When it comes to fast-food and fast-casual taco chains, Taco Bell is always #1 in our list. But it’s not the only option out there. Take a look at this list of taco chains worth visiting:
Baja Fresh
This fast-casual chain started in Los Angeles, California. Customers across the US who want top-notch ingredients come here to try the tacos. And they are in for quite a surprise. Baja Fresh gives taco fans a lot of options, from grilled taquitos in small servings to three-taco platters with beans and rice, with fillings like grilled chicken, steak and fish.
Taco John’s
Taco John’s is a favorite in the Midwest. This regional chain features a large menu of soft and crispy tacos. It’s most popular menu item is the Taco Bravo, which wraps a warm flour tortilla spread with refried beans around a hard-shell taco filled with shredded cheese, ground beef, lettuce, salsa and tomato.
Chipotle
Chipotle (Canada) has over 2,500 locations worldwide and the chain prides itself on its use of naturally-raised meats and organic produce. If you love tacos, Chipotle doesn’t disappoint. You can opt for soft-shell or hard-shell tacos filled with proteins such as tofu sofritas, carne asada and carnitas. You can choose from garnishes like fajita veggies, salsa, shredded cheese, and of course, the chain’s iconic guacamole.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s Southwest Grill may not be as big as Chipotle but it remains a consistent favorite among Tex-Mex fans. It’s well-known for its flavorful tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos. You can order a 3-corn stuffed tortilla topped with queso fresco, pickled onions, Moe’s signature avocado-lime crema, cilantro, and some lime.
Dos Toros 3
Dos Toros is based in New York and has 21 locations in NYC and Chicago. They are known for their San Francisco-inspired burritos, soft tacos, and hearty nacho platters.
Torchy’s Tacos
Torchy’s Tacos is well known for its eclectic and creative dishes including tacos and quesos. It has locations in Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Among its bestsellers are Trailer Park (fried chicken, Cheddar Jack cheese, green chiles, pico de gallo, and poblano sauce), the Crossroads (beef brisket, avocado, jalapenos, grilled onions, cilantro, Jack cheese, and tomatillo sauce) and Mr. Orange (blackened salmon, cotija cheese, corn & black bean relish, cilantro, avocado sauce and some lime).
Taco Cabana
Taco Cabana is also based in Texas but has locations in New Mexico and Oklahoma as well. It specializes in Tex-Mex dishes like tacos, quesadillas, burritos, flautas and nachos. All their tacos come in soft tortillas and may include meats like brisket, steak, fajita chicken and black beans.
El Pollo Loco
California-based El Pollo Loco is of course well known for its chicken particularly the half chicken that has been fire-grilled and served with pinto beans, rice or corn and pepper salad. But the Chicken Tacos al Carbon is also worth checking out.
Rubio’s Coastal Grill
The fast-casual restaurant chain offers seafood tacos with varieties like Mango Mahi-Mahi, Salsa Verde Shrimp and The Original Fish Taco.
Del Taco
Del Taco is pretty much like Taco Bell except you get fresher ingredients and slow cooked meats. They started in the 1960s and has a cult following in the West Coast. Order the classic Del Taco with shredded cheese, seasoned ground beef, lettuce and tomato. Better yet, go for the Street Taco or if you prefer some seafood, try the Beer-Battered Fish Taco.
Check out this video of the best taco in New York City: