Talk of the taco town

— no needed — these tasty tacos and not just on Tuesdays. Once I went to the actual restaurant and realized they served sangria, draft beer and margaritas as well as churros— it was game over for this corn sandwich connoisseur.

Top Taco: Campechano: rib eye and chorizo ($3.99). Name a better combo — I’ll wait. Savory ribeye with the slight heat found in chorizo (seasoned chopped or ground pork sausage) is a match made in taco heaven.

Spec-Taco-ular Second Place: Sopes ($5.75). Just another crazy yummy corn-based vessel for the Campechano (or steak, barbacoa, pastor, chicken, carnitas, lengua, fish, shrimp, chorizo, tinga or vegetarian option).

BIRDROCK TACO SHACK

1213 13th Ave., W, Bradenton; 941545-9966, BirdRockTacoShack.com to Robin’s apartments off U.S. Route 41. Vibrantly decorated and family-friendly, The Spot’s menu has me wondering why I took so long to walk through those doors. On a Saturday afternoon, the entire restaurant was packed. There were authentic smiles on each patron as they shared a meal with their loved ones. I found out quickly why everyone was so happy ... Top Taco: Birria Tacos ($2.99 each or three tacos and consumme for $11 or four tacos without consumme, $11). Dripping in broth, crisped to excellence and filled with the tastiest beef, cheese, diced onion and cilantro, these beautiful birria masterpieces made all of my worries wander away. I will dream about the cheesy, creamy yet crunchy, creations whenever I hear the word taco from here on out.

Pork Belly Mexican Pizza ($11-$16). I was going to tell you to get the camarones taco ($5.50), but that was before Disilvio delivered a dish that dazzled my delectable dining experience beyond measure. Pork belly, black bean paste, black garlic crema, salsa macha, red onion, micro cilantro — all on a pizza made of that blue corn beauty. Deliciosa!

EL PRIMO TAQUERIA

1111 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton; 941-744-9299, LosPrimosTaqueriafl.com

Let’s Taco ‘Bout It: Don’t drive too fast going down Manatee Avenue or you’ll miss the next stop on our taco tour. Located next to a vacant gas station, the four-table authentic Mexican eatery below a bright green roof prepares plates that please my piehole more than most places.

Mouthwatering handmade tortillas, vibrantly colored spicy salsas and marvelously marinated meat served by a staff that makes you feel like family — except my family doesn’t serve tacos like this.

Top Taco: Chicharron, Pork Grinds ($1.75+). Primo’s pork grinds are phenomenal. Each bite is crispy, jam-packed of crunchy skin that also feels delicate at the same time. I can’t wait to go back and enjoy this pristine pork!

Spec-Taco-ular Second Place: Carnitas, shredded pork ($1.75+). Please don’t stop with the pork, Primo. This shredded pork is perfectly praiseworthy!

BITIA’S TAQUERIA

3436 17th St., Sarasota; 941-3668081, facebook.com/BitiasTaqueria

Let’s Taco ‘Bout It: Finding a table at Bitia’s at any time on any day is like finding a spot in the long-term parking lot at SRQ Airport — best of luck and off to the cellphone lot for you. But before I lose you, let me tell you this authentic Salvadorean and Mexican establishment is worth the wait. Or if you don’t have time to fight for a seat, order online or check the wait time.

Top Taco: Barbacoa, shredded beef ($1.50). Looking for a hardshell taco with shredded American cheese, sour cream and stuff? Turn around and go to Taco Bell. Bitia’s tacos are authentic, appetizing and way above average. The juice from the barbacoa seeps into the shell and the cilantro complements each mouthful. Once my taco was gone, I immediately wanted another.

Spec-Taco-ular Second Place: Buche, pork belly ($1.50). You want a succulent taco full of tender, velvety and buttery notes? Look no farther.

REYNA’S TAQUERIA

935 N. Beneva Road., Suite 701, Sarasota; 941-260-8343, 8201 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-2714624, ReynasTaqueria.com

Let’s Taco ‘Bout It: This feature would not be possible without my love affair with Reyna’s Taqueria. When that whole COVID thing started, I ordered Reyna’s at least once a week. I justified my addiction by reassuring my husband, “We’re helping the local restaurant industry.” But the truth is I wanted

Let’s Taco ‘Bout It: Located in Village of the Arts, the new location of BirdRock radiates eclectic entertainment both in restaurant vibes and in your mouth with its flavorful food. There are vegan options, gluten-free choices and picture-perfect plates just waiting for foodies wanting to post on their social media pages. In business for eight years, owner and chef David Shiplett and his team curate a magical menu that I will eat my way through if it’s the last thing I do.

Top Taco: Tie between cold water lobster with smoked chile mayo, cabbage, lime and corn tortilla ($12) and beef short rib with Korean barbecue, tomato pico, fried onion and flour tortilla ($9).

Spec-Taco-ular Second Place: The Thai peanut, Brussels sprouts, caramelized shallots, chile taco with a flour tortilla ($8) has been a staple of BirdRock for years. Now I know why. Shiplett said he knew it was going to be a hit when nonvegan diners were requesting the dish time and time agin.

THE SPOT TACOS AND MORE

2303 First St., Bradenton; 941-7412011, TheSpotTacos.com

Let’s Taco ‘Bout It: Once dishing delectable cheesy goodness from the Bradenton Flea Market, this taco joint now has its own brickand-mortar establishment attached

Spec-Taco-ular Second Place: Tinga, chicken ($2.50 for corn, $3 for flour). If you aren’t into what was just described in my choice for top taco, I want you to know that the chicken tacos also guac-ed my world.

ROCCO’S TACOS

243 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; 941-477-8226, RoccosTacos.com

Let’s Taco ‘Bout It: You can’t talk tacos without the talk of the town, Rocco’s Tacos, which just opened at University Town Center on March 6. With daily happy hours and special happenings like Margarita Mondays, Taco Tuesdays and a full brunch menu, the elevated and entertaining space is brimming with fun. Between the robust aromas and the attractive atmosphere, Rocco’s guarantees an appetizing and amusing time for every foodie.

Top Taco: Macha shrimp tacos ($20). Filled with crispy shrimp, peanut salsa macha, shaved cabbage, avocado, pico de gallo and sesame seeds, these tacos, offered with handmade tortillas or lettuce wraps, are shrimply the best savory dish.

Spec-Taco-ular Second Place: Vegan al Pastor ($19). Yummy in my normally-not-plant-based belly. The plant-based protein mixed with pineapple salsa, onion, cilantro and lime provides not only a vegan option at the new space, but is also gluten-free.