This Victoria Park staple is loved for its Mexican street eats and market-style foods served up in a fun and informal setting. Having received numerous awards since opening its doors in 2015, Native Tongues Taqueria is in equal parts versatile and classic, featuring homestyle staples and elevated Mexican–American dishes such as its famous burger, the hamburguesa al carbon, served with chips and hot sauce. Wash down with a smoky mezcalgarita or an inventive cold-brew cocktail from its Mezcal-centered drinks menu.

What it is: This fun-loving Mexican taqueria serves a traditional Mexican food with a (spicy) twist. Why go: To try the charcoal grilled tacos served "mercado style," which are perfect to share with the family or a group of friends. The stacked bar is centered around mezcal spirits, so expect potently delicious cocktails to wash down the awesome food.

Highly praised for its authentic Mexican cuisine, including a wide variety of delicious tacos, quesadillas, and traditional dishes, Native Tongues has become one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in Calgary. With two locations, including one in Victoria Park, this restaurant is easily accessible by both locals and tourists. We’ve been here a couple of times and have tried a variety of dishes, including the Super Torta (a Mexican-style sandwich with gouda cheese, refried beans, guacamole, cilantro, onions, salsa taqueria and a choice of protein), the Ceviche De Aguachile (prawns, green or dark salsa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, cilantro, and avocado salsa), Birria tacos (braised beef, adobo, red onion, and cilantro), and Barbacoa de Cordero (slow roasted lamb neck, salsa roja, coal roasted onions, avocado, Chile, chickpeas, white onion, and cilantro).

When the craving for authentic Mexican cuisine hits you in Calgary, Native Tongues Taqueria stands out as a beacon of traditional flavors and high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Since swinging open its doors in 2015, this gem has quickly climbed the ranks, not only securing a spot in Calgary’s 10 Best Overall Restaurants but also repeatedly being crowned as Calgary’s Best Mexican Restaurant. The opening of a second locale in Britannia Plaza in 2023 only cements its reputation further, offering more Calgarians the chance to indulge in its culinary delights.

The decor says hip and modern taqueria, but Native Tongues is dedicated to sacred Mexican culinary traditions. That dedication has inspired the restaurant to do tacos two different ways: tacos de guisado (plates of your choice of filling heaped on individual corn tortillas) and tacos al carbon (family-style, build-your-own taco platters of charcoal-grilled meat). They’re both worth trying, but for a break from the meat, the frijoles taco with refried beans, crema, queso fresco and cilantro is a tasty vegetarian treat.

A post shared by Native Tongues Taqueria (@nativetonguesyyc). This brunch menu includes sweet and savoury options like the Sopecitos with fried masa cakes, refritos, queso fresco, crema, and iceberg lettuce, or the tasty Papas Fritas topped with garlic aioli and cilantro. There is a brunch tostada here that is a must-order, made with frijoles, a fried egg, queso fresco, avocado, and watercress, with the option to add proteins including birria, carnitas, pollo, hongos, and refritos.

One of Calgary’s most esteemed Mexican restaurants, Native Tongues is part authentic taqueria and part chic foodie hangout. Don’t expect any gloppy cheese burritos or Tex-Mex here — the kitchen is more about sumptuous tacos filled with pork belly or beef stripling cooked over live fire, slow-roasted lamb neck, or locally cultivated mushrooms. The carefully crafted cocktails are also a huge draw, specifically Native Tongues’ signature Mezcalgarita, a smoky take on a classic marg.

Perhaps the most popular Mexican restaurant in Calgary and No. 1 in TripAdvisor for it is Native Tongues Taqueria. This rustic cantina taqueria offers a fun casual dining atmosphere with a bar program centered around Mezcal, a Mexican spirit made from agave. As the name implies, Native Tongues primarily focuses on tacos having street style versions of individual servings, but also Mercado style (family style) version called Tacos Al Carbon which are grilled over chacoal.

Native Tongues is an acclaimed Mexican restaurant in Calgary that serves authentic taqueria-style cuisine and chic foodie hangouts. At Native Tongues, tacos de guisado are always a good choice, but the hamburguesa al carbon and six kinds of burritos are also delicious. The menu is more about large taco platters built around lamb neck, individual tacos filled with braised brisket or locally cultivated mushrooms, and lots of shrimp and octopus ceviche.

Why You Need To Try It: There's a reason this taco spot tops everyone's list, and it's not just for the authentic Mexican cuisine — Native Tongues serves up cocktails and donuts too. While almost every taco joint in town offers carnitas, pollo and birria, it's the Hongos Tacos de Guisado that will have you praising the deliciousness of mushrooms. Topped with both salsa verde and roja, this must-try charms the taste buds for a memorable taco night.

Oh my gosh – possibly the best tacos I’ve ever had in my entire life!. It took all my restraint to not order a margarita but since I didn’t have room in my schedule for a siesta (it was lunch, after all), I went for the Agua Fresca instead (try the hibiscus one). Start your meal off with the Salsa Sampler – watch it, some of them are SPICY but they are all so flavourful – the homemade chips were top notch and such a generous portion.

If you're a taco aficionado in Calgary, make your way to Native Tongues Taqueria, where elevated Mexican street eats and inventive cocktails redefine dining. This spot isn’t just about great food; it’s a culinary adventure that caters to everyone, including those with specific dietary needs. Most of the menu boasts gluten-free options, and the kitchen staff is highly praised for their flexibility in accommodating food allergies.

Native Tongues Taqueria is a Victoria Park staple that has been receiving accolades since it opened its doors in 2015. This authentic Taqueria offers a fun and informal setting for special events and gatherings, as well as a bar program centered around Mezcal – one of the world’s most distinct and diverse spirits. Their menu consists of antojitos—”little cravings” are the simple and traditional street foods of Mexico.

Bringing authentic flavors of Mexico to Calgary, Native Tongues offers traditional Mexican dishes in a lively and colorful setting. The menu is full of tacos, tostadas, burritos, and enchiladas, as well as many other Mexican favorites. Customer Feedback: Customers note the vibrant decor and delicious flavors of the dishes, pointing to Native Tongues Taqueria as the go-to spot for Mexican food in Calgary.

A post shared by Native Tongues Taqueria (@nativetonguesyyc). Another long-standing establishment, Native Tongues is an upscale taqueria known for its epic happy hour deals and extended hours that keep it super busy until 11pm. This “no reservations” restaurant features an authentic Mexican ambiance that makes you feel like you got lost somewhere in downtown Cabo San Lucas: inviting, edgy, and classic.

The conversations with friends was awesome, and I also liked the atmosphere, though possibly due to it being our second dinner (and we were already feeling full), as well as the slower start due to reservation/table issues, I’d likely recommend you try Charcut or Native Tongues (which I’ll get into below) first, if I was ranking preferences for a Calgary dinner.

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you’ll know my deep love for Mexico City!. So whenever I’m anywhere else in the world where I see a taqueria that reminds me of Mexico City, I have to go right in. And Native Tongues Taqueria in Calgary was one of those places that felt like it transports you somewhere else, both with the decor and the food!

Native Tongues is a vibrant restaurant dedicated to serving up authentic Mexican cuisine that will transport you straight to the streets of Mexico City. Each dish is made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and is bursting with bold and flavorful spices that will tantalize your taste buds. 235 12 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1H7 Learn more

For a taste of Mexico in Calgary, head to Native Tongues for a fantastic taqueria experience. The patio here offers a lively atmosphere with street-inspired Mexican dishes that are as flavorful as they are fun to share. Located a bit farther north, this spot is perfect for those who enjoy a vibrant, less-crowded date spot.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (365 reviews) - Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (3.5/5) - Type of cuisine: Mexican, Latin - Price: $$ - $$$ - Address: 235 12 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta T2R 1H7 Canada - Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-rated Asian restaurants in Calgary, according to Tripadvisor

Try our mouthwatering buttermilk fried chicken and glazed donas, served with avocado and gravy. Available Saturday and Sunday until 3 pm. • • • #yyc #yycbrunch #yycweekend #vicparkyyc #capturecalgary #curiocitycalgary #yycfoodies #yyceats #yycliving #calgarism #calgaryisbeautiful #desayuno #huevos #mexicanbrunch

Probably the best fusion of ‘designer taco meets authentic Mexican experience’ in Calgary. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better taco crushing location for you and your friends in the entire city. Native Tongues is located next door to the Beltline Pool, and the Beltliner diner, just on 12th ave there.

Tacos and street food are the specialties at Native Tongues Taqueria in Victoria Park. The atmosphere at Native Tongues is casual and fun, perfect for enjoying some elevated Mexican street food with friends. The drinks menu features innovative cold-brew cocktails made with mezcal.

A local favourite for authentic Mexican cuisine in a social, nightlife setting. Flavourful tacos, burritos and antojitos alongside a vast array of tequilas and mezcals sourced from across Mexico. They’ve been in Avenue Magazine’s Best Restaurants list for 3 years running.

Location: 235 12 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1G7Phone: (403) 263-9444Website:nativetongues.ca. Native Tongues Taqueria has consistently been ranked as one of the best Mexican restaurants in Calgary. Since opening in 2015, it has become a staple in the city’s culinary scene.

Or drop by Native Tongues (open until 11 p.m.) for excellent tacos and other Mexican goodies, as well as beer and wine, cocktails, and mezcal. Don’t miss their “reverse happy hour” from 10 p.m. to close for some wallet-friendly drinks and snacks.

This popular spot in the Beltline is known for its authentic Mexican flavors and fresh ingredients. From the classic al pastor to the vegetarian hongos, there's something for everyone. Plus, their handmade tortillas are a game-changer.

You’ve got to check out Native Tongues Taqueria if you’re in Calgary!. Trust me, this place is a gem. From the moment you step in, you’ll be greeted by friendly and knowledgeable staff who make spot-on recommendations.

Experience authentic Mexican street food at Native Tongues, where the tacos and mezcal cocktails are sure to hit the spot. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Native Tongues (@nativetonguesyyc)

Next on the list of the best breakfasts in Calgary is Native Tongues Taqueria. With many awards under its belt and fresh local ingredients in every dish, you can’t go wrong with a visit here.

Native Tongues serves traditional Mexican breakfast foods during brunch, or as they say it in Mexico, ‘desayunos’. Just reading their menu alone will make your mouth water – we guarantee it!

The food is amazing, they have plenty of gluten free options, and it’s very reasonably priced. Their cocktails are also great.