the pastor tacos are the real star on the menu, especially since they’re topped with grilled pineapple. Unlike many other taco shops, whose salsas tend to be less spicy, the salsas here are an explosion of flavor. Horchata served in Mason jars fit right in with the hipster atmosphere, but you can also choose from a respectable selection of liquors and cervezas if you prefer.

Carnitas Tacos at Fuel City Tacos - Downtown Dallas, Mesquite, Haltom City

Fuel City Tacos are the gold standard for gas station tacos: cheap, delicious, and just a bit greasy. They’re open 24 hours, so you’ll find tipsy crowds hanging out after bar rush in the early hours of the morning. But these tacos are great at any time of day — especially the spicy pork carnitas tacos. The original location is just south of Downtown Dallas, but new locations are open in Mesquite and Haltom City because of the demand. Only having five meat choices keeps the service fast and efficient. The elotes are also to die for, but heads up that you have to get in a separate line; order your tacos first, then get in line for the elotes. And bring cash, because they don’t take cards. 

Photo courtesy of Salsa Limon Centro

Carne Asada Tacos at Salsa Limon Centro - Downtown Fort Worth

Salsa Limon Centro is the place to go when you want to sit down and enjoy your tacos instead of taking them to go. The carne asada tacos at Salsa Limon Centro — better known as SLC — are a favorite, especially when paired with any of the fresh, flavorful salsas. The Downtown Fort Worth location offers tables and chairs where you can stay to enjoy drinks and a meal. The menu is a little more expanded than some other locations on this list, too: they offer rice, refried beans, and a variety of dishes like burritos and salad bowls. In addition to authentic meats like carnitas and chicken, you can also get innovative alternatives like honey mustard chicken and veggie tacos.

Barbacoa Tacos at Melis Taqueria - Fort Worth

Even people who live in Dallas make the trek to Fort Worth for these delicious tacos that are the real deal. Any of the tacos here are amazing, but the barbacoa tacos are a fan favorite. Melis Taqueria offers cheap tacos, but it’s cash only. The walk-up window serves take-out orders, but there are a few benches nearby. They include a variety of meats, listed in both Spanish and English, and you can order in either language. Like most authentic taquerias, they keep it simple: meat, jalapenos, onions, and cilantro. Pro tip: the menudo is a known hangover cure.