During one of my ventures out for a late breakfast, I stumbled upon Taco Bueno. Specializing in tantalizing Tex-Mex dishes, this enticing spot struck me with its brightly colored salsa bars, present in each store. Their vibrant salsa bars weren't just sight for sore eyes but created extraordinary flavor explosions with each bite, a feature I've come to appreciate.
As a deep-rooted fan of Tex-Mex food, my curiosity led me to trace Taco Bueno's history back to 1967, where the first ever store was fired up in Abilene, Texas, thanks to the efforts of Bill R. Waugh. The Tex-Mex torch was then passed in 1981 when Waugh sold the company, moving on to establish Casa Bonita, a delightful haunt known for its all-you-can-eat beef or chicken plates: a foodie's paradise you'd say! Over five decades and 142 stores later, Taco Bueno has become a familiar sight across Texas and the surrounding states. To know more about this Tex-Mex titan, check out their company website at https://www.tacobueno.com/.
Is there a Taco Bueno near me?
With a whopping 142 locations spread across the United States, there's a good chance of finding a Taco Bueno near you. Predominantly serving the Southern United States, you can indulge in their various flavors across several states:
- Arkansas
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Missouri
- Oklahoma
- Texas
For those of you on a Tex-Mex quest to find your nearest Taco Bueno, refer to their user-friendly website. All that separates you from your Bueno Bonanza is typing your city, state, or ZIP, and voila! The website unfurls a list of nearby Taco Bueno stores along with their opening hours, which puts you a step closer to your Tex-Mex fix.
My order started with a swift perusal of the menu before I was met with fresh, high-quality Tex-Mex delicacies. I was particularly taken by their extensive and fresh salsa bar filled with salsa made in-house every day. I seriously recommend giving their flame-grilled chicken and slowly simmered beans a taste, and their freshly made guacamole is a must-try.
As the name suggests, their repertoire of tacos is quite remarkable. You might want to opt for their unique “Muchaco”, a taco served in warm pita bread, and if you're up for a challenge, try tackling the massive “Big Freak’n Taco”. Tacos come filled with ground beef or grilled chicken, layered with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream. With such a rich variety, taco lovers will feel right at home.
Taco Bueno's offerings go well beyond tacos. They boast of classic burritos, quesadillas, nachos, salads, and chips on their menu. If you are someone like me who loves to mix and match, opt for their Combo Meals, complete with a soft drink. Teleporting back to my visit, I fondly remember gobbling up Combo Meals #1, which included a Crispy Beef Taco, Beef Muchaco, and Bean Burrito. Looking for the perfect finish to a hearty meal? Make some room for their Churros: a heavenly bunk-up for your sweet tooth.
When can I visit Taco Bueno?
Taco Bueno operates typically between 10am and 10pm, seven days a week. But beware! The timings vary across different branches, so do check out their website for your local Taco Bueno's timings.
What if I can't get to Taco Bueno?
No worry guys, if you can't visit Taco Bueno, Taco Bueno will visit you! Many branches offer delivery, which means you can savour their delicious food without trading the comfort of your home. Just ring up your local store to get the lowdown on their delivery options.
Does Taco Bueno cater to children and vegetarians?
Yes and yes! For families visiting Taco Bueno, children can look forward to the Party Taco with an exciting selection of dishes and a special little toy. Vegetarians, on the other hand, can head straight to their vegetarian menu. Standouts include the Black Bean Burrito and Veggie Salad Bowl, paired perfectly with Guacamole. The only catch: their refried beans have a beef base and a hint of bacon fat, so vegetarians should opt for the black beans instead.
Although it's not the most extensive vegetarian menu, their options sure hit the spot for me. Now that's the Bueno promise of "More Muchaco, More Fun!
Can I get a Taco Bueno gift card?
Guess what I thought of for my foodie friend's birthday gift? A Taco Bueno gift card! It's a flawless treat for any taco or Tex-Mex aficionado. Gift cards can be bought online and redeemed for anything on the Taco Bueno menu at participating restaurants.
Does Taco Bueno offer online ordering?
If you want to savour their flavours from the comfort of your home, you can place an order online. Group ordering is also a breeze with their online system, enabling different people to build their orders. Some locations also offer online ordering for pickup or delivery.
What's for breakfast at Taco Bueno?
If you wake up with a Tex-Mex hankering, make a beeline for Taco Bueno. Their breakfast burritos, like the Sausage & Egg Burrito, can really kick off any day, making for a stellar start.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ambiance is welcoming and the brightly colored salsa bars stand out.
- Food leaves a lasting impression, their fresh salsa and guacamole are delightful.
- The quality of service, they serve vegetarian and kids' meals with the same efficiency.
- Flexible ordering system: they offer in-store dining, delivery, and online ordering.
- Taco Bueno gift cards make for a perfect gift for food lovers.
Cons
- Operating hours vary from store to store.
- The vegetarian options are not most diverse for a deeper exploration.
- Refried Beans are not suitable for vegetarians.
- Online services are still limited in few areas, so not everyone can enjoy the comfort of home delivery or pick-up yet.