In This Post, You’ll Learn:
- What a street taco is
- What makes street tacos different from regular tacos
- Why corn tortillas matter
- What toppings go on a real street taco
- Which meats are commonly used in street tacos
- What tacos al carbon means
- How Backyard Taco brings mesquite-grilled street taco flavor to Arizona
A street taco is a small, simple taco usually served on a warm corn tortilla with grilled or marinated meat, onion, cilantro, salsa, and lime. Unlike many American-style tacos, street tacos are not piled high with lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream, or a crunchy shell. They are built to be fresh, flavorful, and easy to eat.
Simple? Yes.
Boring? Never.
At Backyard Taco, street tacos are at the heart of what we do. Our tacos al carbon are inspired by the real flavors of Mexico: warm tortillas, mesquite-grilled meats, fresh toppings, and salsa that brings every bite together.
So, what is a real street taco? What makes it different from a regular taco? And why does the grill matter so much?
Let’s taco ‘bout it.
What Is a Street Taco?
A street taco is a smaller taco traditionally made with a soft corn tortilla, grilled or marinated meat, simple toppings, salsa, and lime.
Street tacos became popular because they were easy to serve, easy to eat, and packed with flavor without needing a long list of toppings.
They were made for busy streets, markets, taco stands, and people who wanted something fresh, fast, and satisfying.
The beauty of a street taco is that every part has a job.
The tortilla holds the bite.
The meat brings the flavor.
The onion and cilantro add freshness.
The salsa adds heat, brightness, or depth.
The lime wakes everything up.
That’s it. No need to bury it under a mountain of toppings.
A real street taco keeps the focus on the tortilla, the meat, and the salsa.
Street Tacos vs. Regular Tacos: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve ever wondered about street tacos vs. regular tacos, the biggest differences are size, tortilla, toppings, and style.
A street taco is usually smaller, made with a soft corn tortilla, and topped simply. A regular taco, especially the American-style version many people grew up with, is often larger and may include lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, or a crunchy shell.
Both can be delicious. They are just different.
A street taco usually has:
- A smaller tortilla
- A soft corn tortilla
- Grilled or marinated meat
- Onion
- Cilantro
- Salsa
- Lime
- A simple, handheld style
An American-style taco may have:
- A larger tortilla or hard shell
- Ground beef or other fillings
- Lettuce
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Tomatoes
- More layered toppings
Street tacos are not trying to do too much. That is the point.
They are simple, fresh, and built around the flavor of the meat and tortilla.
Why Corn Tortillas Matter
Traditional street tacos are usually served on warm corn tortillas because corn brings flavor, texture, and authenticity to the bite. A good tortilla does not just hold the taco together. It adds its own flavor and helps balance the richness of the meat, salsa, lime, and toppings.
At Backyard Taco, we know tortilla choice matters. That’s why guests can choose corn or flour tortillas when ordering their tacos. If you want the more traditional street taco experience, corn tortillas are the classic choice. If you prefer the softer, slightly heartier bite of flour tortillas, go for it. Your taco, your rules.
Either way, the tortilla is the foundation of the meal. Whether you’re keeping it simple with onion, cilantro, salsa, and lime or loading up with salsa bar favorites, the right tortilla helps bring the whole bite together.
And like any good foundation, it should not be an afterthought.
Want to learn more about the difference? Check out our guide to Corn vs. Flour Tortillas.
Why Do Street Tacos Sometimes Have Two Tortillas?
Some street tacos are served with two tortillas, especially when the meat is juicy or the toppings are generous. The second tortilla helps hold everything together, catches extra juices, and gives you a backup if the first tortilla starts to tear.
At Backyard Taco, you can choose corn or flour tortillas when ordering your tacos. And if you choose corn, there’s a fun little menu hack our team has shared before: use that extra tortilla energy to turn one taco into two smaller bites.
It’s not required, of course. You can eat your taco exactly as it comes, load it up at the salsa bar, or try the two-taco trick if you’re feeling strategic.
Smart? Yes.
Delicious? Also yes.
Want more fun ways to customize your order? Check out our Backyard Taco menu hacks.
What Goes on a Real Street Taco?
A real street taco does not need a long list of toppings. The best ones are usually simple.
Classic street taco toppings include:
- Onion
- Cilantro
- Salsa
- Lime
- Sometimes radishes, cucumbers, grilled onions, or jalapeños on the side
That’s the core.
The toppings should support the meat, not hide it. Onion adds bite. Cilantro adds freshness. Lime adds brightness. Salsa adds flavor, heat, or both.
At Backyard Taco, the salsa bar lets you make each taco your own. You can keep it classic with onion, cilantro, lime, and salsa, or add extras like grilled onions, jalapeños, pepinos, radishes, or other fresh toppings depending on what you’re craving.
There is no one perfect taco for everyone.
There is only your perfect taco.
It’s All About the Meat
The meat is where a street taco really earns its reputation.
Real street tacos are not usually built around plain ground beef. Instead, they often feature grilled, marinated, or slow-cooked meats with bold seasoning and real texture.
Popular street taco meats include:
- Carne asada
- Pollo
- Al pastor
- Carnitas
- Birria
At Backyard Taco, we are known for mesquite-grilled meats that bring smoky, fresh-off-the-grill flavor to every bite.
Carne asada is rich, savory, and classic. Pollo is juicy and flavorful. Al pastor brings a smoky, slightly sweet, savory bite. Birria is rich, tender marinated beef with bold flavor.
When the meat is done right, the taco does not need to be overloaded. A warm tortilla, fresh onion, cilantro, salsa, and lime are enough to let the flavor shine.
What Are Tacos al Carbon?
Tacos al carbon are tacos made with meat cooked over fire or charcoal.
The phrase “al carbon” means “over charcoal,” and that style of cooking is a big part of what gives these tacos their signature flavor. When meat hits the grill, it develops char, smoke, and depth that you just do not get from a pan.
At Backyard Taco, our mesquite grill is part of what makes our tacos taste different.
Mesquite gives the meat a bold, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh tortillas, onion, cilantro, lime, and salsa. It is simple food, but the grill adds the kind of flavor people remember.
That is why tacos al carbon are not just another taco.
They are the taco fresh off the grill, built with care, and made to be eaten while everything is hot, fresh, and full of flavor.
How to Eat Street Tacos, Backyard Taco Style
Street tacos are easy to eat, but there is still a right way to get the best bite.
Start with your taco while it is hot and fresh. Add salsa, a squeeze of lime, and any toppings you like from the salsa bar. Keep it simple enough that you can still taste the meat and tortilla.
Then fold, lean in, and enjoy.
A few quick tips:
- Add salsa a little at a time.
- Use lime to brighten the flavor.
- Keep toppings balanced.
- Eat while the tortilla and meat are warm.
- Use the second tortilla, if you have one, to catch anything that falls.
No fork needed.
Maybe a napkin or two, though. We’re realists.
Are Street Tacos Supposed to Have Cheese?
Traditional street tacos usually do not need cheese.
That does not mean cheese is bad. It just means the classic street taco style is more focused on tortilla, meat, onion, cilantro, salsa, and lime.
In many American-style tacos, cheese is one of the main toppings. In street tacos, the meat and salsa are usually the stars.
At Backyard Taco, you can choose the style and toppings that make you happy. If you want to keep it classic, go simple. If you want something cheesy and crispy, try a vampiro or quesadilla.
We are not here to fight with cheese.
We are here to make sure every bite tastes good.
What to Order With Street Tacos
Street tacos are great on their own, but a few extras can make the meal even better.
Try pairing your tacos with:
- Chips and salsa
- Rice and beans, or make it a combo
- Grilled onions and jalapeños, just ask and we’ll grill them up
- One of our homemade aguas frescas: horchata, Jamaica, or limonada
- A Mexican soda
- A hand-spun shake
If your taco has a little heat, horchata is a great choice because it is creamy and cinnamon-forward. Jamaica adds a tart, refreshing contrast. Limonada keeps things bright, cold, and citrusy.
And if you’re really going for it, one of our hand-spun shakes never hurts. Choose from chocolate, strawberry, Oreo, or horchata at participating locations. Shakes are available at all locations except University.
Want to learn more about our fresh Mexican drinks? Read our guide to why we love aguas frescas and find your favorite flavor before your next taco run.
FAQs About Street Tacos
Try Real Street Tacos at Backyard Taco
If you’re looking for real street tacos in Arizona, come see us at Backyard Taco.
Our tacos al carbon bring together the essentials: warm tortillas, mesquite-grilled meats, fresh toppings, salsa, and that made-when-you-order flavor we’re known for.
Whether you’re craving carne asada, pollo, al pastor, birria, or your favorite salsa bar combo, we’ll make it fresh and serve it the Backyard Taco way.
Find your nearest location, order online, or stop in for the full experience.
Fresh tortillas. Mesquite-grilled meat. Salsa your way.
That’s Backyard Taco. That’s Mexcellence.
Editor’s Note:
This post was originally published on April 2, 2019, and was updated August 26, 2026 with fresh information about street tacos, tacos al carbon, simple toppings, and the Backyard Taco way.
Dr. Tyler loves tacos! He is one of the owners of Backyard Taco, and can sometimes be found moonlighting there at night or on the weekends.
Dr. Tyler Robison is an alum of Mesa’s Mountain View High School. He graduted from Brigham Young University before being accepted to the “Top Ten-nationally ranked” University of Louisville in Kentucky, where he earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine and a Master’s Degree in Oral Biology. He graduated with honors in the top ten percent of his class. Dr. Robison continued at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, where he received a second master’s degree in dental science and his orthodontic certification.
Dr. Tyler enjoys serving in his community. He is a provider for the Smile Back Foundation, which offers scholarships for free dental treatment to underprivileged East Valley students. He is also a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve and served during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2008.
Dr. Tyler Robison’s favorite pastimes include spending time with his family on the lake, at the beach, or on the slopes. He is an avid and crazy snowboarder! He has three incredible sons and one sweet daughter: Caden, Jace, Crew, and Bliss.
