Carne Asada, Cancún

Type: Classic Mexican
Rating: 4
Price: $8.59/plate
Somehow mini-tacos make you feel as if you haven’t blown your diet. Cradled in double corn tortillas, the grilled beef has a pleasant kick, no salsa needed, but you’ll definitely want to pile on the side of grilled onions. 7905 University Ave, 806-687-9048. Sun–Thur 11–10, Fri & Sat 11–11.

Al Pastor, Taqueria Jalisco

Lubbock taco

Type: Classic Mexican
Rating: 4.25
Price: $2.29
The tacos at this nice restaurant are all delicious, but the al pastor beats the carne asada by half a length. Generously spooned onto thick homemade flour or corn tortillas, the smoky-sweet pork is perfectly seasoned, then topped with the requisite onions and cilantro. Add green chile salsa if you dare. 221 Ave Q, 806-763-7605. Daily 7–10.

Brisket, El Paisano

Type: Modern American
Rating: 4
Price: $2.49
You’ll vie with the regulars for a spot in this strip-mall hole-in-the-wall, but it’s worth it for the savory slow-cooked brisket served on a corn tortilla with lettuce and tomato. Ask for lime, onion, and cilantro. 1301 Fiftieth, 806-771-2773. Sun, Mon, Wed & Thur 7–3, Fri & Sat 7–8.

Firecracker Shrimp, Abuelos Taqueria

Type: Specialty
Rating: 4
Price: $3.79
Casual and modern, Abuelos may well have cornered the local market on zany tacos. The best is the overstuffed sriracha shrimp, with mango relish, cabbage slaw, and Thai peanut sauce on a flour tortilla. It’s such a blast of flavor that you’ll forgive it for dripping down your hand as you eat. 4410 Nineteenth, 806-368-7833. Daily 11–9.