The search for the best fast-food tacos is not a quest to be taken lightly.
When you’re craving themlike within 10 minutes or elsethere are a plethora of options on hand.
This is a great thing.
Image: Canva. Design: Eat This, Not That!
The more tacos there are in the world, the better off we all are.
With so many choices, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed when it’s decision time.
Should you go for crunchy or soft?
Photo: Caitlin White, Eat This, Not That!
(Vegetarian tacosdo exist!)
What kind of salsa?
Cilantro and onions or lettuce and cheese?
Photo: Caitlin White, Eat This, Not That!
With tacos, the options can be myriad.
Never fearI did the bulk of the research for you by ranking the best fast-food tacos.
I was looking for great flavor and texture but also fresh ingredients.
Photo: Caitlin White, Eat This, Not That!
Here’s how the chains fared in the taco department, from my least favorite to the absolute best.
While not well-known for its tacos, the chain is one of the most popular Mexican fast-casual spots.
There are 12 locations in California, and most in Southern California are on college campuses.
Photo: Caitlin White, Eat This, Not That!
The look:These tacos look appealing, which is a reminder that looks can be deceiving.
The ground beef is nicely browned with a rich caramel color.
The chili crema adds a nice orange pop to the lettuce and cheese.
Photo: Caitlin White, Eat This, Not That!
I added guacamole on the standard ground beef taco and went with flour tortillas, though corn is available.
The taste:Disappointing at first bite.
The tortillas are stale and too thick.
Photo: Caitlin White, Eat This, Not That!
The chili crema and free guac and toppings are an incentive, but the flavor isn’t there.
I ate one of the tacos from my trio for the taste test and threw the rest out.
Not only that, the chain offers incrediblycheaptacos.
Photo: Caitlin White, Eat This, Not That!
Normally, you pay 50 cents per taco, which is about the best deal you’ll get anywhere.
The look:The deep-fried shell gives this taco a thinner look but in a good way.
It does look a little greasy, but with a taco, that’s what you want.
Photo: Caitlin White, Eat This, Not That!
Oh, and did I mention it’s greasy?
I tried both crunchy and soft.
The crunchy was better in this case, so I’m adding it as a contender to the list.
Even with a few bites taken, the shell holds together and doesn’t crumble.
For crunchy taco lovers, this is one of your best choices.
If you’ve ever been to EPL, you might notice that most menu items contain chicken and avocado.
Several more items include the signature cilantro dressing or avocado salsa.
It’s a savory, creamy, green menu, and this taco brings more of the same.
One taco cost $4.40.
The chain has and always will have great-tasting chicken and great pico de gallo (salsa fresca).
It was all wrapped in a thick, chewy flour tortilla and topped with Jack cheese and lettuce.
This is a cold taco, so the cilantro dressing and a little extra avocado salsa were perfect.
It almost feels more like a burrito than a taco.
The look:Sadly, this tortilla began to disintegrate almost immediately.
Whatever the reason, the wrap broke down.
This taco is $3.99, and I want it to hold together better at that price point.
The taste:Despite the not-so-appetizing appearance, this is super tasty.
The chicken is flavored nicely, and the grilled flavor comes through.
The salsa is hot and salty enough to balance the sweeter tortilla.
This is the only taco on the list with a double-wrapped tortilla.
Now, that’s hospitality.
I Tried the Breakfast Burrito From 8 Fast-Food Chains & The Best Was ‘OMG!’
Both come in under the $2 mark at $1.79.
(If you want a better crunchy taco option, my pick is Del Taco, listed above.)
It’s a classic and one of the most popular fast-food options in America for a reason.
The chain uses both chili pepper and cocoa to season its beef.
Another reason Taco Bell wins on taste?
Mild sauce is a must, or spicier if you’ve got the option to take it.
Multiple engaged, cheerful employees greeted me when I walked into the shop.
One favorite that’s always on the menu is the potato taco, so I opted for that one.
The taste:This taco blew me away.
I will return to this restaurant to try more options and other items.
Nothing on the list even came close (except maybe Chronic Tacos).
Why TrustEat This, Not That!
