Is a taco the perfect food? It’s easy to eat, versatile, customizable and totally crave-able, perfect to share a platter or pop in for a quick late-night bite. The taco is a food so beloved we’ve given it a day to celebrate once a week. So, whether it's Taco Tuesday or any other day of the week, let’s raise a cerveza, michelada or margarita to the taco and get out there to explore Miami’s best taco restaurants.

Homestead

If you're in the market for a taco of the more authentic variety, the simpler sort, that come with just a few ingredients, meant to shine on a corn or flour tortilla served with some extra spicy sauces that you can layer on at your own risk, there are two neighborhoods that you’ll want to explore. Make the drive down to Homestead and the South-Dade area at small spots with cult followings like Taqueria Morelia, tucked into a gas station, or Casitas Tejas, opened in 1987 and revered since for their Tex-Mex menu. Don’t take these two recommendations as the be-all-end-all, the whole area is peppered with Mexican restaurants known for hearty portions, fresh pico and homestyle interiors. If you’re driving down to the Florida Keys, this is the perfect foodie pitstop to make along the way.

Little Havana

Trying to keep it a bit closer to Miami’s more central areas? There’s another concentration of small, authentic family-style restaurants in Little Havana, just off Brickell along 8th Street and Flagler. Just a short drive from Miami Beach, you’ll find well-priced menus that are perfect for a large party or a family meal in between some of Miami’s higher price tag dining options. Check out Mi Rinconcito Mexicano as a starting place, but go ahead and explore the full stretch of Mexican spots you’ll find along that street. Dip into a bit of nightlight with a Mexican touch at Los Altos, where you walk past a taqueria and Mexican candy shop to enter a new speakeasy in Little Havana that is open until 3 a.m.

Little River

Taquiza's handmade blue masa tortillas and chips have helped them grow from one spot on Miami Beach to three local outposts including one at The Citadel, a food hall in the Little River area packed with some of Miami’s most interesting food concepts. At Taquiza, the taco menu includes riskier combinations that play with the flavors you already love in Mexican food but give them elevated and ingredient-focused flavor combinations like the Huitlacoche Taco with corn truffle, corn and scallion.

Wynwood

In Wynwood, there are two places that are more than what meets the eye at first glance― at Wood Tavern,a popular bar, you can also order tacos in their backyard area and at Coyo Taco, a fast-casual taco spot reveals a popular bar tucked behind it. On weekend nights you can expect a DJ at both places and a fun atmosphere where you can dance off those tacos.

South Beach

Enjoy your tacos poolside, in a stylish, bohemian setting at Diez y Seis at Shore Club South Beach. Chef Jose Icardi has designed a menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner that’s hip and fresh while honoring the flavors of Mexico. There are four taco options on the dinner menu― Cuban, Steak, Mushroom and Fish― all four would pair well with the Lobster Aguachile or Cactus Salad.

Chef Todd Erickson is at the helm of Huahua’s Taqueria in South Beach at the top Lincoln Road. This laid-back joint for creative tacos is located next to the chef’s neighboring ultra-lounge HaVen. One of their most popular items is the fried chicken taco, made with jalapeño cornbread, ancho ranch and cilantro. Mix-and-match, from their taco menu and consider the chili-rubbed shrimp or the vegetarian “guaco” tacos. Don't skip the elote― grilled sweet corn on the cob covered in spicy mayo and cotija cheese and end on a cool note with a paleta (popsicle) for a sweet, frozen dessert.

A hot spot in South Beach as both a casual taco stand and a speakeasy-style ultra-lounge, Bodega became an overnight hit. Located on Alton Road in an airy, industrial space, the taco menu is a mile long and a line often forms late night to place an order. They also have a variety of burritos and tortas (sandwiches) to choose from. The selections are creative, ranging from the shrimp po' boy taco to the fish and chips taco, but you'll find the classics on the menu too. The club is accessed through a door masquerading as a port-o-potty where you'll find a bar specializing in tequila cocktails and a crowd looking to party.

Coconut Grove

For another option that’s open all day and late-night, check out El Taquito. There are locations in Little Havana and Kendall, but it's the Coconut Grove location that really hits the spot when you’ve been out in the area walking along the bay or diving into the local craft beer scene. While there isn’t much seating, just a stool or two, it’s one of the great joys of the taco to eat it while standing and chatting whether there's still sunlight outside or if it's long been dark out.