Who doesn’t love tacos? Check out one of these great places to satisfy you and your sweetheart’s appetites!
Taco Naco. Located in Downtown Overland Park and Westport, this taqueria is serving up some of Kansas City’s best tacos, nachos and margaritas. We recently tried here for the first time—and have already been back a second time. The tacos are artfully crafted and packed with flavor, not to mention ingredients. There is no skimping on the meat, veggies and other toppings. You definitely need lots of napkins for this meal because you will get it all over your hands—unless you just want to eat it with a fork. But where’s the fun in that? Even though this place is considered a fast casual restaurant, there is no need to feel rushed. We went with friends and sat around talking for quite a while. The atmosphere is fun and inviting with pops of color everywhere. In addition to being a restaurant, the establishment also has a small market that sells produce, salsas and other Mexican goods. On nice days, they have a patio that beckons you to come outdoors with your food. Taco Naco, though relatively new, ranks in my top three taco places in KC. And when you pay them a visit, you’ll see why. Be sure to try the brisket barbacoa taco. It is amazing!
Another tasty taco place in KC is Mission Taco Joint. They have locations in the Crossroads, South Plaza and Leawood. Their West Coast style tacos are creative and nontraditional. On a recent visit, I ordered the mango habanero shrimp, the Yucatecan pork and the Baja fish. My husband got the hot fried chicken, the carne molida and the BLT (who wouldn’t love bacon on a taco?). All were outstanding. If you are going to the Crossroads location, note that it is all street parking, and if there are any big events going on in the area, you may have to park several blocks away. The South Plaza location has both street parking and garage parking (free with validation), so it is easier to navigate.
Kansas City Taco Company is a gem of a restaurant located in the River Market that doesn’t get the love and attention it deserves. We visited recently after having not been there for a few years, and we were pleased to see that they had expanded. And the food? Well, it was absolutely superb! He had the cowboy junkie burrito, which was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: mesquite pork and chorizo rolled in a large tortilla and deep fried, served over rice and topped with queso, spicy bacon pinto beans and pico. This is one big burrito—huge and hearty. And of course, my husband had no trouble putting it all away. Meanwhile, I was enjoying every bit of my street corn to start, followed up by one Thai chili shrimp taco and one roasted cauliflower taco. Both were bursting with amazing flavor. I just couldn’t get enough of them. All of KC Taco Company’s tacos are innovative, unique and full of flavor. You can’t go wrong with any of them. We highly recommend paying them a visit. They are closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.
Hannah Berry is a freelance writer who lives in the Northland with her husband. They love to explore Kansas City and try new restaurants and activities. Check out her Facebook page, Out & About in KC.