Benjamin Duke
Tasty Tacos is always a good place to stop and get something to eat. Whether you just get a couple Original Tacos or Jalapeño Poppers, the food is always good and at a decent price. Also the Tasty Tacos Hot Sauce is awesome on everything. You can even buy a bottle for home.
… moreItz Hollywoood
Tasty Tacos transcends the simple definition of a restaurant; it’s a vibrant tapestry of cultural history, woven into the heart of Des Moines since its inception in 1961 by the visionary Richard and Antonia Mosqueda. Their stroke of genius—marrying the soul of authentic Mexican flavors with the unexpected, comforting embrace of Indian fry bread—transformed the humble taco into an elevated culinary experience. This wasn’t just innovation; it was a bold statement, a reinterpretation of tradition that resonated through generations. The scarcity of locations today only heightens the sense of pilgrimage, the almost sacred return to a place where memories are as rich as the dishes themselves. Stepping inside is akin to entering a time capsule, where the aroma alone—a complex blend of spices, frying dough, and shared laughter—unleashes a torrent of nostalgia. It’s a visceral reminder of family, of community, and of the enduring power of food to connect us to our past. The very walls, adorned with historical snapshots and testimonials, whisper tales of a family’s unwavering commitment to their craft.
To assess Tasty Tacos through a lens of contemporary culinary critique is to fundamentally misunderstand its purpose. This isn’t about chasing Michelin stars; it’s about preserving a legacy. It’s about the palpable sense of love and dedication infused into every taco, every dish. The imperfections, if any exist, are merely the charming fingerprints of authenticity. For those in pursuit of an ‘authentic’ experience, prepare to be enthralled—not just by the explosion of flavors, but by the narrative that unfolds with each bite, the smiles that persevere amidst the bustling crowds, and the enduring spirit of the Mosqueda family, including Ronald M., whose passion continues to nourish a community’s soul.
… moreHenry Eicher
Ordered a pork flour taco. Added sour cream and taco sauce. It’s not a standard taco. The shell is akin to Indian flatbread. It was good. Nothing special on the taste overall. But the shell is unique and tasty.
The restaurant was clean. Bathroom clean.
It is a fast food establishment.
Prices are reasonable. (See photo)
… moreMelvin Woods
Friends 1st time there. She loved it & understood why I recommend it. Friendly staff & awesome food as usual.
… moreAlex Gaudette
My uncle loves tasty tacos so whenever I’m helping him, we always go there. This is a staple of central Iowa. Only wish there was one in Altoona. Great tacos and a great price
… moreJoel Martin
I have been told to go here, delayed, and apparently I have wasted years of my life eating inferior tacos.
Highly recommend, the food is amazing, inside is cleaned well, generous salsa provided if eating inside.
Gets a little busy near the lunch rush, but to be expected!
I recommend for first timers to do the flour tacos with the meat of your choice.
Oh, and the prices are ridiculously low compared to other quality Latino restaurants.
… moreBurt
Texas style Puffy tacos! I love the steak and original on the puffy flour tortillas. The corn tortilla is just your standard hard shell taco, nothing to get too excited about. But the service was friendly and food was good. I always go out of my way to visit a tasty tacos whenever I’m in Des Moines.
… moreDebby Stanton
Their puffy shells are great. Prices are good. Plenty of selection. Friendly employees also.
… moreLisha Loterbour
Ordered mushrooms and they was burnt couldn’t eat them!! The tacos was really big and fresh that was a good thing!! But this place is really good but sometimes you forget about things like my mushrooms in the fryer!! But it’s fine !!
… moreCole Scheffler
The flour tacos are divine, and their cheese bites are some of the best I’ve ever had. I guess they really know how to fry stuff here!
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