Locals Only: The 10 Best Tacos in the Hudson Valley

Want to know where to get the very best taco? Here's an insider's look at the best places to go in the Hudson Valley.

According to a calculation of Yelp reviews throughout the entire Hudson Valley area, the following restaurants and local food stores are the best places to find delicious, authentic tacos and Mexican food.

1.  Diego's Taqueria in Kingston
With 4.5 stars, this local taco spot is the best rated in the Hudson Valley. One Yelp reviewer writes "Freakin beet taco , fried green tomato po' boy taco, and beer battered cauliflower taco??? So delicious! These are some unique tacos and well worth the $4."

2.  El Azteca Mexican Deli in Poughkeepsie
It's a deli, but locals know to get to El Azteca for the best authentic Mexican tacos in the Poughkeepsie area. A Yelp user says "Great little place, delicious food and low prices. The lamb tacos were outlandishly good. Fish tacosalso excellent. Terrific plantains (maduros). Definitely worth a visit..."

3. Cafe Maya in Fishkill
This restaurant's parking lot is packed every Cinco de Mayo with lines starting early in the day. One reason is the authentic Mexican atmosphere, but the other is their incredible food.

4. Cafe Maya in Wappingers Falls
The little brother to its bigger sibling in Fishkill has the same incredible food and atmosphere closer to central Dutchess County. And don't forget to ask Ruben at the bar to whip you up one of his famous margaritas.

5. Tito Santana Taqueria in Beacon
If you were at the Hudson River Craft Beer Festival and were lucky enough to sample their food, you'll know why this City of Beacon taco joint is more than just a hipster hangout.

6. Los Portales Restaurant in Newburgh
This 'no-frills' restaurant on Broadway in Newburgh is the real deal. With so many incredible reviews something good must be going on there. One Yelp user writes "“The decor is no frills, and it can get quite noisy, but the food is fresh, genuine, and most importantly 'traditional'."

7. Mexicali Blue in New Paltz
With famous fans like Daryl Hall and Anthony Bourdain, this fresh Mexican restaurant boasts that "no cans" are ever used in their kitchen, only fresh ingredients. Some swear that their guacamole is the best in the area.

8. Santa Fe Uptown in Kingston
Apparently this is the place to be on Taco Tuesday. A Yelp user writes "How much do I love this place? Words don't do it justice. No heavy, sloppy sauce Mexican here..."

9. Tortilleria Parvinci in Middletown
Another "no frills" favorite, this place is all about the food. A Yelp user sums it up with his review, "You are not coming here for the decor.... The furniture is god-awful ugly... But man oh man. When you get it. It is for real. I can't say enough about their green sauce... Kicks my butt and makes me cry for more."

10. Fresco Tortillas in Poughkeepsie
This gem is right across from Vassar College and locals swear that it's the best taco joint in the area. One reviewer says "Fresco Tortillas is tiny, grungy, and entirely deceiving. How could such a tiny location be good? This is the best Texmex food you'll get for this price, probably anywhere."

So, where is your favorite taco in the Hudson Valley? Was it on our list or did we miss it? let us know in the comments section below.