The 16 breakfast taco masters in our breakfast taco championship came out swinging in the first brutal round. Matches were close, one even ending in a statistical tie, but in the end only eight tacos stand. Here’s our blow-by-blow account.

The Thrilla in the Tortilla: Vote!

Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon vs. Joe’s Bakery & Mexican Food

Joe’s has seen their fair share of competitors over the years. In the end, their experience in the ring helped them edge out Fresa’s, 65%-35%.

Juan in a Million vs. Marcelino Pan y Vino

The two Eastside taco joints were well-matched from the start, but the cult of Juan landed them an easy victory, 62%-32%.

Maria’s Taco Xpress vs. Mi Madre’s

This round was proof positive that you don’t mess with anyone’s mother. Mi Madre’s scored a TKO, 63%-37%.

Paco’s Tacos vs. Papalote Taco House

This one went down to the wire, with each place getting a statistical 50% of the vote, But Papalote ultimately won by just seven votes.

Tacodeli vs. El Tacorrido

It’s no wonder you find their tacos everywhere. Austinites love their Tacodeli, voting them over El Tacorrido, 67%-33%.

Taco-Mex vs. Taco More

Taco-Mex may just have tiny windows, but they beat out the full-service Taco More, 61%-39%.

Tyson’s Tacos vs. Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ

Pitting two of the most creative tacomakers against each other made this round a nail-biter. But ultimately, Tyson’s 53% of the vote bested Valentina’s 47%.

Veracruz All Natural vs. Torchy’s Tacos

Torchy’s got a lot of social media love as our write-in choice, but that wasn’t enough to stop Veracruz from owning it, 60%-40%.

Congrats to all the first-round winners and condolences to those eliminated. We still think you are all knockouts.



Round Two

Joe’s Bakery & Mexican Food vs. Juan in a Million
Mi Madre’s vs. Papalote Taco House
Tacodeli vs. Taco-Mex
Tyson’s Tacos vs. Veracruz All Natural
Thursday, Dec. 10, 8am – Friday, Dec. 11, 12mid

Round Three

Saturday, Dec. 12, 8am – Sunday, Dec. 13, 12mid

Round Four

Monday, Dec. 14, 8am – Tuesday, Dec. 15, 12mid

The winner will be announced in the Dec. 18 issue of the Chronicle.

The Thrilla in the Tortilla: Vote!

This article appears in December 11 • 2015.

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