Rusty Taco Introduce
For Arizona locals and visitors near the Arizona State University (ASU) campus, Rusty Taco stands out as the ultimate destination for craveable, uncomplicated, and authentically-inspired Mexican street food. Operating with a successful fast-casual model, this local taco restaurant brings the simple, welcoming atmosphere of a traditional neighborhood taco stand right to the heart of Tempe. It's a place where the motto "Tacos are the Most Important Meal of the Day®" rings true, as they serve up fresh, made-to-order tacos and sides across four distinct dining occasions: breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner.
Rusty Taco’s extensive menu goes far beyond the basics, offering over twenty creative taco varieties that showcase globe-trotting flavors alongside beloved Mexican staples. From the savory BBQ Brisket Taco and the popular Team Fave Chicken Taco to unique options like the SMASHED CHEESEBURGER TACO, there is truly a canvas of flavor for every palate. The service is unpretentious and friendly, and the fast pace makes it perfect for a quick bite during a busy school day or a casual gathering with friends over margaritas.
Location and Accessibility
Rusty Taco is strategically located in the vibrant Downtown Tempe area, placing it in the epicenter of student life and local activity. Its address is just steps away from the main campus of ASU, ensuring it’s a convenient and frequent stop for college students, faculty, and area residents alike:
707 S Forest Ave Suite 112, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
The location prioritizes ease of access for all guests:
- Accessibility: The restaurant is fully equipped with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
- Parking: While located in a bustling district where parking can sometimes be a challenge, the location offers a mix of convenient options including a free parking lot, free street parking, and paid street parking to accommodate diners.
- Atmosphere: Situated in a high-traffic area, the establishment is popular with college students and groups, but maintains a welcoming, casual, and family-friendly environment.
- Outdoor Seating: Guests can enjoy their food and drinks outside on the patio, which also permits dogs (Dogs allowed outside).
Services Offered
As a fast-casual leader, Rusty Taco is designed for maximum convenience and flexibility in dining:
- Full-Day Service: Offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with counter service for quick, made-to-order meals. Crucially, they serve a full range of breakfast tacos and bowls throughout the entire day.
- Extensive Takeout and Delivery: Provides multiple options for offsite dining, including standard Takeout, Curbside pickup, and various No-contact delivery services, which are perfect for busy locals.
- Onsite Bar: Features a bar onsite that serves Alcohol, Hard liquor, Cocktails, Beer, and Wine. A highlight is their signature margaritas, often available in pitchers for groups.
- Happy Hour Specials: Known for offering Happy hour drinks and Happy hour food, making it a popular spot for affordable after-work or post-class socializing.
- Catering Services: Offers extensive catering options, including taco packs (like the 8 Taco Bold Box) and build-your-own taco bars, which are ideal for ASU campus events, corporate lunches, or private parties.
- Amenities: The venue is equipped with Restrooms, Wi-Fi, and Has changing table(s), ensuring comfort for all customers, especially families.
Features and Highlights
The distinctive features of Rusty Taco go beyond typical fast-food offerings, creating a memorable and value-driven experience:
- Creative, Diverse Menu: The menu's core strength is its variety, from traditional-inspired tacos (like AL PASTOR PORK TACO and Steak Fajita Taco) to novel creations (such as COLA BRAISED BRISKET TACO and the monthly rotating featured tacos).
- All-Day Breakfast: The availability of breakfast options, including various Breakfast Tacos and fully loaded Breakfast Bowls (like the Sunrise Slammer Bowl), all day long, caters to the anytime hunger of the local crowd.
- Exceptional Shareables: The restaurant excels in its appetizer selection, with the creamy, signature Chips & Queso, house-made Chips & Guacamole, and the popular STREET CORN FRITTERS being must-try items for groups.
- Speed and Friendliness: Noted for its Fast service, the counter-service model ensures minimal wait times, while the staff is consistently praised by local reviewers for being "super friendly" and "great," enhancing the overall casual dining experience.
- Great Drink Selection: Beyond the food, the bar is a significant highlight, with a "Great beer selection" and well-made Cocktails, particularly the margaritas, which draw a strong crowd of college students and young professionals.
- Customizable Bowls: Diners have the flexibility to convert any taco into a custom bowl, adding cilantro-lime rice and black beans with double the protein, perfect for those seeking a more substantial, healthier meal.
Contact Information
To place an order, inquire about catering, or check on current specials, please use the following contact details:
Address: 707 S Forest Ave Suite 112, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Phone: (480) 955-2955
What is Worth Choosing Rusty Taco
For anyone in the Arizona region, especially those near the ASU area, Rusty Taco is the premier choice for a high-quality, high-value, and consistently satisfying Mexican food fix. What makes it truly worth choosing is the combination of its authentic, street-style concept with the modern convenience of fast-casual dining. The menu’s depth and breadth mean you can stop in for a quick, cheap, and simple Black Bean Taco or indulge in a full Dinner Combo with a pitcher of their great margaritas. Unlike many quick-service spots, Rusty Taco offers a full bar experience with hard liquor, happy hour deals, and a comfortable atmosphere with outdoor seating where dogs are welcome.
Ultimately, whether you are a college student needing a late-night bite, a family looking for a casual dinner that appeals to everyone, or a local stopping by for the freshest Brisket, Egg & Cheese Taco at any hour, Rusty Taco delivers a perfect blend of quality, affordability, and a fun, neighborhood feel that is always welcoming and never complicated. This local taco stand makes legendary food and provides an easy, enjoyable experience that earns its status as a Tempe favorite.
Rusty Taco Menu
PORK
- CORNY PIG TACO $5.02
Margarita-braised pork topped with street corn and crispy potatoes.
- GREEN STREET BRAISED PORK TACO $5.84
Braised pork topped with homemade tomatillo sauce, creamy jalapeño ranch, avocado slice, cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.
- AL PASTOR PORK TACO $5.31
Tender pork under sweet grilled pineapple relish and tangy pineapple crema. Topped with pickled red onions.
CHICKEN
- CHICKEN FAJITA TACO $4.66
Chicken, fajita veggies, pico de gallo
- Team Fave Chicken Taco $5.49
Hand-bread chicken, queso, bacon and pico de gallo.
- ROCOTO SPICE CHICKEN $5.61
Grilled chicken topped with a herby cheese blend, chopped onion and an avocado crema slaw. All drizzled with Rocoto Peruvian Pepper Sauce.
- CRISPY CHICKEN TACO $5.02
Crispy chicken topped with creamy Baja sauce, crunchy backyard slaw, and tangy pickled onions, all topped with a sprinkle of fresh chives.
- CHICKEN BACON JAM TACO $5.61
Crispy chicken topped with sweet-and-savory ranchero bacon jam and a crunchy backyard slaw.
- Chicken Crunch Roll $5.31
Smoky grilled chicken, chipotle aioli, creamy avocado crema, and melty mozzarella - rolled up and fried to perfection.
BEEF
- BBQ BRISKET TACO $5.84
Sweet BBQ caramelized brisket with a crunchy backyard slaw and fresh cilantro.
- Steak Fajita Taco $5.31
Grilled steak, fajita veggies, pico.
- SMASHED CHEESEBURGER TACO $6.49
Seasoned ground beef patty, melty cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, fresh pico, and tangy pickles topped with smoky chipotle aioli (Good Sauce).
- Texican Taco $4.31
Tex-Mex beef, lettuce, pico de gallo, cheddar cheese.
- Birria Trio Pack $17.70
Three corn tortillas packed with smoky brisket and melty cheese, topped with fresh cilantro and white onion. served with rich consommé on the side for dipping.
- COLA BRAISED BRISKET TACO $5.84
Tender brisket infused with Cola, complemented by cilantro, onion, and queso fresco.
TACO PACKS
- Dinner Combo $16.46
Choose any two tacos and a regular side. Includes a regular fountain drink.
- 12 Taco Bold Box $56.64
Twelve tacos with chips & salsa. Pick 3 taco options, then add sides, dessert, or margaritas (where available). Pickup & delivery only.
- 8 Taco Bold Box $37.76
Eight tacos with chips & salsa. Pick 2 taco options, then add sides, dessert, or margaritas (where available). Pickup & delivery only.
- 6 Taco Bold Box $30.68
Six tacos with chips & salsa. Pick 2 taco options, then add sides, dessert, or margaritas (where available). Pickup & delivery only.
BREAKFAST BOWLS
- Sunrise Slammer Bowl $12.98
Fluffy scrambled eggs, seasoned tater tots, creamy breakfast aioli, chorizo, bacon, diced jalapeno sausage, shredded american cheese, & queso fresco.
- Bacon, Egg & Cheese Bowl $11.74
- Steak, Egg & Cheese Bowl $12.10
- Tater Tots, Egg & Cheese Bowl $11.03
- Egg & Cheese Bowl $10.56
- Brisket, Egg & Cheese Bowl $12.10
- Chorizo, Egg & Cheese Bowl $11.03
- Potato, Egg & Cheese Bowl $11.03
- Black Bean, Egg & Cheese Bowl $11.03
SIDES
- Black Beans Side $3.13
- Cilantro-Lime Rice Side - Regular $3.13
BREAKFAST TACOS
- Steak, Egg & Cheese Taco $5.02
- Brisket, Egg & Cheese Taco $5.02
- Chorizo, Egg & Cheese Taco $3.95
- Bacon, Egg & Cheese Taco $4.66
- Egg & Cheese Taco $3.48
- Black Bean, Egg & Cheese Taco $3.95
- Potato, Egg & Cheese Taco $3.95
- Tater Tots, Egg & Cheese Taco $3.95
TACO OF THE MONTH
- COLA BRAISED BRISKET BOWL $11.74
Cilantro-lime rice, black beans, tender cola braised brisket, complemented by queso fresco, onion and cilantro.
- SMASHED CHEESEBURGER BOWL $12.39
Cilantro-lime rice, black beans, seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, fresh pico, and tangy pickles topped with smoky chipotle aioli (Good Sauce).
- SMASHED CHEESEBURGER TACO $6.49
Seasoned ground beef patty, melty cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, fresh pico, and tangy pickles topped with smoky chipotle aioli (Good Sauce).
- COLA BRAISED BRISKET TACO $5.84
Tender brisket infused with Cola, complemented by cilantro, onion, and queso fresco.
BURRITOS
- Sunrise Slammer Burrito $10.56
Flour tortilla, seasoned tater tots, creamy breakfast aioli, chorizo, bacon, diced jalapeno sausage, shredded American cheese, queso fresco, & fluffy scrambled eggs
- The Morning Meat-Up Burrito $10.56
Fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy tater tots, smoky brisket, seasoned ground beef, American cheese, sour cream, BBQ sauce, and queso fresco, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
DESSERTS
- Churro $3.25
Crispy churro dusted in sweet cinnamon sugar, served warm.
BEVERAGES
- Fountain Drink $3.25
TACO BOWLS
- COLA BRAISED BRISKET BOWL $11.74
Cilantro-lime rice, black beans, tender cola braised brisket, complemented by queso fresco, onion and cilantro.
- Grilled Dynamite Shrimp Bowl $11.74
Topped with grilled shrimp, slaw, jalapeno ranch, avocado, and sriracha.
- CRISPY CHICKEN BOWL $10.92
Cilantro-lime rice, black beans, crispy chicken topped with creamy Baja sauce, crunchy backyard slaw, and tangy pickled onions, all topped with a sprinkle of fresh chives.
- CAULIFLOWER BOWL $10.33
Cilantro-lime rice, black beans, crispy cauliflower topped with red pepper sauce, queso fresco, and chives
- SMASHED CHEESEBURGER BOWL $12.39
Cilantro-lime rice, black beans, seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, fresh pico, and tangy pickles topped with smoky chipotle aioli (Good Sauce).
- CORNY PIG BOWL $10.92
Cilantro-lime rice, black beans, margarita-braised pork topped with street corn and crispy potatoes.
- BBQ BRISKET BOWL $11.74
Cilantro-lime rice, black beans, sweet BBQ caramelized brisket with a crunchy backyard slaw and fresh cilantro.
- ROCOTO SPICE CHICKEN BOWL $11.51
Cilantro-lime rice, black beans, grilled chicken topped with a herby cheese blend, chopped onion and an avocado crema slaw. All drizzled with Rocoto Peruvian Pepper Sauce.
- HOOK & HEAT BOWL - GRILLED $11.74
Cilantro-lime rice, black beans, perfectly grilled white fish, topped with creamy Baja sauce, jalapeño ranch slaw, and fried corn for an extra crunch
- AL PASTOR PORK BOWL $11.21
Cilantro-lime rice, black beans, topped with tender pork under sweet grilled pineapple relish and tangy pineapple crema and pickled red onions.
- Fish Bowl (Crispy) $12.10
Topped with tempura battered white fish, baja sauce, red cabbage, cilantro.
- Baja Shrimp Bowl (Crispy) $12.21
Topped with black beans, crispy shrimp, baja sauce, red cabbage, cilantro.
- Black Bean Bowl $9.74
Topped with black beans, queso fresco cheese, and cilantro
- Texican Bowl $11.39
Cilantro-lime rice, black beans, seasoned ground beef, lettuce, pico de gallo, cheddar cheese
- Baja Shrimp Bowl (Grilled) $12.21
Topped with grilled shrimp, baja sauce, red cabbage, cilantro.
- CHICKEN BACON JAM BOWL $11.51
Cilantro-lime rice, black beans, crispy chicken topped with sweet-and-savory ranchero bacon jam and a crunchy backyard slaw.
- Steak Fajita Bowl $12.39
Topped with skirt steak, fajita veggies, pico.
- HOOK & HEAT BOWL - CRISPY $11.74
Cilantro-lime rice, black beans, perfectly crispy white fish, topped with creamy Baja sauce, jalapeño ranch slaw, and fried corn for an extra crunch
- Crispy Dynamite Shrimp Bowl $11.74
Topped with fried shrimp, slaw, jalapeno ranch, avocado, and sriracha.
- Fish Bowl (Grilled) $12.10
Topped with grilled white fish, baja sauce, red cabbage, cilantro.
- CHORIZO & BLACK BEAN BOWL $10.56
Cilantro-lime rice, savory black beans, Plant-based chorizo, creamy queso fresco, and fresh pico.
- Chicken Fajita Bowl $11.74
Topped with chicken breast, fajita veggies, pico.
- GREEN STREET BRAISED PORK BOWL $11.74
Cilantro-lime rice, black beans, braised pork topped with homemade tomatillo sauce, creamy jalapeño ranch, avocado slice, cotija cheese, onion and fresh cilantro.
VEGGIE
- "Chorizo" Crunch Roll $5.02
Plant-based chorizo, mozzarella, chipotle aioli, avocado crema. One Crunch Roll per order.
- CAULIFLOWER TACO $4.43
Crispy cauliflower topped with red pepper sauce, queso fresco and chives
- Black Bean Taco $3.84
Chipotle black beans, pico, queso fresco cheese, cilantro.
- "CHORIZO" & BLACK BEAN TACO $4.66
Plant-based chorizo, savory black beans, creamy queso fresco, and fresh pico.
PARTY SIZES OF QUESO, GUAC AND SALSA
- QUESO, GUAC & SALSA $0.00
SHAREABLES
- STREET CORN FRITTERS $6.20
Fresh mozzarella, street corn, cilantro-lime rice, Baja sauce
- Tres Grande $11.74
Rusty's signature queso, salsa, and guacamole, served with warm house-made chips
- NACHOS FOR ME $7.02
Warm house made chips topped with enchilada sauce, queso, avocado crema, queso fresco, cotija, fresh guacamole, spice black bean puree
- Chips & Salsa $3.84
Made fresh in-house; served with warm house made chips
- Chips & Queso $5.84
Rusty's signature recipe; served with warm house-made chips
- STREET CORN $5.84
Rusty-style classic elotes; served with warm house-made chips
- Street Corn Large $10.62
Corn mixed with a creamy cilantro sour cream, chipotle aioli, cotija cheese, and chile powder.
- Chips & Guacamole $5.84
Made fresh in-house; served with warm house-made chips
- NACHOS FOR THREE $10.92
Warm house made chips topped with enchilada sauce, queso, avocado crema, queso fresco, cotija, fresh guacamole, spiced black bean puree
SEAFOOD
- HOOK AND HEAT TACO - CRISPY $5.84
Perfectly crispy white fish, topped with creamy Baja sauce, and jalapeño ranch slaw.
- Fish Taco (Crispy) $5.02
Crispy fish, baja sauce, red cabbage, cilantro.
- HOOK AND HEAT TACO - GRILLED $5.84
Perfectly grilled white fish, topped with creamy Baja sauce, and jalapeño ranch slaw.
- Fish Taco (Grilled) $5.02
Grilled fish, baja sauce, red cabbage, cilantro.
- Baja Shrimp Taco (Grilled) $5.13
Grilled shrimp, baja sauce, red cabbage, cilantro.
- Crispy Dynamite Shrimp Taco $5.84
Topped with crispy shrimp, slaw, jalapeno ranch, avocado, and sriracha.
- Baja Shrimp Taco (Crispy) $5.13
Crispy shrimp, baja sauce, red cabbage, cilantro.
Rusty Taco Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- Has changing table(s)
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Rusty Taco Photos
Rusty Taco Location
Rusty Taco
707 S Forest Ave Suite 112, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Rusty Taco Reviews
bartenderchipsmargaritasalsaatmospherequesobeerguacamolegamemusic
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1We were greeted us as soon as we walked in and the cashier was super friendly. Prices are really reasonable, which makes it even better.Parking can be tricky on busy nights, but it’s worth it once you’re inside. Perfect little spot by the university—definitely recommend
September 16 · Jan JEvery bartender has been great. Samuel especially has absolutely killed it today. They’re super friendly and easily my favorite bar to hang out and have some marg pitchers.
September 21 · Nathan PerezThe tacos were so delicious and different from what is normally available! The price was excellent. The service was amazing. Did I just find my new favorite taco spot! I am going back again today! The margaritas were also delicious! Refreshing and flavorful. Did I mention the portions were huge!?!?
January 26 · Kendra WalshWhen we got there, we were welcomed by the warm hospitality of an empty counter—no one to take our order. Thankfully, the bartender saved the day. After ordering an appetizer platter with queso, guacamole, and chips, we waited a mind-numbing 30 minutes for our tacos. And when they finally came, the tacos were so salty, they might as well have been labeled ‘Inedible.’ We tried to power through, but even our hunger couldn’t save us from the driest, saltiest food we’ve ever encountered. Our tongues were practically crying for relief. Absolutely not worth it.
April 10 · Nathan LandrevilleI was stressed knocking some work on my laptop at this nice establishment and i was met by this lovely bar worker, Samuel Snyder. very intellectual staff member (Triple major) with amazing knowledge. Definitely helped take my edge of for the day along with the amazing food and drink. thanks sam, will definitely be coming here often!
September 21 · Alex Luman
More Best Restaurants Near Me
Pokeworks4.0 (823 reviews)209 E 7th St Suite A2, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers4.0 (51 reviews)702 S Forest Ave Suite 101, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Original ChopShop4.0 (1597 reviews)222 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
The Chuckbox4.0 (5451 reviews)202 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Venezia's New York Style Pizza Presto3.0 (54 reviews)660 S College Ave Suite 221, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Sauce Pizza & Wine4.0 (228 reviews)705 S Myrtle Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Alter Ego4.0 (424 reviews)108 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Panda Express3.0 (451 reviews)777 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Pizza Pie Factory4.0 (171 reviews)777 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Bonchon Tempe - ASU3.0 (44 reviews)704 S Myrtle Ave Suite 1 Suite A, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery4.0 (2584 reviews)615 S College Ave Suite 103 & 104, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Postino Annex4.0 (2298 reviews)615 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites
Arizona Deli Company4.0 (42 reviews)
Hopdoddy Burger Bar4.0 (2210 reviews)
Downtown 773.0 (11 reviews)
Bad Jimmy's4.0 (444 reviews)
Texaz Grill4.0 (2834 reviews)
Taco Bell4.0 (1406 reviews)Trending Dining Discoveries Posts
Why You Should Always Try the Chef’s Tasting Menu at Fine Dining Restaurants
The Best Places for a Romantic Dinner in Miami: Top Spots for an Unforgettable Date Night
How to Enjoy Dining Alone at a Restaurant: Tips for a Solo Experience
The Best Seafood Dishes You Have to Try at Top Restaurants in Boston
Where to Find the Best Sushi in Seattle: Top Sushi Spots & Must-Try Dishes
The Best Tapas Bars in Los Angeles for a Flavorful Experience