Del Taco sells “Mexican-inspired” fast food at 600 US locations in 16 states.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The decor inside the restaurant I visited definitely had a Southwestern feel.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The words and images throughout the design emphasized the fresh ingredients prepared on site.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
All the decor promised bold flavors and made-to-order food.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
There was a filling bar that looks like it usually has salsa, cheese, or other typical taco toppings, but it was empty when I was there.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Through the glass near the counter I could see the fridge with ingredients including tomatoes, cheese and limes, another nod to fresh ingredients.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It was a crispy tortilla shell filled with beans, beef, cheese, tomato, sour cream and jalapeños.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It reminded me a lot of Taco Bell’s Mexican pizza, and it was absolutely delicious.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Next, I tried the Beyond guacamole taco, with plant-based meat.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The taco was pretty standard, but the guacamole definitely topped it off.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It’s a solid plant-based option, and substituting sour cream for guacamole makes it easy to go vegan without feeling like you’re missing out.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Next up was a bean and cheese burrito, a cheap fast food classic.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
For only $1.49, it was delicious and exactly what I wanted from a small burrito.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It comes with “yummy red” or “yummy green” sauce. I went with the red and was very happy with my decision.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I had to try the namesake Del Taco, with all the fixings.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It comes in crispy and soft options.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It was a basic fast food taco with beef, cheese, tomato and lettuce, but it hit the spot perfectly.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I was very excited to try the fresh beer fish taco, which I don’t recall ever having at a fast food chain before.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It comes with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo and secret sauce on a soft tortilla.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I liked the touch of a lime wedge, which I squeezed onto my heel.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It was smaller than the other dishes I ordered, but it was crunchy and light, a perfect break in the middle of my gigantic fast food meal.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The stuffed taco quesadilla was one of my favorites, thanks to the queso blanco between two tortillas.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The crispy chicken and all the cheese went together perfectly, and it was exactly what you want from a fast food taco.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The crispy chicken taco was especially good and filling for only $1.49.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The crispy chicken adds a nice texture to every bite and I would definitely order it again.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider