Taqueria La Prima

Tucked along South 9th Street in the Italian Market, this compact room is built primarily for grab-and-go pickup from the counter. The kitchen anchors plates with charred, pineapple-sweetened al pastor, crisp-edged carnitas, and smoky carne asada, accompanied by pickled nopales, roasted jalapeños, and grilled green onions. Beyond street tacos, the menu branches into hearty Oaxacan-style tamales wrapped in banana leaves and hefty lengua tortas layered with cheese and greens. Orders can take a beat during peak rushes, but the food comes straight off the grill to eat hot.