If you are on a quest to find the perfect fast food taco, you have probably found yourself debating between a few major drive-thru chains. Today, I am breaking down my Del Taco experience, specifically focusing on their flagship menu item known simply as “The Del Taco.”
I recently visited my local restaurant to revisit this classic and see if it still holds up to the hype. Let me tell you right away: if you appreciate freshly grated cheddar cheese and perfectly seasoned beef, this review will give you everything you need to know before your next fast food run.
Below, I am taking you through the pricing, the flavor profile, the hot sauces, and how this taco stacks up against its biggest competitors.
Menu at a Glance
Before we dive into the specific taco review, it helps to understand what the broader del taco menu has to offer. Here is a quick breakdown of their main categories, starting prices, and what each section is best known for.
| Menu Category | Starting Price | What It Is Best For |
| Tacos | $1.29 | Classic cravings, featuring both crunchy corn shells and soft flour tortillas. |
| Burritos | $1.99 | Hearty, filling meals loaded with slow-cooked beans and fresh ingredients. |
| Burgers & Fries | $2.49 | Those moments when you want American fast food alongside your Mexican favorites. |
| Value Menu | $0.99 | Budget-friendly snacking without compromising on portion size or flavor. |
Best Items to Order First
If this is your first time visiting, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Here are my top recommendations for first-time visitors:
- The Del Taco (Crunchy): The flagship taco loaded with extra freshly grated cheese and seasoned beef.
- Epic Fresh Avocado Burrito: Packed with house-made guacamole and grilled chicken for a lighter, fresher taste.
- Crinkle Cut Fries: The ultimate secret weapon, perfect for dipping into their signature hot sauces.
- Bean and Cheese Burrito: A simple classic made superior by their slow-cooked, scratch-made beans.
First Impressions and Pricing
My main goal for this visit was to order the flagship taco. The ordering process was smooth, though the cashier did attempt a classic fast food upsell. She suggested I go with the “Number One” combo, which includes two of their signature tacos, a fountain drink, and a side of fries for around $8.50.
While combos are great, I wanted to focus purely on the tacos. I ordered two standalone crunchy Del Tacos. At just $2.29 each, my total was well under $5.00. In today’s economy, getting two massive, heavily topped fast food tacos for less than a five-dollar bill is an incredible value.
The Anatomy of “The Del Taco”
What exactly makes this taco different from a standard fast food offering? It all comes down to the ingredients and the preparation.
When you order this item, it comes housed in a larger crunchy corn shell, though you can absolutely request a soft warm flour tortilla if you prefer. Inside, it is filled with seasoned beef, crisp shredded lettuce, fresh diced tomatoes, and a massive amount of freshly grated cheddar cheese.
“The freshness of the cheese just sets this taco over the top. It cascades everywhere, bringing a rich, authentic flavor you rarely find in a drive-thru.”
When I unwrapped my order, the first thing I noticed was the plethora of cheese. They did not skimp. While the diced tomatoes (their pico de gallo mix) were a bit light, the sheer volume of cascading cheddar completely made up for it.
The Taste Test: No Sauce vs. Hot Sauce
To give a fair review, I always take my first bite completely plain. I want to taste the seasoning of the meat and the crispness of the shell without any distractions.
Taking that first cross-section bite was a revelation. The seasoned beef has a fantastic savory flavor, but the real star of the show is the cheese. Because they grate their cheddar fresh in-house every single day, it melts perfectly in your mouth instead of feeling like waxy plastic. The crunchy corn shell held together beautifully for the first few bites, providing that necessary textural contrast to the soft meat and cheese.
After the plain bite, it was time to introduce the sauces. I asked the cashier to surprise me, and she generously provided packets of Mild, Del Scorcho, and Del Inferno.
I opted to try the Del Inferno sauce first. I added just enough to wet my whistle. The Del Inferno sauce packs a very respectable level of heat, but what impressed me most was the underlying flavor profile. It is not just pure heat. It has a tangy, smoky depth that elevates the savory notes of the seasoned beef. The taco did start to fall apart a little bit toward the end, but that is the expected risk of a fully loaded crunchy taco.
Taco Bell vs. Del Taco: The Great Debate
You cannot write about this restaurant without addressing the elephant in the room. How does it compare to Taco Bell?
When you look at the standard taco at Taco Bell versus the flagship Del Taco, the differences in freshness become very apparent. Here is where the quality shines:
- Freshly Grated Cheese: They buy blocks of high-quality cheddar and grate it daily.
- Fresh Guacamole: They mash real avocados in the kitchen.
- Scratch-Made Beans: Instead of rehydrating dried flakes, they slow-cook their beans in massive cauldrons daily.
These fresh preparation methods make a massive difference in the final product. The size of the taco is also noticeably larger and more filling than a standard competitor taco.
Final Verdict and Rating
After finishing my lunch, I had to give this experience a final score.
If I am rating this strictly against other fast food tacos (excluding traditional sit-down restaurants, authentic food trucks, and mom-and-pop taquerias), I give The Del Taco a highly respectable 91 out of 100.
For a fast food flagship item, it hits all the right notes. It is affordable, the ingredients taste remarkably fresh, and the in-house grated cheese makes an absolute world of difference. It is a messy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying bite that I will definitely be returning for.
FAQs
What is the signature taco at Del Taco?
The signature item is simply named “The Del Taco.” It features seasoned beef, crisp shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and freshly grated cheddar cheese inside a large crunchy corn shell or a warm soft flour tortilla.
Does Del Taco grate their own cheese?
Yes, this is one of their biggest selling points. They grate their cheddar cheese fresh from blocks every single day in the restaurant, which results in a much better flavor and melting texture.
Is Del Taco better than Taco Bell?
While taste is subjective, many fans prefer this chain because of their commitment to fresh ingredients. They make their beans from scratch daily, mash their own guacamole, and use fresh cheese, giving them a distinct edge in food quality.
What sauces are available for the tacos?
They offer a variety of signature hot sauces ranging in heat levels. The most popular options include Mild, Del Scorcho (medium heat with great flavor), and Del Inferno (their spiciest option for heat lovers).
Are the prices affordable?
Yes, the menu is highly budget-friendly. You can purchase their large signature tacos for around two dollars and twenty-nine cents, and they also feature a dedicated value menu with items starting under a dollar.