Taco Sides and Drinks: What to Serve with Tacos for an Unforgettable Meal

Tacos are more than just food, they’re a shared experience. Whether you’re planning a laid-back family dinner, a birthday celebration, a corporate lunch, or a full-scale catered event, tacos have a way of bringing people together. But while tacos may be the star of the show, what truly transforms a good taco spread into a great one is what you serve alongside them.

Choosing the right taco sides and drinks isn’t just about adding more items to the table. It’s about balance. The best taco meals combine bold, savory fillings with refreshing drinks, crunchy textures with creamy elements, and spicy flavors with cooling contrasts. When done right, sides and drinks elevate tacos from a simple dish into a complete, memorable dining experience.

So, what goes with tacos? What are the best sides for tacos, and which drinks truly complement them? In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know, from classic Mexican sides for tacos to lighter, healthier options and perfectly paired beverages. Whether you’re hosting taco night at home or planning taco catering for a crowd, this comprehensive breakdown will help you serve a spread your guests won’t forget.

Why Taco Sides and Drinks Matter

Tacos are incredibly versatile, but they’re also bold. Rich meats, spicy sauces, fresh herbs, and warm tortillas pack a punch of flavor in every bite. Without the right sides and drinks, those flavors can feel overwhelming or one-dimensional.

Well-chosen side dishes for tacos serve several important purposes:

• They balance spice and richness
• They add texture and contrast
• They allow guests to customize their plates
• They help stretch the meal for larger groups

Drinks play an equally important role. A refreshing beverage can cool heat, cleanse the palate, and enhance the flavors of your tacos rather than compete with them.

When people search for what to eat with tacos for dinner, they’re often looking for this balance, something that complements tacos without stealing the spotlight.

Classic Taco Side Dishes Everyone Loves

Chips and Salsa

No list of sides for tacos would be complete without chips and salsa. Crispy tortilla chips paired with fresh salsa offer crunch, acidity, and brightness that cut through rich taco fillings.

To elevate this classic:

• Offer multiple salsas (mild, medium, hot)
• Include pico de gallo for freshness
• Add a smoky salsa roja or tomatillo salsa verde

This simple option works for casual dinners and large events alike, making it one of the most reliable taco side dish ideas.

Guacamole and Queso

Creamy sides are essential when serving tacos, especially if your fillings are spicy. Guacamole provides richness and freshness, while queso adds indulgent comfort.

Guacamole’s cool, buttery texture balances heat beautifully, while queso’s warm, savory profile pairs especially well with beef, chicken, or pork tacos. Together, they create one of the best sides for tacos when you want something crowd-pleasing and familiar.

Traditional Mexican Sides for Tacos

Mexican Rice

Mexican rice is a staple for a reason. Lightly seasoned and fluffy, it complements tacos without overpowering them. It also helps make the meal more filling, which is especially helpful when feeding larger groups.

Rice works particularly well for:

• Taco bars
• Family-style dinners
• Events where guests may want a full plate, not just tacos

If you’re wondering what goes with tacos to make them feel like a complete meal, Mexican rice is always a safe and satisfying answer.

Refried Beans or Black Beans

Beans add protein, texture, and heartiness to any taco spread. Refried beans are creamy and comforting, while black beans offer a firmer bite and earthy flavor.

They’re also excellent options for:

• Vegetarian guests
• Stretching the meal
• Adding a traditional touch

Beans consistently rank among the most popular side dishes for tacos, especially in catered settings.

Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Elote is one of the most flavorful Mexican sides for tacos. Charred corn slathered with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime delivers sweet, smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors all at once.

It pairs exceptionally well with:

• Carne asada tacos
• Al pastor tacos
• Grilled chicken tacos

If you want a side dish that feels special and indulgent, elote is a standout choice.

Fresh and Light Taco Side Dish Ideas

Cabbage Slaw

Crunchy, tangy cabbage slaw adds brightness to a taco meal. Its acidity cuts through rich meats and fried elements, making it one of the most effective healthy sides for tacos.

Slaw works especially well with:

• Fish tacos
• Shrimp tacos
• Spicy pork tacos

It’s simple, refreshing, and keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.

Pickled Vegetables

Pickled onions, carrots, jalapeños, or radishes add a sharp, zesty contrast that wakes up the palate. These sides are small but powerful, adding depth and balance to each bite.

Pickled veggies are ideal when guests are building their own tacos, giving them more ways to customize flavor.

Roasted or Grilled Vegetables

Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, onions, or sweet potatoes make excellent healthy sides for tacos. They add natural sweetness and a satisfying bite while keeping the meal lighter.

Grilled corn or vegetables also pair beautifully with smoky taco fillings, making them versatile options for both casual dinners and upscale events.

What to Serve with Tacos for Different Styles

Not all tacos are the same, and the best sides depend on the fillings you’re serving.

Soft Tacos (Carne Asada, Chicken, Carnitas)

Best sides:

• Mexican rice
• Grilled vegetables
• Guacamole
• Cabbage slaw

These sides complement grilled and slow-cooked meats without overpowering them.

Fish or Shrimp Tacos

Best sides:

• Cabbage slaw
• Pickled vegetables
• Grilled corn
• Light beans

Lighter taco fillings call for fresh, citrusy sides that enhance rather than compete.

Spicy Tacos (Al Pastor, Spicy Pork, Hot Chicken)

Best sides:

• Guacamole
• Refried beans
• Rice
• Cooling slaw

Creamy and mild sides help balance heat, keeping the meal enjoyable for everyone.

Drinks That Pair Perfectly with Tacos

Mexican Beer

Light, crisp Mexican beers like lagers pair beautifully with tacos. They refresh the palate and don’t overpower bold flavors.

Beer works well for:

• Casual gatherings
• Outdoor events
• Taco bars

It’s one of the easiest drink options when serving a crowd.

Margaritas

Margaritas are a classic choice for a reason. The bright acidity of lime complements savory taco fillings, while the sweetness balances spice.

Popular variations include:

• Classic lime
• Mango
• Strawberry
• Jalapeño

Margaritas consistently rank among the best taco sides and drinks for festive occasions.

Agua Fresca

Agua fresca is a non-alcoholic favorite made with fresh fruit and water. Watermelon, pineapple, cucumber, and hibiscus are all popular options.

These drinks are:

• Light and refreshing
• Great for warm weather
• Ideal for all ages

They’re especially popular for daytime events and family-friendly taco parties.

Horchata

Creamy, cinnamon-spiced horchata is a perfect match for spicy tacos. Its sweetness cools the palate and adds comfort to the meal.

Horchata works especially well when serving bold, spicy fillings or rich meats.

Sparkling Water and Iced Tea

Sometimes simple is best. Sparkling water and iced tea keep guests hydrated without competing with taco flavors. Add lime slices or fruit for a festive touch.

These options are essential when planning what to eat with tacos for dinner in a balanced, crowd-friendly way.

Planning Taco Sides and Drinks for Events

When planning a taco party or catered event, variety is key. Aim to include:

• At least one crunchy side
• One creamy side
• One hearty side
• One fresh or tangy option
• Multiple drink choices
  
  

This ensures guests with different tastes and dietary preferences all feel included.

For larger gatherings, professional catering can make a huge difference. Experienced taco caterers understand portions, pairings, and logistics—so you don’t have to.

If you’re planning an event, working with a professional team like Vatos Tacos catering services ensures that both tacos and sides are thoughtfully prepared and perfectly paired.

Whether you’re hosting in the Bay Area or Central Valley, locations like Vatos Tacos in Hayward and Vatos Tacos in Sacramento offer expertly crafted menus that include not just tacos, but the sides and drinks that complete the experience. For easy planning, their taco catering pricing makes it simple to scale your menu to any event size.

Bringing It All Together

Tacos may be the centerpiece, but the right taco sides and drinks are what turn a meal into a celebration. From classic chips and salsa to fresh slaws, hearty beans, refreshing aguas frescas, and crowd-favorite margaritas, every choice contributes to balance, flavor, and enjoyment.

When deciding what to serve with tacos, think beyond tradition. Consider textures, temperatures, spice levels, and your guests’ preferences. With the right combinations, your taco night or taco event will feel complete, satisfying, and unforgettable.

No matter the occasion, great tacos deserve great sides and drinks. When everything works together, every bite becomes something worth remembering. 

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