South Jersey Shines in NJ.com's Best Taco Rankings

From Atlantic City to Hammonton, local taco spots earn high praise in statewide list

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:34am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring repeated images of a single taco ingredient, such as a slice of lime or a piece of grilled steak, in a vibrant neon color palette with heavy black outlines, capturing the essence of South Jersey's thriving taco culture.South Jersey's taco scene shines in a new statewide ranking, with local spots earning high praise for their flavorful and authentic offerings.Vineland Today

NJ.com's latest rankings of the 39 best tacos in New Jersey feature several standout options from South Jersey, with Pancho's Mexican Taqueria in Atlantic City earning the #3 spot for its exceptional al pastor tacos. Other local favorites like Tacos al Carbon in Hammonton, Tacos El Tio in Egg Harbor Township, and Taqueria El Azteca in Wildwood also made the list, showcasing the region's diverse and delicious taco scene.

Why it matters

South Jersey's taco scene has long been overshadowed by the culinary reputations of other regions, but this ranking from a prominent statewide publication shines a spotlight on the quality and variety of taco options available in Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties. It highlights how the area has become a destination for authentic, flavorful Mexican cuisine that can rival any other part of the state.

The details

The NJ.com rankings evaluated 39 taco spots across New Jersey, with seven South Jersey locations earning a spot on the list. Pancho's Mexican Taqueria in Atlantic City took the bronze medal for its exceptional al pastor tacos, praised for the seasoning, meat quality, and use of pineapple. Other South Jersey standouts include the carne asada tacos at El Pueblo Taqueria in Lower Township, the bistec asada tacos at Tacos al Carbon in Hammonton, the pollo a la plancha tacos at Tacos El Tio in Egg Harbor Township, and the chicken tacos at Taqueria El Azteca in Wildwood.

  • The NJ.com rankings were published on April 3, 2026.
  • The weather is beginning to warm up, signaling the approach of summer.

The players

NJ.com

A prominent New Jersey news and media outlet that publishes a wide range of content, including food and dining coverage.

Pete Genovese

A food writer for NJ.com who led the team that compiled the rankings of the best tacos in the state.

Pancho's Mexican Taqueria

A no-frills taqueria located next to the famed White House Subs in Atlantic City, known for its exceptional al pastor tacos.

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What they’re saying

“These are the best al pastor tacos in the state, and don't try to tell me otherwise. The seasoning, the meat, the pineapple — not to mention the inexpensive price — make for a terrific taco.”

— Pete Genovese, Food Writer, NJ.com

What’s next

As the weather continues to warm and summer approaches, taco lovers in South Jersey will likely flock to the highly-ranked spots to enjoy the region's best offerings. The NJ.com rankings have brought well-deserved attention to the thriving taco scene in the area, and it will be interesting to see if any new contenders emerge in the coming months.

The takeaway

South Jersey's taco scene has long been overshadowed, but this ranking from NJ.com showcases the diverse and delicious options available in the region. From Atlantic City to Hammonton, local taco spots are proving they can rival the best in the state, highlighting the area's growing reputation as a destination for authentic and flavorful Mexican cuisine.