What Makes an Authentic Street Taco — And Where to Find One in Utah
The elements that define an authentic street taco, and how to find restaurants in Utah serving them the way they're made in Mexico.
The term "street taco" is used loosely across the U.S. In its authentic form — the way it's served from taquerías and street carts across Mexico — a street taco follows a specific structure. Understanding that structure is the fastest way to identify restaurants in Utah serving the real thing.
The tortilla
Authentic street tacos are served on small, soft corn tortillas — typically 4 to 4.5 inches in diameter — warmed on a hot flat-top immediately before service. Flour tortillas, oversized shells, and pre-warmed tortillas held in a warming drawer are all departures from the traditional form.
The protein
Traditional proteins include al pastor (marinated pork), carne asada (grilled beef), carnitas (braised pork), pollo asado (grilled chicken), and pescado (fish). Proteins are cooked to order or held briefly on a flat-top — not scooped from a steam pan.
The garnish
The standard garnish is minimal: raw diced onion, cilantro, and a wedge of lime. Salsas — typically two or three options ranging from mild to hot — are added at the guest's discretion. Cheese, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream are not part of the authentic street taco format.
Where to find them in Utah
Jurassic Tacos serves authentic-format street tacos at four Utah locations — Spanish Fork, Highland, Pleasant Grove, and Draper — with fresh-pressed corn tortillas and salsas made in-house daily. See the full menu for current offerings.
Planning something?
Jurassic Tacos caters events across Utah County and Salt Lake County — plus four brick-and-mortar locations for pickup and delivery.