Looking for Cinco de Mayo Tacos in Billings? Here Are 8 Fav’s

Cinco de Mayo is kind of like St Patrick's Day for a lot of us. You don't have to be Irish to enjoy a Guiness and corned beef and you sure as heck don't have to be Mexican to enjoy tacos! Seriously, who doesn't love a good taco? Hard or soft shell, chicken, beef, shrimp or fish tacos...this simple, or sometimes complex, food item is loved by nearly everyone. Even a bad taco is usually pretty good.

Tacos are generally inexpensive. They are filling and delicious. I love making them at home with soft corn shells, seasoned ground beef and my special cabbage & pineapple slaw. Super good. The great thing about tacos is that you can have them anyway you want.

Montana is not known as a haven for fantastic Mexican food (as transplants from southwestern states like to mention every time you try to talk about Mexican food in Montana), but when I need tacos in my belly, here are a few of my favorite picks around Billings.

La Tinga

Guadalajara

I've found their service and food quality have been consistently good every visit. Their menu is huge and my brother always orders their flank steak when he's in town. Make sure you get one of their house margaritas on the rocks. So good. The newly remodeled back patio is worth checking out.

Taco Treat

I know, I know. The classic, soft corn shell, beef taco from Taco Treat is probably the least "authentic" taco in town, but I love them. Founded in Great Falls, with a handful of locations around the state, Taco Treat is decidedly "Montana-Mexican" food. Their basic combo of seasoned meat, shredded lettuce, a pile of American cheese, and their signature sauce somehow works wonderfully. A co-worker and I had a lengthy conversation about Taco Treat's taco sauce. We decided it's definitely the sauce that makes them so good. The lunch special comes with two tacos, but I always add a third.

Sarah's

This small, downtown restaurant is considered by many to be one of the most authentic Mexican places in Billings. Fresh ingredients, family recipes and locally owned, make sure you hit up Sarah's next time you're in the mood for a taco.

Jake's Downtown

What? A steakhouse for tacos? Have I lost my mind? No, I have not. But you might just lose yours when you try the fish tacos at Jake's. They are to die for. I could eat them every day.

Don Luis

Another downtown spot for great Mexican food, Don Luis was renovated in 2020 when the television show 'Restaurant: Impossible' came to town. The menu and decor where updated, while they retained some of their favorite menu items.

Fiesta Mexicana

This family restaurant took over the old Dos Macho's location on S. 24th St West and they have a second location in the former Laurel Guadalajara's building. The fried ice cream is a fantastic way to finish your meal. A full bar and great margarita's will help you get into the Cinco de Mayo spirit.

Los Maya's

Don't overlook this hidden gem, especially if you are looking for more authentic Mexican food. They're in the Albertsons shopping center at 12th and Grand. Instead of Americanized Tex-Mex, you'll find legit dishes with family recipes passed down from generation. A small Mexican market is next door. Stop in for hard-to-find ingredients for your at-home fiesta.

Honorable mention, Crazy Taco MT food truck

He'll be parked on Broadwater (next to Classy & Sassy Coffee, behind the old Cine 7 theater) on Friday, May 5th. As the kids like to say, their tacos are "fire!", 100%.

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Happy Cinco de Mayo! Remember to pick up some cold Corona, limes and a bottle of tequila.