Staring blankly at the Del Taco menu, paralyzed by choices? You’re not alone. It happens to the best of us. Faced with a sea of tacos, burritos, fries, and shakes, deciding what to order at Del Taco can feel overwhelming. But don’t panic! We’re here to guide you through the culinary landscape of this iconic fast-food chain.
Del Taco: More than just late-night cravings, more than just another taco stand. This Southern California institution has been serving up delicious and affordable Mexican-American fare for over half a century. From its humble beginnings in nineteen sixty-four, Del Taco has grown into a beloved brand known for its fresh ingredients, flavorful combinations, and a menu that appeals to a wide range of tastes. But with so many tempting options, finding the real gems can be tricky.
This article will break down the must-try items on the Del Taco menu, helping you navigate the options and discover your new favorites. We’ll explore the classic staples, uncover hidden delights, and provide insider tips to ensure your next Del Taco experience is the best one yet. Get ready to ditch the menu anxiety and embark on a delicious journey through the world of Del Taco.
How We Chose The Best
Before we dive into the mouthwatering details, it’s important to understand how we selected these “best” Del Taco items. Our criteria focused on several key factors to ensure we’re recommending only the most exceptional and satisfying choices.
First and foremost, taste reigns supreme. We evaluated each item based on its overall flavor profile, considering the balance of spices, the quality of the ingredients, and the freshness of the preparation. We looked for dishes that deliver a burst of flavor with every bite, leaving you wanting more.
Value also played a crucial role in our selection process. Fast food is all about affordability, and we wanted to identify items that offer the best bang for your buck. We considered the portion size relative to the price, ensuring you get a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Popularity couldn’t be ignored, either. We paid attention to customer favorites and crowd-pleasers, recognizing that certain items have earned their reputation for a reason. These are the dishes that keep people coming back to Del Taco time and time again.
Finally, we looked for uniqueness. In a sea of fast-food chains, Del Taco stands out for its distinctive menu and bold flavors. We sought out items that showcase what makes Del Taco special, setting it apart from the competition.
The Best Tacos At Del Taco
Let’s start with the heart and soul of any Mexican-inspired fast-food restaurant: the taco. Del Taco offers a variety of tacos, each with its own unique appeal.
The Classic Del Taco
This is the foundation upon which the Del Taco empire was built. It’s a simple yet satisfying combination of seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, and tangy tomato. What truly sets it apart is Del Taco’s slow-cooked beans, offering a rich and creamy complement to the savory beef. It’s a classic for a reason, and it’s a must-try for any first-time visitor. This taco embodies the quintessential Del Taco experience. The combination of textures and flavors create a nostalgic experience that transcends the average fast-food taco. It’s more than just a taco, it’s a piece of Del Taco history.
Crispy Jumbo Shrimp Taco
Described as one of the most popular limited-time offers. Some consider this to be a seafood sensation. The lightly breaded and fried shrimp delivers a satisfying crunch, complemented by the creamy sauce and fresh toppings. It’s a welcome departure from the traditional beef and chicken tacos, offering a taste of the ocean with a Del Taco twist. If this offering becomes available again, it is a definite must try.
Carne Asada Taco
For meat lovers, the carne asada taco is a true standout. Tender and flavorful marinated steak is grilled to perfection and served in a warm tortilla with your choice of toppings. The quality of the carne asada is what truly elevates this taco. It’s a cut above the typical fast-food fare, offering a genuine taste of Mexican grill cuisine. It is highly regarded as one of the top meat options.
Del Taco’s Stuffed Quesadilla Taco
This taco takes a different approach, combining the flavors of a taco with the comfort of a quesadilla. It features a grilled flour tortilla stuffed with a blend of cheeses, pico de gallo salsa, your choice of grilled chicken or carne asada, creamy queso blanco, and a zesty secret sauce. This is one of Del Taco’s premium offerings and truly delivers on flavour.
The Best Burritos At Del Taco
Moving on to burritos, Del Taco offers a range of hearty and satisfying options that are perfect for a quick lunch or a filling dinner.
Epic Cali Bacon Burrito
This burrito lives up to its “epic” name. It’s a massive combination of grilled carne asada, crispy bacon, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and crinkle-cut fries, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite, combining the savory goodness of carne asada and bacon with the cool creaminess of guacamole and sour cream. The addition of crinkle-cut fries adds a surprising element of texture, making this burrito a truly unique and unforgettable experience. If you can only pick one burrito this is a top option to pick.
The Del Inferno Burrito
The company’s spiciest burrito and certainly not for the faint of heart. Stuffed with crispy chicken, fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, creamy habanero sauce and crispy onions, this burrito lives up to its name. The combination of flavors and spice sets this apart from your run of the mill burrito options.
Eight Layer Veggie Burrito
This excellent option for vegetarians provides an incredibly flavorful choice. With slow-cooked beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green sauce, this is packed with vegetables and a flavourful combination. Perfect for a quick and filling option for vegetarians.
The Best Crinkle-Cut Fries & Sides
No Del Taco meal is complete without a side of their signature crinkle-cut fries. These aren’t your average fries; they’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfectly seasoned.
Crinkle-Cut Fries
These fries are a true fan favorite. Their unique shape and satisfying crunch make them irresistible. They’re the perfect accompaniment to any taco or burrito, and they’re also great on their own. What distinguishes these from all others is the great seasoning.
Chili Cheese Fries
For a truly indulgent treat, upgrade your fries with a generous helping of chili and melted cheese. It’s a classic combination that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Chili Cheese Fries are a must-have. The warm, hearty chili pairs perfectly with the crispy fries and melty cheese, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.
Del Scorcho Fries
For those who like spicy flavours, the Del Scorcho Fries are an excellent choice. It features the chain’s popular Crinkle Cut Fries topped with creamy queso blanco, slow-cooked beans, sliced jalapeños, and Del Taco’s tangy Scorcho hot sauce.
Nachos
Del Taco boasts several variations of the popular dish Nachos. However, the loaded nachos is regarded as the best. Consisting of Crinkle Cut Fries or tortilla chips covered with seasoned beef, warm nacho cheese sauce, slow-cooked beans, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and sliced jalapeños.
The Best Drinks & Desserts
To complete your Del Taco experience, don’t forget to grab a refreshing drink or a sweet treat.
Strawberry Lemonade
This fruity and refreshing drink is the perfect complement to any meal. The combination of sweet strawberries and tart lemonade is a classic pairing that’s sure to quench your thirst. It’s a light and refreshing option that’s perfect for a hot day.
Premium Vanilla Shake
For a classic dessert, the premium vanilla shake is a creamy and satisfying choice. It’s made with real vanilla ice cream and blended to perfection, creating a smooth and rich treat. It’s a simple yet decadent dessert that’s sure to please any sweet tooth.
Del Taco Pro-Tips & Hidden Secrets
Want to elevate your Del Taco experience even further? Here are a few pro-tips and secrets to keep in mind.
Customization is key. Don’t be afraid to ask for extra sauce, cheese, or any other modifications to your order. Del Taco is generally accommodating, and they’re happy to customize your meal to your liking.
Many people also like to add del scorcho sauce to many of the items. Feel free to try it with different items and find your own perfect combo.
While Del Taco doesn’t have a widely publicized “secret menu,” there are a few known customizations that are popular among regulars. For example, you can order your fries “animal style” (inspired by another popular California chain), which means adding grilled onions, cheese, and a special sauce. Also, ask for green sauce to many of the items.
Del Taco frequently offers deals and promotions, so be sure to check their website or app before you order. You can often find coupons or discounts that can save you money on your meal.
Your Del Taco Adventure Awaits
Del Taco offers a diverse and satisfying menu with something for everyone, from classic tacos and burritos to unique sides and refreshing drinks. Whether you’re a seasoned Del Taco veteran or a first-time visitor, we hope this guide has helped you discover some new favorites.
Ready to embark on your Del Taco adventure? Head to your nearest location and try these must-have items. Let us know your favorites in the comments below! We want to hear your Del Taco stories and recommendations. The next time you’re craving fast food, skip the usual suspects and explore the delicious options at Del Taco. What are you waiting for? Your perfect Del Taco meal is just around the corner. Enjoy!
