Arlington, Texas – The vibrant culinary landscape of Arlington is once again buzzing with flavor and friendly competition as the city hosts its fourth annual #SaveTheTacos contest. Organized by the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), this highly anticipated event, running from August 19 through September 30, features a record-breaking 24 local restaurants presenting unique, limited-time taco creations for the public to savor and vote on.
A Culinary Showdown with a Purpose
The #SaveTheTacos campaign is more than just a celebration of delicious food; it’s a creative initiative designed to tackle a pervasive issue: the underutilization of paid time off (PTO) by Americans. With billions of vacation hours often left unused each year, the ACVB aims to inspire individuals to take a break, explore their local communities, and indulge in the culinary arts. The underlying message is simple: use your time off to create memorable experiences, and what better way to do that than by enjoying an exceptional taco?
Casey Mallory, Director of Communications for the ACVB, highlighted the growth and excitement surrounding the event. “This year’s lineup is our biggest yet, and the competition is fierce,” Mallory stated. “We’re inviting everyone to take a break, try something new, and help us decide which taco reigns supreme.” This sentiment underscores the contest’s dual role as a driver of local economic activity and a promoter of work-life balance.
The Quest for Arlington’s Favorite Taco
This year’s contest boasts an impressive roster of 24 participating restaurants, doubling the number from previous years and setting a new benchmark for the event. The chefs have been challenged to push their creative boundaries, crafting specialty tacos that range from sophisticated fine dining interpretations to innovative and unexpected delights, such as those found at bakeries. Each creation is available exclusively during the contest period, offering diners a unique opportunity to experience the breadth of Arlington’s diverse food community.
Adding to the intrigue, all three previous winners are returning to defend their titles. Ventana Grille at Tierra Verde Golf Course claimed the crown in 2022, Grounds & Gold won in 2023, and Tom’s Burgers & Grill was the victor in 2024. Their participation promises an even more intense and engaging competition as they face off against a fresh wave of culinary contenders.
How to Participate and Win
Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to join the #SaveTheTacos movement. To cast a vote for their favorite taco, patrons simply need to order one of the specialty creations from a participating restaurant and vote online. The ACVB allows one vote per person per day, ensuring widespread engagement. Beyond the voting, diners who share photos of their taco creations on social media, tagging @visitarlington and using the hashtag #SaveTheTacos, are automatically entered into drawings for a chance to win exciting prizes. These prizes include tickets to popular attractions like Six Flags and Go Ape!, as well as vouchers for Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and game cards for Alley Cats.
A Celebration of Local Flavor and Community
The #SaveTheTacos contest serves as a powerful platform for Arlington’s local restaurants, providing increased visibility and foot traffic. As a city that thrives on its dynamic tourism and hospitality sector, events like these are crucial for showcasing its culinary talent and attracting visitors. The ACVB, which markets Arlington as a premier destination for sports, business, and leisure, uses initiatives like this to foster a strong sense of community and celebrate the unique offerings that make the city special.
The Verdict and National Taco Day
The culmination of this flavorful battle will see the winning restaurant announced on October 3, 2025. The official recognition of Arlington’s Favorite Taco will take place on October 7, 2025, coinciding with National Taco Day. To further celebrate the champion and the spirit of the contest, the ACVB will treat the first 50 customers at the winning restaurant on National Taco Day to the champion taco, free of charge.
This trending food competition not only highlights the best of Arlington’s restaurant scene but also reinforces a vital message about work-life balance. As the #SaveTheTacos contest heats up, it invites everyone to savor the moment, support local businesses, and perhaps, rediscover the joy of taking a well-deserved break.
