In Houston, there is no bad time to fill your belly with tacos, but the return of DiningOut Events’ Top Taco festival is a particularly thrilling occasion to do so. The spirited and indulgent food festival, which showcases tacos prepared by the city’s top chefs, returns on Thursday, April 24 at POST Houston. Like last year, patrons and a panel of judges will vote on the best tacos to distinguish who in fact has the “top taco” in Houston.
Sponsored by Buckhead Meat & Seafood, Top Taco is a one-of-a-kind culinary extravaganza, limited to ages 21 and up, that lets its patrons bask in the glory of sampling unlimited tacos and spirits in one place. It’s no secret that Houston is a haven for Mexican and Tex-Mex food, with restaurants, bars, food trucks, and more, slinging some of the tastiest, drippiest, soul-warming tacos around. So many lead the ranks that it seems fitting to name a champion among them. With entertainment, including a DJ, live band, Lucha Libre wrestling, cigar rolling, and photo ops at every turn, the evening has the makings of one epic fiesta.
Like last year, contenders will compete in two main categories, including Best Traditional Taco and Best Creative Taco. Critic’s choice will be determined by a panel of judges made up of Houston food professionals, while People’s Choice will be awarded to the restaurant with the most votes given by Top Taco patrons. A separate title for Best Cocktail, among participating beverage professionals, will also be up for grabs.
While all attendees will enjoy unlimited bites and sips, a special VIP section will give VIP ticketholders access to even more. Coined the Asada BBQ Showdown, Top Taco’s VIP section features a separate competition happening simultaneously in a dedicated area, in which six of Houston’s top grill masters battle it out for Best BBQ Taco. The exclusive section will feature private bars, lounges, a DJ, and Buckhead demos, all with Downtown’s sweeping skyline as a backdrop. VIP ticketholders are welcome to begin the festivities an hour earlier than general admission entry, giving patrons a hefty headstart on the taco-fueled evening.
Last spring, more than 1500 attendees gathered at POST Houston for Houston’s inaugural Top Taco festival, with restaurants like Armandos, the Original Ninfa’s, Phat Eatery, and more putting their spin on the handheld. Top honors went to Xalisko Cocina Mexicana (Critic’s Choice) and Los Dos Potrillos (People’s Choice) for Best Traditional Taco; Phat Eatery (Critic’s Choice) and Guard & Grace (People’s Choice) for Best Creative Taco; and Lupe Tortilla (Critic’s Choice) and Guard & Grace (People’s Choice) for Best Cocktail.
This year brings even more sensational talent, with participants including La Calle, Loro, Space City Birria, Villa Arcos, 1891 American Eatery & Bar, Monkey’s Tail, Avenida de Brazil, Polanquito, and newcomer Chardon.
The second annual Top Taco festival coincides with the recent launch of DiningOut Houston, a new branch of Denver-based DiningOut Events and DiningOut Magazine, which serves as the voice of Colorado’s independent restaurant community. DiningOut Houston has a similar voice, paying tribute to the city’s dynamic culinary community through its editorial content.
Pre-sale tickets for Top Taco, offered at a discount, are available now. Following the pre-sale window, general admission tickets will be available for $89, allowing patrons access to the grand tasting beginning at 7 pm; First Taste tickets will be $119, with patrons given early access to the grand tasting beginning at 6 p.m.; and VIP tickets will be $159, with patrons given early access to the grounds at 6 p.m. and full access to the Asada BBQ Showdown.
