Newport, Ky., is bursting with delicious options for one of our favorite food groups: tacos. Some are obvious, some more of a hidden gem. Keep reading to create your personal must-try list or rekindle your love of old faves.

Best tacos in the Newport, Ky. area

La Mexicana Newport

La Mexicana Restaurante Cantina & Tienda

One of the most authentic Mexican restaurants you'll find in Northern Kentucky, there's good reason La Mexicana was chosen one of the top Mexican restaurants in the Cincinnati area by Citybeat readers.

la mexicana Newport exterior

In the heart of Newport's Monmouth Street, you've probably driven past it a thousand times. Next time, be sure to stop in for piping hot chips, corn truffle tacos, or pumpkin flower tacos.

La Mexicana Newport

While you're there, don't forget to stock up on your favorite grocery supplies in the tienda.


la mexicana tienda newport grocery

But good luck replicating the goodness of their food from your own home--it never turns out well for me. ;)

exterior photo of cancun mexican restaurant and bar with photo of big mac bridge in background over the ohio river in newport ky and cincinnati oh

Cancun Mexican

Looking for tacos (and margs) with a view? Look no further than Cancun in Newport. Only a couple blocks from Newport on the Levee, Cancun (and its awesome patio) has some excellent riverfront dining.

speedy gonzales enchilada taco and rice at cancun mexican restaurant in newport ky

You can't go wrong with the Speedy Gonzales (pictured above), which is under $6 at lunchtime. They also have excellent fajitas!

shrimp fajitas at cancun mexican restaurant in newport ky

And while their sister location on Monmouth Street in Newport is equally as delicious, you just can't beat those Cincinnati skyline sunsets from the riverfront patio.

Diners enjoying view of Cincinnati from Cancun Mexican restaurant

Read our full review of Cancun Mexican Restaurant here.

rio grande newport

Rio Grande

Guys, this is one of those if you know, you know type of places... But don't be surprised if you have to wait on a Friday or Saturday night. Don't let Rio Grande's Carothers Road strip-mall exterior fool you--it's that good!

rio grande newport exterior
Photo by Yelp user Ted S.

Everything I've tasted at Rio Grande has been delicious, including the tacos, and the portions are very generous--often enough for leftovers for the next meal! 

rio grande newport
Photo by Yelp user Cindy G.

And when it comes to salsa, I'm certainly not discriminatory, but I think theirs may be my current favorite. Yum!

taqueria nogal

Taqueria Nogal

Located in Dayton, Ky., just down the street from Newport, Taqueria Nogal may be the area's best kept secret.

taqueria nogal

You never know day by day what may be on the menu, or what the day's special may be, but no matter what it is, I can tell you that it will be delicious!

taqueria nogal

nomad

Nomad

Located in Bellevue, Ky., Nomad is fairly new to the scene, but definitely a strong contender of the best tacos in the Newport area.

nomad

There are eight different varieties of tacos on their menu, including Korean BBQ, buffalo chicken, and the Patata, which includes tater tots, the restaurant's other speciality. If your group loves tacos, tater tots, and a cool patio, Nomad is definitely a good choice for your next night out!

nomad