RESTAURANT COMPETITOR INFORMATION

This is no run-of-the-mill food festival. Entering its 11th year in Denver, TOP TACO is hands-down one of the most popular and talked-about events of the summer, and we are so excited to bring the excitement back to Texas for year 2! This festival attracts an affluent, in-the-know audience with refined palates, a sense of fun, adventure, and a passion for thoughtful, unique food and drink from the best venues Houston has to offer.

Over 30 of Houston's hottest restaurants will compete for honors, including awards for Top Creative Taco, Top Traditional Taco, Top Vegetarian Taco, and Top Creative Cocktail (Judge’s Choice & People’s Choice). This year we are also adding in our VIP experience, Asada BBQ Taco Showdown, where 8 of Houston’s top grill masters will compete to see who can make the most mouth-watering BBQ taco.

Top Taco has more than 30 different spirit brands showcasing hundreds of Tequilas and Mezcals at interactive tasting areas, comfortable lounges, creative pop-up bar areas, pro wrestling and amazing Latin music!

With a combination of interactive digital marketing, we carefully craft a wildly entertaining experience to offer restaurants the perfect exposure to an enviable demographic.

** Tickets to this event are all-inclusive and no on-site food/beverage sales are permitted.**

What we provide:

At Top Taco, our restaurant competitors are the star of the show! We work hard behind the scenes to provide you with a long list of items to make participation a breeze.

Our team will be working with you directly to make sure you have all the necessary info and your questions are answered promptly. We will also hold an informational meeting for all participants one week prior to the event.

Click on the items listed for more information ->

  • Each restaurant will get a 10x10 tented space. If you have a branded tent that you would like to use instead, please let us know in advance.

    All tents will also come with festival signage including your restaurant name.

  • Protein for this event will be sponsored and provided by Buckhead Pride. Our team will send you an order form and will help coordinate throughout the process!

  • Our in-house permitting coordinator will work with you to get all necessary paperwork and will take care of event permitting for you. Permits will be on site when you arrive and we will make sure you have everything you need to pass inspection.

    DiningOut Events will provide each restaurant with a Handwashing Station for BOH.

  • Power - Let us know what you will be plugging in and we will make sure you have ample power.

    Tables & Linen - Each restaurant will get an 8ft table for FOH, a 6ft table for BOH and one black linen (unless you would like to bring a branded linen).

  • Each guest will receive a festival plate upon entry. To cut down on waste, and save you from needing to purchase additional items, we recommend you serve tacos directly to the plates provided!

  • We want to help you let your patrons and followers know that you will be participating! Graphics, images, videos, logos, etc will be provided.

    Restaurants will also be featured on the event website and on our social media channels. You will also have the opportubity to work with local influencers to promote your participation in the lead up to the event!

What you provide:

We’ve got your back, here are some things you will need to bring to the big day. Each restaurant will receive 5 STAFF BANDS for everyone working your space during the event. You will also receive a discount code to send out to friends, family and VIPs!

  • You don’t need to worry about serving all 3000 guests as there will be plenty of restaurants for everyone to try! Plan on preparing 1200 tastes (tacos) for the event.

  • You are responsible for all cooking equipment needed for the event. We will be working with Aztec Rentals and can help coordinate delivery and pick-up should you decide to rent from them.

  • Decorate your 10x10 space! String lights, branded decor, festive linens, etc are encouraged! You can also feel free to hand out promotional materials from your space to ensure that our guests return to your restaurant.

  • Extension cords, gloves for food handling, bar towels, bus tubs, extra linens will NOT be provided.

    We highly recommend you bring napkins and forks if needed. Festival plates will be provided, so no need to bring plates!

Top Taco Cocktail Competition

** The cocktail competition is optional, but highly encouraged!

*** Sponsors are limited so partnerships are not guaranteed.

The Top Taco Cocktail Competition is a testament to our focus on collaboration and innovation. We meticulously pair top restaurants with premium spirit brands to craft signature cocktails, creating an unparalleled tasting journey for attendees. The pairing is designed to create a signature cocktail that reflects both the spirit's essence and the culinary artistry of the restaurant. Each cocktail station is thoughtfully placed beside its spirit counterpart, allowing guests to not only taste the innovative blends but also learn about the spirits that inspired them.


This mutual support is not a one-off; it's the beginning of a symbiotic relationship. Restaurants reciprocate by championing brands they believe in, often integrating a specially crafted signature cocktail into their regular menu. These alliances are more than just business—they are enduring partnerships built on shared enthusiasm and a commitment to quality and innovation.