Tacos of Texas

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July 12, 2021

The Rise of Tex-Mex BBQ

By: Mando Rayo

If you asked any natural born Texan what food they most associate with their home state, chances are you’ll get one of two answers: BBQ and Tacos. In this episode we examine how these two disparate food traditions collided to to create the Lone Star sensation that is Tex-Mex BBQ. We’ll get a comprehensive look at this trend’s history, uncovering what exactly is Tex-Mex BBQ? How far do the style’s roots go? And most importantly, where are the best BBQ Tacos in Texas found? Guests include Ernest Servantes of Burnt Bean Company in Seguin, Joel Garcia of Teddy’s BBQ in Weslaco, and Eliana Gutierrez of Valentina’s Tex-Mex BBQ In Austin. Check out this Tex-Mex BBQ map we made with all the spots we mention in this episode.


Episodes

December 9, 2025

Bonus: Flipping the Tortilla: One on One with Mando Rayo

In today’s episode we’re flipping the tortilla. I’m actually the one being interviewed by El Mero Mero and Jr. Taco Correspondent Samuel Franco. So sit back and relax and get to know a little more about El Taco Journalist Mando Rayo (me!)

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December 2, 2025

Bonus: Paprika ATX: When a Taquero stands up for his communities

In this bonus episode we talk to Margarito “Mago” Perez, owner of the Paprika about turning a taco truck to a brick and mortar and standing up for community during ICE and immigration raids.

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November 25, 2025

Bonus: Los Tacos de ACL Fest with Rosa and Daniela from La Santa Barbacha

Live from ACL, Mando Rayo talks to Daniela & Rosa De Lima Hernandez from La Santa Barbacha about how they started one of the best barbacoa places ATX.

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November 18, 2025

Bonus: Tacos of Texas Podcast live taping with Journalist Maria Hinojosa

Mando Rayo sits down with Journalist Maria Hinojosa in Studio 1A for a live discussion about the intersection of tacos, culture and community resilience.

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November 11, 2025

Lamb Barbacoa at El Grandpa’s Mexican BBQ

Find out how that slow cooked lamb barbacoa hits differently in an outdoor, above-ground Pozo.

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November 4, 2025

Whole Hog Butchering with Chef Jesse Griffiths (Part 2)

In this episode, we’re gonna let Jesse get to butchering in the whole hog class. Let’s dig in!

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October 28, 2025

Whole Hog Butchering with Chef Jesse Griffiths (Part 1)

Let’s take a class on whole hog butchering with Chef Jesse Griffiths, co-owner of Dai Due and learn the essentials of cutting a wild hog to prep for your favorite dish

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October 21, 2025

Austin Taco History

Let’s take a deep dive into the history of tacos and Mexican restaurants in Austin, from the early 1900s to the effects of the 1928 Master Plan and the Tejano establishments still standing to the next generation of taqueros and taqueras. Guest is Alan Garcia, the creator of the instagram page ATX Barrio Archive. If […]

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