Taqueria El Gran Pastor (Food Truck) — Spring Branch, Houston, TX
Set on Gessner Rd in the heart of Spring Branch, Taqueria El Gran Pastor is the kind of Houston taco truck people “find once and then crave weekly.” The star is right in the name—pastor shaved fresh from the trompo—served fast, hot, and packed with bold, citrus-chile flavor. Guests order at the truck, receive a pager or phone text, and either wait in the car or grab a picnic table under the covered area with a TV showing fútbol. Peak times bring a lively crowd and a busy lot, but the team keeps tickets moving and loads every order with salsas and plenty of lime wedges. Open for breakfast and late night, it’s a reliable stop whether someone wants a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a midnight taco fix.
Services
• Takeout from the truck window
• Breakfast tacos in the morning (go early—they sell out)
• Late-night service on popular nights
• Pager/phone notifications when orders are ready
• Covered outdoor seating with picnic tables and TV
• On-site parking lot (can fill during peak hours)
Menu
Signature is king here: al pastor tacos on corn tortillas, showered with cilantro and onion, with the option to add melted cheese to the tortilla for a gringa-style bite that regulars rave about. Beyond pastor, the truck turns out juicy suadero, classic fajita, and a big fajita burrito that eats like a meal. Chicken quesadillas come golden and melty; torta de pastor combos with fries “always hit” according to long-time customers. Morning regulars line up for breakfast tacos, while sweet tooths finish with churros. Aguas frescas—especially jamaica and horchata—refresh without overpowering the tacos’ spice. Pro tip: two green salsas usually ride along; the brighter, “super green” one brings serious heat, while the darker green is milder. Ask for extra limes and salsa if you love a big squeeze and a bigger kick.
Pros
• Benchmark al pastor shaved off the trompo—deeply seasoned, tender, and consistent
• Breakfast and late-night hours for maximum taco flexibility
• Real value with generous portions and combo deals
• Efficient pager/text system to keep waits organized
• Covered seating with a game on—perfect for a casual hang
• Friendly service and thoughtful fixes when issues pop up
• Crowd-pleasing menu: tacos, gringas, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, churros, aguas frescas
Reviews
- “First visit, the lot was packed and our pager didn’t buzz from a far corner spot. Second visit, they’d moved the truck closer and the experience was perfect—problem solved. The al pastor tacos were, again, outstanding, especially with cheese melted onto the tortilla. Extra limes and salsa made it even better. Five stars and an easy new favorite.”
- “Stopped in late and ordered a gringa, a fajita burrito, and an agua de jamaica. The gringa was heavenly—good enough to earn five stars on its own. The burrito was massive and satisfying, but the pastor stole the show. Prices were an eye-opener and the value on taco-plus-agua combos sealed it. Will gladly come back just for three more gringas.”
- “First time here and it’s already the new go-to. The beeper system makes pickup simple, and the tacos—especially fajita and breakfast—are spot-on. Cilantro and onions are fresh, meat is savory, and everything tastes like it was made for taco night at home, only better.”
- “Two years as a customer and the quality hasn’t slipped once. The torta combo with fries is my standing order and it always hits. Horchata is consistently balanced and refreshing. They moved further from my usual route, but it’s still worth the drive—consistency like this is rare.”
- “Houston has a lot of ‘best tacos’ debates, but this truck is on the short list. Breakfast tacos? Awesome. Pastor? Awesome. Suadero? Awesome. Aguas frescas? Awesome. Big lot that gets busy, pager or text when your food’s ready, and shaded tables with a game on. It’s the kind of spot that makes you dance a little while you eat.”
If someone is hunting for late-night pastor, early-morning breakfast tacos, or a gringa that melts into cheesy perfection, Taqueria El Gran Pastor is a must-try in Spring Branch. Pull up, grab a pager, and get ready for tacos that live up to the hype.