During my stay in Texas, I recently had the pleasure of dining at Taco Cabana, a popular chain boasting an authentic Tex-Mex menu. The highlight for me was their all-day breakfast availability, because who doesn't love some hearty eggs and tortillas after a long day of sightseeing?
Taco Cabana extends a warm welcome to their patrons around the clock, thanks to their 24-hour availability. Their late-night drive-through service was perfect for me when I had a late-night craving for (you guessed it) breakfast tacos! During the day, the experience is enriched by the display-cooking exhibition and a charming patio seating area. I could practically sense the festive atmosphere while perusing the impressive drink menu. From frothy beers to tantalizing shots and frozen margaritas in classic and seasonal tones, everyone is bound to find something they fancy. Additionally, the happy hour, which runs from 4pm to 7pm everyday, offers some major steals. If alcohol isn’t your thing, that’s cool too. They have a self-serve soda machine with unlimited refills!
What really set this place apart for me was the ability to order breakfast tacos at any time of the day. I mean, come on! Breakfast for lunch or dinner? You bet I was on board with that! Certain locations even allow you to customize your own breakfast tacos. That in itself was a 5-star experience! A significant part of my dining experience at Taco Cabana was exploring their salsa bar. A variety of salsas along with pico de gallo, onion rings, and jalapenos were at my disposal to serve myself. And let me tell you, going wild with these condiments did wonders for my taste buds!
I was also amazed by their generosity in terms of promotions. They had free meals for kids and discounted drinks which I found were on offer during certain special occasions and holidays. This is perfect for families and bargain hunters alike, so keep an eye out for these goodies when you visit! To find out more about Taco Cabana, head over to their website.
My Taco Cabana encounters have been mainly in Texas, but I’m aware that this gem of a restaurant has multiple locations across Texas, including Dallas, Austin, and Houston, and even in New Mexico. All in all, they take pride in an impressive total of 148 locations across these two states.
I think the root of Taco Cabana’s popularity lies in its authenticity. The treasured recipes are credited to the original cook himself, and the fact that they serve meals fresh made by hand every day really sets them apart from the crowd. The vibrant salsa bar is a signature Taco Cabana feature, and the rotating limited-time offers on their menu add that element of surprise that makes every visit unique.
Eagerly looking up their menu, I was buzzing with excitement to see the vast array of options. Despite being a chain, Taco Cabana doesn’t limit itself to staple items. They’re constantly upping their game with interesting limited-time offerings. I found everything from succulent steak quesadillas to flame-grilled chicken fajita bowls, burritos, chicken flautas, and a wide selection of tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and chalupas. They also offered a variety of side dishes including Mexican rice, refried beans, black beans, chips with a choice of dips, and even breakfast options available at all times. I also indulged in their delicious churros, sopapillas, and tres leches from the dessert menu.
Taco Cabana offers a streamlined ordering process. You walk up to the counter, place your order, and pay. After a short wait, you'd be called to pick up your order at the counter. I also appreciated the dining options. Whether indoors, outdoors on the lovely patios, or via the always convenient drive-through, they've got you covered. Of course, you also have the option of ordering online for pick-up or delivery.
If you're all about the plant-based life, you're in luck. Taco Cabana offers up to 13 vegetarian-friendly options. On the vegan front, they are prepared as well. Their Beyond Meat choices are vegan and can be ordered sans cheese, and there are plentiful sides and salsas to choose from too. And yes, they have a kiddie menu, so parents, you can breathe a sigh of relief! They have options like the kid's bean and cheese taco meal and a cheese quesadilla. The kids' meals also include a side of rice & beans or chips & queso, and a kid's drink.
If you're concerned about health and diet, rest assured that Taco Cabana has a variety of low-carb and low-calorie choices, along with low-fat, high-fiber alternatives.
A feature I found exceptionally innovative was the Taco Cabana Pantry. It offers an array of fresh ingredients and ready-to-cook options for you to whip up some homemade Tex-Mex right at home! Exactly the kind of souvenir I love bringing back from my travels!
Taco Cabana Pros
- Wide variety of authentic Tex-Mex food
- All-day breakfast menu
- 24/7 availability with drive-through option
- Open-display cooking and salsa bar
- Extensive drink menu with happy hour specials
- Offers catering services
- Easily customizable menu, even for breakfast tacos
- Vegetarian and Vegan friendly
- Children's menu
Taco Cabana Cons
- Not all branches have 24/7 availability
- Refried beans are not vegan, cooked with bacon fat