If you are familiar with San Antonio, you are no stranger to the puffy taco. It is a dish unique to the culture of our city and, like all delicious food, brings people together. When I think of my childhood and celebrating with family and friends, there was usually a taco involved. Breakfast tacos, barbacoa, carnitas—the list goes on and on. However, if memory serves me right, puffy tacos were the real treat.
There is just something about the perfectly fried masa that makes my heart go boom. Instantly I am transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen where I can hear the sound of sizzling oil popping off a hot skillet. If puffy tacos were on the menu, I was not going to miss it for the world. If you are in San Antonio and are feeling nostalgic, or simply want to try out this tasty goodness for the first time, head out to one of these spots in town. And let us know what you think!
Ray’s Drive Inn
Ray’s Drive Inn opened its doors back in 1956 and is home to THE original puffy taco. Pre-COVID, I took a trip down memory lane with my parents and grandmother over some OG puffy tacos at Ray’s and, let me tell you, they did not disappoint! My grandmother also signed off (which says a lot), but while we waited for our food, my parents talked about riding the bus past Ray’s when they were younger and in school, which made me feel some type of way.
Here we were, three generations of one family, sharing plates of puffy greatness, while reminiscing about what brought us to this moment. In other words, Ray’s felt like a home away from home.
What To Order: Crispy Dogs To Start (pro tip: dip it in guac) + Beef Puffy Taco Plate + Big Red
Henry’s Puffy Tacos
Family owned and operated since 1978, Henry’s Puffy Tacos is sort of like a spinoff from Ray’s.. If you didn’t already know, Henry and Ray are actually brothers! So what you get at one, you will most definitely get at the other and that is bomb.com food.
Much like Ray’s, Henry’s Puffy Tacos is quite distinguished having been featured on the Travel Channel as well as in Food Network Magazine. Head out to this spot on a Saturday for a little fiesta accompanied by authentic puffiness.
What To Order: Queso Flameado + Puffy Taco Plate (one shredded chicken, one spicy beef fajita) + A Dos A Rita
Teka Molino
Teka Molino has been serving up Mexican food in San Antonio since 1937. Not to mention, they have over 60 years of experience milling corn to produce their own masa. If that doesn’t sound fresh, I don’t know what does! And as great as that sounds, there is more.
Their signature move is filling corn cups made from that homemade masa with guac, beans, or queso. Do not sleep on these. I repeat, do NOT sleep on the bean and cheese cups.
What To Order: One Shredded Chicken Puffy Taco + One Guacamole Puffy Taco + A Bean Cup + Pan Dulce For Dessert
Pete’s Tako House
Pete’s Tako House was established in 1978 and has continued to grow with the city as new San Antonians discover the magic behind these “takos.” Why the K in tako you ask? Well, Pete’s actually started out as a Tink-A-Tako on Main Avenue, but was later sold to a family friend who was sure to pay homage to the original Tink.
Go here if you are in the market for something simple and delicious with a touch of fiesta flavor.
What To Order: Chicken On A Stick + Beef Puffy Takos + Horchata
Oscar’s Taco House
And rounding out the list comes Oscar’s Taco House. This place is so OG they don’t even have a website. Oscar’s has been around since 1962, which is a little mind blowing if you think about it. The majority of the places mentioned above have been around longer than my parents have been alive and let me tell you, they are no spring chickens (sorry mom, love you!).
The point I am trying to make here is that these establishments have not only fed us, but they have become so ingrained into our DNA, we simply would not be us without them. So the next time you find yourself craving a puffy taco, don’t just go anywhere. Head out to Oscar’s for a taste of puro San Antonio!
What To Order: One Fajita Puffy Taco + One Carne Guisada Puffy Taco + Big Red (Anytime Big Red is on the menu, just get it, do not ask any questions.)
