A Guide to Taco Styles, From Elk to Birria

Tacos are one of the most versatile foods in the world. The basic format, a warm tortilla wrapped around a flavorful filling, stays the same, but the variations are endless. From slow-braised meats to fresh seafood to creative vegetarian options, there is a taco for every taste. If you have ever looked at a taco menu and felt unsure what to order, understanding the main styles makes the choice a lot easier.

This guide walks through the most popular taco styles you will find at a good Mexican restaurant, what goes into each one, and how to pick the right taco for what you are in the mood for. By the end, you will know exactly what to order whether you want something rich and hearty or light and fresh.

Birria Tacos

Birria has exploded in popularity over the last few years, and it has earned every bit of the attention. The filling is beef that has been slow-braised in a blend of dried chiles and spices until it is fall-apart tender. What makes birria special is the consommé, a rich broth made from the braising liquid that is served on the side for dipping.

The experience of eating a birria taco is part of what makes it so good. You dip the taco into the warm consommé before each bite, which adds moisture and a deep, savory flavor. The combination of tender meat, melted cheese, and spiced broth makes birria one of the most satisfying tacos you can order. It is an especially good choice in a cold climate, where the warm broth hits even better after a day outdoors.

Carnitas Tacos

Carnitas are a Mexican classic and one of the most traditional taco fillings. The name means little meats, and the dish is made by slow-cooking pork until it is tender, then crisping it up so you get a mix of soft and crispy textures in every bite.

Good carnitas do not need much dressing up. Traditionally they are served simply, with diced onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime or a spoonful of salsa. The pork is the star, so the quality of the meat and the care taken in cooking it make all the difference. When carnitas are done right, they are rich, savory, and deeply satisfying.

Elk and Game Tacos

In mountain regions, game meats like elk show up on menus as a regional specialty, and they make for an excellent and memorable taco. Elk is leaner than beef but still rich and flavorful, with a slightly more robust taste. When marinated well and prepared carefully, elk makes a taco you will remember.

Game tacos are worth ordering specifically because they are harder to find. You can get a beef or chicken taco almost anywhere, but an elk taco is the kind of thing you only come across in places like Colorado. If you see one on the menu at a quality restaurant, it is usually worth trying for the experience alone.

Steak Tacos

Steak tacos are a crowd-pleaser. Grilled and seasoned beef, sliced or chopped, makes a hearty and flavorful filling that pairs well with a wide range of toppings. From a simple street-style steak taco with onion and cilantro to a more loaded version with cheese, salsa, and aioli, there is a lot of range within this single style.

What makes a steak taco great is the quality and seasoning of the meat and how it is cooked. Properly grilled steak with a good char and the right seasoning needs little else. Steak tacos are a solid choice when you want something filling and savory.

Fish and Shrimp Tacos

Seafood tacos offer a lighter, brighter alternative to meat. Fish tacos are typically made with a white fish that is grilled or seared, then topped with a fresh slaw and a citrusy or creamy salsa. The result is light, flaky, and refreshing. Shrimp tacos bring a little more richness, often with a chile garlic preparation and a fresh slaw to balance it out.

Seafood tacos are a great choice when you want something that does not feel heavy. They are bright and flavorful, and the fresh toppings make them feel lighter than a braised meat taco. For anyone who loves seafood, a well-made fish or shrimp taco is hard to beat.

Vegetarian Tacos

Vegetarian tacos have improved dramatically in recent years, and the best ones stand on their own. One of the most popular modern vegetarian tacos uses roasted cauliflower marinated in a pastor-style spice blend, which delivers the smoky, slightly sweet flavor of a classic al pastor taco without any meat. Other vegetarian options build around roasted vegetables, beans, or grilled mushrooms.

The key to a great vegetarian taco is treating the vegetables with the same care as a meat filling. Roasting, marinating, and seasoning the vegetables properly, then pairing them with fresh salsa and toppings, makes a taco that even committed meat eaters enjoy. A good vegetarian taco is not a compromise, it is just a different kind of great taco.

How to Choose the Right Taco

With so many styles to choose from, picking the right taco comes down to what you are in the mood for. Here is a simple way to think about it.

If you want something rich and hearty, go for birria, carnitas, or steak. These are the most filling and satisfying options, especially after a long day of activity. If you want something lighter and fresher, fish or shrimp tacos are the way to go. If you want to try something unique to the region, look for elk or other game tacos. And if you want a flavorful plant-based option, a well-made cauliflower or roasted vegetable taco will not disappoint.

The best approach, especially at a restaurant that does tacos well, is to order a few different styles and share. That way you get to experience the range and find your favorites.

Try the Full Range at Mi Casa

If you want to taste these styles done right, Mi Casa Restaurant & Cantina in Breckenridge serves all of them. As a scratch kitchen open since 1981, we make our braises, marinades, and salsas in house, and our taco menu covers everything from short rib birria with consommé and slow-roasted carnitas to Rocky Mountain elk, seared fish, Baja shrimp, and our popular cauliflower al pastor.

Each taco order is priced for two and served with Oaxacan rice and your choice of beans, so it makes a full meal. You can explore the complete lineup on our   tacos page , or stop by our location near the base of Peak 9 to try a few styles for yourself. Whether you are in the mood for something rich and braised or light and fresh, there is a taco on our menu for you.