Birria Tacos: The Taco Craze Sweeping The Nation

Birria tacos, if you haven’t heard of them yet, are a heavenly, Mexican dish that is taking social media and the internet by storm. Birria tacos are made from savory Mexican stew that perfectly combines sweet, savory and sour flavors and is stuffed into a tortilla. The genius did not end there. Once the stew is stuffed into a taco shell, it’s battered in that same stew and then fried. Can you say oh my?! Once you take a bite of one of these crunchy tacos, you’ll be asking why it took so long to try it. If you’re looking to buy a franchise in the restaurant industry, you may want to check out which brands are featuring birria tacos, because while they seemingly took over social media in a day, the birria trend is taco-ing over, and authentic Mexican cuisine as we know it will never be the same.

The birria taco can trace its origins back to “The Conquesta” during the 16th century, which initiated the cultural exchange between Spaniards and native peoples of Mexico that gave birth to new foods and traditions that are still celebrated today. New spices, foods and animals were introduced to Mexico during this time, and while many were appreciated, one that became a nuisance was the goat. This is when, according to Vallarta Eats, goat meat became a main source of meat and where the first “birriero”, or birra maker, can be traced back to. The traditional birra was made of goat meat but is more popularly made with beef, veal, lamb and pork. It has found its popularity in the taco form in recent months. Just check out #birria on Instagram and TikTok.

Now you may be wondering where you can find this fried, delicious taco. Here, you can find a compiled list of where you can find the best birra tacos franchises.

Birrieria Los Gonzalez - Los Angeles

In 2015, L.A. native and entrepreneur,  Oscar Gonzales, decided that it was time to start serving his family’s beef birria tacos to the local community. Before Birrieria Los Gonzalez, the only time you’d be able to get an authentic beef birria taco in Gonzales’ community was at birthdays, weddings and other family gatherings. Since 2015, Gonzalez has taken L.A. by storm and now has 5 different food truck locations. The beef birria tacos that come wrapped in Tijuana’s signature cone-shaped form is a handful of cheesy, spicy goodness that pairs perfectly with a side of their smoky red salsa. Check Gonzalez and his growing business out 7 days a week across L.A.

Pure Taqueria - Georgia

Pure Taqueria was founded in 2005 by Chris and Michele Sedgwick, long-time Alpharetta residents and successful Atlanta restaurateurs. Pure Taqueria specializes in creatively authentic Mexican fare. This successful and fun restaurant now has 5 other locations in the greater Atlanta region and features a mouthwatering braised lamb leg birria taco with fundido cheese, cilantro, onion and a crispy grilled adobo tortilla which pairs nicely with their habanero salsa.

Birrieria Aguinaga - Texas

Birrieria Aguinaga takes its status as “the best birria tacos in the Metroplex” very seriously. Their Plato de Birria features lamb stew and, if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Consume con Birria which is lamb stew in a delectable red broth that will have you begging for more. One of the great things about Birrieria Aguinaga is their take-out option where customers can order meats by the pound. Want to share your new love of birria with your friends? No problem. Bring a lamb birria to the next party, and you'll be a hero.