The Taco Spot - Authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex Cuisine in Tempe, AZ

The Taco Spot - Tempe Introduce

For residents and visitors in Arizona looking for a fast, flavorful, and filling spot to enjoy classic and creative Mexican-inspired cuisine, look no further than The Taco Spot in Tempe. This locally-celebrated, Latino-owned establishment offers an extensive menu that spans traditional Mexican and popular Tex-Mex favorites, alongside unique fusion items and diet-conscious choices. Identifying as a family restaurant, a fast food destination, and a specialist in tacos and burritos, The Taco Spot is committed to providing comfort food and quick bites for the entire community.

The culinary offerings are notably wide-ranging, covering everything from breakfast to dinner and catering large events. The menu highlights bold flavors and includes a signature “Surf N Turf” line, featuring dishes like the Surf N Turf Burrito and Surf N Turf Taco, which fuse grilled asada with succulent shrimp. Traditionalists can indulge in Birria Tacos and Loaded Fries, while those following specific dietary paths have options like Keto Tacos, wrapped in a crispy cheese shell instead of a traditional tortilla, and Protein Bowls.

It is important for prospective patrons to note that the experience at The Taco Spot, like many popular eateries, can vary. While the restaurant has garnered a reputation for its flavorful dishes—particularly the birria and the house-made Horchata—and generally friendly service, some customer feedback has pointed to potential inconsistencies. These occasional reports include issues with order accuracy, receiving cold food during peak times, and concerns regarding portion size and value compared to price, with a few customers describing the meat quality as dry or tough. However, the restaurant is also known for its quick service model, clean atmosphere, and commitment to a welcoming environment for all, including college students, families, and groups, making it a casual and trendy choice for dining in the Tempe area.

The Taco Spot in Tempe is strategically positioned to serve the greater Phoenix metropolitan area and the local Tempe community. It is situated at 325 W Elliot Rd #101, Tempe, AZ 85284, USA. This address places it conveniently near major thoroughfares and local points of interest.

The location is perfectly situated for a meal after a day of shopping at Arizona Mills or visiting the Sea Life Aquarium, as it is just off the I-10 freeway. This makes it an easy stop for commuters and a convenient lunch destination for professionals from the nearby ASU Research Park. For accessibility, The Taco Spot goes the extra mile:

Wheelchair accessible entrance is available.
Wheelchair accessible parking lot is provided.
The venue features wheelchair accessible seating and a wheelchair accessible restroom.

For parking, customers benefit from a free parking lot on-site, providing a hassle-free experience often appreciated in a busy metro area like Tempe. The establishment also welcomes pets, allowing dogs outside for those who prefer outdoor seating options.

The Taco Spot offers a comprehensive array of services to accommodate various dining preferences and needs throughout the day, ensuring they are more than just a quick taco stand. The range of options caters to modern convenience and traditional hospitality.

Dining Options: Guests can enjoy seated dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a casual and trendy atmosphere suitable for families and groups.
Takeout and Delivery: The restaurant offers convenient service options including standard takeout, curbside pickup, delivery, and no-contact delivery, making it easy to enjoy their food at home or on the go.
Catering Services: Full-service catering is available for events of any size, with options like Party Trays and the Street Taco Bar, making it a popular choice for office meetings and social gatherings in the Arizona heat.
Specialty Services: Beyond the standard menu, they are categorized as a breakfast restaurant, burrito restaurant, and taco restaurant, providing specialized focus on these areas.
Payment Methods: They accept a variety of modern payment options including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for swift transactions.

Beyond the core menu items, several features and highlights set The Taco Spot apart in the competitive Arizona food scene. Their focus on speed and variety ensures there's something for almost everyone, from the college student on a budget to a tourist looking for an authentic regional meal.

Menu Diversity: The selection includes an array of proteins such as Carne Asada, Chicken, Al Pastor, and the premium Surf N Turf, available across categories like tacos, burritos, nachos, loaded fries, and protein bowls.
Unique Offerings: Signature items include the popular Birria Taco ($5.50) and a full breakfast menu featuring items like the Loaded Breakfast Burrito Combo and Chilaquiles, available from early morning.
Focus on Convenience: Known for its fast service, the location is a great choice for a quick bite during a lunch break or a speedy dinner on a busy evening.
Atmosphere and Crowd: The atmosphere is casual and trendy, known for being family-friendly and a popular spot for college students and groups. High chairs are available for the youngest patrons.
Latino-Owned Business: The establishment proudly identifies as a Latino-owned business, contributing to the diversity of local commerce in Tempe.
Diet-Conscious Choices: The availability of Protein Bowls and Keto Tacos (e.g., Asada Keto for $5.00), which substitute a crispy cheese shell for a corn or flour tortilla, provides accessible options for low-carb diets.

To contact The Taco Spot - Tempe, or to place an order for pickup or catering, you can use the following information:

Address: 325 W Elliot Rd #101, Tempe, AZ 85284, USA

Phone: (480) 219-9030

Mobile Phone: +1 480-219-9030

For Arizonans deciding where to go for their next meal, The Taco Spot in Tempe presents a compelling case. It is worth choosing for its remarkable menu breadth, which successfully combines Mexican and Tex-Mex sensibilities. From a hearty Loaded Breakfast Burrito in the morning to a late-night Surf N Turf Loaded Fries, the kitchen is clearly designed to satisfy diverse cravings at almost any time of day.

The commitment to convenience is a major draw. Curbside pickup, various delivery options, and a location that is easily accessible right off a major interstate cater directly to the busy, on-the-go lifestyle common across the Valley. Furthermore, the extensive catering menu, including large-format items like the Street Taco Bar ($135.00) and Party Tray Burritos ($95.00), makes event planning easy and flavorful for local gatherings.

While some public feedback suggests occasional issues with consistency in food temperature or portion sizes, the positive mentions for flavor, particularly the Birria dishes, Vampiros, and the highly-rated fries and Horchata, demonstrate a strong foundation of popular dishes. For those in Tempe seeking a quick, well-located, Latino-owned spot with menu variety, specialty low-carb options, and a family-friendly vibe, The Taco Spot remains a strong local contender for a quick and satisfying Mexican-style meal.

The Taco Spot - Tempe Menu

Combos
Burrito, Fries, Spot Sauce, & Agua Fresca Horchata $20.00
Burrito Combo A loaded burrito with your choice of protein (chicken, asada or pastor), served with crispy fries, a side of house-made “Spot Sauce,” and an ice-cold agua fresca horchata. It’s got everything you crave in one bite.
3 Tacos, Rice & Beans & Agua Fresca $21.00
3 Tacos, Rice, Beans & Agua Fresca Three hand made tortilla tacos packed with your choice of meat (asada, chicken, pastor), served with fluffy Mexican rice, creamy refried beans, and a refreshing house-made agua fresca. A full plate of flavor!

birria
Birria Taco $5.50
Tender shredded beef with melted cheese in a corn tortilla topped with fresh onions and cilantro. Served with a side of rich, beef consommé for dipping.

Walking Taco
Surf And Turf Walking Taco $13.50
Surf & Turf walking taco Shrimp + carne asada combo layered on Doritos with nacho cheese and grilled jalapeños.
Chicken Walking Taco $10.50
Chicken walking taco Grilled chicken, melted nacho cheese, and grilled jalapeños over crunchy Doritos.
Al Pastor Walking Taco $10.50
Al Pastor Walking Taco Marinated al pastor, nacho cheese, and grilled jalapeños—served on cheesy Doritos.
Asada Walking Taco $10.50
Asada Walking Taco Grilled carne asada , nacho cheese, and grilled jalapeños on a bed of bold Doritos.

Burritos
Chicken Burrito $14.50
Chicken burrito grilled chicken, creamy beans, fluffy rice, American cheese, crisp lettuce and fresh tomato wrapped in a warm flour tortilla for the perfect bite every time.
Pastor Burrito (Pork) $14.50
Pastor burrito (pork) juicy al pastor, Mexican rice, creamy beans, onions, and cilantro all wrapped in an extra crispy, toasted flour tortilla. Not your regular burrito this one’s bold, fresh, and unforgettable.
Surf N Turf Burrito $16.50
Surf n turf burrito. A bold fusion of grilled carne asada and juicy shrimp, blended with melted Monterey cheese, fresh pico de gallo, and our house-made special sauce. All wrapped in a warm, golden toasted tortilla for the ultimate burrito experience.
Carne Asada Burrito $14.50
Carne asada burrito Tender grilled carne asada, creamy beans, fluffy rice, American cheese, crisp lettuce, and fresh tomato all wrapped in a warm, golden flour tortilla.
Bean And Cheese Burrito $8.50
Bean and cheese burrito. A comfort classic creamy refried beans and melted cheese wrapped in a warm, crispy toasted flour tortilla. Simple, satisfying and always a hit.

Sides
Chips With Guacamole $5.00
Chips with guacamole Fresh tortilla chips with smooth, zesty guac.
Al Pastor 4oz $4.00
Chips & Beans 8oz $6.00
Bean & chips crunchy chips served with warm, creamy refried beans.
Fries $5.00
Fries hot, crispy fries with a perfect golden crunch.
Carne Asada 4oz $4.00
Tender, seasoned beef cubes.
Guacamole $2.00
Guacamole creamy, zesty guac made fresh. Great on everything.
Plain Churro $3.50
Plain churro golden, crispy churros dusted in cinnamon sugar. Simple & sweet.
Sour Cream 2oz $2.00
Sour Cream Cool, smooth sour cream. Great on everything.
Grilled Jalapenos $1.50
Grilled jalapeños smoky, spicy and fire-roasted—perfect kick for any meal.
Chicken 4oz $4.00
Small cubes of seasoned chicken, weighing 4 ounces.
Beans 8oz $4.50
Beans creamy, seasoned refried beans—comfort in a cup.
Rice 8oz $4.50
Soft, orange Mexican rice.
Spot Sauce 4oz $3.00
Spot sauce 4oz our signature creamy chipotle sauce—perfect for dipping or drizzling.
Strawberry Churro $3.50
Golden-brown churro filled with sweet strawberry filling, dusted with cinnamon sugar.
Handmade Corn Tortilla $0.20
Hand made tortilla.

Breakfast menu
Loaded Breakfast Burrito Combo Chorizo $16.00
loaded breakfast burrito diced potato & horchata Eggs , cheese , potatoes.
Breakfast Burrito Bowl Bacon $14.00
Potatoes, eggs, beans, pico de Gallo, and cheese
Loaded Breakfast Burrito Combo Sausage $16.00
loaded breakfast burrito diced potato & horchata Eggs , cheese , potatoes.
Wake-Up Taco Combo Breakfast $15.00
Three breakfast tacos filled with eggs, cheese, and pico de gallo, with a choice of bacon, sausage, or chorizo, served with diced potatoes and a horchata.
Chilaquiles Breakfast $15.00
Crispy chips, green salsa, cream, cheese, pico de gallo, egg, chicken breakfast
Breakfast Burrito Bowl Sausage $14.00
Potatoes, eggs, beans, pico de Gallo, and cheese breakfast
Loaded Breakfast Burrito Combo Bacon $16.00
loaded breakfast burrito diced potato & horchata Eggs , cheese , potatoes.
Pancake Tacos Combo Bacon Breakfast $15.00
3 pancake tacos potatoes and a horchata Scrambled eggs drizzle of syrup and cheddar cheese
Pancake Tacos Combo Sausage Breakfast $15.00
3 pancake tacos potatoes and a horchata Scrambled eggs drizzle of syrup and cheddar cheese
Breakfast Burrito Bowl Chorizo $14.00
Potatoes, eggs, beans, pico de Gallo, and cheese

Kids Menu
Street Taco, Rice, Beans, Agua De Horchata $9.00
Kids taco plate one street taco, rice, beans and a small agua de horchata kids sized and super tasty!

Party Trays
Party Tray Burritos Carne Asada🌯 $95.00
Six carne asada burritos cut in half, served with chips, rice, beans, and lime wedges. Feeds up to 8 people.
Street Taco Bar $135.00
Street taco bar feeds up to 10-12 people build-your-own taco station with rice, beans, tortillas, salsas & 2 meats 4 pounds of your choice. Perfect for parties!

Vampiro
Pastor Vampiro $6.00
Pastor Vampiro pastor with cheese, onion & cilantro on a golden crunch base
Surf N Turf Vampiro $7.50
Surf N Turf Vampiro Shrimp + Asada on a cheesy, crispy shell, dripping in special sauce. Next-level flavor!
Chicken Vampiro $6.00
Chicken Vampiro grilled chicken with cheese, cilantro & onions. Big flavor, crispy bite.
Asada Vampiro $6.00
Asada Vampiro Carne asada ,melted cheese, fresh cilantro & onions. Crunchy, juicy perfection.

Protein Bowl
Chicken Protein Bowl $14.00
Chicken bowl grilled chicken of rice and beans, finished with melted cheese, lettuce, and fresh tomato.
Al Pastor Bowl $14.00
Al pastor bowl. Al pastor layered with rice, beans, melted cheese, onions, and a cilantro finish.
Asada Protein Bowl $14.00
Asada bowl juicy carne asada over rice and beans, topped with cheese, crisp lettuce, and diced tomato.
Surf And Turf Protein Bowl $16.00
Surf & turf bowl grilled shrimp and juicy carne asada over seasoned rice, beans, cheese and fresh-pico de gallo for a flavor-packed combo.

Nachos
Surf And Turf Nachos $15.00
Surf & Turf Nachos Shrimp + carne asada topped with pico de gallo, melted cheese & jalapeños. Loaded an
Asada Nachos $12.50
Asada Nachos Grilled asada on crispy chips with nacho cheese, jalapeños, onion & cilantro. Straight fire.
Al Pastor Nachos $12.50
Al Pastor Nachos Flavor-packed pastor with nacho cheese, jalapeños, onion & cilantro.
Chicken Nachos $12.50
Chicken Nachos Loaded with grilled chicken, nacho cheese, jalapeños, onion & cilantro. Classic and bold.

Loaded Fries
Asada Fries $14.00
Asada Fries Seasoned fries loaded with juicy carne asada, melted cheese, savory beans, fresh pico de gallo, and creamy sour cream.
Chicken Fries $14.00
Chicken Fries Crispy fries loaded with grilled chicken, warm beans, gooey cheese, fresh pico, and a cool sour cream finish.
Surf N Turf Fries $16.50
Surf N Turf Fries Fries taken to the next level—juicy carne asada, plump shrimp, cheese, pico de gallo, and our irresistible house sauce.
Al Pastor Fries $14.00
Fries topped with al pastor, beans, cheese, onions, and cilantro.

Drinks
Bottled Coke $4.00
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
Bottled Water $3.00
Pure, refreshing bottled water.
Mountain Dew 20oz $3.50
Exhilarate and quench your thirst with a one of a kind taste.
Mango Magic $15.00
Mango Magic Frozen mango smoothie swirled with tangy chamoy and tajín. Sweet, spicy, and addicting.
Dr Pepper 20oz $3.50
Agua De Horchata $4.00
Agua de Horchata Creamy, cinnamon-sweet rice milk served ice-cold. A classic refresher.
Pepsi 20oz $4.00
The bold, refreshing, robust cola

Keto Tacos
Surf And Turf Keto $6.50
Surf & turf keto shrimp + steak packed in a cheesy crunch shell with fresh pico. Pure power bite.
Al Pastor Keto $5.00
Al pastor keto no tortilla, no problem. Just cheesy, crispy perfection with juicy pastor onion cilantro
Chicken Keto $5.00
Chicken keto chicken, grilled cheese shell, onions, cilantro—clean eating, full taste.
Asada Keto $5.00
Asada keto carne asada inside a crisp cheese shell with onions & cilantro. Low-carb, big flavor.

Quesadillas (Corn Tortilla)
Pastor Corn Quesadilla $6.00
Pastor corn quesadilla savory marinated pork al pastor paired with melted cheese, all tucked inside a fresh, hand made corn tortilla grilled to perfection. Juicy, flavorful and slightly smoky with a touch of sweetness from the marinade.
Carne Asada Corn Quesadilla $6.00
Carne asada corn quesadilla Juicy, flame-grilled carne asada meets rich, melted cheese inside a golden, hand made corn tortilla. Crispy on the outside, savory and satisfying in every bite & meat
Surf N Turf Corn Quesadilla $8.00
Surf n turf corn quesadilla juicy steak and shrimp with melted cheese in a crispy hand made tortilla. Bold, rich and unforgettable.
Cheese Corn Quesadilla $5.00
Melted cheese and sweet corn inside a folded corn tortilla.
Chicken Corn Quesadillas $6.00
Chicken corn quesadilla. Tender grilled chicken and melted cheese folded into a crispy, hand made corn tortilla. Comforting, flavorful and made fresh to satisfy every craving.

Quesadillas (Flour Tortilla)
Surf N Turf Flour Quesadilla $16.50
Surf n turf flour quesadilla. A deluxe combo of juicy carne asada and succulent shrimp, grilled with melted cheese inside a golden, crispy flour tortilla. Bold, rich, and loaded with flavor in every bite.
Pastor Flour Quesadilla $14.00
Pastor flour quesadilla sweet and smoky pork al pastor grilled with cheese inside a perfectly crispy tortilla. It’s cheesy, meaty and full of bold, authentic flavor.
Cheese Flour Quesadilla $8.00
Melted cheese encased in a soft flour tortilla.
Chicken Flour Quesadilla $14.00
Chicken flour quesadilla tender grilled chicken mixed with melted cheese and toasted to crispy perfection. Savory, satisfying, and never basic—this one hits the spot every time.
Carne Asada Flour Quesadilla $14.00
Carne asada flour quesadilla Juicy, marinated carne asada with a generous layer of melted cheese, folded into a golden flour tortilla. A hearty, flavor-packed classic you’ll crave again and again.

Tacos (Homemade Corn Tortilla)
Pastor Taco (Pork) $5.00
Al pastor taco home made tortillas tender pork marinated in a bold blend of chilies and spices, fire-grilled to perfection and topped with onions and cilantro. Smoky in every bite.
Surf N Turf Taco $7.50
Surf n turf taco juicy grilled asada and seasoned shrimp come together on a homemade tortilla, smothered with melted cheese, fresh pico de gallo and a drizzle of our signature spot sauce. It’s land, sea, and flavor all in one taco.
Chicken Taco $5.00
Chicken with American cheese, lettuce and tomato on a homemade tortilla.
Street Taco Carne Asada $3.50
Carne asada Street Taco Tender grilled steak chopped to perfection, served on a warm tortilla and topped with fresh onions and cilantro. Simple, bold, and straight from the streets—just how a real taco should be. double tortillas and 4inch small
Carne Asada Taco $5.00
Carne asada taco (American style) grilled steak loaded into a soft homemade tortilla, topped with melted American cheese, crisp lettuce, and fresh tomato. A bold twist on a classic, made the taco spot way.
Street Taco Chicken $3.50
Chicken street taco grilled, seasoned chicken served on a warm tortilla and topped with fresh onions and cilantro. Simple, juicy, and full of flavor—taco spot style.
Street Taco Al Pastor (Pork) $3.50
Marinated pork on a tortilla with fresh onions and cilantro. Served with lime wedges.

The Taco Spot - Tempe Details

From the business
Identifies as Latino-owned

Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free parking lot
On-site parking
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

The Taco Spot - Tempe Photos

The Taco Spot - Tempe Location

The Taco Spot - Tempe

Arizona Maricopa County Tempe South Tempe West Elliot Road

325 W Elliot Rd #101, Tempe, AZ 85284, USA

The Taco Spot - Tempe Reviews

An average rating of ★4.1 from 1198 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

The Food:Oh boy… where do I even start? We ordered via Uber Eats for pickup, thinking this would be an easy grab-and-go situation. Instead, we got there only to find out our items were “out of stock” and we needed to pick something else. Fine. We switched to different burritos. Except, plot twist… they didn’t have tortillas. At a taco spot. So, we subbed in Nachos al Pastor, hoping for a save. Nope. The portion size was shockingly small for the price (in this economy?!), and the flavor was basically MIA. The carne was tough, the jalapeños were off, and the churro was cold in the middle.Now, I will give credit where it’s due. The fries were almost there. They had a solid batter and great seasoning, but somehow managed to be crispy and soggy at the same time. Like the oil wasn’t quite hot enough to seal the deal.The Vibe:Let’s just say the energy matched the food. Flat. The cashier was indifferent at best, which made the whole “out of everything” situation feel even more disappointing.The Value:Minimal. For what we paid, we expected something to stand out. Instead, it all fell short. Both literally and figuratively.Final Word:When a taco place runs out of tortillas and flavor in the same breath… it’s a no from me. I’ll never be back.#TempeEats #TacoFail #DisappointingBites #CustomerServiceMatters #NotWorthIt #FoodieLetdown
October 14 · Brittany Facio
Meat quality is horrible. Very dry and hardly any flavor. I only ate my food because it’s 110 outside and I need calories to get through the work day. I tried 3 different types of meat tacos and all 3 were just terrible. It’s like they cook the meat for the week on Monday and microwave it when it is ordered for the rest of the week.That being said, it’s very over priced. 3 nasty tacos with these tiny rice and beans cups for $20?? If it was actually good food then maybe I’d say it’s worth it. It’s absolutely not.The rice and salsa were good though. Be sure to ask for extra salsa if you plan to eat any meat, you’re gonna need it and they don’t give you enough to begin with.
July 16 · James Tafoya II
Tried this spot while visiting from out Charlotte, NC. The food is bland, dry, and does not taste good. The menu options are limited and the service is below subpar; the girl who took my order did not care at all and rang me up for a drink knowing that she knew they were out of. I wouldn’t come back here.
May 26 · Sharika “Rika” Comfort
I’m sorry but for this place being so popular on Social Media, i expected more. The flavor was good, i got the combo of 3 Birria tacos and a drink. For the price i definitely expected some beautifully sized tacos, these needed more meat inside. The service was also on the low side. We just felt rushed and like the cashier was annoyed. I continuously said i wanted Horchata for my drink, my spouse asked for a couple of water cups. She gave us the water cups. After we got our food I proceeded to ask for my horchata drink in which the cashier said i didn’t purchase one. I said doesn’t it come with my combo she said yes but i already gave you a fountain drink cup. I’m like no i didn’t, i only got the water cups. She said no i gave you water cups and the fountain drink cup. After a bit of back and forth she finally gave me my horchata. It was not the best experience for some place with above average price of food. I was ready to spend money for the quality but i felt it was not there. P.S the Horchata was not great either.
June 17 · Tori
The screen for the menu kept turning off so it took us a little longer to order. The employee kept having to turn it back on.Dry beans, dry rice, and the tortillas seemed undercooked. Not my forte. The steak and chicken were both juicy and had great flavor.The sink in the bathroom was about to fall off the wall, no paper towels and the worker had just gone in before me to "clean".
May 22 · Travis William