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KC Taco Tour

A Road Trip Discovery of the Tastiest Tacos in Town

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Tip: Read on for a map to locate the best tacos in KC!

            It’s Tuesday folks and guess what’s for dinner? Tacos! When I moved to Overland Park in 2000 as a young first-time teacher, my roommate and I used to always hit up Tanner’s for their infamous Taco Tuesday, where tacos were a mere 25 cents. We could even offer to treat each other because it was so cheap! Well, 20 years later, the taco scene has grown leaps and bounds, and Tanner’s is certainly not the first place you’d think of for tacos anymore! Move over Tanner’s, there are some new tacos in town!

Bonito Michoacan (with locations in Kansas City, KS, as well as Olathe) began in Houston and expanded to Kansas in 2007. Open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., this little gem is actually a Mexican grocery store and butcher that also serves amazing food, including tacos. Be sure to check out the barbacoa or el pastor tacos (pork meat that includes pineapple), as well as the sauce bar. Come early or plan to wait in line! Taco Tuesday specials can be found here for a dollar too!

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In similar fashion, Carniceria y Tortilleria San Antonio is also a grocery store and butcher, where tortillas are made fresh daily and can be purchased to take home. A sauce and toppings bar for your tacos is available, but be sure to ask for the onion, cilantro and avocado sauce.

Many consider Tacos El Tio to be truly authentic Mexican street tacos. A choice of nine different meats is available to choose from, including the more popular and well-known carne asada, pastor and chorizo—but the lengua and cabeza are popular options too. Menudo, a traditional Mexican soup, is served here, but only on the weekends. As a side note, this is a cash only establishment!

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Rated #1 for Mexican restaurants in Kansas City on TripAdvisor, Taco Republic has a casual, fun and lively atmosphere and a nice outdoor seating area. It is not unusual to see patrons with their dogs, a group playing cornhole, or families with children. And although they offer “fancier” grown-up tacos (such as the Jorge), the kids menu is plain and simple. If you cannot make it to the restaurant, be sure to stop by their taco truck, located at 500 County Line Rd., across from the original Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que.

Make Wednesdays a taco tradition and pop into Camino Real for the $1 pastor tacos. Several meat choices are available for these authentic street tacos, which are served up on freshly made tortillas. Onions and cilantro come on the side, and you can choose to add cheese for a small charge.

If you happen to be in the River Market, stop by KC Taco Company for a variety of more unusual tacos like portobello, spicy ahi tuna and Korean pork (featured on Food Networks’ Diners, Drive-ins and Dives). But don’t leave without trying a side order of Mexican street corn!

Mission Taco is another hot spot offering unique taco choices as well. Here you can find barbecue duck, hot fried chicken and mango-hop-anero shrimp tacos, which are definitely not your average tacos! Mission Taco is vegetarian friendly and has two locations, one in the Crossroads and one southwest of the Plaza.

People come from near and far to eat at one of two Dos de Oros restaurants in Kansas City.  

You can’t beat fresh Mexican food and unlimited (and complimentary!) chips and salsa to start off your meal. The menu is extensive, providing a plethora of options, but the baja fish tacos are a must.

Since 1975 Ponak’s has been serving up legendary margaritas in a fun and lively atmosphere.  The food is no-frills, but you definitely won’t leave hungry with the generous portion you’ll be given. Check them out on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for taco specials!

If you’re looking for an out-of-the-ordinary taco experience, check out Extra Virgin. This trendy, upscale establishment offers tuna ceviche tacos, as well as duck tongue tacos.      

Perhaps the newest “taco” on the block can be found at La Fuente Mexican Street Food. Having only just opened in April, they are already building a name for themselves in the taco world. The eatery is similar in style to Chipotle, and you can pick your dish and customize your ingredients to suit your taste buds. With many unique salsa options to tempt and seven different meats to choose from, the menu will certainly give you something to enjoy!

Make El Fogon your new go-to for Taco Tuesday with $1.49 chicken, pork or chorizo tacos. Order at the counter then head to the salsa bar where you can choose from seven different sauces to top your meal. If you’re up for spice, try the avocado salsa!

            These restaurants are just a FEW of the options Kansas City offers. You may have your own favorite spot, but think about trying one from this list. During the unique times we find ourselves in, supporting a local—and yummy—restaurant is a win-win for everyone!

Julie Collett writes from Overland Park, and it just so happens tacos are her favorite food!

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