They're all over TikTok, and this summer, they're all over Cincinnati.
Birria tacos, a common Mexican street food, went viral in late 2020 on the popular video-sharing app. Now they are showing up on more local menus.
What are birria tacos?
Birria tacos originated in Jalisco, a Mexican state. They were originally cooked with goat meat, but now beef, lamb and chicken are typical alternatives.
The tacos start with a stew called birria, consisting of meat, vegetable, chiles and spices. Then, corn or flour tortillas are dipped into the birria before being sauteed on a pan, making them crispy. Meat from the stew is added to the tortillas, as well as cheese and other taco toppings. Finally, the tacos can be dipped into leftover birria to soak up all the flavor without any of the sogginess.
Many TikTok users have shared recipe variations on the app. But for those who don't have the time, talent or energy to make them at home, here are 10 places you can find birria tacos in Greater Cincinnati:
Borrachos Tacos
The Cincinnati taco food truck is selling beef birria tacos with consommé this summer, in addition to their other taco, burrito and quesadilla meals. Check the Facebook page for the latest location schedule.
Gutierrez Deli
Among a variety of imported Central American and Mexican products, Gutierrez Deli offers birria tacos. Keep up with the family-owned and operated Hispanic store's Facebook page for the latest deals. Located at 1131 Lee St. in Covington.
Another potential birria hotspot is OLLA Taqueria Gutierrez, just a hundred meters or so down the road at 302 W. MLK. Jr. Blvd. The taco shop, whose grand opening was June, is open Tuesdays through Sundays.
Jorge's Taco Food Truck
Stop by Jorge's anytime between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, for quesabirria, beef birria tacos loaded with cheese. Located at 3980 Erie Ave. Follow their Instagram for the latest updates, birria and otherwise.
Mazunte Centro
Make haste if you want birria tacos from Mazunte Centro — they're seasonal. The tacos, made with beef, queso Oaxaca, avocado salsa, salsa amarilla, onions and cilantro, are only available for dine-in or carry-out at Mazunte's downtown location at 611 Main St.
Mi Taco Loco
After a winter test-run, Mi Taco Loco brought their birria beef tacos onto its permanent menu. Customers can buy one taco for $3.95 or three for $11. The authentic Mexican and Guatemalan restaurant is located at 610 Northland Blvd.
Pata Roja Taqueria
Get three birria tacos for $10 at Pata Roja Taqueria this summer. Located behind Bar Saeso at 1208 Sycamore St., its specialty is authentic, Mexico City-style street tacos.
Taqueria 251
What better pair is there than tacos and drinks? Taqueria 251, a taco, tequila and mezcal bar, offers both. It sells the trendy birria tacos in addition to other authentic Mexican street food, often with a twist. Located in Northside at 4110 Hamilton Ave.
Taqueria El Monarca
You may not find birria tacos on the menu, but don't worry, an order of the popular Mexican street food is currently available for $11.99 at Taqueria El Monarca. They are only sold on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Located in Springdale at 11449 Princeton Pike.
Taqueria Mercado
A family-owned and operated restaurant, Taqueria Mercado puts a premium on traditional Mexican recipes. Their updated menu includes birria tacos for $3 and birria de chivo (goat soup) for as low as $8.75, both available as weekend specials. Located Downtown at 100 E. Eighth St.
Tortilleria Garcia
If Taco Tuesday wasn't enough to satisfy the cravings, Tortilleria Garcia has it covered. On Saturdays, it offers birria tacos at its College Hill location, 5917 Hamilton Ave.
Veracruz Mexican Grill
After debuting birria tacos last winter, when they first gained TikTok popularity, Veracruz Mexican Grill is back selling the Mexican street food. Located at 3108 Price Ave.
More:How we've covered Cincinnati dining since the pandemic began
