⏱ 5 min read  ·  ✅ Updated Nov 2026

Last Updated: November 10, 2026

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Del Taco is a Mexican-inspired fast food chain that began in California and has grown across the western United States and beyond. Its menu mixes tacos, burritos and quesadillas with American-style items like burgers, fries and milkshakes, giving customers a wide range of options at a single drive-thru. If you are new to the brand, this guide walks through the main categories, a few starter orders, and tips for ordering.

Menus, availability and limited-time items vary by location and change often. Check the official Del Taco menu or app to confirm current offerings before you go.

What Del Taco Is Known For

Del Taco is recognized for its crunchy tacos, large burritos, crinkle-cut fries and a dual menu that includes both Mexican-style and American-style foods. The chain often highlights its Epic burritos, which are oversized burritos stuffed with fillings like fries, cheese and protein. Another hallmark is the Queso Loco, a spicy queso-style cheese sauce that appears on certain items. Breakfast burritos and a late-night drive-thru presence round out its reputation.

The crinkle-cut fries and milkshakes also play a role in the menu identity, reflecting the chain’s mix of Mexican and American drive-in influences.

Main Menu Categories

Tacos

The tacos are a core category. Crunchy tacos use a crisp shell filled with seasoned beef, lettuce and cheese, while soft tacos use a flour or corn tortilla. Chicken, steak and plant-based fillings may be offered depending on location. Premium taco options and street-style tacos appear on some menus.

Burritos

Burritos range from simple bean and cheese versions to larger Epic burritos with multiple ingredients. Breakfast burritos usually include eggs, potatoes, cheese and a protein such as sausage or bacon. Some burritos can be ordered with or without rice and beans.

Quesadillas and Nachos

Quesadillas offer melted cheese in a grilled tortilla, often with chicken or steak. Nachos typically include chips with cheese sauce and toppings, and are meant for sharing.

Burgers and American-Style Items

Del Taco menus often include hamburgers, cheeseburgers and chicken sandwiches. This section makes the chain a flexible choice for groups with different tastes.

Fries and Sides

Crinkle-cut fries are a staple, sometimes available loaded with toppings such as cheese or chili. Other sides can include chips, rice, beans and onion rings in some markets.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served in the morning and typically features breakfast burritos, croissant-style sandwiches, hash browns and coffee. Hours vary by location, and some restaurants offer breakfast items later in the day.

Shakes and Desserts

Milkshakes are a signature part of the menu, usually offered in classic flavors with seasonal options sometimes appearing. Other desserts may include churros or cinnamon-style treats at certain locations.

Drinks

Fountain drinks, iced tea, lemonade and coffee are standard. Some stores offer specialty frozen drinks.

What First-Timers Might Try

  • A crunchy taco: the most basic way to sample the seasoning and shell style.
  • An Epic burrito: a filling option for people with a large appetite.
  • Crinkle-cut fries: a side that reflects the American-style half of the menu.
  • Queso Loco: a spicy cheese sauce that adds flavor to chips or burritos where available.
  • A milkshake: a classic pairing with fries or tacos.

Customization and Ordering Tips

Del Taco makes it easy to adjust items by adding or removing ingredients. Common requests include no onions, extra cheese, sauce on the side or a swap of protein. Many tacos and burritos can be made vegetarian by using beans instead of meat, and some locations offer plant-based protein options. Always verify through the official ingredient guide, since preparation and ingredients can change.

The chain offers a variety of sauces, from mild to hot. It is common to see mild, hot and a green sauce option at the counter or available by request. Trying a few lets you see how they change the flavor of tacos and burritos. For burritos, you can often request fillings to be adjusted, such as less rice or no beans, depending on the item.

The Del Taco app lets you order ahead, view the menu, and take advantage of rewards. Drive-thru service is common, and many restaurants stay open late. Family-style meals and combo bundles are offered for groups, and tacos are often sold in multi-packs. Check the app for current bundles and promotions.

  • Try multiple sauces to find your preferred heat level.
  • Order tacos in a multi-pack to sample different fillings.
  • Ask for loaded fries as a shareable side if offered.
  • Check breakfast hours if you want a morning burrito.
  • Use the app to find deals and place an order ahead.

Planning Your Visit

Del Taco restaurants are most common in California, Nevada, Arizona and other western states, with a smaller presence elsewhere. Many are built around a drive-thru, and some stay open late into the night, which suits post-event meals or early shifts. If you are ordering for a group, multi-pack tacos, a few burritos and a large order of fries make an easy spread. When you are unsure how spicy a sauce is, ask for a few packets on the side so you can adjust at the table.

Quick-Reference Table

Category Typical Items Good For
Tacos Crunchy tacos, soft tacos, street-style tacos Light, snackable meals
Burritos Bean and cheese, Epic burritos, breakfast burritos Filling meals
Quesadillas and Nachos Chicken or steak quesadilla, nachos with cheese Sharing
American-Style Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches Mixed groups
Fries Crinkle-cut fries, loaded fries Pairing
Breakfast Breakfast burritos, croissant sandwiches Mornings
Shakes Milkshakes in classic flavors Dessert

Menu Variation by Location

Menus, availability and limited-time items vary by location and change often. Del Taco restaurants are concentrated in particular states, and menu items such as street-style tacos, plant-based proteins or loaded fries may not be available everywhere. The official Del Taco menu or app is the most dependable place to confirm what your nearest restaurant offers.

FAQ

What is Del Taco best known for?

It is best known for its tacos, Epic burritos, crinkle-cut fries and a menu that blends Mexican-style and American-style items.

Does Del Taco serve burgers?

Yes, many locations serve hamburgers and cheeseburgers alongside the Mexican-style menu.

Is breakfast available all day?

Breakfast hours vary. Some locations serve breakfast items later than others, so confirm in the app.

Are there vegetarian options?

Many items can be made with beans in place of meat, and some restaurants offer plant-based proteins. Check the official ingredient information for specifics.

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