Kansas City, Kansas: The Taco Capital of the U.S. Celebrates Growing Culinary Scene

Welcome to Kansas City, Kansas: The Taco Capital of the United States!

If you’re a taco lover, then look no further than Kansas City, Kansas. In 2021, this vibrant city earned the title of the taco capital of the United States, and for good reason! With a rich history of Mexican cuisine and a growing crop of amazing taco spots, KCK is where the taco dreams truly come to life.

A Taste of Culture: The Taco Trail

With the pandemic shaking things up in 2020, local officials stepped up to showcase the city’s culture in a delicious way—by launching the Taco Trail. This self-guided food adventure highlights some of the best taco shops in the area. It’s a wonderful way to support local businesses and explore the unique flavors that Kansas City has to offer.

The Taco Trail features several beloved spots, including Carnicería y Tortilleria San Antonio and Supermart El Torito, both boasting mouthwatering offerings that have captivated locals and visitors alike. Talk about a taco treasure trove!

GG’s Birria Barbacoa Cafe: National Recognition

Fast forward three years, and it seems the taco pride in KCK is stronger than ever! The latest to join the culinary scene and receive some serious national spotlight is GG’s Birria Barbacoa Cafe. This hidden gem opened its doors in 2019, thanks to the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Gabriel Gonzalez and Lourdes Avalos Gonzalez. And guess what? It’s just been named one of the top 25 Mexican spots in the United States by a well-known restaurant review website!

Yelp, renowned for its user-generated reviews, ranked GG’s based on various factors including total volume and ratings of reviews. With an impressive 4.9 out of 5-star rating based on 94 reviews, it’s clear that patrons adore this spot. And why wouldn’t they? GG’s Birria specializes in the deliciousness that is quesabirria tacos. Picture this: smoky barbacoa meat married perfectly with gooey mozzarella cheese, all tucked into warm corn tortillas. Top it off with fresh cilantro and chopped onions, plus a delicious side of beef consomé. Are your tastebuds tingling yet?

A Culinary Journey to Tabasco, Mexico

Yelp’s glowing review of GG’s says, “This no-frills Mexican-BBQ fusion cafe highlights the best from the state of Tabasco, Mexico.” It’s the personal touch that makes all the difference; most of the barbacoa meat is meticulously marinated by Avalos, who handcrafts her slow-cooked beef with a blend of guajillo and ancho peppers, tomato, onion, cumin, garlic, bay leaves, and whole cloves. The rich flavors speak volumes, and customers rave about how their tacos are made fresh to order.

As one Yelp reviewer put it, “The tacos were absolutely delicious, crispy and fresh off the grill, filled with juicy beef and cheese, and served with piping-hot consomé.” It’s quite clear that GG’s has become a cherished part of the local food landscape.

Not Just KCK, But Beyond

Kansas City isn’t alone in the deliciousness department. The list of top Mexican spots also recognized places across the country, with favorites from Las Vegas, Phoenix, Miami, Austin, Texas, and Green River, Utah. Even Malinche Mexican Culinary Experience in Missouri made the cut, showcasing just how vibrant the Mexican culinary scene is in this region.

For those in the Kansas City area or just visiting, make sure to stop by the Taco Trail and indulge in the flavors that KCK has to offer. Whether you’re devouring tacos at GG’s or exploring other fabulous eateries, one thing is for sure: the taco love in this city is real!