Taco Bus
913 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL, 33604
Taco Bus Menu
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Appetizers
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Salad Ensalada De Casa
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Seafood
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Vegetarian
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Sides
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Dessert
Diabetics at Taco Bell
The biggest concern for diabetics is to find healthy food with less sugar at restaurants. The hunt for the right food becomes even more challenging for diabetics when dining at a fast food restaurant. Well, Taco Bell changes that with Fresco style. Simply ask or order an item from the Taco Bell menu in Fresco Style.
Food Suggestions for Diabetics at Taco Bell:
Crunchy Taco Supreme
Nutrition Fact: 190 calories, 11g Fat (4.5g Sat. Fat), 340mg sodium, 15g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein
Fresco Steak Soft Taco
Nutrition Fact: 150 calories, 4g Fat (1.5g Sat. Fat), 460mg sodium, 17g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 10g Protein
Fresco Soft Taco – Shredded Chicken
Nutrition Fact: 150 calories, 6g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 9g Protein
Fresco Soft Taco Beef
Nutrition Fact: 160 calories, 6g Fat (2.5g Sat. Fat), 480mg sodium, 18g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein
Veggie Power Menu Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 480 calories, 19g Fat (5g Sat. Fat), 970mg sodium, 65g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 13g Fiber, 14g Protein
Bean Burrito
Nutrition Fact: 380 calories, 11g Fat (4g Sat. Fat), 1060mg sodium, 55g Carbs, 3g Sugar, 9g Fiber, 14g Protein
Mini Skillet Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 180 calories, 11g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for Diabetics:
You must avoid all kinds of Drinks and Freezes at Taco Bell if you have diabetes. Almost every beverage offered at Taco Bell contains high sugar content.
High Cholesterol at Taco Bell
Fast food restaurants are known for serving high calorie, greasy food with lots of sugars. Taco Bell changes this trend by offering Fresco Style option where your favorite food item is prepared using pico de gallo as it will cut down 20 – 30 calories easily from the original meal.
Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Taco Bell:
Mini Skillet Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 180 calories, 11g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Breakfast Soft Taco – Egg & Cheese
Nutrition Fact: 170 calories, 9g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 330mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, less than 1g Fiber, 7g Protein
Spicy Tostada
Nutrition Fact: 210 calories, 10g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 440mg sodium, 22g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 5g Fiber, 6g Protein
Fresco Crunchy Taco – Beef
Nutrition Fact: 140 calories, 7g Fat (2.5g Sat. Fat), 300mg sodium, 14g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 6g Protein
Shredded Chicken Mini Quesadilla
Nutrition Fact: 200 calories, 10g Fat (3.5g Sat. Fat), 490mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 1g Fiber, 10g Protein
Crunchy Taco Supreme
Nutrition Fact: 190 calories, 11g Fat (4.5g Sat. Fat), 340mg sodium, 15g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein
Spicy Potato Soft Taco
Nutrition Fact: 230 calories, 12g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 460mg sodium, 27g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for High Cholesterol:
It is best to avoid Bacon or Steak dishes at Taco Bell as such dishes contain a lot of fat. Also, try to avoid all kinds of Drinks and Freezes which are full of sugars resulting in empty calories.
Healthy Meal suggestions for Taco Bus
-
Appetizers
-
Salad Ensalada De Casa
-
Seafood
-
Vegetarian
-
Sides
-
Dessert
High Blood Pressure at Taco Bell
People with high blood pressure must avoid food with high sodium levels. You can either ask the people at Taco Bell to add less salt in your food or choose the food items with less sodium content or customize your order using Taco Bell's own nutrition calculator.
Food Suggestions to Control Blood Pressure at Taco Bell:
Fresco Chicken Soft Taco
Nutrition Fact: 150 calories, 6g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 9g Protein
Spicy Tostada
Nutrition Fact: 210 calories, 10g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 440mg sodium, 22g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 5g Fiber, 6g Protein
Grilled Breakfast Burrito - Sausage
Nutrition Fact: 340 calories, 17g Fat (5g Sat. Fat), 730mg sodium, 36g Carbs, 3g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 11g Protein
Veggie Power Menu Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 480 calories, 19g Fat (5g Sat. Fat), 970mg sodium, 65g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 13g Fiber, 14g Protein
Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for High Blood Pressure:
Taco Bell offers a wide range of Grande Scrambler Burritos, Crunch wraps, and Quesadillas which are high in sodium. It is important to limit the sodium intake at Taco Bell and avoid any meal with over 750-800mg sodium.
Visit below restaurant in Tampa for healthy meals suggestion.
High Cholesterol at Taco Bell
Fast food restaurants are known for serving high calorie, greasy food with lots of sugars. Taco Bell changes this trend by offering Fresco Style option where your favorite food item is prepared using pico de gallo as it will cut down 20 – 30 calories easily from the original meal.
Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Taco Bell:
Mini Skillet Bowl
Nutrition Fact: 180 calories, 11g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Breakfast Soft Taco – Egg & Cheese
Nutrition Fact: 170 calories, 9g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 330mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, less than 1g Fiber, 7g Protein
Spicy Tostada
Nutrition Fact: 210 calories, 10g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 440mg sodium, 22g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 5g Fiber, 6g Protein
Fresco Crunchy Taco – Beef
Nutrition Fact: 140 calories, 7g Fat (2.5g Sat. Fat), 300mg sodium, 14g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 6g Protein
Shredded Chicken Mini Quesadilla
Nutrition Fact: 200 calories, 10g Fat (3.5g Sat. Fat), 490mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 1g Fiber, 10g Protein
Crunchy Taco Supreme
Nutrition Fact: 190 calories, 11g Fat (4.5g Sat. Fat), 340mg sodium, 15g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein
Spicy Potato Soft Taco
Nutrition Fact: 230 calories, 12g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 460mg sodium, 27g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein
Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for High Cholesterol:
It is best to avoid Bacon or Steak dishes at Taco Bell as such dishes contain a lot of fat. Also, try to avoid all kinds of Drinks and Freezes which are full of sugars resulting in empty calories.
Visit below restaurant in Tampa for healthy meals suggestion.
Q&A on Taco Bell
Who owns Taco Bell?
Taco Bell is a restaurant chain subsidiary owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. which controls the restaurant division of PepsiCo.
When does Taco Bell stop serving breakfast?
Taco Bell starts serving breakfast from 6 a.m. which is one hour later than other competitors. However, the restaurant chain continues serving breakfast till 11 a.m. which is half an hour later than other competitors.
When is Taco Bell happy hour?
Happy hour at Taco Bell starts from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Are Taco Bell beans healthy?
Beans are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals like iron and phosphorous. Hence, Taco Bell beans are healthy in nature. However, there are claims that Taco Bell uses a rehydrated slew of mystery ingredients instead of beans. So, simply inquire about the beans before ordering items serving Taco Bell beans.
Which Taco Bell is closest to me?
Use our Restaurant Listings directory to find Taco Bell nearby.
Which Taco Bell sauce is hottest?
Diablo is the hottest Taco Bell sauce.
Which Taco Bell sauce is best?
In terms of popularity, the Mild sauce is undoubtedly the best Taco Bell sauce favored by Americans.
Which Taco Bell sauces are vegan?
Hot and Mild sauces are certified vegan.
Which Taco Bell has nacho fries?
Taco Bell has a habit of discontinuing and relaunching Nacho Fries. You can find the Taco Bell locations nearby to see if the Taco Bell store has Nacho Fries.
Which Taco Bell is open right now?
Taco Bell opens at 6 a.m. in the morning and stays open until 3 a.m. the next day at major locations. In New York city, the Taco Bell stores stay open till 11 p.m. or 12 midnight.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
About Taco Bell
Taco Bell is a haven for Mexican delicacies such as tacos, quesadillas, burritos, nachos, and other specialty items. Owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. Taco Bell is one of the fastest growing American chains of fast food restaurants. The restaurant operates from 7,072 different locations which are mostly run by independent franchisees and licensees.
The background story of Taco Bell is interesting and inspiring for budding entrepreneurs. The fast-food brand is the brainchild of Glen Bell, who started his first food venture as a hot dog seller in San Bernardino, California. The year was 1948. After witnessing long queues outside a Mexican restaurant called Mitla Café across the street, Bell saw the opportunity and demand for hard-shelled Tacos. He reverse-engineered the recipe and later started selling Tacos and called the venture Taco-Tia.
Later, the name changed from Taco-Tia to El Taco. Eventually, Glen Bell sold the company to his partner and opened the first Taco Bell in Downey in 1962. By 1964, the restaurant also got its first franchise in Torrance. The 100th Taco Bell restaurant was opened by 1965. PepsiCo acquired Taco Bell from Glen Bell in 1978 and the restaurant brand is currently a subsidiary of Yum! Brands which looks after the restaurant business of PepsiCo.
Healthy Food Options at Taco Bell
You may believe that a healthy lifestyle doesn't go well at a fast food restaurant. Well, that's not the case with Taco Bell. Surprisingly Taco Bell offers a variety of healthy options, thanks to the in-house registered dietician who monitors the whole menu. The dietician ensures that each item on the menu is free from additives and preservatives, colors, and artificial flavors. The dietician also ensures that the food served at Taco Bell doesn't contain high-fructose corn syrup, low sodium levels, and reduced use of partially hydrogenated oil.
More than 75% of food items served at Taco Bell falls under 500 calories. Taco Bell also features the Fresco Style option which helps the customers to maintain healthy diet plan without missing out on taste. In Fresco style option, Taco Bell switches pico de gallo with cheese, sour cream, guac, and mayo-based sauce. Taco Bell takes care of almost every health preference of its customers.
Tips for Dining at Taco Bell
Diabetics can also try other Fresco styled Taco items such as Fresco Crunchy Taco, Fresco Grilled Steak, and Fresco Soft Taco Beef. These are other healthy alternatives of Tacos for diabetics which contains an adequate amount of starch and minimum or no fat content. Switch the regular sauce or cheese with pico de gallo and you can easily reduce the sodium intake and fat content for your body. It will help maintain blood pressure levels and control high cholesterol.
Q&A on Taco Bell
Who owns Taco Bell?
Taco Bell is a restaurant chain subsidiary owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. which controls the restaurant division of PepsiCo.
When does Taco Bell stop serving breakfast?
Taco Bell starts serving breakfast from 6 a.m. which is one hour later than other competitors. However, the restaurant chain continues serving breakfast till 11 a.m. which is half an hour later than other competitors.
When is Taco Bell happy hour?
Happy hour at Taco Bell starts from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Are Taco Bell beans healthy?
Beans are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals like iron and phosphorous. Hence, Taco Bell beans are healthy in nature. However, there are claims that Taco Bell uses a rehydrated slew of mystery ingredients instead of beans. So, simply inquire about the beans before ordering items serving Taco Bell beans.
Which Taco Bell is closest to me?
Use our Restaurant Listings directory to find Taco Bell nearby.
Which Taco Bell sauce is hottest?
Diablo is the hottest Taco Bell sauce.
Which Taco Bell sauce is best?
In terms of popularity, the Mild sauce is undoubtedly the best Taco Bell sauce favored by Americans.
Which Taco Bell sauces are vegan?
Hot and Mild sauces are certified vegan.
Which Taco Bell has nacho fries?
Taco Bell has a habit of discontinuing and relaunching Nacho Fries. You can find the Taco Bell locations nearby to see if the Taco Bell store has Nacho Fries.
Which Taco Bell is open right now?
Taco Bell opens at 6 a.m. in the morning and stays open until 3 a.m. the next day at major locations. In New York city, the Taco Bell stores stay open till 11 p.m. or 12 midnight.
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Address :
913 E Hillsborough Ave
Tampa, FL, 33604 - Phone (813) 232-5889
- Website https://www.taco-bus.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 4:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Late Night
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Anand A.
I go there often usually at late hours even everything is closed..It's the perfect midnight food..the torta Mexican sandwich is the best thing to get there.
(4)Camielle A.
I'll make any excuse to go to tampa just to visit taco bus. They accommodate to vegans and have awesome vegan steak strips that have great flavor. Taco Bus even offers daiya cheese which I'm not too big of a fan of but hey, it's a nice option! Visit Taco Bus, you won't be disappointed.
(5)jennifer C.
Not really sure what all the fuss is about. I mean it was ok and maybe I went in with too high of expectations, but I have had better tacos many other places. Worth another chance, but think people like it so much because it's open late and they are drunk, lol.
(3)sean h.
Within the last couple of years . It has gone downhill . I notice when order carna Assad burrito. They are mixing grown beef in it (big no no). Service is very rushed .
(2)I B.
I always eat here while in Tampa. The food is GOOD, but sometimes you get crappy customer service.
(5)Neil P.
Best by far in mexican cuisine we've had everything on menu you will not be disappointed in anything you order. We drive about 70 miles just to eat there and Lowery Park Zoo is just down the road so you can make a day of it!
(5)Darcy G.
Omfg. Talk about amazing! How did I survive this long and not enjoy taco bus?!?!? I cat get enough. First we ordered the shredded pork quesadilla which was awesomeeeee! It was so tasty and delicious that I had to go back and order us some beef tacos. Now even as I type my lips are still a bit on fire, but all in good amazing fun. I will definitely be back to explore some more of their menu!
(5)Frankie C.
This place is open 24/7 and pretty good noting that. I found this place late night and it's located right off the highway, making it an ideal place to grab grub. The Taco Bus is actually really cute. You order your food at one bus and then pick up your food from another bus. They did run out of a few items, like their horchata. The menu is relatively large and has something for everyone. I got two tostadas, one carnitas and one carne asada, with a side of Mexican rice. The food was average at best. It wasn't as authentic as many of the other reviews rave about....So, check your expectations before you dine here.
(3)Tim F.
I never expected to like a taco made with tongue, but if you want to try something that is not your traditional taco, (and very easy on the wallet) this is the place. Sure they have your traditional beef taco etc,, but why not try to be a bit adventurous or take a middle of the road approach, like I did, going a bit beyond your comfort zone and have a fall back position. In my case, it was a delicious chipotle chicken burrito, to my tongue taco. As it turns out, the fall back was not necessary as the tongue taco was absolutely delicious. Further, the burrito was awesome and huge. Added a side car of refried beans, which was enough to feed two to three people, which was also spot on. Make sure to try the tomatillo green sauce. OMG, this stuff has a good kick and is addictive as hell. If it wasn't for the fact that I did only had carry on luggage, I would have been half tempted to Bogart a bottle of the stuff and take it home with me, it is that good. Looking forward to my next trip to Taco Bus, when I am back in Tampa!
(4)Ana R.
We had a nice pre-Valentine's Day dinner at the TACO BUS. My favorite was the steak taco. Guacamole was good. Beans were good. My husband loved the Horchata, it's like a cinnamon milk. I had the Hibiscus Lemonade also known as Jamaica. I definitely want to go back before we leave Tampa this trip to try some more menu items and I want to repeat the steak taco without the cabbage.
(4)John P.
I've been to a lot of taco trucks in new york so i was very excited to try one in tampa. After a night out drinking we headed here around 1AM on a Saturday night. There were about 8 people in line, but the line went very quickly. We ordered 2 chicken, 2 pork, and 2 beef tacos. With the tacos being slightly more expensive than the trucks in New York I was hoping for some great tacos, especially considering that I was in Florida. I was extremely disappointed with this meal. My girlfriend and I had the same comment after each taco we ate, the meat is very dry and a little bland. I guess it's still a good late night spot if you want to avoid fast food, but wouldn't go out of my way for it.
(2)Shannon D.
I used to live right around the corner from here. Really good food, open all the time, great for late night cravings etc. When I first saw the name I laughed, but Taco Bus is no joke. I have driven down to Tampa from Orlando to eat here. My favorites are the shrimp ceviche, barbacoa tacos, and pineapple water! Truly delicious. Love the sink on the front of the "bus" for washing sticky hands, and the option of dining inside. If you haven't gone, go!
(5)Andrew D.
I went here on the recommendation of a friend one rainy night late in August. They insisted that this would be authentic Mexican - a commodity sometimes strangely difficult to find in Florida. The food was as advertised, and it was delicious. I will gladly return when next I find myself in Tampa. The restaurant itself is a series of food trucks that have been made stationary, and then had a little bit of extra covered seating built up around them. As a result, the place looks a bit dive-y and primitive. The rain did blow around the patio, encouraging us to sit inside. The indoors were a little raucous with a college crowd and no sound-insulating tiles, but again - the food was absolutely worthwhile. They offer at least two different types of hot sauce at the table, including a red and a green - and they were acceptably spicy to my Texas palette. Waitstaff is fully bilingual, helpful, and patient with the obnoxious college kids.
(4)J L.
I don't get it. Perhaps I'm an odd ball but this Mexican food is not to my liking. It all has a funny taste I can't get used to. Senior Tequila's in Carrollwood, though new and in a strip mall (which can seem very cliche) is a million times better than Taco Bus. Real Mexican food and most importantly, large portions. Taco Bus has become too big for their britches the past few years and while steadily increasing prices, have reduced portion size significantly. You spend a ton of money and leave hungry. That's my experience. And I'm a 100 lb. woman.
(2)Jimmy B.
Hands down, my favorite Mexican restaurant that I have ever eaten at. I have been going to El Taconazo -- better known these days as simply, The Taco Bus -- for about five years now. I've never had a bad meal there, not once. Is there any better Mexican eatery in Tampa? You can bet your ass that there is not. Everything tastes better at The Taco Bus. Tacos, Burritos, Tortas -- they all taste like God's semen. They have the best Mexican rice I have ever eaten. They have the best Barbacoa (shredded stewed beef) that I have ever eaten. I recommend getting both of these things when you go. Also, their Lengua (cow tongue) is surprisingly delicious. I was a little timid about trying it for a long time, but I felt adventurous one day and damn it's actually really good! For a special treat, order yourself an Horchata (or-chot-uh). It is basically a sweet beverage made with rice and cinnamon. It is very good. Sure, there are places like Miguel's, Estella's, and the East Brandon / Valrico gem, Sabor a Mexico. They don't have the same flair, the same selection, and definitely not the same ambiance that the Taco Bus has. I feel like I'm eating in Mexico when I'm at The Taco Bus, and damnit -- I like that about it. Now that they're open 24 hours a day, I can eat there whenever I want, and I will, because I'm a fatty.
(5)TheDesiFoodlover S.
Love this place... for late night cravings! Also very vegetarian friendly!
(4)Ashton B.
The original and best location. There are some downfalls however. There are some dumpsters that you encounter in the dirt parking area that are not the most pleasant but luckily are not with in sniffing range from the inside of the indoor eating area. The service is quick and being open 24 hours maks it a nice stop for an anytime meal. Known for their burritos you can not go wrong with any of their burritos. Their fried fish tacos are also some of the best you will find in Tampa. Very moderately pricing and if you plan on visiting a Taco Bus I would always recommend this on above the others, there's just something about it and it's original flare. Do yourself a favor as well and order a horchata; a nice rice milk drink. Last but not least a tip for frequent goers would be to call in your order, saves you so much time.
(4)Blake T.
This is a great place to get Mexican food. I have taken several families members who reside out of town, and their experiences are always positive. I especially like the autheticity of their dishes and the portion sizes. the only drawback is the lack of seating, but if you get there early on the weekends, you should not have an issue.
(4)Jen W.
This is hands down my favorite place to eat Mexican food. Hands down the Cochinita Pibil plata is the best thing ever. The meat is so moist and delicious and the toppings are fresh. Also the butternut squash tostada is amazing. The only downside is that they don't make their own tortillas. That would make this place epic. Whenever I have people come into town to visit I always take them to Taco Bus. Not one person has been disappointed. It's also great food after a night out.
(4)Jimbo M.
Please don't use that horrible cleaner that you mop the floor in the dining area. It makes the room smell like a toilet. It puts me off my food.
(2)Peter K.
I was on vacation out in Florida and wasn't really planning on heading to Tampa but had some time to head out there before the Orlando Magic/Knicks game that night. I came to Taco Bus on a recommendation from a friend and I'm so glad I did. The setup and the buses were great and the hilarious 'Broken English Perfectly Spoken" sign has to be one of the most memorable ever. Speaking of memorable, I don't think I'll find anything vegan that I like more than the steak strips here. Aside from a slight difference in texture, I could have sworn that I was eating actual steak (like Amy playing virtual virtual skeeball). Also got the rice pudding recommended by my friend and it was so good. So good that Lisa W., the hater of rice pudding, actually loved it! So my recommendation for anyone that's remotely near a taco bus location, be sure to check it out!
(5)Katie C.
Yum! I've only been to the Taco Bus once, but it was overall a positive experience! The good: the food taste fresh. Your meal is hot; it definitely isn't going to be sitting under a warming light. The ingredients are interesting. I love the salsa verde; very spicy! Being able to order a la carte was nice: my husband and I were each able to order a bunch of different things to try. The bad: the area...I felt a little sketchy. The parking was horrible...there are barely any spaces, and we had to drive around the block a few times before we were able to snag one. Although they do have air conditioned indoor seating now, it definitely is hot to be standing outside the bus to order in the Florida summer sun (but hey, it's worth it in the end). I wouldn't make a special trip all the way out to the Taco Bus again, but if I'm ever in the area, you bet I'll stop by again!
(4)Callan W.
The taco bus is definitely worth a visit. As Philadelphians, we are used to waiting in lines at outside eateries (hello Pat's and Geno's). Much like those two, the taco bus is open 24 hours a day. I can imagine how this would be a perfect greasy treat after a night of drinking. In Philly, Geno's ruffled some feathers with their sign, "This is America, speak English when ordering". Perhaps in reference to that, the taco bus has proudly painted on the side of the bus, "Broken English Perfectly Spoken". Awesomeness. The taco bus has takeout or tables. We opted for the tables. The boy got the carne asada taco platter and I ordered the carne asada burrito platter, which means both were accompanied with beans and rice. I also ordered the hibiscus lemonade, a first for me. It was different but tasty. The meat in the burritos was ok and a hearty helping. Fresh cilantro and ingredients inside. Towards the bottom, it got a bit greasy so I ended up not eating the last few bites. Both burrito and tacos came with a lime, but when squeezed, there was no juice...so sad as I love lime on my mexican food. On the tables, there is both salsa verde and roja. The roja was the fav out of the two and a perfect addition to the burrito. What made the meal and earned the fourth star was the rice and beans, which were somehow more flavorful than the burrito itself. The staff is super helpful and the wait wasn't too bad. I will definitely make another visit if back in Tampa anytime soon.
(4)Yvonne C.
Omg butternut squash burrito!!!!! It's AMAZING!!!! I've had the beef and chicken in various tacos and burritos but it seems like the vegetarian options rock here!! Service is slow if you eat at the location. I wouldn't recommend dining in unless you have an hour or so. Other than that, food is consistently great!
(4)Kyle C.
This place is so good. I love that it used to be a food truck that broke down, so they just built a restaurant around it. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because it's a little bit expensive. It's not outrageous, but if you don't order the right thing, you can spend $8 and leave hungry. I always get the burrito. It's not just fantastic, but it's probably the best deal. I also get the pollo verde with it. The verde sauce is pretty spicy most of the time, but isn't consistent with its spice. I'm totally fine with that, mostly because I know there is some element of freshness & made from scratch happening with the sauce. Service used to be terrible, take forever to get your food, but it seems to have improved quite a bit. Food came out real fast & efficient. If you are in Tampa & want a solid, authentic tasting lunch, come here.
(4)Mary J.
Wish this was still a road-worthy bus and that its route brought it by my house at least once a week. But alas the bus is permanently parked and, apparently, permanently busy which is amazing since it is open 24/7. Lucky St. Pete gets its own Taco Bus in early 2011 AND it will serve beer and wine, which the Tampa bus does not. I finally visited the Hillsborough Ave. site late afternoon on a Saturday thinking/wishing/hoping there'd be no line. Wrong but the wait was worth it. Great fresh flavors, hefty but not too huge portion and the green salsa is fantastic. Price is right and the wait for takeout wasn't that bad (Note to self: Eat in or call in order next time). First trip but won't be my last. Would love to see what sort of crowd stops by after midnight but before daybreak!
(4)Ricardo W.
Very good tacos
(5)Tampa C.
Taco Bus is a solid choice when considering Mexican food in south tampa. It's a notch above the corporate competitors (think Chipotle and Moe's), but not by much, particularly in light of the prices. For two people, you can easily spend $30 on what amounts to a few tacos each and one beer. Again, the quality of the tortilla's and meats are good, but only marginally better than the competition.
(3)Dahoniel P.
What isn't awesome about Taco Bus? Not only is it in my backyard, convenient to me in Seminole heights, but it is also open for service all day and night. Where the broken english is spoken fluently, and the music never stops, this is definitely my kind of location for late night eats. Taco Bus has definitely become a local legend in this area of Tampa and nothing but great things can be said about them. They are truly a great establishment that always delivers and never fails. I will continue to come back to Taco Bus and recommend anyone around to try it out for the great food it has to offer at any given time of the day or night.
(5)Ferdinand M.
Along with a group of friends and family, I ventured into the original Taco Bus on Hillsborough Avenue, last weekend. I had seen this place on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives -- and thought I needed to try it out. Taco Bus did not disappoint. The service was excellent, the food was tasty, and the prices were reasonable. At Taco Bus, you choose how you want your food (taco, burrito, tostada, plate, etc), then you choose the meat/filling you want. Saturday and Sunday they offer "carnitas" -- a seasoned and shredded pork. So for me, I chose the "Papos Plato" with the carnitas. The Papos Plato serves your filling over a bed of Mexican rice, taco veggies, and cheese. Crispy tostada chips complete the presentation. The portion didn't seem that large, but it actually was filling. The green chile sauce on the table spiced it up just right -- that sauce is awesome. Prior to our entrees, we had some chips and guacamole. I have never been a fan of guacamole in the past -- maybe I didn't realize what I was missing. At Taco Bus, with the chips, I absolutely loved it. I mentioned before that the service was excellent, but it bears mentioning again. We were taken care of by numerous servers who were never far away and were always very courteous. Interesting to note is that Taco Bus is open 24/7. There really is a bus outside -- and it was busy serving take out customers. Oh yeah... and the bill for 8 of us was $110. Not bad considering we had appetizers, meals and desert. This is a neat place. Happy exploring! Regards, Ferdinand Magellan
(4)Russy I.
This place was just, okay for me. I had a gig at the University of South Florida, and this was my first stop after my friend picked me up from the air port. A couple of our friends were from that area, and they said you have to try it! I love mexican food, and this was far from what I know from California mexican food. I know you can't compare apples to oranges, but when you already have a taste developed for certain things, you just gravitate to what you know and what you learned to love. I'm not use to having cabbage in my carne asada burritos, and I think it was that, that threw me off. The meat was bland, and could've used a bit more lime or some kind of brightening agent to bring out the meat. There were two types of salsa: Green & Red...The green one was EXTREMELY hot, like burn you lips hot. I can handle heat, but this one was pretty spicy. The red sauce, pretty much tasted like watered down ketchup w/out the sweetness of ketchup. The atmosphere on the other hand was pretty cool. I liked the sink on the bus, and how it had that authentic "hole in the wall" feel that you just love. Definitely a place where you could kick it w/ your friends and just hangout. Overall, I hope to come back to Florida again and try this place out again. I give it more of a 3.5, than a 3, but it's definitely not worthy of 4 stars.
(3)Katie D.
The food is good, but not as good as it used to be, and the prices have gone up. Also, it is pretty well-known that after you eat here you will go into the infamous "Taco Bus coma" and feel like complete crap for a couple of days. Probably due to the high levels of sodium in the food. However, if you are looking for a place that is open 24 hours and has vegan/vegetarian options, this is the spot.
(3)Jenna C.
The first time I was brought here my thought was, "you have got to be freaking kidding me." But I gave it a chance and thank GOD! Because wow is their food amazing. I'm from California and finding good Mexican that was like what I was used to was hard but now that I live back in Cali I can't find anything that measures up to this place! I dream of their amazing pork tacos!!
(5)Josh M.
The way to go at 3:30 am. Nothing better then the Cochinita Pibil Burrito late at night. Plus while you are waiting you get to dance to some Mexican music. If you are thirsty and love iced tea, they have the largest iced tea that you can find to go with your jalapenos based sauces and large delicious burrito
(4)Frank G.
Loved it; the culinary highlight of our week in Tampa. We knew it was going to be good when we saw the sheriff's car in the parking lot -- the cops always know the good places to go. We started off with fresh guacamole, which was fantastic. Nice, ripe avocado with just the right amount of tomato and onions to liven it up. Of course, the tacos were the star of the show, and they most certainly did not disappoint. I found the lengua (beef tongue) to be pretty good, but the "cochinita pibil" (slow roasted marinated pork) was out-of-this-world delicious. I've never had anything like it before, but I am confident that I could eat an infinite number of tacos filled with this stuff. Wow. As an added bonus, they have Mexican Coca-Cola, made with real cane sugar, available in glass bottles. It's not the bucket-o-drink that you get with their fountain beverages, but it's totally worth it.
(5)Cathy L.
I feel very anti-Tampa by saying this but I REALLY don't get what all the hype is about. I think this place is gross and the food is terrrible. To be fair, I'm a burrito person but I hear that their tacos are off-the-chain. thumbs down-ski's :(
(1)Ron S.
got a pollo verde burrito the other day. was excellent. only reason for 3 stars is the prices have gone up since last time i was there. for the price of a burrito, you should at least get chips if not rice and beans. thats my only complaint. otherwise service and food were excellent.
(3)Tara S.
I have a serious love affair with their fish tacos and the butternut squash centro. Both are delicious, and the butternut squash is unlike anything else I've ever had. There's a reason why the line is always so long (be smart, call ahead). Living close to TB is dangerous for me because I always want to go. The only thing on the menu that was a real disappointment were the tamales (There is a special place in my heart for a good tamale). They were too dry and needed a ton of hot sauce.
(4)Megan B.
Went here because of the awesome Yelp reviews, I was kind of disapointed. I had the chicken tacos, the chicken was cooked fine, but the taco was just dry with a thick corn tortilla. I had to drown it in sauce. If I'm in the area, I might come back to try something else, but I wasn't impressed. They give you a huuuge drink cup, so that was good. :)
(3)Casey J.
This review is for the Seminole Heights location.... Tacos... from a bus? How could you go wrong? The food -- all of it -- is delicious, despite actually being prepared on a bus. You can't go wrong, no matter what you order. The atmosphere is low-brow. I would describe this location as a "dive". But they have the best tacos in the world. If you want something a little more substantial, then order the burrito prenado. Their tamales, though greasy, are terrific. The sign out front that says: "Broken English Perfectly Spoken" is true, but it's part of the charm. You can't beat the price.
(4)Jane E.
I went there again and... loved it!!! Food was great. I, also, ordered their butternut squash burrito - I like the bold attempt into the culinary art, but I, personally, thought it was on the 'meh' side of food. Eitherway, the place is hip, fun and just a blast.
(4)Shelley P.
Worth a stop. Be warned... Lines can get long outside at peak times like lunch and dinner. Again, well worth the wait.
(5)Nish A.
Everytime I'm in Tampa, I HAVE to eat at Taco Bus....you cannot miss this bus! We used to drive from Orlando, just to eat here! It's been 6 months since I ate there and I feel horrible! We need a bus in Boston!
(5)Pamela D.
Yep. Still smells like poop here. But when you're drunk at 3:00am, do you have a right to complain? The food is, as always, passable. Hot food accompanied by the stench of hot poop? Whatever. Better than McDonald's.
(3)Annie F.
Two words. Taco Bus. I've heard about it but I hadn't ever been there. Well, no better time than now to try it out! I'm on my way to go see Muse in Tampa and I'm in need of some good food. There are quite a few locations in the area but I decided to go to the one in Tampa. Located on Hillsborough, near 275 it's in an easily accessible location. There was ample parking. To be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of food trucks. Often times, I find that it's too greasy but I know it isn't always the case. I see the bright yellow bus with the menu in front. Oh man! The choices, I'm getting pretty excited. I'm here at the Taco Bus, so I'm definitely going to get some tacos. They also have burritos, quesadillas, ceviche, desserts and other items. Ok, step 1. Taco. Next, the protein. Man, I want it all! A server comes by and informs me that there's a seating area available. Awesome, I can sit down and figure this out. I looked around and there's an "outdoor" seating area and also an indoor seating area. I really like this, getting food truck food and having actual places to sit. I'm looking for any unique items on the menu. The beef tongue is jumping out at me. I'm definitely going to have to get that. The do have a 2 taco deal for $8.99 which includes 2 tacos, rice and refried beans. Personally, I'd rather forego the rice and beans for another taco, so I'm going to get three tacos instead. I'm in the mood to get some different meats rather than the traditional carne asada. Ok, I think I'm finally done. 1. Fish taco 2. Beef tongue taco 3.Cochinita Pibil taco. I really liked all the colors going on. Fresh flavor, some pickled veggies, I'm digging it. The tacos were a double-ply of the corn tortilla but it worked out since it had so many toppings. I didn't eat all of the tortillas (I find it a bit much at times) but I was glad to have it though. The fish taco was fried, white cream sauce was a bit reminiscent of mayo. (Which I'm not the biggest fan of.) Next up, the beef tongue. I'm trying to think of how beef tongue "should" taste. Not.. quite sure. I remember the last time I was adventurous with a taco, I wasn't too pleased since it was pork rind taco. It was nothing what I had imagined. This time, I figured it would be meaty-like. I didn't think I was ever going to say this statement but..."That is some good beef tongue there!" I was truly surprised. Beef tongue? Who knew what delicious it entailed? Wow. Last but not least, I had the cochinita pibil taco. The menu describes it as "Shredded Pork marinated in Achiote and bitter orange, then wrapped in banana leaves and slow roasted in a smoker (BASED ON A 5,000 YEAR OLD MAYAN RECIPE!)" It's definitely not spicy but flavorful. I could taste the bitter orange. All in all, everything was great. My friend ordered the 2 taco deal with carne asada, rice and beans. For the vegetarians out there, you'll be glad to know the rice and beans are vegetarian friendly. The rice was "okay" for me. It had corn, carrots, and peas in it. Both the rice and beans were fluffy. The menu also had some seasonal drinks and also horchata. Horchata is a sweet drink made from rice, condensed milk, vanilla and cinnamon. It was very sweet, a little too sweet for my tastebuds. (Although I must say, this drink is really good with some Crown Royal.) Three tacos in and I'm done. Everything looked great and I can't wait to try more. They have plenty of vegetarian options that actually sounded delicious. This location is open 24/7, which gives Taco Bus even more cool points. I'm a night owl and it'd be great to have something else to eat aside from the typical Denny's. I'm sold on this place and I'll definitely swing on by here next time I'm in Tampa.
(4)Yves A.
I am sure that most will agree that not every Mexican dish is an authentic Mexican dish. Moreover, most would probably agree that some acclaimed Mexican dishes are prepared with counterfeit ingredients. Suffice it to say that prior moving to Florida in 2000 I was completely oblivious and content with eating artificial Mexican food none the wiser having never tasted genuine Mexican food. My taste buds were never the same after December of 2000. I accepted my first position in Florida, Plant City to be exact. Unbeknownst to me at the time Florida, Plant City in particular has quite an extensive Mexican community. I had the esteemed privilege meeting the acquaintance of some of the friendliest, hardest working, and culinarily adept Latin Americans to date. Latin Americans (namely Mexicans) are notorious for producing some of the simplest but most extraordinary edibles I've tasted yet. I have been in hot have been pursuit of the closest thing to an authentic home cooked Mexican meal since having moved on from the position I held in Plant City. The American based pseudo Mexican restaurant franchise Taco Bell owes its longstanding fame to copying an original several times over. A copy after all is just a copy. I am by no means an authority on Mexican cuisine but I can say this, aint nothing like the real thing baby (ebonically speaking of course). On occasion I've tried legitimate Mexican restaurants like Vallartas in Land o Lakes which my stomach thoroughly enjoyed, nevertheless, from time to time I still found myself craving for the hand crafted Mexican table fare of Plant City. I had passed Taco Bus on Hillsborough Ave on many occasions admittedly with a name like Taco Bus I was cautiously apprehensive wanting to spare my stomach of any punishment resulting from bad food choices. One late summer evening I could no longer ignore my yearning for Mexican dining and overcame my reluctance. Taco Bus came to mind perhaps because it was within the shortest driving distance. Thankfully I decided to follow my gut literally. I haven't been the same since my first ride on the Taco Bus. The name Taco Bus does little justice to the quality and taste of the food. Furthermore, the appeal of the outdoor eating area does even less; however, one bite renders the less than appealing appearances insignificant. The service is both competent and efficient. As an added bonus this location is dispensing deliciousness 24 hours a day. In all fairness I have never dined in at this location in favor of take-out but, then again what does that matter? The food is simply scrumptious! My favorite menu item is of course the fish taco followed by the vegan steak strip burrito. The fish tacos consist of Beer battered Swai fish with white cream sauce and Chile de Arbol on the side. Additionally there is a healthy serving of cabbage, cilantro, tomatoes, etc. Sorry, listing the ingredients is the best I can do you will have to taste it for yourself. I will forego describing the vegan steak strip burrito in an effort to minimize my salivating and growing hunger pangs. In short, if you want great tasting Mexican food one ride on the Taco Bus is sure to satisfy your appetite.
(4)Tonja W.
Not the best I've ever been to but pretty good for a cheap taco. The burrito is overpriced for what you get though and forget conventional salsa.
(4)Sunshine M.
Love the food but it isn't always consistent.
(4)Adam C.
I heard alot about it and I feel like people just give it good reviews because it's trendy. I am a firm believer that when your dealing with food the atmosphere needs to be 100 percent clean. The order takers and employees smelled so badly, you could smell the toilet from time to time if the wind blew it your way. So this is the set up I am awaiting food in! Next, The presentation of the taco's was good, then the meat tasted strange. The limes I got in mine might have come out of the wrong container because they were already squeezed. Seemed like everything was pre cooked and unrefrigerated. I really don't have anything good to say about this place. If this is how the cook in Cali then send them back. I feel like that is the only leg they have to stand on. I have been to cali and taco bus is very poor by comparison.
(2)Mark H.
Went to visit friends in Tampa this weekend. I love the Tampa area. My friends suggested that we get a quick bite to eat at the "Taco Bus". What a surprise!!! It is a bus of some sort. But what's crazy is the food is great. We shared fish tacos,vegan taco plate and a veggie cheese quesadilla...delicious...
(4)Kirsten H.
Love this place, and my favorite location is the one off Fletcher because it's so nice inside compared to the others. Best fish tacos... they'd get 5 stars if they made their own tortillas. However, excellent grub, love their sauce and fresh toppings, and their weird cilantro drink. Get the fish or shrimp tacos. Mmmm.
(4)Rossi H.
I don't get it. I just don't get it. The hype, the publicity machine, the beliefs that this is where tacos meet heaven's gate. ^You like that San Diego ref. You do. The tacos were alright. I had 3 different ones sober. And just thought, meh.. On the carne style one. The other two- Mayan pork and chicken, I would never order again. So, I tried the taco bus again. This time after hours. Blitzed and waiting in a line for thirty minutes. I knew it was going to be good. It wasn't. Even tanked, I couldn't fall in love. Service and staff are super cool. The place has an epic atmosphere. The food... Meh, I've experienced better.
(3)David Y.
I like that they have plenty of different options for their foods than just meat. The veggie, soy, seafood and meat options are plentiful. Taco Bus is not a place to go for authentic or traditional Mexican food. They're definitely more Tex-Mex but they do a pretty good job here. I got their dinner special and on Thursday it was bistec ranchero tacos. For a dinner ($8) it comes with two tacos, rice and beans. The steak in the tacos had way too much gristle for me to really enjoy them. The tacos were filled up plenty of onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and even potatoes. The beans and rice were pretty good too. The service was fast and friendly. The decor is basic but nice. I thought it was a decent place to go especially since they do run 24/7 but it wouldn't be my first choice for Mexican.
(3)Mariana R.
Delicious Mexican food!!... The service is very fast, and the prices are the best!... It is a great place to go on a Sunday evening, after a beach day!! It is a good idea to pick up the food...
(4)Paul P.
This is an interesting concept. The food is actually cooked inside a food truck but there is an actual brick and mortar building where you can sit inside and eat. The food is inexpensive and seemingly authentic. I say this not really knowing what an authentic taco is, but knowing the tacos I had at Taco Bus were different than most other places I've had them. I had chicken tacos and the tortillas were smaller and a different consistentcy than the norm. The chicken was actual small pieces of chicken, not shredded or ground. Over all really good! Also had chips and guacamole which were good but not great. Prices are very reasonable here. Service was good, some language barriers, but very attentive and cheerful service. The food was made and delivered quickly and we were in and out in plenty of time for a lunch during a work day. If you are heading east it is easy to miss this place so keep your eyes open!
(4)George W.
Will I return: yes Service good surprisingly adroit for very young folks. Impressive. Bad Flour Tortillas weak Red sauce lame, Salsa Roja is weak, vinegar. Good green suave: Salsa verde is pickled jalapeños. Sauce good but feel like more joy and love could go into it. Tv show in Spanish, this joints legit Bathrooms clean. Good but chile is the heart and soul still kinda weak.
(4)Brittany L.
It's pretty good and it's pretty cheap but I feel like it's gotten really Americanized. About 1 in 3 times we go, one of us gets not what we ordered. This past time I ordered carnitas and I got carne asada. It was good, but like...not carnitas. It also wasn't hot, and the cold tortilla and cheese did nothing to help this. I honestly should've ordered it to-go so I could've taken it home and microwaved it. I know their slogan is "broken English perfectly spoken" but I've only experienced mumbling American stoners who seriously don't give a shit. That's not the same. Me: "I can't hear you." Mumbling order-taker: "...mmmmhmmpph..." Me: "I still cannot hear what you are saying." [standing on tip-toe, thrusting my face and ears upwards to the window] Mumbling order-taker: [while looking away from me] "...mmmphmyphrrrmm..." [at same volume as other 2 exchanges] BUT for 2am it's pretty legit "drunk/desperate" food.
(3)Jay M.
I'm a fan of restaurants that put all of their resources into the quality of the food, and aren't all that concerned about the dining environment. All I can say is ... don't miss this bus! You order from under an awning, looking up at the windows of the bus, and there are some wooden high-boy-style tables in front of the bus. They give you a number and bring you your food. I enjoyed a Burrito Prenado with the cochinita pibil filling (AMAZING seasoned pork) and it was beyond tender and delicious. The guac and chips even rival what the boys at Burrito Brothers in Gainesville dish out. It's not a SMOOTH guac like "the brothers" do it, but chock-full of onions, veggies and spices, served with corn tortilla chips. If it's just you and a friend, get a small ... and be warned, burritos don't come with chips ... so you'd do well to order this appetizer. Their beverages also are not to be missed. I tried a Hibiscus Flower Lemonade, and 36 hours later at home, I still have some of it (interestingly, I didn't pick up any scent of lemon here, but if you're into SWEET hibiscus juice, you'll be a fan of this). My girlfriend got an Agua de Sandia (watermelon), which was not as sweet but very much a watermelon-flavored juice. Our check came to $20 ... a bargain for what we got. And don't worry about limitations on this bus ... they take credit cards. Bathrooms are in a real building, too (never trust a bathroom on a bus!). It's not a matter of "if" but "when" we'll be back. We need one of these in Jacksonville! Did I mention this location is 24/7? There are locations in downtown Tampa and St. Pete, too.
(5)Acelyn B.
I have FINALLY jumped on the Taco Bus bandwagon! And the only way to describe it is by using all the food descriptive words a good friend of mine, Mark A, loves uttering: divine. delightful. heavenly. mouth-watering. superb. serviceable. :)
(5)Michael C.
The food is always the same quality night and day. I love the fact that I can: the order and then come pick it up. There is always a line so I love being able to grab the food inside two minutes and go. Burrito prenada, (I think the spelling is right), is down right amazing! A little taste of Tijuana!
(5)Lance W.
Before moving to Tampa this was on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives so we wanted to try. Now that we reside in Seminole Heights we're here once a week. Favorites are the barbacoa beef tostadas, beef tongue tacos and fish tacos. Being from SoCal, this is the best it gets here for Mexican and that's not saying much. Best to get the food to go as it's not that clean of a spot.
(4)Tiffany H.
My first stop at this taco bus location was after a night at Busch Gardens. We were hungry, it was late, and it was on the way home. It's pretty similar to the spread in St. Pete, but the main difference was their late shift people didn't suck. Seriously, everyone was nice, the food came out hot (and not greasy), and I didn't get shortchanged on the horchata. This location is miles above the one on the other side of the bay. And as usual, the pibil is where it's at. It's also a fun place to people watch and watch some craziness happen.
(4)Thomas R.
This is one of the places that I always have to go to whenever I'm in Tampa, and that I crave whenever I'm not. I like places that put their own twist on things and do so with great style, and that is certainly the case with Taco Bus. Everything here is bursting with flavor, surprisingly fresh and light for Mexican food. A lot of times when I'm finished eating Mexican I feel like I ate a brick, and I'm yet to feel like that after many visits to the bus. Taco Bus is different than any other Mexican place I've been to. Like who would think butternut squash would be good in a taco, well its freaking amazing! Even their salsa and queso are crafted extremely well with bold tastes and depth of flavor. At many places these things can be bland, just overlooked filler items. Taco Bus seems like they pay great attention to all their ingredients, and even things that seem simple turn out tasting unbelievably good. They have the best Tortas I've had anywhere! You won't be disappointed, no matter what you choose as a filling. The Grouper tacos are now my favorite fish taco! They are perfect in every single way, just like the red and green sauce you can put on everything. The Cochinita Pibil to me is like a way better version of Carnitas (who would of thought that was possible). It's super tender, shredded, perfectly seasoned, and smoked pork. That and the Grouper are my favorite things here for sure. Their corn tortillas are pretty impressive, not to thick, yet they hold together well and taste great. Trust me you will find something your gonna love here.
(5)Fiorella G.
This Taco bus is located so close to my job, I go a lot more often than I care to admit. As far as good quick food goes I feel like that little area of Tampa is lacking. When debating a quick lunch option or a to go item...Taco bus is the place. Most of the food is of really great quality, and it's open 24/7. It's a bit far from where I live which might be a good thing because if I had that readily available to me at all hours of the day I'd be there ALL the time. The menu is pretty customizable, you pick your favorite way...wether its a taco, burrito, salad, etc, the you pick your filling aka your meat or veggie, and then you pick your topping. I've liked most of their tacos, burritos and anything on a tortilla or inside it (it's always very fresh). What I haven't always loved have been the sides. The refried beans are a bit bland and the rice just isn't that great. Outside of the tacos and burritos I also enjoy the Ensalada de Casa. I really like the palm hearts they put on top, yummy :). Food is great, not amazing but for the price you can't really ask for more. What I really hate about this Taco Bus...the smell inside. They have really great seating areas outside. Picnic tables that I recommend you sit at and enjoy the Tampa weather and just the ambiance of the place. It's as if a food truck meets a small restaurant off the side of the road on a road trip through a latin american country. If you sit inside...in the part behind the truck they serve out of, be prepared for the smell of, well...bathroom.
(4)Lauren C.
While figuring out where to order can be a bit tricky (why are there so many busses and buildings that say taco bus?), it is WORTH IT. I had the 2 taco meal ($5.99-- not bad). The butternut squash taco was really creamy and delicious. My second taco- the chipotle chicken was even better. Not only were the tacos pretty solid on their own-- the addition of the verde salsa takes them to another level. The atmosphere was really nice- salsa music under a canopy of vines and flowers.
(4)Malissa W.
My 1st visit because all the rave, and i guess its a little bland for me. I'm thinking Mexican where's the heat, i ordered 2 chicken tacos, like the corn shell but that was all.
(2)Tama H.
This restaurant used to be the best place in Tampa, now they have gone commercial and the portions are small, very inconsistent, my group eats there every Wednesday night, the price just keeps going up and the food just keeps going down.
(1)Sachin R.
Open late nights (and 24 hrs on weekends). Great food, Great concept. My favorite item on the menu is Torta. It is a Sandwich with freshly prepared bread. Order with Pescado (Fish) or Tofu. Verde/Green sauce is hot and delicious!
(4)Eli N.
Overhyped. Maybe this use to be pretty good. I might have thought so too before experiencing authentic tacos. I went for two tacos carne asada and the difference of quality was so glaring I couldnt help but compare them to other local establishments. From the meat to the tortilla everything was 3rd rate. Meat was dry, veggies weren't fresh, shells seem prepackaged(maybe heated poorly?). On top of all that I'm on a tres leche hunt. The cashier tells me "he thinks" they're out. Can you find out? Or do you just work here? I can't even.
(2)MJ G.
This is NOT a Food Truck/Bus and should not be listed as one. As a tourist looking for food trucks, we were extremely disappointed to find that this is a stationary building NOT a food truck as it is listed in Yelp. The Tampa location was also in a bit of a run down, somewhat questionable part of the neighborhood.
(2)Candace A.
I've had some hit or miss experiences with taco bus with this location and downtown location. Even though this is kinda the Tampa staple I'm not #teamtacobus these days. But I haven't given up just yet. Decided to give it another shot. Order the burrito chile poblano with rice and beans combo. I was quite satisfied. This was definitely a hit. For 11$ it was a lot of food. So in conclusion I won't dismiss taco bus completely but it's not my first choice either
(3)Loren K.
I absolutely adore Taco Bus. Theres no thing else like it. Open late, gluten free options, friendly staff, always speedy. I orefer the tostadas to the tacos myself. They are so good!
(5)Melissa V.
I don't know what the hype is about this place but it was nothing for me to rave about. The portion seem big but the price was bigger. I got a taco salad of some sort and it was just okay. I wish it was more authentic because everything was so plain. Not to mention, their soda machine was down so I couldn't even get a drink that I paid for. I knew I wasn't going to like this place and I just wanted to try it out to say that my opinion is my own and that I've had it before. Not much going on here.
(1)Lauren C.
My cousin lived in Tampa, and this was part of the hilight of visiting her. She just moved, and while I'll miss her, I'm really going to miss visiting taco bus. I've been here a few times over, and i've developed a strong love affair with the seitan torta. I love love love that they have options of veggie protein. I bought a shirt to-go, and i think i may have been one of the only people to buy a shirt in a while. I literally had 2 entrees- 1 for lunch the next day, and was so so happy. If you have the opportunity to try taco bus, you really best take advantage of this. It's a game changer.
(5)Jennifer M.
All I can say is wow! Great authentic Mexican food! This place was suggested by a guy sitting next to my friend and I at a concert. Being that neither of us is from the Tampa area, we were talking about how we had missed dinner and would probably not be able to find anything but fast food or gas station food at such a late hour, following the show. This is when the nice guy sitting next to me chimed in and told us about Taco Bus. We yelped it and immediately headed over. Just as described, Taco Bus is an actual bus converted into a little Mexican restaurant. It's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and people line up one after the other just for a late night snack. The menu offers a great variety of Mexican food at very inexpensive prices. I ordered a few tacos and my friend ordered a burrito. We were both impressed at how delicious the food was! If I lived in Tampa, this would definitely be one of my hot spots!
(5)Jennifer M.
Went on a Saturday and it was fine. I am not a huge fan of Mexican food, but this seemed pretty standard bland fare. Everything was cooked well, and the service was good, I just thought it was ok. Certainly a step above chain restaurant offerings, but I really don't get the hype. It might just be my palate.
(3)Jodi S.
The food was good but if you are going to advertise and promote Vegan choices you have to make sure cross contamination doesn't occur. I am allergic to dairy and ordered Vegan tacos and my skin is itching, red and painful. I know better than to go some place that doesn't promote Vegan and think I won't get some dairy in my food but don't call it Vegan if it isn't. You are putting people's health at risk.
(2)Benjamin M.
The Taco Bus is one of the reasons I continue living in Southeast Seminole Heights. Yes, my house has been burglarized--and yes, there are some super shady people walking the streets all the time... but I am willing to endure crime as long as I have good cheap Mexican food. Taco Bus, I love you. I'm glad we're neighbors. The Taco Bus is now open 24/7--hello, breakfast burritos! And a word to the out-of-towner: even though it's open 24/7, visiting the Bus at 3am is not the safest idea... unless you have a motorcade of armored Suburbans driven by Blackwater-contracted bodyguards ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bl… ). My favorite Bus order is the burrito with barbacoa. I don't usually order the full meal (rice and beans) because the burrito is plenty big enough to fill me up. The green salsa on the tables--excelente. I go to the Taco Bus way too often, but I rationalize it by remembering that life is short. Yeah, I occasionally feel that I'm risking my life (and health) by eating at the Bus, but--man!--it's so worth it. p.s. if, by chance, you're an out-of-towner who actually has a fleet of Suburbans with a private security force, please give me a call when you visit the Taco Bus! I'd love to meet you.
(5)Greg J.
Waaaayyy over priced for street food. $9 for two tacos, beans and rice is insulting. Consistently disappointing. Don't understand why a burrito takes so long to make. The meat is low grade dog food. (chewy, fatty) 24/7 loud as hell shitty music. I will never understand the hype except that most people who eat here are so drunk they don't give a shit what they eat.
(1)Brett N.
Why 4 stars? Because it's not just a novelty, it's REALLY good Mexican food. --- --- --- Taco Bus was cool before eating off of a vehicle was trendy. Now it's playing the Godfather role. My personal recommendation is to go with no onions or easy onions on whatever you get, because they pile them on and they are intense. Getting rid of the onion after taste is a lot like getting rid of a hangover - you can lessen the pain throughout the day, but it truly never goes away until after you sleep. You can't go wrong with Tacos, Burritos or Quesadillas. I'm a steak guy, so I don't know about the other kinds of meat, but the steak is solid. The rice and beans are very good, something us Texans are picky about. The Horchata is a really interesting and tasty drink as well. You aren't going to eat here and say it's the best mexican food you've ever had in your life...but it's open 24 hours and they cook the food on an actual bus. It is definitely something every Tampa area resident should try once.
(4)Jennifer P.
Taco bus is the one restaurant I have been to the most since I moved to Tampa 4 years ago. Coming from Los Angeles, this is about as good as it's going to get in terms of Mexican food in Tampa - and hey it's pretty close! I have been to the taco trucks/restaurants on Hillsborough in Tampa, St Petersburg, and also the one up near USF Tampa (used to be Taqueria Monterey). I find the original on Hillsborough to taste the best (they put the most meat and yummy goodness in the tacos and burritos). At Taco Bus it is all about carne asada. Carne asada burritos. Carne asada tacos. Carne asada quesadilla. More carne asada please. I have had a few of the other fillings (e.g., fish, cochinita pibil), which have ranged from okay to good. But I always think the same thing: "Damn, I should have just gotten the carne asada". Their spicy green sauce and salsa-like red sauce are great extras to smother over all your food. Their beans are good, and their rice is OK (it is pretty dry) - but again if you put the green and red sauce on them, they turn from good/ok to AWESOME! The horchata here is fantastic too - although NOT fantastic for your waist line. This is a great place to satisfy any Mexican cravings you might have at all times (the Hillsborough location is open 24/7)!!
(5)Ken D.
i like the bus. i do not dislike the bus. i live close so i eat there quite often. the food has zero consistency so you have to be real specific. i saw a woman open a bag of cheese with her mouth and not scissors once and theres always a wait so i would rather just order ahead. i think the food is fantastic when im piss myself drunk. if im sober its just ok:)
(3)Simone J.
I love this place. Its a nice casual quick tasty meal. I am vegetarian so I like the butternut squash burrito and the rajas con queso are our favorites. We usual split the two. If you've never been I'd suggest it. Its worth a trip :)
(5)Danielle W.
Was in the area and had to check out the infamous taco bus. There's ample parking and after ordering, if you choose to stay, there's actually indoor and outdoor seating. We ordered the and the quesadilla with barbacoa and the torta with carne asada. The meat was very very good and the food came out very fast I can't wait until I'm back in the area to try out more of their menu,
(4)Tracy B.
I REALLY wanted to like this place, really I did. Unfortunately, I was very dissapointed by it. The Horchata was the only thing that saved the day and helped knock up the rating to 3 stars. So I went to the Taco Bus with my husband and sister. As we were waiting in line on this 90 degree day, a waitress came up to us and said if we were dining there, we could come with her and sit. For a split second I thought, no I want to feel like I'm at a food truck and order at the window. Then that split second was over and I thought, It's freaking hot as hell today...lead the way! She took us to this small building next to the truck, which felt airconditioned. She then gave us menus and said she'd take our order when ready. We started with a small guacamole. It came on a plate with about 10 chips and 3 tbsp of guac. Not what I was expecting, but taste wise it was very good. Really smooth and the onions, cilantro and tomatoes brought it up a notch. We then got our drinks. My husband and I got Horchata and my sister got the Watermelon water. For $2.50, it's a great deal. The drinks were huge. The watermelon water was very good and refreshing. The Horchata......life altering. This was the first time I ever had it and I'm officially hooked. It's made with rice, condensed milk, almonds, vanilla and cinnamon. It's like drinking a cold, smooth rice pudding. Holy moly it was so good. I really thought this was a good start to our meal, but then our food came and it just kind of went south from there. The food looks impressive at first glance. The taco I ordered was full of beautiful colors...just not beautiful taste. I got a shrimp taco because a friend of mine recommended it. He said the seasoning on the shrimp was outstanding and I had to try it. Well, my shrimp had absolutely no flavor. There was no seasoning whatsoever. They were perfectly pink, bland shrimp. The taco was also dry as could be. It came with all the veggies and cheese. I tried adding some of the red sauce that's on the table, but it still was hard to get down. If it wasn't a $3 taco plus extra for the shrimp, I wouldn't have cared as much. That's not cheap for a tiny taco. I also ordered a Torta because that's one of the things they're known for. The sandwich consisted of freshly baked bread, refried beans, mayo, jalapenos, cheese and I opted for the Cochinita Pibil (pork). The sandwich was all bread. The first few bites were okay, but after awhile I realized that I could hardly taste anything but bread. I decided to dissect it to see if maybe I could taste all the different flavors and components in this bread sandwich. When I did, i then realized just like the taco everything on the inside was pretty bland. The pork had hardly any flavor and was dry. So with my sad face, my sister let me have some of her quesadilla. It was actually pretty good. Probably because it was packed full of melted cheese. I'm a sucker for cheese! My husband got a burrito prenado with pork. It was a decent a size stuffed with a bunch of rice, beans, cheese, and veggies. He said it was good, but missing something. So to sum up this visit at the Taco Bus -- the food was really bland, dry and just missing something. The Horchata changed my life, so I guess in a way I'm glad I went to the Taco Bus. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll ever be back.
(3)John W.
I was not impressed with this place. It's a little better than Taco Bell but not better than a decent Mexican restaurant in Tampa. Compared to miguels tacos they're not very good at all.
(2)JohnnyAY Q.
Had given them a GREAT review on Urban Spn, but after two recent disappointments, have revised my review there and adding one here. UPDATED: Been disappointed the last 2 times... tonight may be the straw that broke the camels back. First off, Website is a MESS... could NOT order online, had to call... then, the Menu on a PC / Full site, had HIGHER prices than those on my "mobile" device... Taco Bus employee's reply when I informed them... "Oh... higher prices are correct" (no getting a Mgr, or honoring lower prices I showed on my phone. Food LOOKS great, tastes ok, but PRICEY for Mexican... also DO NOT try the "yummy looking" dessert empanadas... the "Fresh Strawberry" had a SAD thick, tasteless jelly inside a baked, doughy empanada... NO FLAVOR, or crunch... Sad & Disappointing! Not sure I'm going back...???
(3)Joey M.
Taco bus has gotten too popular. When they first started with the bus on Hillsborough Ave. They were very impressive and one of my favorites. Over the years I have eaten there when ever I was in the area. Went there two weeks ago and the portions were cut in half or less. the service has always sucked, but was forgiven due to the food. Now the food is no longer impressive, over priced and yes, the service still sucks. Seems like the Taco Bus is out of gas. Senor Tequila's on Dale Mabry Hwy is a much better place to get Mexican food, and the portions are awesome.
(1)Bibi A.
pretty good. the horchata is good. shrimp tacos are my fav. They are also open late which is a plus
(4)Carlos H.
Came here the other night after visiting Pinchasers. El Taconazo is open until 4am so when you get that late night taco or Mexican food craving you can come here for a bite to eat. I tried their taco with beef and it was amazing, the best taco I have had in Florida hands down! I devoured it...reminds me of back when I lived in California and had good tacos all the time, it was a good contender. I also had their tostada with chicken, which was delicious as well, the refried beans had a noticeably higher quality than the refried beans you tend to find at Mexican restaurants throughout Tampa Bay. They put tons of stuff on top and it was great! My friend also ordered a burrito and gave me a piece of it, it was good but not as good as the tacos and tostada, so I say go with those if it is your first time. They also have my favorite drink Horchata and for ~$2.50 I had a big cup full of the drink that I rarely get to have nowadays. There is another Mexican place in Tampa that has it, but it doesn't compare at all. I'm glad that I finally got to try this place, it deserves 5 stars for taste and for being a lifesaver to a city that just doesn't have enough quality Mexican food. Many futures trips back to come.
(5)Asma A.
So ive eaten there about 3 times in the past month. I tried the burrito pernada with shrimp, and it wasnt that great... but i still wanted to give this place another shot. Initially, i really wanted to try the vegan steak strips, but they didnt have them that day. After that first time, I did not really want to go back there, since the first impression was not that great. However, something made me go back there and this time they had the vegan steak strips!!
(4)Cece C.
Fast, delicious and good prices. What more could you ask for. Had the chicken quesadilla which was very filling and perfect for a quick lunch.
(4)Inga L.
The waiter didn't speak too much English so our order got really messed up... We had burritos with no toppings on it.. Steak burrito basically had only steak in it.. wtf And the meat was chewy and faty ..Bad experience for the first time... Maybe will give it another try when in the area...
(2)Luisella M.
The first couple of times I went I played it safe and got plain ole tacos and wasn't very excited to return. I live really close to them and returned with my younger sis. She recommended the tofu veggie burrito and now that's the boy thing I get at Taco Bus. I want to be clear, I am not a tofu eater. This is actually the only place I eat tofu. Ever.
(4)Heather S.
#glutenfree Loved this place. The tacos were fantastic and there were lots of gluten-free options! I had the cochinita pibil and it was tremendous. I got two of those tacos, but I should've gotten four! It's not some fancy joint but the food is delicious. This was definitely a pleasant surprise.
(4)Michelle R.
Love their food! Especially their sauces so spicy and delicious.
(5)Jason R.
Everyone else already covered it.. damn good taco's and open 24 hours. Any place you go to, that's got a dusty dirty parking lot, the kind that has grease and all manor of odd smelly stuff thrown about on it... packed with cars, teens, hipsters, old folks, young folks, singles, doubles, triples, gay's, straights, bi's... you name it.. it's either going to be damn good food, or some kinda rave with load music. In this case, it's damn good food... though, at night, I could see this turning into a rave.
(5)Mac M.
It's good, a little expensive a small taco $3 Good service. Yelp said my review was too short so I'm adding some words. We'll try this place again.
(3)John D.
Try the shredded chicken tacos... They are delicious. This is very authentic and simple mexican place; we are very happy.
(4)Caroline G.
Cant go wrong with The Taco Bus!!! Everything is always 100% perfect and quick. No frills but sooo delicious.
(4)Dave W.
OK. It's a bus. It's in a dusty parking lot. If you are expecting AC and a spic-and-span environment, look elsewhere. That leaves more for the rest of us! However, the food is solid. They don't appear to make their own tortillas but the hot sauce is a winner, the cochinita pibil is out of this world, and the unique butternut squash tostada is a crispy, tasty treat!
(4)Jamie E.
Being a Mexican food lover, this place is as authentic as it gets in the Tampa bay area. This place is very busy, so sometimes service is slow but the food is well worth the wait. Also, they are open 24/7!
(5)Jessi T.
Naturally, any review you get will be biased. I'm going to start off by saying I'm biased because I love dive restaurants/eateries and this place is definitely a dive. I mean, they serve you food out of a bus that is stapled to a building. Okay, maybe it's not literally stapled but it looks like they parked a bus next to an abandoned building and started serving food out of the bus and set up tables in the abandoned building. So basically, this is a dive. Anyhooooo, this place is delicious. The food is authentic and fresh and the service is friendly! I loved all the workers that I interacted with... everyone was nice and accommodating and they try to expedite things as well as they can. The food was good! I ate my delicious tacos and tamale... so good. And the prices are awesome! Definitely a deal for all the food you get. So all-in-all, a great place! Definitely try this bus of deliciousness. And two other bonuses are it's open 24/7 AND there's a clean bathroom! Boo-yah!
(5)Nanci C.
So I am way late to the game in eating at Taco Bus but I finally made it there since we were out that way. I've heard so many good things about it, I was hoping that I loved it as much as everyone else does. The verdict? YES!!!! Oh. My. Goodness. I texted my friend Steph before hand to ask what I should order since she's been many times. One of the things she suggested was the Butternut Squash Tostada and that's what I ordered. It was filling, delicious, and I loved the flavors. I could have cilantro on anything so the fresh cilantro was a huge hit. So good. Hubby had chicken tacos which I tasted and they were amazing. i also tried the chips and guacamole. Rarely do I like guacamole anywhere as I am spoiled by my mom's most excellent guacamole but this was a close second. Very fresh. Love the atmosphere, it was a perfect day outside with a nice breeze to sit under the covered area. I will definitely go back!
(5)Ron D.
Eaten at the new location on Falkenburg Road three times. I am not impressed at all. The third time was not a charm!
(1)Colleen B.
Yep, it's a winner! HUGE thank you to Collin S for introducing me. FABULOUS drunk grub. It's a little confusing as it's a taco bus attached to a building lol. You order outside and can get it to go, eat outside or inside. I went with the quesadilla with pulled pork. It was delicious and I think I engulfed it within 5 minutes. I wish I had gotten two. The lack of cheese was disappointing but the amount of flavor made up for it. So fresh and tons of cilantro for the win! mmmmmm I will have to stop here more often when in Tampa!
(4)Layla C.
If I lived in Tampa, I'd weigh 400 pounds, all because of this bus o' tacos. 24 hours. A stoner's paradise. Everything I had was great. The salsas cannot be missed either, especially the salsa verde. When my boyfriend forgot he had the massive bottles in his carry on and they were taken away when we went to fly home, I nearly shed a tear. That good.
(5)Danesh J.
Okay, I think I solved the oily problem: Tostada. It's like an open faced crunchy taco. It's small, but fresh and lite. Meat (carne asada) is fatty. Side note: Restrooms are surprisingly very clean. For the shy people, there is a window in there, however, not sure what others can see from outside.
(3)Vince G.
Cool place that is very unique and worth checking out with friends. If your a Mexican food purist like I consider myself, then you might not be impressed with the taste or quality, but by Florida standards it's still pretty bueno.
(4)Gigi S.
I love their tongue burritos, it's just too bad that I have nothing to compare em too, because folks don't eat too much tongue around these parts, but they don't seem to have any problem with the rest of the cow....strange...
(3)Gerald M.
I have been hearing about this place since moving to Tampa from Houston. From what I understand, it started off as an actual taco bus. Then business got so good they opened a restaurant. This place is a dive and kinda smells funny. The food is still cooked on the bus...then carried in to your table. My partner had a tamale and spanish rice. I had a chicken burrito. I used to believe everything was bigger in Texas until I saw his tamale...it was HUGE! The food was ok to me but nothing special. However, all the locals seemed to love it. I think am just still morning the loss of my good ole Houston Tex-Mex.
(3)Ben O.
I wish the Taco Bus made regular stops in Atlanta, because it's just too far for a lunch run. We came here to satisfy our curiosity and our stomachs, and succeeded on both counts. Aguas frescas don't come with a refill, but they're so huge that you're not likely to need one. Same goes for the food: it's hard to walk away hungry unless you came here dead-ass broke. Note for wheelchair users: there's a ramp leading into a restaurant building, so once you've gotten through the bumpy parking lot, you don't have to slog through gravel to their outdoor tables.
(5)Arthur A.
The fish torta (sandwich) was amazing. Carne asada burrito was very good as well. Loved the tortilla --- when you go to a Chipotle, you feel the tortilla is just the equipment to hold the fillings. The tortilla here was fresh and had a subtle flavor all its own that complimented the steak.
(4)Ana K.
They have tempeh. Enough said :)
(5)Mr N.
Don't just get the super tasty tacos, try the tamales too...
(4)Sherri R.
One thing we Texans know is Mexican food. I have finally found someplace that does Mexican food well! I am even more grateful to see that Taco Bus is opening a location in Brandon! Don't come looking for ambience as this is rugged casual with a few tables inside and out. You can get waiter service inside, but it is going to get the job done versus wow you. The staff is friendly and casual. First, you select how you want your food....taco, burrito, quesadilla, tostada, etc. Then you pick your meat. There are a variety of meats as well as vegetarian choices. I had the pollo verde and it was both juicy and flavorful. Last, you pick your veggies...cabbage (no lettuce), cilantro, tomatoes and onions. They tend to pile on the onions, so I had them hold them. I had the taco meal that came with beans and rice. The rice reminded me of my mother-in-law's homemade rice....very good and authentic. The beans are retried. I really liked the mixed with the rice and topped with the salsa verde. The salsa verde is worthy of mention. It has good flavor and a nice bit of heat. Here in Tampa most of the salsa is bland or reminds me of tomato sauce. Not the salsa verde! Truly worth taking some home! The guacamole is also well done. Nice flavor and creamy. This is worth the trip! Best Mexican food in Tampa!
(4)Rose S.
How gross that they do not make good food with meat like they use to. Yet another vegan restaurant. I might have to start hunting for my own meat. Lol.
(1)Mike S.
Not exactly in my West Tampa flight path of eating, but Taco Bus has become a mandatory stop for any local foodie. And it is very good, with a good selection of tacos and other fast-food-like Mexican offerings. It stays busy and that sometimes leads to some confusion on where to stand/sit, and how to get the attention of a server and then some long waits for food. The offerings are well-prepared with some variations not usually found at taco joints. An added charm is that they are open after the bars close, which may explain some of the earlier reviews. As a more "seasoned" diner, I am unlikely to be out after 9pm, and many bars are just cranking up then. But what place wants a rep of tasting good to drunks?
(3)Tracy H.
Great Food. The kids loved it. Great place to bring your out of town guest to give them a taste of Tampa.
(4)Nat W.
Ok so I love the fact they open 24/7 and it is so great because I work late night and after work I can go with my co-workers. Love the atomasphere too everyone is happy and chatting and all. Even if the line is long, the food relatively comes out quickly. It is kind of pain to park there when there are alot of people though. The food itself....I just don't see where all the hypes are coming from. Yes the food is not bad but not that great. To me it is just a mediocre Mexican food. It is still one of few options for me to get food from late night and probablly the only place to get Mexican dish anytime except Tacobell. *Featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives
(3)Jason H.
I like the downtown location because it's a bit cleaner and usually less busy. That's no knock on this location - it's the original and you have to come here at least once. Be prepared for it to be busy, though.
(4)Kimberly M.
This is one of my favorite places in Tampa to grab a quick bite to eat. The Taco Bus serves up consistently tasty Mexican dishes, at very low prices, and the staff is always very friendly. The outdoor seating area is surprisingly nice considering the restaurant's location on such a busy road. And, best of all, the bus is open late so you can get your fix into the wee hours of the morning ;) Some of my favorites are: - Una Torta con Rajas con Queso- A mexican sandwich filled with a creamy sauce with corn, peppers, chunks of cheese, and other yumminess on a toasted bun. The jalapeno peppers give this one a little bit of a kick. - The Papos Platos- A huge serving of rice, bordered by tortilla chips, and covered in your choice of meat. My favorite is the chipolte chicken served only on Fridays. This one is big enough for two people. - The fish tacos are also excellent with just the right amount of creamy sauce to moisten the lightly friend fish. The hibiscus tea and horchata make great accompaniments to any meal. I definitely recommend checking out Taco Bus!
(4)Rebecca C.
I am feeling generous, Taco Bus probably deserves 4.5 stars but I'll round up. The reason being they are the best vegetarian friendly place I've found ever (besides Taco Bell - yep you can get anything on their menu vegetarian). Taco Bus was referred to me by a Yelper from the area and so glad she did. It actually has a cute school bus outside for take-out and to set the decor, I guess. And it seems like more Taco Buses will be popping up in Florida. Very popular place, especially on a weekend. You have to grab your own seats and pray that one of their very busy servers will find you. I'd recommend grabbing a menu or taking a look at the take-out Bus menu in advance so you know what you want. The ordering process is a bit slow. Vegetarian food: Saturday and Sunday Veggie Tamales - out of this world good, I thought my days of tamales were over forever. This one has the same flavor, sauce, and everything, minus the meat - which is nicely replaced with corn and peas. :) Seitan or Fake Steak Tacos - looks like bits of mushrooms and I didn't really like it myself, but hubby scarfed it down. Seafood food: Fish Tacos & Shrimp burrito - very tasty too. Huge in portions, we ordered enough food for the week and ended up taking most of it home. Some items come with sides of beans and rice, which were also well spiced and flavored so well. I was really impressed. Others had gripes about the service, so go warned. And the location isn't restaraunt quality and its not the prettiest o look at, but the food is so worth it. Even more so if you don't eat meat.
(5)Jeremy A.
Got a chance to stop at the Taco Bus to try and find some legit Mexican while in Tampa. Taco bus was our desitnation and this place is hilarious, open 24 hours and blasts music so loud I had to shout to order. The tacos were ok, I had the shrimp and carne asada ones. I wasnt too pleased with the ceviche here, it was mainly some vegetables with bits of shrimp in ketchup. Stick to the tacos and the specials and you will do fine. Also, try to refrain from visiting here late at night unless you're with some friends. its not in the best neighborhood.
(3)Sarah B.
Good place, best tacos in town!
(4)Luis A.
I've waited a while to post this one. I have been to the Taco Bus 3 times in one month and I have to say it is everything that it promises and more. I won't get into what I've had because you cannot go wrong with anything you order and that includes their juices mmmyummy! I've come in with my family as I'd gotten take out for my beautiful wife and she absolutely loved it! When we came in we even tried their Fish Tacos a first for me! I was not disappointed! We had a great time my daughters ate and loved it as well. Their staff is great and put out some of the best Mexican food I've had. This is definitively a place to mark in your book if you're ever in the area 'Nuff Said! *Brett "Jungle Kat" N requested more on what I've tried so here goes: The first time I drove in I tried the Burrito with Carne Asada, their sauces are terrific. Since I couldn't decide which one I like the best it was a dip of green, then a dip of red! The second trip, I tried the Burrito Preñado with Cochinita Pibil, again a dip of green, a dip of red and yum, brought one over for the wife and voila a perfect date night! The third trip was on a rainy morning and being in the area I thought, "Breakfast would be perfect right now!" A breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, chorizo, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and cheese, oh and sour cream! I don't like pineapple, I tried their pineapple juice and have to retract the previous mentioned dislike and proclaim YUM! And there was a fourth trip, on the following month, with the family and we had two Burritos with Carne Asada, and two fish tacos. My daughters shared a chiken quesadilla which I also tried! I again have to express how good the food is, and a big thank you to Brett for encouraging me to write more!
(5)carla c.
TACO BUS!!! Best food I had in Tampa! Open late! Their squash dip was to die for! And of course the Horchata is delish and they serve it in a cup the size of your head! YUM
(4)Eve C.
The only reason Taco Bus doesn't get 5 stars is because it's a 4+ hour drive or 1-hour flight from the 305. But no matter, since I've been finding myself in the Tampa area quite a bit these days. Two visits to Tampa in 8 days equals 3 visits to the Taco Bus! I just can't get enough of this place!!! On my first 2 visits, I stuck with the fish taco platter with rice and beans. On my most recent visit, I opted for the burrito stuffed with cochinita pibil. Both are great options! The fish tacos are the perfect amount of fish, crunchy cabbage, crema, and tortilla. Add a squeeze of lime and a little of the green salsa, and it may damn well be the perfect fish taco! The burritos are huge, and stuffed to the gills with your choice of filling. Now let's get to the true star of the show - the beans! I don't know what exactly it is about Taco Bus's beans, but they are out-of-this-world amazing! I've dreamed about these beans repeatedly since my first Taco Bus experience. Definitely a must-order for any visit to the Taco Bus!! And don't forget to quench your thirst with some aqua de piña, which is easily big enough for 2 people to share. Parking is plentiful, as is seating, both indoors and out. Prices are very reasonable, and they do take credit cards. And don't miss washing your hands in the fully-functioning sink fashioned to the front of the bus! Taco Bus, please expand to the Miami area! We would love to have you!!
(4)Michelle W.
I'm about ready to start a petition to bring the Taco Bus to MIA. On a recent trip to Tampa my friend and I hit this place for back to back meals... we are greatly deprived of good Mexican food in Miami.... I now know I need to drive clear across the state to Tampa to get some. The goods: -real Mexican cheese -awesome refried beans -great tortillas -the green salsa on the table (actually pretty good if you mix the red & green together) -pineapple water drink (massive cup of sweet deliciousness, you must get it) -delicious fish tacos -they have a working sink attached to front of said bus -large burritos -cheap as hell -quick service Not 5 stars: -the rice, I don't dig the frozen-esk peas and carrots in my rice -tamale, good but had above frozen-esk veggies in it as well -missed breakfast, I wish they served it until later I heart Taco Bus. I will visit you every time I come to Tampa. I need you in Miami. Please send one of the extra buses our way. You will be Loved. P.S. - Taco Bus is more than just a bus, it's pretty much its own neighborhood. Seriously, it has a few buses and buildings... I imagine at one point it was really JUST a bus?
(4)Danielle G.
The food is always amazing but they lack great staff. The staff is just OK. They aren't rude but also not friendly. It took forever to get my order but was correct when I received it. I did watch the staff members chatting and restocking, not so much with the cooking. Granted, the staff I could see may not have been responsible for my food directly but it does look bad to a hungry customer.
(3)Selina K.
I've eaten here several times, and the flavor of the refried beans is hit or miss. The chicken and beef are seasoned well and taste authentic. Probably your best choice in town for a midnight snack.
(4)Leslie F.
If you haven't been to the Taco Bus, you are not a true Tampa resident. There are no excuses. This dive as earned Tampa quite the reputation for Mexican street fare-it has been featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, Man vs. Food and will soon be on No Reservations. Their food is simple but top notch in flavor quality. They put serious love into all of their mouth-watering marinated meats that they so generously stuff into your choice of taco, burrito, tostada or tortas. Their guacamole and homemade salsas are outstanding too...all with mucho flavor and super fresh. Out of this world Mexican street food. My favorite? Taco filled with Conchinita Pibil- shredded Pork marinated in Achiote and bitter orange, then wrapped in banana leaves and slow roasted in a smoker...this glorious meat is based on a 5,000 year old Mayan recipe. SO tender, moist and melt in your mouth delicious!
(5)Gee K.
24/7 Mexican goodness. The BEST authentic Mexican food in Tampa! Love the barbacoa meat, especially with lots of spicy green sauce. The tamales are amazing too, but only available on the weekends. And the pineapple water is pure love! So refreshing and sweet. I could drink it all day. And all that deliciousness is made and served from a bus. Taco Bus FTW!
(5)David B.
Great place to stop on the way home after a long night
(5)Kelsey L.
Can one not love the taco bus? My coworkers and friends are avid fans of The Taco Bus (which is quite literally a bus, with a restaurant attached). The service here is friendly and quick, which is great when you're swinging by for a lunch break, or stopping in for a late night snack. If you're extra hungry, go for the Burrito Prenado, which is my favorite. It's an X-large flour tortilla stuffed with your choice of filling, Mexican rice, refried beans, taco veggies and cheese. You'll be full for the rest of the day, but not in that over stuffed way, in that "I just ate a great, healthy meal" way. I like to fill it with Cochinita Pibil, wich is a shredded marinated pork that tastes like something your mom made (in a good way). I also enjoy getting a small side of the Butternut Squash Centro, which is homemade tortilla chips topped with a healthy serving of butternut squash, sweet red peppers, tomatoes, and onions. To ruin my health streak, I go for the Pineapple water, which tastes exactly like the name, but is very sweet. I've also tried the Hibiscus Flower Lemonade, but that's like diabetes in a cup if you're not a sugar fan.
(4)Eva P.
A few new friends I've made here in Dallas had suggested this place when I told them I was visiting Tampa. They both had lived in Tampa at one point or another so I figured that I should try it out. And plus, their mouths were drooling when I asked them where to eat and it was featured on DDD's. I got a Puerco asado burrito, carne asda taco, chicarron en salsa verde taco and a hibiscus lemonade. And so full of flavor! I went around 11PM and the line was still long but worth the wait. What I loved about the Taco Bus though was that they had vegetarian and VEGAN options!! LOVE IT!!! I would have gotten the vegan burrito but I just couldn't pass up some of the different types of meat they had there. They had a lot of options and items on their menu for vegetarians and vegans a like. So, you can please the best of all foodie worlds! NOTE: They have their own parking lot area and they are on a busy street but close off the freeway.
(5)Mina K.
Best burritos in the East coast of the U.S.A.
(5)T L.
So very disappointed. Food was bland and blah. Ordered 2 taco combination plate with fish taco and conchinta pibil. I expected a lot more flavor as I had a similar dish in Mexico prepared the traditional manner. The beans and rice were also disappointing; the beans pasty and no flavor. The rice looked nice with corn and peas, but nearly tasteless. Two small pieces of fried fish on the fish taco. Not a good value and don't understand the hype. The guacamole was excellent and I was prepared for the meal to be just as good. Won't go back as there are a lot of other excellent places to eat that I enjoy
(2)Msabu N.
The food is amazing!!!! I got Rahas con Queso taco, the Vegetarian taco and the Butternut Squash taco. Who'd of thunk butternut squash in a taco, but it was my fav. My husband got the Shredded Beef Burrito. We are still saying "Man, that food was good" days later. We got there around 12:30. There was hardly a parking space left. It's just an open dirt area under trees so be careful backing out, the car behind me was pretty close and I nearly hit it. We had to wait a bit, but considering how busy they were it wasn't bad. They were working as hard and as fast as they possibly could.
(5)Katie P.
Came here thanks to food network and thanks to I live in CA and I wanted tacos amazing !!!!
(5)Michael C.
Just wanted to update - I'm still downing Cochinita Pibil Burritos, but the most surprising and must have is the weekend only Tamales: the corn meal is sweet and cakey; the meat is tender and flavorful; but the best part is when you get that perfect bite with the right amount of corn and meat and it just all melts in your mouth.
(5)Yvonne B.
I was completely skeptical about trying Taco Bus and I feel like I was the last person in Tampa to eat here, but when I finally did...oh my goodness! I have a rather plain palette when it comes to spice and what not, so it's not that kind of stuff that makes or breaks a place for me. It's the fact that I ordered a quesadilla with only chicken and cheese and it still tasted like the most flavorful thing in the world. The portion size was large (for me at least) and I loved the outside seating. I have eaten a couple more times, mostly because Mema's closed, but I have not been disappointed. However, I know that I am a bit pigeon-holed because I hate soft tacos and burritos - so basically I have to stick to quesadillas! But I am certainly not complaining!
(4)Butch C.
Solid,consistent performer ,the Cadillac of food trucks ,nice vegetarian offerings .
(4)Merrilyn J.
After visiting the Taco Bus for the first time last weekend, my only regret is that I lived 10 years in the Tampa area before finding it. As a transplanted Californian, my search for good (i.e., real) Mexican food in this area has been a mostly frustrating endeavor. There are some OK places, but this, my friends, is the real deal! The flavors are incredible and authentic, without the layers of cheese that cover most other supposedly Mexican food served at other places I've tried. I had the vegan tamales (only served on weekends), with an appetizer of guacamole and a plate of rice. I also ordered a watermelon agua fresca (which is a seasonal offering). The tamale was generously sized. I was happy to take home the leftovers, which reheated quite nicely! The guac was incredible. I only wished the serving was bigger. And the agua fresca was the perfect accompaniment on a hot May afternoon. They do use quite a bit of cilantro in their preparation, which is fantastic for me, since I love it, but I know that cilantro is a love-it-or-hate-it thing, so just be aware of that when ordering.
(5)Paul C.
I have very few words for this one. I think everyone should experience the Taco Bus at least once in their lives. Take a trip down the Hillsborough and right between a broken down building and an auto place is a small piece of taco heaven. Cheap prices, big portions of delicious chicken/pulled pork/ beef, and amazing side dishes make this a must go spot if your a Tampa native or just visiting. The tortillas are warm, beans are hot, and the salsa at the tables is extra spicy. Try the flower lemonade, its extra sour but deliciously tangy all the same. 5 out of 5.
(5)Dana U.
This place is officially 5 stars. The plate of food I had in front of me at 11:30 pm on a Sunday night was one of the best plates of food I've had in Tampa. It may not be the healthiest place to eat, but its open 24 hours and the food is consistently good. Some of the best authentic mexican tacos you can get out of mexico.
(5)Bob K.
Love the food and drink at Taco Bus (horchata is amazingly good) but why is the service so sloooooow. Even ordering online does not help as I ordered online for pickup in 30 minutes, and when I arrived 30 minutes after ordering, they only just then started making my order.
(3)Christine Y.
Think of the Taco Bus like the ending of 2001: A Space Odyssey. It's a Star Child. And if you don't get it, you don't get it. You probably enjoy life more if you get it. P.S. I'm kind of sad now that they opened an actual building portion! My recommendation: order at THE BUS, eat outside anyway.
(4)Anh D.
I get fish tacos from any menu that has them, and these are the best fish tacos I've ever had! My three dining companions enjoyed their various tacos as well - shrimp, chicken in green chili sauce, and barbacoa among them. Two of the four orders were wrong initially, even though it was read back to us before we paid; but since that was quickly remedied, no harm done. I guess it's a good thing they're over 100 miles from where we live or else I'd come visit every other day. Will definitely be back next time we're here on vacation.
(5)Kelleigh M.
I love their tacos but honestly that's it. I'm not a fan of their quesadilla but their tacos are worth the drive.
(5)Nicole B.
Discussing! Over rated! My husband and I stopped here on a trip to Florida, because of all of the Yelp reviews. Not sure what is going on but, this place is ridiculously bad. Maybe it's because we are from California and we know what good Mexican food is supposed to taste like, I'm not sure? What ever you do don't waste your time.
(1)Diana C.
I still do visit the Taco Bus but miss when their prices where FAIR and CHEAP back in the day before they switched owners. I am Mexican and find them to be a rip off now. Charging over $2.50 for a taco is damn ridiculous. Lol. Let me give the good reviews. The Horchata is amazing. For food, the only thing I order NOW is their Carne Asada Torta. I request for the bread to be toasted (because that's how it should be) and jalapenos. At times, this can be difficult for them to get right. The smell in their area can be disturbing at times, but for being open 24/7, I give them kudos since Tampa lacks having restaurants open past 10 PM.
(3)Jenny L.
I have heard so many good things about Taco Bus, so I figured it deserved a real chance. I believe it deserves 2.5 stars. It some where between "meh, I've experienced better and A-OK". It's your basic "Mexican-Americanized" flavorless food factory. Nothing special or out of this world. Standard burritos, quesadillas, meat-refried beans-rice combinations. All mildly seasoned for "gringo" pallet's. I am not dissing Taco Bus, I will probably go back. You have to accept this place for what it is. If you're looking for a standard inexpensive taco joint, this is your place! I gave it 3 stars because I like the atmosphere. It's cool little spot to hang out. With 3 locations they're easy to find. No frills Americanized bland food. Not bad, not great. It is what it is. And the search continues for our go to burrito spot, besides Chipotle (of course)...
(3)Kiki T.
Go to the Taco Bus and eat everything!!! I can itemize everything that everyone in my party had but it doesn't matter- you're going to enjoy what you order. The ambience was great, exactly what this sort of thing should offer! The staff is courteous and actually seems to care about their customers, even at 3 in the morning. On our recent trip to Tampa/ St Pete we went to all 3 Taco Bus locations within 24 hours and enjoyed every one of them!! To be fair, we didn't eat at the downtown location, we just stopped in to buy a couple of bottles of their salsa verde- delicious!!! Please drive the Tampa Taco Bus to Georgia so I can eat there regularly.
(5)Jeremy B.
My friends and I all had taco bus. we had the carnitas burrito and tacos and everything was excellent.
(5)Dwanna W.
Love this place!! great taco's I enjoy going back as often as possible. It has close to authentic as it gets. Enjoy!!! Enjoy!! Enjoy!!! The only thing missing would be some good chips to go with that great Salsa they make. An added bonus would be great cheese dip.
(5)Jake C.
This review is long overdo, especially since I haven't lived within driving distance in almost 7 months. Taco bus, is by far, the best place in the bay area for tacos. I mean, it's right in the name. If you've never been, it's exactly as the name implies. Tacos, from a bus. The seating is plentiful, both indoor and out. The location of the Tampa restaurant may be a little daunting as it sits in a less than savory neighborhood, but if you brave the locale you're in for a treat. Traditional street food, cooked with love. There's a number of daily specials, among other non-taco fare. Really, though, what you want are the tacos. Pretty standard combinations, pork, beef, etc. topped with crunchy veg and some homemade salsa. I'd suggest the corn tortillas, as the flour ones just don't do it justice. What I'm about to suggest is going to sound less than appetizing, so I'll use the Spanish word. Lengua. Don't ask questions, just get one. The meat is tender and bursting with flavor. You'd never believe you were eating beef tongue (Oops! Forget I used that word). Seriously, though, I had never eaten tongue prior to my first time at Taco Bus. It became a staple after my first taste. Don't expect phenomenal service, it's a food truck. These guys churn out delicious tacos and do it well. If you're in the Tampa (and now St.Pete) area, this is a must stop location.
(4)Heather H.
I don't want to admit how many midnight trips to the Taco Bus I've taken... yeah, it's that good. Everything is fresh and delicious. I'm obsessed with the Mayan recipe tacos, they're perfection! Try the horchata, it's like a liquid cinnamon bun!
(5)Chels C.
Great, authentic dishes. Try the Saturday special -menudo. Great friendly fast service staff.
(5)Joel R.
I was informed about Taco Bus from a local. There's likely no other way I would have stumbled upon it except via yelp, but then I would have located it on the map and gone 'well I've got no reason to go over that way' Well, I'm glad I headed over. No trip to Tampa is complete without a stop off at the Taco Bus. They make it so easy being open 24 hours too. Love the Barbacoa, the salsas, fresh guac, and the novelty of ordering and having your food cooked on the bus never seems to get old. Also never getting old is the "Broken English Perfectly Spoken" sign. If your visiting Tampa, and you want to feel like a local, you have to pay this place a visit. If you local and you don't know about this place, you better learn fast. Also, watch out for that Red Light Camera at Hillsboro and Nebraska, just west of I-275. It got me crossing through on the red at 0.0-0.1 seconds past the red for a $158 ticket, but won that back in court.
(5)RE A.
This food is so delicious and the service is fun walking up to the bus window to order just makes it an original experience. They even put their own truck on the street now so you might find them anywhere. A Tampa experience that everyone must have
(4)Collin S.
I don't know if this is a review or an homage to greatness. One of the few advantages of living in Tampa Palms is I can force/guilt/attempt-to-grab-the-wheel-from-the-Âshotgun-seat my designated driver to stop at this legendary location on my way back from South Tampa. And oh what glory this somewhat sketchy neighborhoods begets. I always get the steak burrito with extra rice and cheese, so I expect this review to be read at my prematurely young funeral. Healthy it is not, but a better burrito you will never ever consume. The steak is plentiful, and I'm not sure if they marinate it in liquid joy provided by the cherubin and seraphin above us, or just the tears of Yankees and Mets fans, but it is utterly sublime. And yes, I've lived on the west coast so all you Cali people that claim ordering a burrito in English is a recipe for failure... well normally I'd agree with you but this time you're just wrong. Taco Bus is freakin' outstanding. And do NOT forget the glory that is a Mexican Coke, which they serve here 24 hours a day. No high fructose corn syrup, but an actual Coca-Cola made with real cane sugar and served in a glass bottle. I always drink Diet or Zero, but even I am forced to submit to the whims of Big Sugar on this one. Sometimes throwbacks and retro is far superior, and the three best examples of this are Dr J.'s afro, the red, white, and blue ABA basketball, and Coke with real sugar. The service stinks, and you will wait too long for your food. And if you get there between 2:30am and 3:30 am, you will wait in line because the bars just closed and Taco Bus is Tampa's official hangover cure (along side a Greenwise breakfast buffet in the morning). But the crappy music combined with the exciting fear of wondering if that's a muffler or a gunshot going off in the background means you're about to be treated to some amazing food truck awesome. Ride or die, Tampa. And get on the Bus.
(5)Blake M.
Some of the various locations have consistency issues, but overall Taco Bus is great. It's pretty much the only place in Tampa for authentic Mexican food. Great selection of vegetarian/vegan options. The butternut squash and tempeh are my favorites. The pineapple agua fresca is also insanely delicious.
(4)Steve W.
I'm almost tempted to dock a star from my review, because I fear I will never eat another burrito as good as the one I had from here. I've never had marinated tofu as good as that before. Burrito was nice and huge, mixed well, and every ingredient was top notch. WHEN you go here, also get a cup of the pineapple water. I'm not even a huge pineapple guy but it was the most delicious and refreshing beverage possible. I think it was $2.50 for a huge cup of it.
(5)Carmen H.
I hate to go against the grain and not give the Taco Bus 4 or 5 stars, but it was just average to me. Sorry...I'm from TX so I'm extremely bias and pickey when it comes to Tex-Mex and especially tacos from joints like this. My husband ordered the carne asada tacos, he ordered it like a "street" taco with only onions and cilantro with a squirt of lime juice. Compared to TX it was just average. I ordered the fish tacos with everything, not bad, but I've had much better for cheaper back in TX. I really like the "bus" atmosphere and the customer service no complaints there. So I guess overall it is an excellent taco joint for Tampa, but they would not be the rave in TX. Again...sorry...
(3)Mira L.
A great place to eat !
(5)C H.
Another fantastic Taco Bus experience! I pretty much get the same thing every time - Tofu Burrito Prenado. It never disappoints! One of my favorite things is the green sauce!! I've never had a better salsa, perfectly spicy every time. This is one of the best places for vegans and vegetarians in Tampa. Several topping options including tofu, tempeh, vegan steak strips, and squash. So thankful there are multiple locations now, b/c it helps me get my fix no matter where in town I am :)
(5)Emily K.
If I were to utter the words "Taco Bus" in a conversation with my friends, a mop better be ready to sop up the amount of drool pooling on the floor. Not a day goes by when I don't crave a Taco Bus burrito made with "Cochinita Pibil--Pork marinated in achiote and bitter orange then wrapped in banana leaves and slow roasted in a smoker. Based on a 5000 year old Mayan recipe." It doesn't get much more authentic than that. The burritos are ENORMOUS and they never disappoint. At first glance, I always think "woah, there is no way I can eat all of this." About five minutes later I've wolfed down the entire thing, unable to stop desperately consuming the deliciousness. The scarfing pauses only to douse my next bite in the mysterious green sauce located on all the tables; there is no chance that burrito will survive for lunch tomorrow. My husband, however, hates the place. He has a weak stomach and even the smell of Mexican food seems to twist his insides like a roller coaster. My only complaint is that I must find other companions to accompany me to Taco Bus, but because of the incredible flavors I've never had a problem tracking down a friend or two to grab that two-in-the-morning, gotta-have-Taco-Bus burrito.
(4)Courtney T.
A must visit when in town. The food is authentic Mexican. Everything has always been amazing. The portions are great for the price!
(4)Flaco U.
No big deal, if it is 4am and in your way home drunk this is a must place to stop, otherwise not worth driving out of your way for a taco at the Bus, many other places in Tampa are just as good or better during normal working hours. Just for laugh checked the Formal attire required but only if you just got out of the after hours Club
(2)Joel G.
If your looking for fine dining this is not it but if your looking for great mexican food at any time of the day this is it! I have been here at least 50 times and ordered most of the meat choices over 3 years and was never once disappointed. The dinner platter is awesome and I am not normally a refried beans guy but these are amazing. Daily specials usually very good and the burritos are Ginormous you don't leave the bus still hungry.
(5)Cindy V.
i hate that Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives featured the Bus on their show. i mean they definitely deserve the exposure but it's created a crowd of visitors that i'd rather not compete with for seating and a line i most definitely don't want to wait in. but my love for fresh, flavorful mexican food keeps me coming back for more. we made the short little pilgrimage over there this past weekend for lunch (after passing a few nights prior because the dinner line was ridiculous) and we left with full, happy tummies and a slew of leftovers. the portion sizes are large, to say the least, and the bill is small. the weekend lunch crowd isn't bad, so the line isn't bad and seating is plentiful.
(4)Shannon P.
Let me start off by saying that their food, depending on what you get, is pretty amazing. I loved it there until our third time ordering online. We ordered 50 minutes before the scheduled pickup time, because we had to run an errand on the way there, but despite having 50 minutes to receive and make our food, we get to the front of the line only to get a blank stare in response. So the cashier asked us what we ordered, and I could only give him the basics, considering it had been an hour since we placed our order. So the guy actually looks up our order (surprise! it's still in their computer) and gets to making our food. So we sat there for 40 minutes, waiting after 2 or 3 orders behind us got their food, and finally we went to the back door and asked the first person who would make eye contact if they gave refunds for online orders. She responded by asking us the name for the order, and then picked up a bag next to the door that had been sitting there for who knows how long. And then we get the food home, and half of our stuff wasn't even made properly (we were missing meats and sour cream that we even paid extra for). So in short: they ignored their online order, didn't bother telling us when our food WAS ready, AND messed up our order to a minor degree, all without muttering so much as an apology. If we had went to Chipotle, they would have known our names when we came through the door, they would have given us free drinks if our food wasn't ready, we'd have a a lovely air conditioned place to sit, and they would have brought us our food without us having to ask for it.... again. Screw Taco Bus. The food isn't worth that crappy treatment to their customers.
(2)Max G.
I love the food here and their Latin American inspired drinks are great. I love the place. The eating area isn't really ideal but they keep it impeccably clean and that speaks volumes. I went here with some friends a while back and the customer service is great. The people are really sweet and genuine. I will go back as soon as I can muster up the hunger to do so. I recommend the place highly.
(5)Lilian O.
I have to admit. I'm a food truck snob and love to seek them out whenever I can. Even though coming from Austin, a city that easily has over 100 food trucks/trailers/buses and trailer parks of them with excellent taco trucks, I have to give credit when it is due. The Taco Bus is open 24/7 and even then still always seems to have a line. My fiancee and I were in Tampa only a few days before and after our cruise but found ourselves eating here twice on our short trip. You gotta love a place that can poke fun at itself with the sign "Broken English spoken here." The numerous options on the menu for both vegetarians and meat-eaters is impressive. Food highlights included the vegan steak tacos, tofu fajitas, butternut squash tostada, and the massive horchata that can easily quench the thirst of two people. Unless you enjoy the bitter, sour taste of hibiscus, avoid the hibiscus lemonade. We ended up dumping that out.
(5)Megan D.
Everything tastes so fresh! I had the fish taco lunch deal, and my boyfriend and his daughter had the asado tacos...mine were amazing and they had nothing but good things to say about theirs. The people were super attentive and polite - great service. Will definitely come back when we're in the area!
(4)Jim B.
So, I lived 3 blocks north of this place when it opened up in 2003 or so - In those days it was called El Taconazo, had weird hours and the cheese quesadilla was a buck, with meat 2.50. I went to grad school and left this homely little food joint behind and now? Well... yeah, times have changed and this place is now officially The Taco Bus - and an institution in the hood... and they take Visa. New owners, a second location and a larger staff... change is good up to a point. So, Friday night 10:30 I get a wild hair and drive up from Palma Ceia for the barbacoa quesadilla... and an epic line of hipsters confronts me. Sheesh. Glad they're busy and all but damn. 35+ minutes to order and get my noms before I could retire to SOK and nosh. Food: Still just as damned good as ever. Portions: Fatter meat than before I left - kudos for that. Ate some that night, and the rest the next day. Was it worth 4.99? Hells to the yeah. Service speed... well, yeah. Its not fast food by a long stretch. My only real quibble: The cilantro was lacking and the veggies all clumped together on one side. Assembly of the stuffing is critical to a great quesadilla, and the assembly seems to have taken a hit. I'll just assume it was because they were so slammed. Gotta figure out when its less busy for my next visit. Its still 5 stars since there is nothing else like it, anywhere - and its cheap and damned good food. OH: No clue how they evade the City's noise ordinance.
(5)Paul S.
If you like mexican food, you'll enjoy taco bus. Ate here about 3 months ago for lunch with some collegaues and it was very busy but we got out just in time to return to work. I had the soft taco with beef with all the fixings and It bought me back to Mexico right away. I've traveled alot and the food is prepared just like it would be in a Mexican Cantina. Great place for lunch, looks shady at night due to the neighborhood but if you go in a group you'll feel better.
(4)Rich D.
Taco Bus is a solid choice for your search for authentic taqueria flavors in Tampa. There are several places I prefer over it, but I still try to stop by every time I'm in the neighborhood. I live in Pinellas, but if I lived nearby, I'm sure I would eat there regularly. I've only had the tacos, but I really should expand from that on my future visits. As for atmosphere, the simple outside dining is simple, but cool in a funky way. It's often refreshing during the cooler months, but can be pretty oppressive during the summer. But heck, if you're like me, you're likely eating here after midnight so it may be irrelevant. My favorite tacos there are the Puerco Asado and the Cochinita Pibil. The last time I was there they were out of fish tacos which was a bummer as they are quite good. I've also managed to never get to Taco Bus for their Monday special, the Chilorio - pulled pork in a mild ancho pepper sauce - it's a traditional dish from Sinaloa, Mexico. Sounds like a reason for a reason for a late night road trip across the bay! Also big bonus points for Mexican sodas (including Coke) and being open 24/7! Atmosphere: 3 (simple, but cool in a funky way) Service: 4 Food: 4 Value: 4
(4)Wendy C.
3-star for food. Solidly good Mexican style taco, corn tortilla is fresh and moist, meats get mixed reviews (lengua is moist and tasty good; conchinita pibil while smoky and flavourful is a bit too sauc-y for me; Carne Asada was really dry). Since this is a 24/7 joint, I can easily see the food getting 4 or 5 stars when someone is hungry and drunk. 5-star for a nice experience and wonderfully friendly staff. Not sure how I'd rank it value-wise. I've been to taco joints just as good or better, for less, in other parts of US (sorry, the real taco experience is sadly missing in Canada), but most other places aren't open 24/7 so does Taco Bus get extra merit for being accessible? Overall, 3.5 stars and I'd definitely stop by again if I am in the area.
(4)R K.
Tasty, cheap, quick, good portions, lots of vegetarian options and open round the clock.. What else can I ask for? LOVED the food.. Almost the best mexican food I have had.. If only it was available in Massachusetts!
(5)Katy M.
My girlfriends and I had a girl's weekend in Tampa. We went on a Tampa Ghost Tour which met by the Taco Bus. We decided after the tour we would try the Taco Bus since it is different from anything we have at home. I got the chicken taco. You get a lot of cheese, extra charge. The chicken had a wonderful flavor. It came with cilantro and lime. These two items made the taste even better. I highly recommend stopping and checking this place out.
(4)Luke T.
This place is so flipping fantastic. I ate here twice in one day recently while visiting Tampa. A friend who had been there recommended it as a great place to get vegan and vegetarian burritos, tacos, etc. Boy, was he right. This place is cheap as the Dickens, for one. I got a fish taco, a veggie taco, a butternut squash tostado and a bottled mango juice for under $10. Considering how mouthwatering everything was, you just can't beat that. Oh yeah, it's also a bus. The Taco Bus. You can walk right up and order from the bus until 4am Thur-Fri, and slightly earlier on other days. There is some funky outdoor seating with a neat, thatched-wood covering. The seats aren't the most comfortable, but they are cool looking. They have Frankenstein bolts for your feet in their necks. Hah! Nice touch! Yeah, if you want a more traditional dining experience, it is attached to an actual sit-in restaurant that I believe offers the same menu. I wouldn't know though, I'm eating out the Bus when that's an option! Also, there is a ton of parking. A ton. So much I would hate to see what the line looks like when they actually need the extended lot.
(5)Alexandra P.
Edited and bumped them from 5 to 3 stars for changing the menu. Why on earth would they get rid of tamales?? They were the only place in town that made vegan tamales and they were SO good! It seems they changed the menu in order to open more locations and they now have the mentality of "just get them in and get them out". The vegan steak strips are good but they charge an additional $1 for them. We used to eat here every week and now it's once every few months. Sad.
(3)Saravanakumar G.
I am from Chicago and this was recommended by my colleagues. This place is really cool and the chicken burrito was fresh. The green hot sauce was very good. This is definitely good Mexican joint, but I have had better Mexican in Chicago.
(3)Rob M.
WARNING. If you try this place one time you will be up at night wanting to go back. I live over in Brandon and CAN'T WAIT for the Brandon location. I have only had Torta's but that is enough to be a fan. Delicious!!!!
(5)Laura J.
Best fish tacos I've ever had. Probably the best cheap eats in Tampa. Order a horchata or agua fresca; you won't regret it. The people rating this place ones and twos are misguided contrarians.
(5)Courtney G.
Don't think this place needs an introduction. Best Mexican, local legend, 24/7, cheap, and even pretty healthy. Colorful atmosphere with outside and inside seating. Not even that old but already an institution; give it a go.
(5)Melissa M.
I had the chicken burrito along with the guac and chips. So so good! Tons of flavors!!!
(5)Todd W.
good stuff! well worth waiting in the crowded line out in the sun--there's a reason there's a line! we had the fish tacos and barbacoa--served fast. so so good and the best retried beans I've ever had in my life. great atmosphere...sitting outside the bus on a gravel floor while the tejano blared. this is Not just "after-the-bar" fare! mmmmm
(5)Zachary O.
Required eating for anyone in Tampa or St. Petersburg. Possibly the best Mexican in town. Don't like Mexican? Too bad, you should. Skittish about your food being made in a bus? Learn to appreciate something other than prepackaged chains. Scared about the "bad neighborhood and people who don't speak your english? The Klan is always accepting new members. Everything I have eaten is phenomenal. Breakfast as are cheap as that McDonalds garbage burrito, and 100x better. I don't love fish, but have heard nothing but good reviews of their shrimp and fish. Their various aguas frescas are sweet, fresh, and as good as any juice you can get anywhere else. the rice and beans are not just sides, they could each easily be a meal by themselves. i like the barbacoa burrito with like 8 oz. of salsa verde, but its all good. go now.
(5)Anish Z.
A distintive place in tampa used to be a mobile bus but now it's permanently parked wish it were on howard instead the drive to hillsborough is a bit too far. fresh food good service. this is not chipotle and you'll be happy you came
(4)Shades Of Soul E.
Ok....this is my FIRST food review on Yelp. Look for more insightful critiques down the road. Ok, so I spend a lot of time down in the Tampa/St. Pete area (my 2nd home), and everytime I am in town, The TACO BUS is a MUST (Both Locations). The concept is a converted School Bus that doubles as a Kitchen. Unpretentious in it's presentation, the focus here is definitely on the food. I recall when I first "discovered" the TACO BUS back in 2010. I ordered The Fish Taco....quickly gulped it down and immediately called one of my friends in DC and stated that it was "one of the best things I ever put in my mouth!" So tasty. The Fish was perfectly battered and fried (not too much seasoning). Would have prefered a bit more FISH on the Taco's.....but that may just be the greed in me. :-) The Salsa and fresh cilantro really make this delicacy stand out. The prices are "reasonable" for what you get (given the Tampa/St. Pete market) and the portions are fair. My only gripe (albiet a slight one) is that they could be a little bit more creative with their side dishes....but then again, this place is a traditional Mexican spot, so tradition is what you get, I suppose. I HIGHLY recommend a stop at the Taco Bus!
(4)Rebecca R.
Apart from the wait, there isn't really much bad to say about Taco Bus. The convenience of its open hours is really attractive, especially with a fiance who works evenings. I'm pretty obsessed with their veggie steak strip quesadilla. Add a little of the red salsa, and you're good to go.
(4)Ray C.
I have heard so many positive things about this restaurant. So I decided to go there with a friend during lunch. I had a horrible experience with my chicken burrito and it was SO MUCH greasy all over the plates and the greasy was also dropping into my collars. My friend had her burrito and she was NOT satisified as well. It tasted so fatty and gross! We felt that they cooked them so fast and did not care about the qualities of their food. They appeared to be rush to make them away! I wouldn't recommend anyone try this place!
(1)Erin C.
Oh taco bus. My mouth loves you but my intestines....not so much. My general experience has been that Mexican food does not cause gastric distress. Taco bus turned that theory on its fool head. I ordered the poblano burrito, got something about the size of my head (only finished half of it and pulled it out of the fridge for dinner later) and the next day was cramping so bad that I broke out in a sweat, had the shakes and strongly considered calling in sick. Brave or stupid I went back a few days later and had the butternut squash tostada. It, like the burrito of a few days before, was super tasty but that evening I wanted to die again. I'd had less food, so I felt better faster, but holy moly, never again. Another vegetarian friend just as bad as I did after eating there. We theorized that perhaps they have beef fat in the refried beans or something. Just something to watch out for if you're a vegan or vegetarian. The atmosphere is great, the outdoor eating is fun. The food and the fancy fruit waters taste SO good but it just wasn't worth it later.
(2)K T.
Taco Bus is the shit. I love it. Crave it. The fish tacos are amazing, as is the ceviche. I will find a reason to fly back down to Tampa very, very soon. Just to eat at the bus again..oh yeah, and to visit my son at USF!
(5)enrique b.
A Seminole Height tradition is now reaching out to conquer the rest of the bay with their St Pete location. I really think 'El Taconazo' has gotten even better since new ownership took over a couple years ago. I just hope that their expansion plans don't take away from what has made them successful. Well cooked, traditional, unpretentious, cheap, delicious Mexican food in a casual 24-hour setting. What else can one ask for? If you go on a weekend night, it's really a sight. The small bus crammed with half a dozen people working at a maniacal pace; a very eclectic set of characters forming a long but fast moving line, waiting to place their order while trying to decide between the 'cochinillo' or the 'lengua' or the 'fish tacos'...; the expediter yelling out the latest lucky number over loud hispanic music blasting through the speakers; the crowd of hungry faces gathering around the bus hoping their number will called next...
(5)Paul P.
I love the bus. Great food and cheap. I drive by the future location in Brandon and wait with anticipation. Long live the bus..
(5)Thomas W.
When I spent much of last May in London this was the food I craved! Simple tacos with fresh ingredients. The Mexican rice here is awsome!! It amazes me how often I have bad rice in restaurants especially Mexican rice. The key is it is made fresh, and the taco shells are rolled individually in a little oil. The only negative is it takes quite a while for the food to come. This place serves breakfast and is open 24/7. That's okay because the ultra-cool Latino atmosphere is lots of fun--you really do not even know you are in the United States--maybe that is why the rice is so good. You even get Coca-Cola in a glass bottle with real sugar--what more can you ask for!!! Hoya Saxa!
(4)Lance S.
Great food, but I waited 40 minutes for my food in May in Florida at 1pm in the afternoon. I think they need an additional bus. That poor bus was packed with people but it was taking forever to fill orders. I would give the Food 4 stars, Service 1 star.
(2)Thomas C K.
Funky place - cool surroundings - food is delectable and tasty. Lived in Mexico and know something about their food - this one is keeper. Great service, friendly people. 8-15-09 Have been back several times and can recommend this place.
(4)Kris V.
Fantastic find in the Tampa area. Real Mexican style tacos - not to be confused with those Tex-Mex disappointments you find at most boring 'Mexican' joints nowadays. You order and get your food from the taco bus but there is plenty of outdoor (covered) seating, as well as indoor tables. Food is relatively inexpensive and quick. Add the deliciousness part and you're in taco heaven.
(4)Nathan B.
I wish there was a sixth star. When I lived in Chicago, just knowing the place was Mexican and the employees speak spanish wasn't enough to prove it was a real Mexican place and not some questionable Tex/Mex joint. You have to go deeper. The best indicator I've found that a Mexican restaurant was authentic was if Telemundo or Univision was playing on a TV somewhere. That indicator doesn't work so well in Tampa so I have to fall back on the second indicator: do they have horchata at the ready. (Note, lengua can also be used as an indicator.) Well, the Taco Bus is the closest I found to a fun, authentic Mexican place. No Telemundo (that I know of), but the horchata is free flowing and they have lengua on the menu. The bus is a gag, but it totally works for me. It is pretty unique. I have never had a bad time, or bad food at the Taco Bus. If you haven't been - go.
(5)Andrew M.
Tacos bus does indeed live up to its name. However, please note that it is not "Burrito Bus", and I can't recommend it for anything other than its tacos and agua fresca. Not to badmouth Tampa, but this is also 4 stars relative to what's available. La Vallarta, way out near Hillsborough county line, was practically a fancy Taco Bell. If this place was anywhere in the Southwest, it would get 3 stars.
(4)Priscilla S.
The first time I tried Taco Bus was with my friends. It was really late at night....or morning, I can't remember. But I remembered it being very good. I ordered a chicken taco with everything on it. They have me half of a lime, which was awesome because I love lime on my tacos. Lately, I would crave Taco Bus. It's changed a little. The guy from Food Network TV Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives made his way there. Since then, it's gotten busier. But I noticed they cut down on the size of limes and the fillings. But I still love it there. Their Hochata is huge and really good. It's different from authentic Mexican hochata because they add milk, and normally it's mainly rice water, cinnamon, and sugar. I'll keep coming to Taco Bus for my Mexican taco fix.
(4)Nunya B.
I went here today on a Yelp-hunch...and very glad that I did. The last time I had lengua and barbacoa tacos was a couple months ago at a spot in Missouri called Muy Bueno a couple months ago. These tacos are pretty much on par with what I'm accustomed to. Very flavorful and gets you FULL. No disappointments. Hit it up ANYTIME, as it is a 24 hour spot. I will be going back. Oh, you can order online too. This place is popular, so be prepared to wait in line. Luckily, I only had to wait 5 minutes and another 5 to get my order with the horchata. Highly recommended!
(5)Lewis B.
Fun place to eat. The food is great, but the atmosphere is cool, I think that's what's great about it. I'm a vegan, and there's a ton of options for me. Used to eat meat about 2 years ago and I think the meaty stuff is good too. Fairly inexpensive.
(5)Jairo A.
I'm new to Tampa and I just went to Taco Bus and I was there at the window for about 5mins, there was a guy at the window chatting with another 2 coworkers and told me to wait a min. So I waited, waited, never got attended, started walking away and they never said anything and left. And I was the only customer there. Such a horrible customer service. So I dont know how their tacos taste!! Hahaha....awful!
(1)Thad P.
Taco Bus gave me the boogee. Had been there a few times before and it was great. the sauces are excellent. Service is slow at best but the food made up for it. This time I thought my burrito tasted like the meat was old and I did not enjoy it at all.... Later that night I enjoyed it even less. It turned into one of those sleepless nights, up and down, in and out of bed, running to the bathroom,,,,, flowing heavy to say the least. I never really felt comfortable about the food handling standards of the Taco Bus,,,, but usually have a cast iron stomach and no fear. Obviously either my stomach is deteriorating (very likely) or Taco Bus has the kind of staff that that is too stupid or too slack to rotate their product. Either way if I were you I would sniff that thing before you put it in your mouth!!!!
(1)Ryan K.
This place would probably be good even if you weren't drunk. Very fresh ingredients, decent service, open 24 hrs! You might even get checked out by a girl in a black skinny mini with...shoulder holes? Haaaaaamburger.
(4)JEWELe M.
Beep BEEP! Get on the Taco Bus!!! You won't be sorry with ordering their Meal Deal:Carne Asada + Puerco Asado Tacos With Rice + Beans and the Agua Fresca de Sandia (watermelon) to drink! Love this place! All aboard? Beep BEEP!
(5)Maria C.
My kids & I love the Taco Bus! Guy Fieri from Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives visited this Mexican hole-in-the-wall so we followed him. What we found was a delicious choice of authentic Mexican cuisine set in a unique atmosphere. We drive across town for their Horchata & Beef Tongue tostada with sweet potatoes at least once a month. You've gotta check it out!
(4)Sarah K.
Soooo good. Everything is edible. Best horchata I have had. All the seafood is amazing. And they have aguas frescos!
(5)Felipe G.
Dear Taco Bus, I've been meaning to try you out for quite some time now. Please don't that take personally it's just that you're kind of located in a weird part of Tampa I would usually never visit. But today marked the day I finally had an excuse to cross the bridge from Pinellas to make this long overdue trek. I easily overlooked the general seediness of the area as I trusted in the many Yelps that lured me to you in the first place. There were untold yummy vegetarian taco treats awaiting me. Would they be as good as I had imagined? Yes! Absolutely! You lived up to all my expectations and even surpassed them in some unexpected ways. Thanks, giant salsa verde on the table. You were delicious and had just the right hint of spice and heat. You went so well with my food. What a welcome surprise to find a butternut squash taco, and what an even better surprise to find out how good it tasted in between the warm corn torillas sprinkled with a generous amount of cotija queso. Yum! Other veggie options like tofu and vegan steak in a taco, totally awesome and equally delicious. Why don't more places take your lead Taco Bus? I commend you. So often vegetarians are forgotten relegated to one poorly crafted option but you embrace multiple choices. Name me another place where carnivores and vegans can sit side by side one enjoying a beef tongue taco, the other living it up with some delightful soy! Well done. All of these wonderful things on a giant lunch special plate and all for only $7.50? Did I mention the beans and rice knocked my socks off? Well, they did! So all-in-all, a fantastic pilgrimage I must say. What else could I ask from you Taco Bus? Well, I come home to write up this review and low and behold you surprise me once again. The Taco Bus is coming to St. Pete! I just read on the Creative Loafing website that you just signed a lease for a space at 2320 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg, just blocks from Tropicana Field. Now I would like to take credit for this news. I mean really Taco Bus.. it can't be mere coincidence that my first visit from St Pete, and I hear you are moving closer to my home? It's cool... it can be our little secret, and I very much look forward to visiting you soon. Without the 45 minute trek out to Tampa I can promise we'll be seeing each other again soon. So remember sometime in the future when you visit bus numéro dos and scarf down a delicious taco or burrito, you can thank me for making it all possible. =-D
(5)Lauren V.
As a self-proclaimed Tex-Mex aficionado, Taco Bus is not that. It is, however, amazingly delicious. Coming from a hometown where trailer food runs rampant, Taco Bus makes me feel right at home. The concept rocks! Where the food is concerned, I don't see where you can go wrong. I had tacos (Carne Asada & Cochinita Pibil) and both were super fresh and tasty! One thing that I was pleasantly surprised to find there was agua fresca. The agua de piña was easily the best thing I consumed there...it's the little things. Food, atmosphere and surprisingly beverages are all on point here. Consider me a regular.
(5)A M.
Absolutely love this place!!! You order outside but have the option to eat outside or inside. Its cheap, fresh, authentic and delicious Definitely not to be confused with Taco bell or those tex-mex restaurants. I love the ambience more at night time with the latin music they play sometimes. I'm a huge fan of their tostadas with pork and carne asada and the horchata, which is a refreshing rice drink. I'm always sending my friends there.
(4)Akeem W.
So as my last post about this got deleted,I will post AGAIN with details on how this is horrible food. First off the food is dry and bland no flavor at all,I can make better burritos myself. Second they use the lowest grade of cow meat the parts of the cow that if you know ACTUALLY what it was you would not eat it,The beef honestly has no flavor its not even shredded like REAL mexican food. If you think this place is good you are SADLY mistaken it cannot compare to the Mexican food in San Diego(CA) or in Tijuana(Mexico)
(1)Alison L.
If you're looking for a downright delicious and cheap meal, go to the Taco Bus. You got a little money? Some time? A hungry belly? You like Mexican? Do it. They're open 24/7, so you should be good any time hunger strikes... although, as other reviewers have mentioned, this is kind of a scary area in Tampa so intrepid late-night munchers, be forewarned! You want to sit down? Go ahead, outside by the bus, or inside at the front, take your pick. You want it to go? They can do that too. Do you think of yourself as a carnivore? They got you covered. More on the vegetarian side? They got that, too. They even have vegan steak strips, though I haven't tried those yet. Everything I've tried on the menu so far has exceeded expectations. Carne asada, pollo, cochinita pibi, all are yummy and I want to try more! This is now the standard by which I judge other Mexican food, and sadly I have yet to find another restaurant equal to the Taco Bus. Some have come pretty close, but this is the tastiest to me so far. This is not a fancy restaurant (you might have been able to tell by the name), but this is some great food in a friendly place. Oh Taco Bus, I love you. You are the best Mexican food around! And so cheap! When will you open up your restaurant in St. Pete?!
(5)E N.
very good and authentic everything feel fresh ,i will enjoy there again for sure!!!!!
(5)Lai-Yee B.
As a New Yorker visiting Tampa for the first time, Thank You, Yelpers! El Taconazo was a wonderful find, and I'm glad I made my way over to it when I was briefly in town, if only for the experience. Never before have I had such an enormous burrito, and one filled with mostly meat and fillers that complemented the filling instead of, well, filling it up in place of meat. Oh, the flavors - I cannot forget those wonderful flavors. It looks like I hit it on a great day. The fresh drinks they had were also delish compliments to the food - light and flavorful, they helped digest some of the heavier foods. The only weird thing was that I think a small slice of ham or tongue or something fell into my ceviche. I picked around it. Let's hope it wasn't anything else, eh? Also, it was wonderful to sit outside with all the fresh air blowing about, while leisurely eating and drinking. (Can you tell I was a freezer-burned NYer when I visited?)
(5)Joy K.
This place is about as good as it gets. When I visited Mexico, I didn't even eat this good. This is real food, cooked and served with love. Since the food was so fantastic, I was willing to overlook the shabby dining room, because it looks as though they're going to renovate and use the building next door as extra dining space before very long. It doesn't surprise me that the demand for their food has caused them to move to a 24/7 dining schedule. Absolutely fantastic, and an incredible value. They're located just east of Nebraska & Hillsborough, on the right-hand side.
(5)Jacqueline L.
I heard mucho praise about this place for months before finally trying it out. First off, their online ordering system really is crap. There is no point to it. It's pretty much just a wish list. You click on all the stuff you want, but they don't actually start making it until you get there. What is the point? Secondly, for what they are their options for toppings/add ons are severely lacking. I loves me some taco truck noms and was informed this was pretty much exactly that. No, it is not. Taco trucks charge less, have better quality and more options and toppings. The quality is pretty blah. I'm not into spicy foods, but I do appreciate some flavor, especially in Mexican food. Sadly, I've had more flavor in a taco from the dollar menu at Taco Bell vs an eight dollar bland burrito from this place. The last time we ordered from there, we tried out their online ordering option, filled out our order, submitted, and drove out to pick it up. We get there, go to the window to pick it up, several staff members rolled their eyes and sighed while stomping around like we were inconveniencing them to provide a service in exchange for currency. Er, sorry? We are polite, vocally appreciative folks, so not too sure where the attitude came from. I understand their hours are awesome, especially for folks to score some drunken munchies after a night out on the town, but this place is just not worth it. My search for great authentic Mexican food continues...
(2)Christina J.
Taco Bus is SO good! I loved that it's open late and the taste of their food is amazing. The reason I gave it 4 stars is the price-I think it's a little pricey but it is SO worth it!! I ordered a Torta with carne asada which was huge and delicious!! My hubby ordered 2 tacos and even though they were equally delicious, they were tiny! ($3 a taco) =( Our order was to go and it came to about $14...with no drinks. So, even though it was delicious and totally worth it, it was a tad bit too pricey for late night food so to speak. All in all, we will definitely go back there next night out!! I heard their flan is amazing and I wanna try it!
(4)John B.
I HEART TACO BUS! The Conchita pibil is my favorite!! And the Barbocoa is my second Fav. My husband always gets the lengua. It is the BEST Taco place in the Tampa area. I always bring people here when they visit from out of town.
(5)John Y.
I've been here several times. This place has OK to good Mexican food. Portion sizes are large. Prices are reasonable. It definitely has a working class/motorcycle/strip joint ambience to it - a lot of times folks with tattoos and piercings without all their front teeth will be whooping it up at the table next to you. If you are going to eat outside, I recommend going there during the cool, dry season between October 15th and April 15. In the middle of the summer, the flies can get really bad. One has to constantly shoo them away while trying to eat. Also in the summer, the food gets soggy due to the humidity. The times I was there, the service was slightly slow, but the staff is friendly.
(3)Blake C.
VEGAN STEAK STRIP BURRITO !!!! BEST GUACOMOLE!!!! and OPEN 24/7!!!
(5)M H.
Love this place. During my many travels and returning back to Tampa International Airport sometimes in the wee hours of the morning, this is the place I count on for late night grub. It's about a minute off I-275 Hillsborough Ave exit. Open 24/7. Order your food and pay at the bus. Take a seat in the outdoor patio or indoor diner and they'll bring your order to you. Clean dining area and clean restrooms. Fish tacos, fish tacos, fish tacos. That is all.
(4)Mike L.
Taco Bus looks just like you would expect it to. Originally there was a bus. It served tacos. Nowadays, it also has a building expansion added to it for seated dining. Came here on a Friday night for a bite before a night of drinking and general shenanigans. I had a burrito stuffed with conchinita pibil (seasoned pork), which would put any of the big burrito chains to shame. This thing was huge, flavorful, and a meal unto itself. Probably too much for a pre-drinking meal, but good god would it be amazing during the wee hours of the morning (open 24 hours!). Given, the part of town that the original Taco Bus is located isn't the ideal place you'd want to find yourself at 3-4am. Consider yourself warned. Also had a few sips of their hibiscus lemonade. Talk about pucker! Very sweet and very tart, it's enjoyable for those who want an instant sugar rush. Or need to be resuscitated. All in all, the Taco Bus is a great experience. If you're a Mexican food lover, give this place a spin. Enjoy!
(4)Tony Y.
The 2 Star is not a take away from the flavors. I give this 2 Star because I did not feel very good after my most recent meal, my digestive order has been chaotic for 2 days now. This usually means one thing, and one thing only: Food was not very fresh or clean. Taco Bus, please do a better job of managing the kitchen staff. As a restaurant, you are obligated to perform a good job and not accidentally sicken your patrons via bad prep, lack of attention to details, etc.
(2)Dave K.
I don't get the hype for this place. There is nothing wrong with Taco Bus, but it is what it is: A Taqueria. In other cities, these places are a dime a dozen (and cheaper). The food isn't bad. It's actually quite good though the carnitas were a little dry on our last visit. We'll probably go back, but do our best to avoid the crowds.
(3)Cari P.
Don't understand the hype from seeing the taco bus on food network. Honestly, the chicken had no taste or flavoring and looked disgusting. I took two bites and have it to my husband. The guacamole had onions for taste, that was it. Needless to say I won't be back. I'll stick to my favorite mexican restaurant Poblano's in Clearwater.
(1)Micah M.
Our favorite late night quick fix for tacos. Pretty much everything on the menu is good. The tempeh has a great preparation if you want something different. It's all good!!!
(4)EJ P.
I would just like to reiterate the fact that this food is slightly better than Taco Bell (which I think is crap food), possibly not as tasty as something like Chipotle (which I think is crap food), and a lot more expensive. Taco Bus is not a good Mexican joint; it's just a gimmick that has been severely overhyped by people in Tampa who've never been to Mexico or west of the state of Louisiana and eaten REAL Mexican food. Taco Bus would be in no way be considered "good Mexican" west of the state of Louisiana. However, for Tampa, where decent Mexican or ANY Mexican is rare, this is a decent taqueria. The fillings are hit or miss and taste old and off-seasoned, the tortillas are from a bag, the toppings are no biggie, the salsas are horrible, the prices are high. If you are from Texas, Cali, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona and so on, or from Mexico, do not bother going here or to any other Mexican place in Tampa Bay. You will be pissed you spent money on what Tampa considers "great" Mexican food. I do not understand how anyone can think this food is good. The only thing "authentic" and "Mexican" about this place is the fact that they use Fabuloso to clean the floors, play Latin music, and have bugs flying around. The food is usually old and always is made the lowest quality ingredients. On top of that, it's BLAND. The only way to get good Mex in Tampa is to get on a plane to San Antonio, Albuquerque or LA.
(2)Occy V.
I ate this sober so maybe thats why it wasnt appealing to me. Very expensive and honestly the seasoning just isnt there for a mexican any kind of food truck. If you go here make sure you tell them to take it light on the cilantro unless you have hooves =)
(2)Brett B.
Best Burrito in the Bay! You will find no better burrito. The ingredients are very fresh and the flavor of the tender meats is outstanding. Open 24/7 great for late night feast.
(5)Hunter B.
I wanted to give the Taco Bus five stars. My puerco asado burrito lunch was among the best burritos I've had outside of the Mission District in SF. The style is different than the Cali style, but to me, it's every bit as good. Service was fine. I ate at a table, instead of takeout from the bus window out back. So where did that fifth star go? The salsa verde is amazing, and the roja was great, too ... but the burrito didn't come with chips. Maybe that's a ticky-tack foul and I should call it 4.5 stars, but I'm used to at least a few chips around the burrito. Either way, I'm definitely going back and will recommend it highly.
(4)Laura S.
I loved this place! Not exactly in the safest part of town, but the food is delicious and super authentic. Don't go for the ambience or service, though!
(4)Paul S.
This place is serious. Not the garbage Tex-Mex crap. This is authentic mexican food. Carne Asada burrito is a must!
(4)Athena L.
I rate the bus only 4 stars because others in the group ordered chicken and weren't happy with it. I had a shrimp burrito and loved it. The verde is phenomenal here it has the perfect amount of spice. My mouth is watering just thinking of it. Another person with me ordered the steak burrito and had no complaints. My suggestion is avoid the chicken and you'll love it.
(4)Elithea W.
this, tampa? really?? i'm really, really sorry but this stuff, while admittdely slightly different than, is nowhere more "authentic", whatever tat means, than the ex-pepsico taco bell. it is, however, a lot more expensive. for what? i might stop to take home a small guac sometime again, as that was nearly worth the price of its ingredients and i live close, but probably i'll just buy the avocado and continue to make my own. but two tostadas slung into the same takeout box so that two people couldn't make heads or tails of them, not that it would have made any difference if they could have, but i paid over ten bucks for this?? bland, blagh and boring. and i'm still hungry. what a rip. your mexicen neighbors are laughing st you, hipsters!
(1)Kara K.
Taco Bus = Yes The carne asada anything is delish! It's definitely casual and low-key... I mean come on, they serve food out of a redesigned school bus! But don't let the bus scare you... the food is great and the experience is fun!
(5)J. P.
I really enjoyed my trip to the Taco Bus. Everyone has told me how awesome it is. I just hadn't been. Now, I'll have to make regular visits. I had three tacos with three different meats. My wife got the burrito. We also shared a guacamole appetizer. The appetizer was a little short on chips, but everything we ate was awesome so we'll let them slide on the chips.
(5)Sharon E.
I wish Yelp gave me more Stars because I would give this place 10 stars!! The wait staff was so nice and efficient. Now onto the food. Started with guacamole & chips..Fresh & yummy and the small was perfect for 2 people. Hubby & I both ordered the Burrito with Carne Asada. Probably the best burrito in the world. The meat was perfectly seasoned & the veggie & cheese filling was fresh so you could taste every ingredient. Hubby was able to finish his but as much as I wanted to & gave it a valiant effort, I had to leave about a fourth of it on the plate. I was so sad to say goodbye to it. I suggest everyone give this play a try. If my recommendation doesn't work, remember, Guy Fieri did a feature on Diners, Drive-ins & Drives & gave it a thumbs up..
(5)Anna M.
Taco Bus: still AMAZING. They now have Vegan Steak Strips that rock my world!
(5)Jess S.
Great vegetarian options! I love there food, always fresh & tasty! I want some right now! Lol I'm hungry for some good Mexican food!
(5)Amy Z.
Taco Bus is now open 24 hours! I love the combo. Very close to San Diego style.
(5)Michael V.
Another wonderful Tampa Bay "dive" that everyone should know about, but I'm kind of glad they don't. Eating here is like eating in a roadside stand in Mexico. Unimpressive decor, but great food. When we last visited, some local Seminole Heights residents carried in a cooled filled with their own cerveza and wine, and no one seemed to mind. Order anything, you can't go wrong!
(4)David C.
I've eaten the questionable meals. Roadside along the Baja Peninsula, peeling stucco and stray dogs. Down there, pointing is the universal language, and price is relayed with raised fingers. There's always a moment of uncertainty after consumption - what did I just eat, will this meal be my last? Those memories are the best, and the hardest to replicate. Not impossible, though. I'm told the Taco Bus was once mobile. Increased demand combined with swelling gas prices rendered the bus sedentary, and a building grew around it. Now it resembles its ramshackle counterparts south of the border - wooden tables hammered together under electric fans blowing hot, wet air just fast enough to keep the flies off. There's music, but never in English. Ambiance would be a tease without food, but El Taconazo delivers. From juicy shredded Barbacoa to tender Carne Asada to a couple of great veggie numbers, everything's good. The squash tostada will induce that wide-eyed look of flavor discovery in even the most seasoned of lettuce heads, and you'll swear that the cheese and nopal burrito is meated. Horchata, maybe the best hot-weather drink ever, hits in full creamy force with beautiful bursts of cinnamon and vanilla. Hibiscus Lemonade and Tamarind Agua Fresca, once acquired as tastes, will never let go. You will never want refrescos americanos again. They've even got glass bottled coke made with cane sugar vice high fructose corn syrup. A sign out front assures, 'broken English, spoken perfectly.' Never fear, even if you mangle your Spanish for the order, you've always got those universal fingers.
(5)Inspector Y.
Crazy crazy....this place rocks. Good food, good prices. Had the chiviche and the menudo...also a few tacos. Check them out.
(4)Justin R.
I love this place for a few reasons: 1. they have badass tortas. I haven't had a good torta since coming to Tampa, if you are a fan of the torta, you will love this place. 2. Horchata, they have it, and it's done right, and they have the Mexican Coca Cola, which much to my chagrin is now made with corn syrup.....boo to that, but I fault the bus not for this heresy, but Coke. 3. The service is prompt, and the food is out fast. 4. They put a good spin on traditional Mexican. 5. NUFF SAID!
(5)Joshua S.
Had the chicken tamale, puerco asado and carne asada taco, all of which were very tasty. The tamale was the best, though. My sister had a pork tamale, which was even better than my chicken. The horchatas we got were also SO spectacular! Perfectly sweet with a good hint of cinnamon. Decor is obviously poor, but I really liked everything about this place nonetheless. The employees are also very nice and patient with first-timers. 2 tacos or 1.5 tamales is definitely enough for one person. 2 tacos plus a tamale was WAY too much... but I still ate every bite. :-\
(5)Tara M.
My friend wanted to stop at a Diner's, Drives and and Dives spot this the Taco bus was it on our way back from Clearwater beach and we all agreed WOW is the best way to describe it. I ordered 2 taco meal with pulled chicken and carne asada with everything which comes with rice and refried beans. I am normally a slow eater but this food did not last long! Well worth the stop on our way back to Orlando!
(5)Bob K.
We have made many trips to Tampa (from Chicago) but this was the first time we ate at The Taco Bus. It won't be our last! Very tasty food - very friendly service - cool vibe - tables in a shaded area just off the end of the bus - a sink built into the front end of the bus to wash hands - down to earth perfection. I had the Barbacoa (braised beef) taco - $2.69!!! Wife had the Friday special - chicken chipotle in a taco shell and then we shared an appetizer - the Butternut squash Centro. This was actually a good order - the squash appetizer with poco de gallo, sweet peppers and queso cotija was light and refreshing and a great finish to lunch. Can I take this bus home with me to Chicago?
(5)Lily T.
One of the BEST tacos de lengua I have ever tasted. Simple yet so delicious! the lengua cubes were cut in large pieces and was so tender and flavorful.
(4)Thea H.
I wouldn't break my neck to go here. The fare is more authentic than say Taco Smell... I mean Taco Bell or Moe's with items I never even knew existed. So, I give them a star for authentic. There's another star for fresh. There's nothing pre-done, canned, artificial here. It's super fresh. And I can really appreciate fresh food. I love the salsa! The last star is for fun. The bus is a riot. You have to love that kind of individuality in a town chock full of chains. What I don't like is the flavor. I'm not completely sold on the chicken. Note: I don't eat four legged animals so I haven't experience with the other meats. On my first visit I had a burrito. I was really disappointed with the meat. I was hoping for something spicy and grilled like at Chipotle... now, now put down your tomatoes. I really like the chicken at Chipotle because it actually has a kick to it. I was expecting something like that but I didn't get it. One night after work I was really craving a taco and refuse to go to taco bell and I stopped by on my way home. The taco was really great with fresh toppings. The chicken was still meh but the ingredients were terrific. I figured it was a fluke and went the next day before my night job. The chicken was even better but it's not as spicy as I'd like. It's an ok place and I will go back but I'm not a junkie for it.
(3)Brianna R.
If you like mexican food YOU WILL LOVE THIS PLACE. it's definitely a dive place, if you're a pinkies up person this probably isn't the place for you. you order literally out of a bus window and it's very fast, cheap and beyond satisfying! their hot sauce is pretty sweet too. we had the mexican style cooked meet burritos with rice and beans and cleaned our plates. to die for! yum yum! the outside seating is pretty cool too but there's inside with a/c as well. bathrooms are clean and if you're in tampa you need to go here!
(5)Brandon P.
Came here with my wife and uncle. I ordered the burrito with shredded beef. This tasted pretty good, although not great by any means. I also ordered the strip steak taco. Meat was ok. Not much flavor and a little dry. My wife ordered the chicken quesadilla and hated it. That didn't have much flavor either. Overall, I give this a 3. Wife refuses to go back. Might have better luck going with the guys.
(3)Paula D.
Great unique joint! You must go here. Delicious food and a fun environment.
(5)Jackie B.
I've been eating at Taco Bus for the past 4 years and I am sad to say that I will never go back there again. I have been getting the same burrito for years and over the past year or so, I've noticed the quality of the burrito is getting worse. To me, the burritos do not taste as well as they used to and it seems like the staff who make the food do not care to pay attention to little details and do not care to make the burritos properly like you order them. My boyfriend ordered a taco the other day and specified that he did not want cheese in it. He got almost to the end of half the burrito and realized that the last few bites had cheese in them. He is allergic to cheese and so he was upset that he had taken a huge bite of the burrito and there was cheese on it. He went up and told the people who make the burritos that he specifically ordered no cheese, and they repeated it back to him when he made his order and there was nothing they would do. They just said "oh well, you already ate half of it, so we won't make another for you." This is not the first time that taco bus has really let me and other people I know down, but it was the final mistake that made me decide I will never go back to taco bus again.
(1)Pamela R.
At first i was a little skeptical about going to a place called "taco bus". Mexican food being served out of a bus? who does that. Little did i know this would become one of my favorite places to eat in tampa after classes. I love the tostada's w/ chicken or steak. Very delicious. I also love the shrimp taco :) yummy. nice juicy shrimp just wonderful. Pros: Authentic mexican good, Great prices Cons: Not really a fast food place. On a good day be ready to wait about 10mins for your food. The Hibiscus lemonade is not that great
(5)Larissa S.
Never thought I would have burritos as good as I did in NYC, but Taco Bus takes the cake. Sure, the meat is cheap, but all other ingredients are fresh. That meat is what makes a good burrito, that is the authentic difference. They offer pollo, barbacoa, vegan choices and my favorite, cochinita pibil. Get the pork! Also, do not forget to get a Mexican coke. They are open 24-7, which is great after a long night of partying if you are willing to make the drive. They are located in Seminole Heights area, which is the new hipster area of Tampa, but they have been here long before that. They have a sit in and take out options. Their green hot sauce is out of this world. Many other Taco Buses have opened up after this one because of their growing popularity, but just like any other Primanti Bros, Giordano's, or Geno's, you have to go to the original to get the real dank stuff.
(5)Kelly S.
After reading all the hype about the taco bus - I was really excited to go and check it out. My first thought was, "I thought all the reviews said this was cheap Mexican food". It is not cheap, almost 20 bucks for two people is moderate. We got the 2 taco deal and a quesadilla. The quesadilla had almost no cheese in it!! The tacos were okay (chicken and steak) but that is after I pulled out all the fat and grisle from the meat (yuck). The best part was the cabbage on top of the tacos. My conclusion, maybe this place tastes better when you are drunk and hungry - otherwise, don't bother.
(2)Necota S.
Passing through the area, I happened upon this and was pleasantly surprised about how thoughtful the tacos were. I would gladly hangout here and enjoy the outside vibe.
(4)Katrina R.
When you need a Mexican, not a Tex-Mex fix... We have heard of the famous Taco Bus for quite some time, but never ventured down there. Oh...my...new love. When you pull up to this rustic place you first see the big school bus that has been converted into a kitchen; and then you are awe struck by the excellent authentic Mexican menu they serve up. You get authentic Mexico City feast at real "taco bus" pricing. $10 and you can eat like a king! I highly recommend the butter nut squash tostada. There is usually a pretty long line (it's 24 hrs), but its always worth it; and if your around my age your probably the oldest and most sober as well. :) It is definitely a must-eat destination when you are in Tampa. Not in the glam-o-rama part of town, but Seminole Heights is up in coming...lets just hope Taco Bus remains down to its roots!
(4)Mark A.
Took the trip from the DDD segment and overall I'm glad I came by. I tried several things; torta, tofu tostada and a side of Mexican rice. Also had the pineapple drink. First the torta. Good flavor but too much bun for me. I ended up eating just the bottom half of the sandwich so I probably didn't get the full taste of this one. The tofu tostada was excellent. Had you not ordered it, you would never guess its tofu. Surely would try that again. The mexican rice was not what I would expect from an authentic mexican spot so I would steer clear of that. The pineapple drink was great and would surely recommend. The staff is very friendly and do agree with some of the other reviews that there is a funky smell that comes from the outside area. That can be fixed with better cleaning the soil/rocks around the tables and moving trash bins. Sad I'd even have to comment but it's worth stating that you should eat inside.
(3)Veggie L.
What a very cool place! I'm a vegetarian traveling through Florida on business. I have to say that this state is not my favorite (Miami & Tampa specifically); however, after reading through hundreds of reviews on Yelp my colegue and I decided it was a great idea to try taco bus. Can I just say?? Freggin Yummy!! We had the vegan steak strips in a burrito & vegan tamales. We also had the amazing pineapple water. This place is fun and delicious. So happy to finally have good mexican food outside of CA.
(4)Sara S.
Taco Bus is definitely a diamond in the rough! I'm thankful for my friend telling me about it and taking me there one boring day last summer! I have to admit, if he hadn't taken me there, I wouldn't have gone searching for restaurants in this location. The food is deliciously authentic, using corn tortillas and fresh pico de gallo. There is a variety of meats and choices for meat eaters and vegetarians. The only 2 complaints I have heard from other people that I have taken have been that you have to pay extra for cheese (only about .30) and that there aren't any chips and salsa. I find both of those complaints to be minor compared to this great, authentic Mexican food!
(5)Heather B.
By far the best Mexican in all of Tampa!! Or outside of Mexico- seriously amazingly fresh and tasty food made in a big ol bus attached to a building! So yummy - we had fish tacos, butternut squash tostadas and a quesadilla with vegan steak strips. They have quite an assortment and are vegetarian and vegan friendly. The one downfall- stryofoam plates :( oh and no beer. But all in all it was excellent!
(5)Olivia S.
Absolutely love this place. I have been in Tampa since May and have already been there 3 times. True authentic tacos. My favorite is the pork taco with their special preparation technique. They have some tasty drinks that are made from scratch. Although, it can be busy and seating is sometimes limited. Truly a must go in Tampa. Not to mention it is affordable.
(5)Jason B.
This place is legit.
(5)CC D.
If you have someone from out of town there are two things you have to do. #1 take them to either a Rays, Bucs or Bulls Game and #2 Take them to Taco Bus late night. It is a staple of Tampa. It's so different from other places. The food is pretty good. Not the best, but the experience is what matters. Awesome burritos. There is some ancient mayan pork recipe that's good. Fun to visit after the bars close and you have a case of the munchies!
(4)Ruby H.
Heard about Taco Bus from my foodie hair-stylist. Then learned from locals what an institution it is. A fun concept, tasty food, and generous portions. We ordered ceviche and a carne asada burrito. Both very good, although I liked the burrito more than I liked the ceviche. I'd definitely return on my next trip out to Tampa.
(4)Phil T.
This is a rockin Taco Bus....After it was recommended to me, first thing is this is right up my alley. Started off small, now they have the bus, a restaurant, and then the kitchen. This is the perfect bus stop anyone would want to go! Before arriving, I was a lil skeptical bc I heard overpriced, underflavored, and cheap meat tacos. It deffered me a lil bit but I went w/ my gut and I felt I had to experience it on my own. Seriously Im a taco king and these people are putting out a good product. Yes they are a lil overpriced. $2.70 for a taco, but they established themselves. They were probably penny tacos trying to just sell something that they were grown up on. Now they have a succesful business and the atmosphere, the food, the effort that goes into this place is well done. Nothing better than working from the bottom and up! I did a barbacoa taco and a carne asada tostada. Both were non fatty and decently flavored. The sauces were really good the verde and rojo. I liked the combo a lil taste of everything. :) Work friend got the chicken burrito and he liked it as well. Of course I asked him if the chicken was clean of bones. Always happens in shredded chicken but he said it was clean. Kudos to them! :) This taco bus is a must stop if not a routinely stop. Support you local restaurants!
(4)jon Q.
The atmosphere here is great; staff is friendly and the eating areas are clean and quite (and they look cool too). The food is top notch, I really enjoyed the fish tacos. Over all I would say this is definitely a great place to stop for some good mexican food. Perfect spot for a date as well. If you go, try the horchata-- its the best I've ever had.
(4)Luke H.
I miss the old taco bus. It has changed hands according local lore, and the changes are noticeable like: some of the staff speaks English prices have risen portion sizes on some dishes have grown portion sizes on some dishes have shrunk it is packed with tourists sometimes It is still a unique dining experience, and I highly recommend the aqua frescas.
(4)Rob H.
Cheap, tasty food 24/7. What more could you ask for? So this place has a normal sit down and order option during normal hours of operation. Come late evening, they go to only having the pickup (bus) window in the back of the place. There is seating both indoors and out. The food options vary a lot of a taco joint. My vegetarian friends are able to come here happily, they have a number of excellent options for those who dislike meat. For the meat lovers, they have even more choices. Food is decently cheap, and the quality is high. The only drawback is late around last call, this place can have a long line of horrendously drunk folks. As they leave bars and such, they want food and this place is open, so they come here. This means they slur, cannot figure out what they want, and all around slow up the line. If you were in a hurry around that time, you may want to go elsewhere. If nothing else, they do provide excellent amusement though. (I would not recommend bringing the kids around those times, but why are your kids awake at last call anyhow? ;) This place stays on my list of places to go when I am in Tampa. I will note they serve no beer, but you can bring your own without issue. They expect it.
(4)Chris D.
Not that they need the additional pimpage (60+ reviews!), but Taco Bus is authentic goodness. I missed an opportunity to go to one of the many taco buses in Oakland/San Francisco on my latest vacation, but I'm glad to have found one in my own 'backyard'. The 'guac' is fresh, tacos are yummy (hooray cilantro), and even the Hibiscus Lemonade is interesting. Of course, you can't go wrong with a Mexican Coca-Cola (much better than the 'American' version). From now on, the only places I'll go for good Mexican food are Taco Bus and Casa Tina in Dunedin.
(4)Kevin F.
Very tasty tacos! The Hibiscus-flower lemonade is a bit sweet, but quite refreshing. Definitely worth the visit. Besides, most of the staff are quite easy-on-the-eyes ;)
(4)Paula P.
Yayyy! Deliciouus, they use authentic Mexican tortillas, even have lots of vegetraian tofu and tempeh options. Sooo yummy and great prices!
(5)jeff t.
Ok, I'm just gonna be brutally honest here....this place is WAYYYYYY TOO OVERRATED. The food is DECENT at best and I honestly only really enjoyed the sauces they had available. Other than that, this place sucks, real talk. IDK why everyone likes to say T.B is the shit when I could honestly get better burritos at Chipotle or even Taco Bell.... :-/
(1)Kim T.
food isn't bad but when I was sitting there with a friend a girl walked up to me and shoved my bill in my face. She was not my waitress and I wasn't done eating. Then she stood over me and waited for me to finish. When I told her I wasn't done eating she was upset and stormed off. She came back with my dessert I asked for then stuck the ticket back in my face. Her attitude really made me wonder why I came at all. I live in walking distance but this is one place I won't be walking to anytime soon...
(1)Shazia T.
a hole in the wall place that is really good! i'll def have to come back and try their other items. here is what i had: - fish tacos: the best fish tacos i have ever had..... i ordered it with everything and added some red and green sauce. be careful with the green sauce cuz it's super spicy - watermelon juice: in a HUGE cup and super sweet.... really good, though I should have added some lime juice to it - tres leches cake: it was ok.... i've had better - shrimp taco: it was ok - vegetarian taco: good... covered in rice, beans, lettuce, onions. better with the green and red salsas - rice and beans: so simple and yet so yummy and flavorful... my favorite item from here so far - vegetarian tamales: really good and filling - horchata: tastes like the milk at the end of bowl of cinnamon toast crunch.... in a HUGE cup and kinda rich, so share with someone - pineapple juice: also in a HUGE cup and better than the other drinks in my opinion - rajas con queso: i had this as a taco and it was soooooooooo good!! definitely getting this next time - flan: i've had better. the top part tasted very egg-y. - butternut squash taco: good, but kinda weird in taco form in my opinion - butternut squash centro: LOVED it! came with tostadas and it was so good and light.
(4)Hilary A.
Your food is wonderful and reminiscent of my trips to Mexico. The only thing I truly miss is Chilaquiles. Please, please, please, por favor add this to your menu!!!!!
(4)Vito G.
The seating is uncomfortable and the atmosphere is deplorable (I had to listen to Harlem Shake like three times), but I'll be damned if this isn't one of the tastiest taco joints in the area. And open 24/7! I mean, it's a hike from Pasco County, but it is worth it. Three tacos (conchinita pibla, tabouleh, and fried fish) and they were all immaculately splendid. This is the kind of place I crave in the dead of night, where I can actually go get it in said dead of night. Four stars well deserved.
(4)Yvonne G.
I love Taco Bus. This is one of Tampa's coolest places. It is a funky, quirky dive joint. It is open 24 hours / 7 days a week. You can choose to sit down or walk up to the window and order take out, or carry it to one of their outside tables. The service isn't always the fastest, but if you are patient and love to people watch, like I do, then it's a great place to enjoy fresh Mexian food in Tampa. It is authentic Mexican style from Yucatan, Mexico. Fresh-made salsas, yummy guacamole and very tasty salads too. As a new vegetarian (less than a year) I'm happy that they have vegetarian, even vegan options here. My vegan sister visited recently and enjoyed dinner with us here. Warning: don't come here and expect to order the kind of taco Americans are used to eating. You won't find it here. The first time I brought my daughters here, my youngest was flabbergasted to learn she could not have a crunchy taco that you hold in your hand. I explained that a tostada is crunchy and has all the same stuff that a taco has on it, it's just flat. She was not happy. They do not serve alcohol here, but you can BYOB. Great atmosphere. Love the simple and fresh approach.
(4)Gwendolyn W.
Sanitation practices be damned!! But I've never been made ill by this late-night step-up from a roach-coach. Though I'm quite sure the staff do not clean the bus as often as I most would hope, but you know the food is fresh because this place is busy 24/7. There's a good reason it's busy 24/7. 1.) It's always open 2.) Quite tasty 3.) Speedy. What more do you really need when you're the designated driver at 3:13am on Saturday night and you have a car load of drunk folks? After they're done polluting themselves with liquor, drive down Hillsborough Ave and load them up with Mexican grub, boot everyone out on the front door of their domicile so they don't vomit in your backseat. Night, done! This joint would've received 5 stars except for the questionable sanitation practices previously mentioned. Overlook it and enjoy:)
(4)Mark B.
Wow, that was an amazing fish taco! And who likes refried beans? - Me - this is not the same as everywhere lese. Best Mexican food in Town
(5)Sheri R.
Ambiance is hysterical... it's definitely a dive - some of the best Mexican I've had. Try the guac - you won't be disappointed!!!
(5)John B.
OMG Best Tacos, and Burrito I have ever had! Everything tasted fresh, and home made. When I want Mexican, I know where I am going for now on! Wish I could give 6 stars!
(5)Patrick K.
As close as it gets. OK so after almost 5 years I have finally made it to the Taco Bus. All I can say is NICE! I had the Chicken Mole and its was as good as I have ever had. The wife had the regular taco's. Great Atmosphere very Rustic. We ended up sitting next to a couple from NY who literally just got off the plane and came straight here. Now that is a great compliment. So honestly if you are in Tampa and looking for great authentic Mexican, come here! if you are looking for wine and table cloths please look else where it just about the food.
(4)Alexander Z.
If you want good fresh Mexican, come here. There is enough variety on the menu that you can keep coming back and look forward to something different. Pricing is just right as well. The atmosphere is very casual and relaxed. Family friendly. One word of warning - due to its popularity it can get very crowded here so be prepared to wait but its well worth it. My wife loves the Mexican Coca-Cola as it is made with cane sugar and not corn syrup.
(5)Sarah C.
Had my first experience with Taco Bus last night, at the newly opened downtown location. After hearing raves, and far too long without good Mexican food, it lived up to expectations! I went basic, and got the chicken quesadilla. Delish! The tortilla was crispy and not at all greasy, the meat was tender, and the veggies so fresh! Big love for cabbage instead of lettuce (which gets so soggy when hot) and the fresh cilantro! I do with the downtown location had agua fresca, like the original, but that was the only problem. Only wish I still worked downtown, as I would become a regular.
(4)Rose S.
I am missing me some taco bus tacos. I will be stopping by for my fix when i get back in town.
(5)Kyle G.
It gets a five from me, purely based on the fact that I had an idea of what to expect. A 24/7 location on Hillsborough & Nebraska didn't sound ideal at 3am, but I instantly fell in love. It's perfect for a snack after a night out, and now that I think back, I don't believe I've ever been there before 1am (lol). The music is always pumping (usually Spanish pop), and it's often filled with a wide assortment of people. Now for the food - wowza. Authentic, fresh, Mexican/Spanish favorites that are reasonably priced, and gargantuan in proportion. I usually stick with the chicken burrito (which I always end up taking half of it home), but have had the tamales, fish taco and quesadilla. I don't think you can go wrong regardless of what you choose. Don't fret, vegans/vegetarians, they can take care of you here too.
(5)Jennifer S.
This place is awesome. Taco heaven. My boyfriend and I stopped at the Taco Bus this evening after reading all the great reviews that my fellow Yelpers have given it. I have to say, you guys haven't let me down yet! I had a carne asada torta (a mexican sandwich, basically) and a fish taco. My boyfriend had chicken tacos. Everything we ate was absolutely excellent. I can't wait to go back! The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is because it is absolutely freezing out tonight and their indoor seating area has no heat, so it was just as cold inside as out. Otherwise, 5 stars!
(4)Scott L.
Authentic and well prepared. Nothing to say about the environment because, frankly, its a bus with a shack attached that sells Tacos. I personally go with the Plato when I go because I believe they overpower the tacos with Cilantro, but even then the food is still delicious. It is also well priced; a perfect late night stop.
(4)Maria G.
Nothing like Cali mex food... friendly servers but they werent there until it was time to pay and then they took another 10 mins to come back... had the carne asada burrito with rice n beans... definately a different flavor out here in tampa.
(3)Niraj P.
Don't miss this place... Vegan steak strips was delicious
(5)Eric L.
Fantastic fish tacos. The horchata is excellent too. And the Carne Asada burrito is almost perfect. These guys use cabbage instead of lettuce, that's great if it's a fish taco, not so great in a Carne Asada Burrito. But that's aight, maybe yall will like it. Anyways, I love this place and it is always my first choice. I would die without them, or be forced to return to CA or AZ for real taco shops. My new favorite is to order "El Plato Carne Asada". It's about 8 bucks, has rice and beans with a huge pile of Carne Asada meat, 4 corn tortillas, and some fresh chopped onion, tomato, and cilantro. So you can sit there making tacos. Nice meal
(5)Chris V.
A little unorganized but the tacos were great. I got the barbcoa and it was delicious.
(4)John S.
Yeah...they serve tacos (among other things) from an old renovated bus. Don't let that scare you...the food here was amazing. I had the beef tacos and the meat was fall-off-the-bone tender and flavorful. Two tacos and a small order of chips and I was stuffed. Oh yeah...they're open 24/7!
(5)Marcos O.
Recently aired on Man vs. Food, and i'll tell you from years of going the food wins! Excellent tacos. I am not one to eat cabbage, but this is the only place I have with a smile. Very much a hole in the wall that looks shady with a man/woman serving tacos out of a school bus, but do not pass it up or you will miss one of the hottest spots in Tampa. Prices have gone up recently, but it is still afordable. They have 3 locations most of which are open almost 24hours a day. Definitely recommended
(5)Kevin L.
This is my kind of dive! Cheap, super flavorful and inovative Mexican food. My goal is to get there every time I hit Tampa and try everything on the menu! If you want nice, quiet indoor seating and being waited on, go somewhere else. This is help yourself, al fresco dining. One word of caution is the neighborhood. Ok during the day, be careful at night. Well worth the trip though.
(5)Daisy J.
Had my first experience with Taco Bus last night, and I can definitely say that I am hooked! So much that I ventured out for a second time just this afternoon. The first time I went I got there at about 10 PM right after a USF game had just let out and the line was pretty long, I was a bit weary about wait time but I quickly found that the line moves super fast & I didn't have to wait for very long. I ordered a Steak burrito on my first visit, and a chicken burrito the second; both were superb! so much meat! most burritos I've had are loaded with rice & beans and very little meat, but that is not the case here. The accompany my burritos, I got a horchata which is a type of rice milk combination and it was just delicious & refreshing. Taco bus please come to Orlando!
(5)Chris K.
I live in Orlando, and despise going to Tampa for anything. That said, Taco Bus is the ray of sunlight through the black clouds that surround the city. The food is well-done, and there are vegetarian options for those concerned with such. I recommend the horchata for your drink, which I loved before I went there, and continue to; but fail to find any chain burrito joints. The on-table sauce is also very appreciable.
(5)Beth S.
Best horchata in town!!!
(5)Wendy S.
I tried this location out but I think I'm still more of a fan of the St. Pete location
(4)Rachel F.
Delicious and authentic Mexican food at an unbeatable price!!! We ate here while vacationing in Florida- we were tired of spending lots of money on overpriced food so we looked for some yummy yet cheap places around Tampa to please our palates. Well, the Yelp reviews are spot on- this place is incredible! The perfect amount of cilantro, lime, and spice... all for a great price. I love how authentic this place is- I ordered in Spanish and they make the most unbelievable salsa and horchata. Yes, the kitchen is out of a bus- but I guarantee it is the best Mexican food that you can get for the price. We were only in Tampa for a couple of days, and we ate here like three times because it was so good- worth the 10 minute drive from the hotel! Sooo yummy, and you can't go wrong for the price.
(5)Albert G.
Best in town. Their beef tongue is excellent--tender, succulent, and tasty. Be adventurous; give it a try. The chorizo breakfast burrito is great too. Be warned, tho, chorizo is a bit greasy. Love that the Bus is in my 'hood, Southeast Seminole Heights.
(5)Chris M.
Ordered the Carne Asada quesadila and it was outstanding! Authentic with a cool vibe. They also have Mexican Cokes! Its a must stop.
(5)Azael P.
My burrito was too greasy, and horchata wasn't homemade. Too pricey for such lunch
(2)James H.
Cochinita Pibil burrito will keep you coming back week after week. The price is comparable to any Chipotle/Moes burrito shop but the taste is unbeatable. Wash it down with an Horchata and make sure you take a tamale home on the weekends.
(5)Beth S.
Craveworthy! Since eating at the Taco Bus for the first time a few days ago, my husband and I can't wait to get back. In fact, we're going tonight! One taste of these authentic Mexican good eats and we were hooked. i want to stress that the Taco Bus does not serve the same cookie cutter Americanized Mexican fare you may be used to. It is so much better than that. The bus is cheap and has an astounding variety considering it's size. Even has air conditioned indoor seating, but we sat outside and absorbed the scene--you really could believe that you've been transported to the heart of Mexico without ever leaving Tampa. We live in St. Pete, a good half hour drive from the Bus, but we won't let that stop us from becoming regulars here. It is so worth it! That said, if the owners read this post, please consider an outpost in St. Pete. We'll certainly spread the word!
(5)Mocking J.
Great for Veggie fare! We do not eat meat or fish, we found a friendly welcome here. Four fresh, tasty meat alternatives for your taco plate or burrito, the excellent salsa in abundance. and the wonderful fruity drinks. Yum! We live one hour away and we WILL be going back!
(5)J B.
I have no idea why this place is as iconic as it is. After three visits, I'd still describe their food as better than average high school cafeteria fare.
(1)Cathy W.
I used to love this place. Went at least once a week, then started getting carry-out guacamole... and that's when it got bad. Standing at the "bus" window, we could see the cooks preparing the dishes. I was shocked to watch one of the cooks shove some meat to the very back of her mouth, and then pick some leftovers out of her back teeth with a fingernail, in the midst of making someone's meal. She seemed to enjoy the food as much as I used to, but I just can't bring myself to go back there anymore. I won't return to a place that so blatantly vioates public health concerns. A person could get hepatitis from this behavior.
(1)Kelly F.
I had wanted to try out the Taco Bus first after hearing about it in the TBT then seeing it on Triple D. I will admit, I am making this review off the mobile Taco Bus that does the events and we first hit it up at the Gaslight Park Food Truck Rally sponsored by Mayor Buckhorn. My soul purpose when I went to the Rally was to get one or two items from each truck to split between the two of us so we'd have a good sample of all 8 trucks in attendance. We hit up Fire Monkey and a couple other of the more "famous" trucks and the last one in line was Taco Bus and from there I got the Steak Burrito and mama ordered a Chicken Taco. Both meats were dry and flavorless. We asked for grilled onions, nada, only chopped fresh onions. Needless to say, if it wasn't for the overabundance of the onions, there really would have been no taste at all. We both ordered ours with Cheese but if there was any, you couldn't tell. We both thought it was pretty Ghetto having to just grab a sauce off the area they had set up for the sauces, napkins and plastic forks. Would have been nice if the sauces were labeled and a hotness level. I like it hot, Mama doesn't, She got hot, I did not. After eating here at the Taco Bus, their dry tacos left me very unimpressed. Maybe it's because I am a Gringo and I just don't "know good Mexican food" but after spending a lot of time eating out of trucks in LA and Texas before coming here, I will say Moes, yes Moes, is better than the "Taco Bus". I am going to give all these folks rating it a 4 or 5 the benefit of the doubt and figure they were drunk when they ate there. When I was stationed in the Philippines and Korea we would eat gross things off of carts as we staggered back to base drunk and the next day thinking it was the best thing ever eaten. If you rated it a 4 or 5, had been drinking before dining there, please go back sober and have them for lunch. I think your new rating will be closer to mine. Just sayin'.
(1)Mary M.
Get it together, Atlanta - the Taco Bus is where it's at. Why don't we have street vendor approval yet? Had our last meal of our quick vacation at the Taco Bus, after finding it by accident on a stop to get gas. Totally unbelievable! I had the fish tacos (ahhhmazing) and I can't speak for my dining companions food because it was all consumed within seconds of appearing. They were packed with a sunday brunch crowd but still managed to have the food out before i had finished my stealthy concealed beer. a++
(5)Robert S.
MFing Taco Bus. Great tacos. Watch out for the flies. Not quite Mema's, but still incredibly good, with the added charm of being a bus, i guess. Lots of flies. The prices are very reasonable, and the flies are plentiful. Tables outside, right by scenic Nebraska Avenue. Veggie burrito is very filling and delicious for less than five. SO MANY FLIES AT THIS ESTABLISHMENT. Take your food to go. There are some flies there.
(4)Jeff C.
Man, this is classic "drunk" food. Wow, is it good. This place has got to be packed at 1 am-2 am on Weekend nights. For good reason. Flavorful, fresh, cheap. I'd be hard pressed to suggest an improvement; maybe fresh tortillas. This is the kind of place you hope to find when you live in Central FL. And then you hope no one else finds it so they don't change. Highly recommend the fish taco and the cochinita pebil (pulled pork) taco.
(5)Marcus F.
Taco Bus is one of my local favorite restaurants. The quality of food and the prices are exactly on point. i really love the burritos, they are stuffed full with whatever you want and they run about $7 a piece. it can be pretty pricey the more items you get. i get about two burritos and that $20. the menu is not extensive and very simple. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys spanish food and want to try something that's not taco bell.
(5)Ren J.
Great, authentic Mexican food. I love the "based on a 5,000 year old Mayan recipe" bit on the menu. Service and delivery of food (I sat indoors) was prompt. I ordered one fish taco and one carne asada taco -- both were killer. The green sauce on the table was spicy and flavorful.
(4)Tam D.
The food was just OK. I ordered a chicken quesadilla which was basically a large soft taco. There wasn't much cheese in it, and it wasn't melty. Maybe I don't know what a quesadilla is. I also got a beef tostada -- was not the biggest fan of the spices they put in the meat. At least they had Jamaica - although it was tainted with lemonade. The biggest problem, in my opinion, is the huge mound of styrofoam they must be sending to the landfill daily. I know the stuff is cheap, but come on! There has to be a better solution.
(3)Jacquie H.
This place is all about the atmosphere. The food is not impressive-it's not Baja style nor is it Sonoran or Chihuahua style. Maybe its from some Mexican state I'm not familiar with. I have high Mexican Food standards and this place doesn't fit the bill. I have taken out of town guests here (who are not familiar with Mexican Food) and they enjoyed it however.
(3)Niki P.
Great Place for Lunch but not the greatest looking restaurant!
(3)Terri S.
We love going to the Taco Bus. The food is very good and the staff is friendly. Should be on the DDD show on the Food Channel!
(5)Jen A.
I always eat too much when i go here...but how can i not?!
(4)Jack S.
Everything you heard about the tacos is right on. They are awesome. I especially like the Pibil and Barbacoa fillings. Chicharron was not crunchy as I had assumed and a bit too much lime for my taste. Although they do great tacos I would not recommend the desserts; their turn over must not be very good. The first flan I was given had a huge mold spot on it. The tres leches was a bit dry. Overall, great experience, great food, just skip the dessert. Oh, and you can BYOB including beer, etc. Very cool.
(4)Rob B.
The taco bus is a diamond in the rough. The building/bus doesn't look like much but the food is great. Sitting in the area between the bus and building eating our tacos while feeling the gentle breeze took us to another place in time. I enjoyed my Barbacoa & Cochinita Pibil tacos which had been slow cooked to perfection and topped with the right amount of onions and cilantro, add a squeeze of lime and some salsa verde to make it hit the spot.
(4)Melanie K.
I went here at about 2am one night because we had the late night hunger. I'm not from Tampa so this was my first trip here and I didnt know what to expect. The prices seemed pretty moderate. $3 for a taco and about $7 for a burrito. I got the shredded beef taco as I wasnt really hungry enough to eat a whole burrito. The menu has a good variety and they offer specials daily. You order at the window and the cashier will give you a number, from there you take a seat and wait for someone to bring your food. It came out in only a matter of minutes. This place was pretty busy given the hour too, that surprised me a bit, but I took it as a good sign. The taco came out and was very colorful, I immediately had high hopes. It certainly didn't disappoint. I was half expecting some fast food garbage to come out on a plate, but this stuff looked fresh and good, and it tasted wonderful. The shredded beef was really stringy and a bit on the chewy side, this made the taco extremely sloppy to eat, but nonetheless enjoyable. The service wasn't over the top friendly or anything. As a new comer I noticed a bit of an attitude while ordering my food. The cashier couldn't hear us very well and seemed annoyed that she had to ask us to speak up. However I got the vibe that the place came with an attitude, and if you don't like it, they don't need your service. If the food is good thats what will keep me coming back. When you pay theres a line for a tip, we left $3 for two tacos. All in all I enjoyed my trip here, it was certainly a new experience and I can see myself going back to try out the other options.
(4)Brian S.
I've been to places that have great tacos and places that have bad tacos. As far as tacos go I like this place like a fat kid loves cake. However the Carne Asada doesn't taste quite right. But the Cochinita Pibil is really good. The only bad thing about this place is the mixture of roasted peppers and poop in the air. You don't notice it too much, much like how a person can't smell their own farts. The atmosphere is great, and although I was here at 5 Sun Eve I can only imagine this place and food get better at 2am in a drunken stupor. The customers are a very ecletic group of people which is refreshing for a place like this. It also seems from the reviews of this place there are some pretty cute girls that eat here too... Yes I'm talking about you Jamie E. I can't wait for the DT Tampa location to open. I just hope that the smell doesn't follow much like followers to Ashton Kutcher on twitter.
(4)Ilya Z.
i went to the one in St Pete. Good fresh food but long wait.
(4)Debi L.
I dream about the "Pappo's Plato" and horchata. They are delish and the portions so big I can usually split them into 2 meals. The ceviche is fresh and actually has octopus in it but they look @ you funny when you order it. If it wasn't so far and i wasn't afraid of being murdered in the area I might actually go more often.
(4)Anthony H.
Always fresh, fresh every day. Straight from the farm. Delicious food every time. Great place to munch.
(4)Thom J.
Best burrito in Tampa.
(5)KrisTina M.
it don't get better than this when it comes to mexican around here... love the decor, although not surprisingly it's usually packed. service sometimes lags, but it's hard to care once the food gets to you. am glad they opened one closer - downtown - but haven't tried it yet. that's definitely on the agenda this week...
(4)Suzy V.
Taco bus! My best friend that's up in college in Tampa took me here to try this place out and I loved it. Good authntic Mexican food and they serve it and cook it from an old painted school bus. Dopeeeeeeee
(4)christina r.
Amazing Mexican food .. Almost as good as my mothers :) try the horchata next time you go it's amazing ! Weekends are a great time to go that's when the tamales and menudo are available. Best in Tampa for sure!
(5)Denise V.
Like any other restaurant, some items are a hit while others are a miss. I've had better Mexican rice and refried beans. Definitely give the shrimp taco a try!
(4)Michelle C.
I've only been to Taco Bus once, but seriously been telling friends about this place ever since I've been. I had a really good experience here. It was not what I was expecting at all. I really liked the atmosphere and the decorations. The food was also very authentic and delicious too. The location is a bit of a drive, but it's well worth it. An even bigger plus? It's open 24/7... perfect for late night munchies.
(5)David G.
Excellent food - but that's it. Smell from the dumpster reeks - needs to be contained as it emanates across the parking lot.
(5)Lori C.
Ok it looks bad as far as the establishment. The food though incredible!!! The veggies are fresh and I am not sure what the do to there onions but FABULOUS!!!! I being a big meat eater could have eaten about 5 pounds of there veggies! The Guacamole also fresh was very tasty! Can't wait to eat there again!
(5)Sam H.
The absolute best place to eat late night. The food is good and the patrons are a great mix of people.
(5)Rob F.
Best i've had in Tampa so far. Tastes like nothing you've had from chain/corporate locations. Real novelty to it. Better for a casual lunch then a quiet dinner. Coke in glass bottles goes good with pork or beef.
(5)Elliot S.
Excellent eats!!! I really don't understand the issue that some people have (other reviewers) with the authenticity of this place. The food is good. Don't want to call it Mexican? call it whatever you want, it's still very good eats.
(4)James K.
I have to eat here atleast twice a week. Its like im addicted to it like a crackhead on drugs. Taco's are all I need from here, but that doesnt mean the rest of the food on their menu isnt good. Im just biased to tacos. So eat here for mexican food.
(3)Cecilia F.
This place is great! Don't expect much! It is called the taco bus for a reason, but the food is great! I have missed tacos ever since I moved here from Texas.
(4)Livia A.
Authentic, delicious tacos. If it weren't so far away I'd go there way more often. :)
(3)Roger F.
It's not authentic, but it sure as hell is good. Taco bus is a Tampa mainstay, and pretty damn amazing. Formed from a food truck on Hillsborough Ave. that just seems to keep adding on additional dining space, and open near 24/7, Taco bus consistently offers a wide variety of choices, from tacos, to burritos, to even ceviche. I've eaten here quite a few times and have yet to strike out. If you're looking for some late-night grub, search no further. Grab some friends, get in line, and stare slack-jawed at the menu while you cobble something together. A solid choice.
(4)Tonia C.
I'm always a fan. Taco Bus never disappoints. As much as I hate to see how commercialized they have become, I'm glad the food quality remains the same. It is always great to be have more opportunities to frequent them since they have more locations now. I had not been to the original location in a few years and was very impressed with the upgrades. It definitely made me more confident it was cleaner than previously. The soda machine is a great addition because previously it was hit or miss if my drink came out with the food or not. As always I'm very happy with the vegetarian/vegan options. My favorite is beans and rice filling, but the vegan steak strips and butternut squash filling is always a nice alternative. I always prefer the red sauce over the green sauce. I have noticed lately the red sauce has been more potent, but I still love it! Also make sure you buy some sauce to take home. Taste great on everything. Or stop buy in the morning for a huge and delicious breakfast burrito.
(5)Anna-Marie W.
The Food Truck scene has exploded all across the United States with Tampa, Florida being no exception. Certain trucks are so popular and in such demand that the owners see an opportunity for a more permanent bricks and mortar location. Such is the case with the Taco Bus- what started as a small operation serving tacos out of a refurbished school bus is now five stores with a sixth slated to open soon in Sarasota. We visited the Hillsborough Avenue location in the Old Seminole Heights neighborhood of Tampa. Though it is a permanent location, you still order from a school bus with the kitchen in the back. First you order your style whether you prefer tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salad etc. Then choose your protein- chicken, steak or pick from a plethora of Vegetarian options from portabellas to vegan "steak strips" to butternut squash. I was so excited to find a place for an abundance of Vegetarian fare in Tampa, however, one thing I could not pass up was the Shrimp and Oyster Ceviche. Served with a side of fresh tortilla chips, I thought it was absolutely amazing. Lucky for me, Chad isn't much a shellfish lover so my Ceviche was all mine! Chad opted for the guacamole- it was tangy, spicy and served with the same tortilla chips as my ceviche. For entrees, Chad went for the Butternut Squash tacos topped with Pico de Gallo, shredded cabbage and crumbled fresco cheese. Accompanying his tacos was a side of Spanish rice and refried beans. I ordered the Rajas Con Queso Quesadilla- strips of poblano peppers with corn, salsa ranchera and a Mexican white cheese sauce grilled between two flour tortillas. The staff was friendly and helpful- even visiting our table with a few Taco Bus stickers. There is plenty of outdoor seating as well as a small building that houses another kitchen and some indoor tables and booths.
(4)Jahaira B.
Didnt like it. Had a portabella ranchero on a sandwhich. It was like a veggie chilli sandwhich. The beans and mushrooms made it taste earthy and bitter. Also had mango ceviche which was okay. The serving of ceviche was kinda small for $4.98. Sides like guac was small but was $1.00 so thats ok. The sour cream was a little packet for $1.00. Wouldnt return.
(1)Kimberly D.
Miles away from Taco Bell, Taco Bus offers AMAZING Tex-Mex food when you have the late-night munchies. And when you're done partying on weekends, Taco Bus is open 24-hours, to help refuel you from all your shenanigans. My suggestion is to call ahead your order, so it's ready for you to pick up when you arrive, because wait times at the Bus can get long when you're hungry. My go-to favorite is the fish tacos. The fish is lightly breaded and fried, and topped with a cool mix of veggies to fill your tortilla. I also love their tostadas, which is like an open-face hard taco that is smothered in beans, veggies, cheese, and your choice of protein. When I ordered the tostada, the worker told me that they changed the portion size, and she was not joking. The tostada was the size of my whole hand, from palm to fingertips! Be sure to add their salsa to your food, for a little extra zing. The red salsa has a mild flavor, not too spicy. The green verde sauce is very tart and spicy, but not too overpowering. Use with caution! You can add a drink and sides of rice and beans to any order for only $2.50. It's worth it for the drink, since they have unlimited refills. The rice and beans will fill you up, but I get pretty stuffed with their entrees alone. The price is a bit steeper than your average taco place, but I know the food is freshly prepared and tastes great, sober or drunk. I definitely recommend Taco Bus for fresh, fast-food Tex-Mex.
(4)Karen I.
I'll never eat at the Taco Bus again! I ordered a burrito at a concert at the amphitheatre last summer and when I bit into the second half, I found a BAND-AID!!! Beyond disgusting! When I returned it, they didn't believe me and tried to tell me they all wear gloves and there was no way it could have come from them. Ultimately, they gave me my money back, but it was a very bad experience. P.S. The first, Band-Aid free half was not that good either!
(1)Allie A.
THAT SAUCE! You know, the verde with the kick of jalapenos. It was exactly what I needed.... We came from Busch Gardens and unfortunately, were victims of a 9 pm deluge. I was soaked to the bone, and needed some nice spicy food to warm me back up. So we ventured to the Taco Bus with some Yeeps, and ordered a ton of apps, and took a seat outside. Love the set up, it's very cool how the bus is just parked there, with a restaurant and seating on both sides. The quac was fresh and full of flavor, the queso was gone in seconds, and the pico met the same fate. After we ran out of dips, that is when I found the verde sauce on the table, and put a little bit on a leftover chip for a little taste. Let's just say I ate the rest of the chips drenched in this stuff, and pretty much doused everything else with it as well. I ordered a two taco combo: carne asada and the carnitas. The carne asada was pretty solid... but the carnitas, wow. Juicy, melt in your mouth, run down your face fantastic. The sides were ok... but get those carrots out of the rice! (LOL, not the biggest cooked carrot fan.) Little bummed they didn't have beer, but it was probably for the best, as I had a few "yards" of beer earlier that night. And kicking ourselves because we didn't ask if we could buy the verde.
(4)Cecille R.
My husband and I were on our way into town for the weekend and were starving! I remembered hearing about this place from friends so I searched for the closest location on Yelp and mapped us to their front door! They weren't kidding! It's an actual bus which made it even more exciting to order from. There's a huge menu plastered next to the order windows so it took a few minutes for us to read through and decide what we wanted. It's your typical Americanized Mexican food so no surprises here. It's a sort of made to order menu where you pick item (burrito, tacos, tostada, etc) and pick the protein whether it be meat, seafood or vegetarian. They also have gluten free options. All items are dressed with pico de gallo and cabbage but additional items like guac, queso and sour cream are an additional charge. We ordered the "Choose 2" option for chips and dip and picked the guacamole and pico de gallo. Word of warning- they don't skimp! We could've easily just ordered one. So between the chips and multiple dips and the polle verde tostada(with sides) I ordered and the burrito that my husband had, I think we easily stretched out our waistbands! On the tables, they also have bottles of their salsa roja and salsa verde sauces! I tried and they were super spicy! But the option was great! Seating is outside and apparently inside as well but we didn't realize until after the fact. We found a little nook that was outdoors but shaded so that worked perfectly for us. This was a great intro to Tampa. Good, affordable and filling food!
(4)Sasha P.
I'm sorry to give 1 star but quite frankly, I was not impressed. To Taco Bus's misfortune, there is a taco truck in Michigan that long ago captured my heart. This may be the reason why I'm such a harsh critic when it comes to taco trucks. In any case, I stick to my one star rating and here's why. I had heard about Taco Bus when I first moved to Tampa and was extremely excited to try it out. The exterior looks cool. It's a fun concept to have the bus there. It's not a trashy place but not refined either. Doesn't bother me. What bothered me was that the place smelled like fart, literally, when my husband and I went for a bite to eat. I don't know if there was a gas leak that day but whatever it was, it was certainly a bad first impression. Nevertheless, I tried to shrug it off and continue on with my excitement at what was supposed to be the best taco truck in Tampa. I ordered a barbacoa burrito and in a nutshell, it was not good. It was not flavorful and the meat did not taste fresh. This was very bad news for me. Perhaps it was all the hype that raised my expectations too high. However, one thing is for certain: If there is a bad time to have an "off-your-game" day, it is most definitely the first time someone visits your establishment. I have not been back to Taco Bus since that first visit and I cringe whenever I think about it. Maybe one of the other locations has better fare but regardless of that possibility, I would not consider eating at Taco Bus again. And sadly, I would have to be tricked into eating their food. How you ask? Don't tell me it's from Taco Bus before I eat it.
(1)Brittany M.
Taco Bus just isn't what it used to be. I'm vegan and I make sure I specify this while I'm ordering. They have a vegan menu but 50 percent of the time they mess up vegan orders. They waste so much food because orders aren't correct! It's either a hit or miss.
(3)Blue A.
Well, damn. Maybe it's the fact I was coming off a month long taco promotion- so I'd been having some of the finest Mexican food in BPB - but Taco Bus really let me down. Don't get me wrong, at this time of the night, it's probably the best grub you're going to get...but in a land of frozen beef patties and even poorer taco options (18 year old Blue would be in shock this is how I refer to Taco Bell. That was my jam!) this is about as good as it gets for late night grubbing. I arrived with a fairly big group (we took up two picnic tables!) after a long night of riding roller coasters and walking through haunted houses. The place wasn't too busy. We all ordered...and took our seats. They bring you out the food. I got the Burrito Preñado (the pregnant burrito lol) a flour tortilla stuffed with Mexican rice, refried beans, taco veggies and cheese. I added carne asada to mine. The entire burrito was super bland...the rice was a little hard and tasteless and overall it just wasn't good. As hungry as I was, I didn't finish it. The Horchata however was some of the most dense, creamy, deliciousness I have ever tasted. Luckily my wife didn't finish hers so I filled up on my full cup and her half cup. The staff was another let down. They were texting (or playing angry birds) and not the friendliest of folks. The setup is pretty cool - they are actually school busses parked in a random lot (permanently) and have been modified into kitchens. There's a few seating areas (picnic tables) and that's about it. When we arrived it had just finished raining and all of the sauces had rain water all over them (along with a fairly big opening on the top, allowing water to get in). I didn't test it out to see how much rain water got in - but someone from our table was nice enough to go grab some sauces from the covered seating areas. Long story short - the horchata was the only thing that saved the day here.
(2)Stephanie G.
According to the Husband the Carnitas Burrito is the best burrito he has ever eaten. I throughly enjoy the chicken chipotle tacos! The chips and salsa are fantastic. LOVE that they serve "Mexican Coke". The indoor seating area is not so appetizing. I recommend ordering and eating outside!
(4)Mailoha A.
If you want Taco Bus, this is the location to go to. The Downtown location and the Fletcher location are no good. Even this location has lost some if it's touch as they have expanded. They no longer serve truly authentic Mexican tacos. Cabbage, heated tortilla and tomatoes on tacos? Not authentic.
(3)Elizabeth W.
I have been here so many times, i guess its about time I write a review. Located in the heart of Hillsborough Ave is this gem. They have taken a bus and made it their restaurant/ food truck feel. You walk up the the bus and place your order then wait for your food. This location has covered outdoor seating as well and some inside seating. The inside could use some updating but the amazing food over powers the decor. I ordered a Carne Asada buritto. IT WAS MASSIVE. I was so big, I had to have my fiancé eat half of it. It has tons of meat inside cooked to perfection! It came wide a side of rice and beans. The rice and beans are bad, but not the best that I've ever had. Their guac is really good!! Keep up the good work!!
(4)William C.
There is a fly problem here.
(1)Jennifer S.
So it's 1am on a Friday night and we just spent the last few hours running around Busch Gardens for Hollow-O-Scream. Needless to say my friends and I were starving! I am not from the area but luckily others in the group knew where to get food and said we had to go to the Taco Bus. Its open all night and apparently they are very well known in Tampa. When you get there it is just that 2 large buses set up with wooden picnic tables out front and a regular seating area on the side. No frills kind of place. You walk up to the bus and order your food then pay. They give you a number and bring out your food rather quickly. I decided to try 2 tacos both the Cochinita Pibil on corn tortillas. It's shredded pork marinated in achiote and bitter orange, then wrapped in banana leaves and slow roasted in a smoker. It was okay, a little dry and needed some hot sauce. I finished them both because I was so hungry but there really wasn't any flavors that popped out for me. My friend got the chicken quesadillas and they were just ok not great. She didn't even eat half of it. Most of the group were satisfied others not so much. I would come back for sure to give it another shot, it was not a bad place and definitely a perfect late night spot to fill your belly with food.
(3)Thao N.
The atmosphere at this specific Taco Bus is not the same as you would find at the other ones. Not as hipster but just as delicious. Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, therefore, parking is pretty difficult. Side parking is your answer. The tacos are just as delicious as you would find at the other taco bus places. Go here if you're craving for some good home style tacos.
(3)Frank A.
Solid taco. Flavorful but kind of small portion for price. We just stopped to try it out, so maybe other options would have been better. I would come back.
(4)Joanne U.
Our clients brought us here last Thursday for some authentic Mexican experience and WOW is all I can say. I've never really cared for Mexican food before, my standard fare was just limited to cheese quesadilla, chips, some queso dip, and margaritas.So I went here with an open mind and some appetite. OMG I love love love their chips and queso dip. It's worth ALL the calories, let me tell you. I also had the most delicious soft taco asada (steak) in the world, the flavors just explode in your mouth. Now everyone knows I would be happy to eat anything hot or spicy any day so when I dropped some verde (green) sauce on my tacos, it became even more yummy for me. We tried some Mexican drinks too, forgot what they called it but one tasted like pineapple juice (so refreshing) and the other one tasted sweet with a hint of milk on it, but not too overpowering. You would think that's all there is to the place right, but that doesn't stop there. Can I just tell you how AMAZING the desserts were? Give me tres leches anytime for dessert and I'd be happy, but the sopapillas totally stole the scene. It was so so so good! This place has now changed me. If Mexican food is always THIS good, I would happily return here over and over again (if calorie watch is not a factor that is!)! Thank you Taco Bus, for the authentic, delicious Mexican food! Blown away as a first time guest and planning to be a regular (when in town for business at least)!
(5)Colin K.
They are currently out of vegan steak strips, for some time now, so check before you go.
(4)Chelsea B.
I love this place, but I'll be honest, I've mostly put it in my back pocket for when company comes--I never go by myself anymore. I'm not a huge fan of the increased prices, crowds, or greasiness...even as I appreciate new additions to their menu like Tacos al Pastor. Nothing can ever displace Taco Bus in my heart for their unique design, but they aren't the best or cheapest taco joint in town anymore.
(4)Josiah G.
What the hell is going on with Taco Bus? I couldn't find their food truck on Yelp, but I figured the main location will work well enough to seriously ask, what the hell is going on? My girlfriend and I were at first Saturday in Safety Harbor and we saw the Taco Bus food truck. After being met with a "what the hell do you want" type look, I ordered two beef tacos off the very small menu. We each took one bite, threw the rest away and got pizza. For almost $10, I would expect warm, not ice cold tortillas and maybe some beef and not just a plethora of raw onions. I don't know if Taco Bus is being spread out too thin or not, but as far as what I ate here and how it compared to my first Taco Bus experience on Hillsborough many years ago, this was an ice cold shell of what it once was...
(1)Dave P.
Taco Bus was a Tampa staple for Mexican and a true Seminole Heights establishment. They started strong but sold to a new owner who makes their current stance weak (like pitiful). Let's start with my order from tonight, March 10, 2015. Plato with Chipotle Chicken. The beans look amazing, like a pinto bean flavor explosion! The rice is screaming for attention too! It is calling me with its veggies and mexican rice "profile". Epic fail. The refried beans In my cabinet are way more flavorful... Cold and still in the can. This Mexican rice is served in public schools around the country. Barf. Flavor, what flavor. It's worse than your first self cooked meal, ever. There should be the subdue hint that the rest of my meal is going to at least be edible. No dice. I'm hovering over two plates of TB, creamy chicken Pabli and a burrito. I was hoping there would be some sort of diversity, some miscarriage of judgement, something. I'll call it disgust. Save yourself a trip. Eat if you must... Otherwise, avoid at all cost. The product isn't worth the time, effort or cash. If you want mexican, go to Miguel's. If you want good, cheap, fast go to Taco Bell on Dale Mabry. I can't tell you any reason to ever subject yourself to TB. You'll do it. Afterwards, do the rest of the world a favor and post your thoughts. The only way to get the original back is controversy. It's also the witness the owners fail. If you loved the original TB then let the world know.
(1)Jayme N.
I have 0 complaints about this location. This food here is outstanding, and customer service is T1. I can tell you if they have values here they 100% follow every single one.
(5)Ingrid R.
Years ago this was the place for great authentic Mexican food, now however I can honestly say I rather go to Taco Bell. The last time I was there I spend 28.00 on 4 tacos and two drinks! Not to mention I didn't eat my tacos because what was supposed to be steak was more like greasy cardboard. Not even their salsa was fresh. It's very sad that what made this such an amazing place before is now been compromised by their popularity. Bigger is definitely not always better.
(1)Jenilee A.
When I first seen this place. I thought "whoah this dose not look appealing" BUT I'm glad I decided to take a chance on this gem. We ordered (my husband and I) a Torta Mexican sandwich with conchinita Pibil filling and a quesadilla with carnitas filling, beans, rice and sweet tea. We split both between us. The Torta was delicious the cabbage and mayo combined with the pibil filling was soo good. But the best part was the fresh homemade bread!! The bread was melt in your mouth warm, like something from heaven. ( I wanted to ask if I could just purchase some of the bread to bring home and save for sandwiches.. But I didn't) The quesadilla was good as well. The rice/beans on the side were different than most I've had and tasted a little off. The seating inside smelled terrible.. Kind of like vomit ( hope that's not TMI), so we sat outside and enjoyed the breeze. Overall I would recommend this place! It didn't blow me away, but it was good. I would love to try the tres leches cake next time... I was just to full. But if anyone try's it please leave me a compliment below saying how it was.
(4)Candice M.
On my first visit I got the pollo salad with cilantro dressing, but on my second visit I got the salad and the taco with steak. This has to be some of the best Mexican food ever. Considering the only other places I've been to are Red Mesa and Que Pasa, I don't really have much to compare it to, but its GOOD. The salad has a variety of ingredients which keep my taste buds interested, and that cilantro dressing over the tender chicken really sets it off! It is sooooo good. The first time I came here, I didn't have the tacos because I was dieting for a fitness show, so this time I made sure to enjoy me some carbs. I ordered one steak taco with all the toppings and ate that first as soon as I sat in the car, Literally, I looked down at my wrapper after 15 seconds and it was all gone! I said to myself,"Geez Candice, you inhaled that taco." It was honestly so good, I was going to get out of the car and order 3 more before I drove off, but instead I took my greedy self home and enjoyed my salad. Atmosphere- Everything is spread out---You order and pick up your food at the buses(food truck type of feel), they have some outside tables and they have inside dining which I never knew they had. The last time I came was it 3 am after hanging out with friends, and we sat outside. We were the only ones there last time, so it was nice to have good convo and laugh without bothering others. Everything so far has been flavorful, quick and tasty. I love Taco Bus!
(4)Vijay K.
Best mexican yu will find in whole of tampa the burrito prenado is the best burrito you will get to taste
(5)Alyssa K.
There's no Diners, Drive ins and Dives places in Orlando. Found this on a food network food map while driving up from Marco island, so we had to stop. It's a dive alright. It's so sketchy, the location, the busses, the tables, the service. It's all divey. That's the kind of thing I love. We sat down to eat there and ordered horchata, chips and guacamole, two tacos, and a burrito. Everything came out relatively fast. The chips and guacamole were very good. The horchata was as well. They got my taco order wrong, I ordered one cochinita pibil taco and one carne asada. Instead of the pibil, I got some chicken. I did not like the chicken, it tasted like mustard. When I told them about the mistake they made me a new one quickly and apologized. They were both great tacos. The burrito was probably even better than the tacos in my opinion, this place is really good. I'm amazed that it's so popular in a place like Tampa, but I love it. I'll have to make another stop here next time I drove through Tampa.
(5)Leslie D.
Great food here at taco bus I came here after work for some dinner. My husband I left happy we both enjoyed our meal great salsa and chips. And tacos they have variety of all kinda of Mexican food. Will come back soon .
(5)Mary M.
I have to say... It lives up to the hype! It was delicious. I had the pork tacos, the tostado with no meat, queso, bean dip and salsa. Loved all of it! The bean dip was especially my favorite dip. My friends had chicken and steak tacos and raved about their meals. I can't wait to go back and try more!
(5)Daisy D.
I had Taco Bus on my radar for a while. Maybe it's my Food Network addiction; I used to have a problem. But regardless, after drinking beers all day I think this would have been the first place I picked as soon as I opened up my trusty Yelp app. Taco Bus is some of the best drinky-drunk-dinner I've had in a long time. We ordered our food at the window, found a table between the two...er, buildings?...and went to town. I went with the Burrito Preñado with carnitas. While the wrapper was reminiscent of Taco Bell, this was way más than I would have ever gotten if I had made a run for the border. The pork was juicy and the burrito packed a lot of flavor. I basically inhaled the whole thing. How I did it and didn't regret it later I will never know. I had mine packed with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, guacamole, sour cream & cheese. It could have used more cheese, but everything to me can always use more cheese. While I didn't need them, I do agree with Hunter B. that a few chips would have been nice. Sometimes when my burrito is overflowing with gooey goodness I like to take a couple scoops with a chip or two, but that wasn't an option. I was also slightly disappointed with the bottle soda, but understanding the setup, it's not surprising. I'm just a fountain loving fool.
(4)Justin M.
You can't beat the atmosphere and the hours. I came here after a local wrestling show and was impressed with everything. Food came out quick and correct. Servers and employees were friendly and laid back. The food was grand. Tacos done expertly. There's a great variety as well. I spent about a week around Tampa and this is the one place I'll be certain to come back to if I'm ever in town again.
(5)Morgan B.
Our team visited here twice during a week-long trip to Tampa. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the visit. While the locale itself looks a bit run-down and dodgy from the outside, the immediate eating area is quite nice. The service was excellent and very efficient for our group of almost 40. There was something for everyone to choose, and the price was right, especially for the quantity. Favorites were the drink options- try the horchata or agua de pina. Definitely would return again if I was in the area, and would recommend to others!
(5)Adrienne V.
Bring back the shrimp taco bus! Bring back the rice pudding taco bus! Bring back the hibiscus iced tea taco bus! All of the most awesome things on their menu they got rid of this year. They went from being my second favorite restaurant to being somewhere that I would never ever go to.
(1)Karen F.
What is there to say about Taco Bus that hasn't already been said? Go here, eat here. The original location is the best. These are far and away my favorite tacos in the Tampa Bay area. If you are looking for fast food style with shredded lettuce and fake chez, these are NOT for you. But if you are looking for the real deal topped with diced tomatoes, cabbage mixture, cilantro and onions - you have a winner! I used to always get the Pollo (chicken) tacos, but lately I crave their Pollo Verde Desebrado (shredded chicken in a green tomatillo sauce). I usually get it as a combo "meal deal" with rice and beans. I will say - I'm a bit sad that they seem to have changed their refried beans in the past year or so - has anybody else noticed that? They used to be amazing, and now they are just good. Also sad that they stopped making their tamales on weekends. I guess there just wasn't enough demand for them. What a shame, because those were unique and delicious. Final tip - make sure you buy a red sauce and/or green sauce to-go - fresh and hot and spicy you'll find they perk up almost any food you have at home.
(4)Matt M.
Well let's with this, it's 12:15 am and I come to taco bus looking for some delicious food. All I am craving is the El pastor and fish tacos. And what do I come to find out, they have removed the El pastor from the menu. In my opinion the only good dishes at taco bus are the fish and El pastor, which they just took off the menu. Please come to your senses and put the El pastor back on the menu.
(1)Uncle Sam B.
They are cool. They accidentally charged me $35 for two tacos I ordered online but they returned the money back to my card and bought my meal. I didn't even ask them to. Love a free meal!
(4)Mark R.
Meh. This is absolutely not authentic Mexican food. It's a bit too greasy, a bit too cheesy, and largely lacking in the authentic flavor of a true roadside taco stand. It's main redeeming quality is that it's open late, and serves as solid late-night, cover-up-the-booze food, something otherwise lacking in this town.
(3)Delta M.
This was some of the best tacos I've ever had. I got there at 1145pm on a Saturday night and was shocked at how many people were eating and in line to order. After getting my food, I understand why, simply amazing!!!!
(5)Ivan C.
Im not sure what the hype is about this place.... waste of time driving here. Roaches crawling all over the busses. I've had better food at "Taco bell"
(2)Jim M.
Had some great fish tacos here; salsa verde was excellent with just the right amount of heat. The place may not make a great first impression but take a chance in the food - it won't disappoint!
(4)Amber H.
I can't go on enough about how much I love this place. I love everything about it, from the loud and fun decor, to the authentic tasting food. No matter what I order, I love! The price is right too. All the ingredients use always taste fresh. The staff is very nice. I love the fact that it's open 24 hours a day! When you're out late at night, this is a great alternative to greasy diners!
(5)Kirsten L.
I absolutely love this place! The staff is so nice and they were patient with my friends and I who didn't know at all what to get. I got two tacos, and I didn't even know but you can get different styles! I got the picadillo and Al Pastor and I personally liked the Al Pastor better, but both were really good! At first I thought it wouldn't fill me up but they're actually pretty filling! The location in Hillsborough is the better location, it's open later (Most nights open till 4am, some nights 24 hours) and I personally think that the staff here is nicer too. The only thing was that we waited a little bit for the food. We hit the rush and it took almost 30 minutes. But overall awesome late night bite for sure!
(5)Tom J.
What happened to the Taco Bus? Think they had the JV team on tonight with no coach. My online order took 1 hour & the girl behind the cash register said "I have no idea what's going on" on three separate occasions. I'll still be getting my Taco Bus on from time to time.
(3)Nadia E.
50/50 chance of getting your food correctly at this location when ordering from the bus window. It's a bummer since they have so many delicious vegan options when they get the order correctly. I've been given dairy cheese multiple times when I specially ask for vegan cheese. My friend was given real beef instead of vegan steak strips. However, whenever I've been waited on inside the restaurant the order has always been correct. I hope they work on improving their inconsistencies with service.
(3)Josh N.
The location and charm are both original and fun and the new menu items they added are delicious (I recommend the guac) that being said my partner and I went here last night with some friends of ours visiting from out of town and we all spent the night with messed up bellies. Hours after eating we all headed to bed and we all ended up with a sleepless night don't know if there was msg or bad spices but we were all hit with dumbly tummies
(3)John C.
Wow I used to eat here once a week at least for several years and it was always great. So great I spread the word as much as I could. Went today for the first time in quite a few months. I was there right at peak lunch time and only 2 other people were in line - my first clue that something was up. Next Clue was the price hike, the burrito has gone from $6 to $7.50 Clue #3 when my take out order arrived each burrito had been sliced in half and was now served in a fancy plastic container (used to be wrapped and bagged) When I got the order back to the office everyone remarked on how much smaller (less filling) the serving was. Also no limes Well despite all this I was still looking forward to eating it, but that was the biggest disappointment of all the flavors were gone. The Conchinita pork was bland and dry, and I had to drown it in the green and red sauces just to give it some kick. Everyone at my office said the same thing "Things ain't what they used to be" It's been McDonaldised - well we won't be back Such a pity to see what was the best take out place in Tampa ruined.
(2)Jessica M.
Good spot for late night food, we wanted nom nom after a show at Skippers and called to see how late they served, guess what they serve 24hrs on the weekends. Sweet! Tacos it is.
(4)Marissa S.
Nice people, terrible food. The tortilla chips are over-salted, the guacamole has taken a nosedive, and I am really not sure what kind of meat I am eating... Overpriced and over-salted.
(2)Shahlaine K.
I'm not gonna lie, I love me some Taco Bus! I work pretty close and love that I can order online and just pick up. I usually get fish tacos which never disappoint. They also have garlic-y shrimp tacos which I love. I appreciate any place that doesn't over cook shrimp! Also, the chipotle chicken tacos are tastey as well!
(4)Mercy G.
TORTA! You must get the Torta! Everyone who works at Taco Bus will validate that it is the best thing on the menu! Made fresh daily! It is SO delicious you will keep coming back!
(4)Bernadette S.
I am not an expert with Mexican food. When visiting Tampa, a handful of people told me that I couldn't leave Tampa without eating here. Maybe it was the hype that surrounded the name from all my friends, but I was not excited as I thought I should be after eating there. Don't get me wrong. The food was good, i have no complaints. But it is probably not at the top of my list of food places to visit when I go to Tampa again.
(3)Squints D.
Although I find that the flavors lack a punch, Taco Bus deserves 4 stars for the sheer fact that it caters to night owls. On top of that, the food is fresh and that goes a long way. The Hillsborough location is mostly outdoor, informal dining where you order at the window of the food truck and dine al fresco outside. Of course, additional seating and restrooms are available indoors. Overall, it's a winner if you're like me and don't decide that you're hungry until 11:30pm.
(4)Michael W.
Of all the tacos I've eaten on or near a bus, Taco Bus tacos are by far the best. Having visited four Taco Buses so far (a quadfecta!) I can recommend all without hesitation or reservation.
(5)Adam A.
Like Toby Keith, it's not as good as it once was. Carne Asada burrito is my goto here. The veggie blend is nice with cilantro and cabbage for a nice crunch. The hot sauce is among my favorite. But as goes most restaurants it goes mainstream and can't maintain what was so great for so many reasons from flavor to the feel to price.
(3)Quan D.
Quick Summary: A good location for some late eats, the food is pretty tasty and comes with a pretty good value. The Horchata is a little on the sweet side and could use some more cinnamon, but overall a place I'd come back to when I get some of the Mexican hunger pangs. After a late arrival to TPA and airlines not serving food like they used to (not that I was a fan of that food) I found Taco Bus as a great alternate to 24/7 fast food chains. They've got a pretty good variety of meats and options and at a good value. I went with the burrito with the cochinita pibil with some extra jalapenos. My recommendation is to go without the rice and beans filling, it drowns out any of the other flavors. I also got a side of the ceviche (mixed octopus and shrimp), it's a bit on the sweet side, but pretty good overall. A random note, it may because I got the food to go, but the way the ceviche was given to me just gave me the feel it was a pre packaged deal, not freshly made. Oh and I got a large horchata, if you've never had this drink it is a delicious sweet milky drink. The large is huge and should be shared. I found their version here was a bit sweeter than I like, I prefer to mine to have a few more of the spice flavors take precedence. Overall it was a worth while visit and definitely warrants a return. I'll have to give the tacos a try next time!
(4)Eric T.
I hate to do this, but I have to give this place two stars. Now, my review is not based on the food. To me it's great, it's just the lack of following directions. Let me explain.... I'm vegan.. as far as quick vegan options in Seminole Heights goes TB pretty much has the best. I love their vegan steak strip burritos, but when I call in OR do an online order and simply request "no cheese", that request is met with a 50% accuracy. Seriously, every other time I get my food with cheese in it, and then I go through the frustrating wait for them to make it a second time. Sometimes I get a sorry from the cashier, but that's about it. Taco Bus.... get it together!
(2)Peter C.
The food here was great. The way it was presented was not. I ordered to go and all my food was outside of my taco very messy and careless however it still gets 4 stars at least being the food tasted so good...
(4)Kevin D.
Try everything on the menu. It is delicious.
(5)Morgan H.
I would've definitely given 5 stars if I didn't love the taste of Loli's Mexican Cravings by the airport. It was definitely my best taco eating experience ever!! Ordering at the bus and then being able to eat inside was the most fun. Indoor and outdoor seating options were super fun. The food tastes were super authentic too. I didn't really like the carrots and peas in my rice, but the pieces of chicken were phenomenal. It was actual real chicken breast. Sooooooo good. The sauce?!? Sooooo good. And being able to make it a combo with rice and beans definitely gave it points over Loli's. They were definitely the most filling tacos I've ever had. Like I could take a nap. Soooo awesome!!
(4)J C.
I got a burrito prenado filled with pork al pastor. The pork was tender and not as strongly flavored as other versions of al pastor I've had. All in all, the combination of this meat and the other fillings made for a decent burrito. My only complaint would be the sizing. I guess I shouldn't expect Chipotle sized burritos, but that's kind of the bar I was working with, given this price point.
(3)Sue S.
This bus is addicting! Open late into the morning...way exceeds any fast food run you've ever been on! Order online for your convenience... Authentic tacos like no other!
(5)Malinda L.
I am giving this 5 stars because of the price and quality of the food. I have never had a bad experience here and the food is always freshly made and has great flavor. You can't beat the prices and it is a fun place to go. I am definitely a big fan!
(5)Tara A.
My husband and I had heard all the hype, we were in the area, hungry and decided to give it a try. The parking lot was busy even at 3pm on a Sunday, which seemed like an excellent sign. The menu looked incredible, tons of choices that literally made my husband's mouth water. He had the "pregnant burrito" with picadillo & I couldn't wait to try the tostada with carnita (I make both of these at home without ever trying them out and we were super excited to see what they were 'suppose' to taste like). Because we were hungry we also order chips and guacamole (I refrained from ordering dessert on the spot, lol). The food came out SUPER quick, the chips and guacamole first; our meals followed less than two minutes later. The chips were okay, not warm at all. I guess I was expecting fresh made chips but these were certainly store bought. The guacamole was wonderful. It had chunks of tomato, seasoned nicely with a really great bite of acid. Easily the best part of our meal. My husband's burrito was yucky, for lack of a better word. I couldn't even place the actually meat taste, which worries me. The tostada, once again, store bought and served cold. The carnita meat had NONE of the citrus flavor or caramelization that I am use to. The whole thing just lacked flavor. I enjoyed the sauces that were on the table, but my husband was unimpressed. The ladies who took our order were efficient, the food came out super quick, but the seating was a bit of a mess. There were flys landing on our food and three ladies at the table right next to us were smoking like chimneys. Over all we were unbelievably disappointed in our experience and will not be back. Don't believe the hype.
(1)Q M.
We were visiting from out of town and heard a lot of positive recommendations for taco bus so we tried it. I order the chicken tacos. The portion size was rather small and I had to add cheese and sour cream, which in my opinion should have came with the tacos. The meat was seasoned well and the tacos were pretty tasty, especially after you added the free sauces on the table. Overall for the price I don't know if it was worth it.
(3)Jullie C.
The owner of Taco Bus is awesome. I remember when I was a little kid and this place was literally a little trailer and she would be the only one working making all her tacos one order at a time. She didn't speak a lick of English and she only had 3 or 4 choices on the menu and now she has over 500 reviews and a good bunch of employees. She obviously is a hard worker. The food is amazing, and the service is pretty good considering it's always busy. Now when I visit Tampa and want to go for lunch there's barely any place for me to park because of the heavy lunch rush. Glad this place worked out so well.
(5)Lydia C.
Perfect place to stop at after a night of drinking! I loved the super cute buses and the staff was just awesome! I had a fish taco and it was so delicious! I also tried the green and the red salsas which had a very spicy kick and were excellent on the taco. I can't wait to go back! I'm saying a prayer that the taco bus guys find it in their hearts to open up in Orlando! You must check this place out if you are in the area. I highly recommend the fish taco!
(5)Megan H.
A great spot to grab a bite to eat. Delicious food and friendly staff. We came back a second time and couldn't stop talking about the place in between visits. We were recommended by many locals to come here and they weren't kidding when they said it was awesome. We ordered the pollo Chipotle burrito and the carne asada burrito... both outstanding! Our service was wonderful, and the prices are so reasonable!!
(5)J L.
We have eaten Taco Bus at several times since and it still is ahmazzing! the only think that I would say is don't have the sweet potato taco.
(5)Mark B.
Real Mexican made food. I know there are a boatload of mexican /taco places invading our towns. Some fair some good and some even real. I have been to Mexico surfing many times. There you get the deal deal Mexican. After all you are in Mexico and they are cooking. Good bare bones food is what you get. Here you get just about the samething. They serve you super fresh things like the cilantro, tomatoes, onions all so fresh you can tell by the crunch of the veg the brightness of the flavors. You mix that freshness with some really nicely but not too aggressively seasoned meats. Then you have the makings of a good yet relatively cheap meal. We were in a group and we tried about half of the menu. From tacos of each meat to a tostada and even the burrito and a torta thrown in. You know when the table is gotten good food when you could hear a pin drop. We were all loving our meal. Now this place is also a little different. You can see their grown from a single taco bus ( literally) to a small building to a larger building. All which still sit where they were originally placed. You can sit inside, outside, or on benches, chairs, or even stools. This place is piece melded together But one thing for sure is the cooking part is top notch. If you like us are visiting Tampa you need to find the bus.
(4)Amy D.
Much better than the Taco Bus downtown. The quesadillas ar legit and the ambience authentic. Service is quick with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Also recommend, trying the pineapple water. Refreshing and sweet all in one. Another thing to try is both sauces. Both have a kick and flavor to keep you coming back to try more on the menu.
(4)Kristy L.
Was great food. Only one problem. They didn't offer beef for your tacos!!! Who doesn't serve beef with their tacos or burritos?? They offered either chicken or pork or vegetarian meat?? Tofu, maybe?? But if they have vegetarian, wouldn't u think they'd offer beef?? Isn't beef the most popular meat?? For tacos, burritos, or any type of Mexican food?? I could be wrong. That's just how I've always had it served to me. With BEEF!!! And especially not TOFU!!!!
(3)Rachel Z.
This place used to be amazing. It still has its redeeming qualities, but I haven't been in a really long time and I cannot say I'm excited to go back nor do I have any plans nor expectations to do so. When Taco Bus comes up in conversation I make jokes that they are "dead to me." That said, they are certainly worth a try. The prices are good, the food is great. I certainly suggest the butternut squash centro. My qualms are that they have gotten "too big for their britches" as they gained popularity and they discontinued my favorite dish which is totally a personal problem so I won't tell you not to go there on that alone. As they got more popular, they tried to adjust but they couldn't handle the growing pains and on more than five occasions within three months (we were regulars at this location near home and I also went to the one near my job in St Pete) our orders were lost in the shuffle and forgotten about. This was a little over a year and a half ago so maybe that's changed. The Seminole Heights location seemed to have the biggest problem with tracking their guests and the orders....but then they changed the tamale recipe; they used to have the best tamales anywhere--especially paired with the Taco Bus salsa verde. I still enjoyed the tamales but they now seemed comparable to those served else where. The salsa verde still made the difference. The larger tamales and the new tamalitos were both very popular and were frequently sold out. I had to be sure to go for lunch because it was a gamble whether or not they would be there if I tried to go to Taco Bus for dinner. So I was very surprised when they were discontinued. So now I joke that Taco Bus is "dead to me" until they bring tamales back.
(2)Whitney H.
Why 3?????......Because I am being honest. Today was my 1st trip to Taco Bus. For years I have read reviews, listened to individuals rave, and have even driven past countless time on Hillsborough Ave. So, it was a very exciting day when we agreed. The smell infusing my car made the 15 minute drive home seem like forever. I was feeding my almost 6year old tortilla chips to keep him from ripping into the bags. Finally, we reached home and were ready to dive into a variety of dishes. My sons ordered a flour tortilla with pollo. I immediately noticed the grease in the dish. And afterwards I noticed the grease on the plate. I ordered two flour tortillas_one carnitas and one shrimp. I favored the shrimp but found both to be greasy and the carnitas to be average in taste. My friend had the carnitas (flour tortilla) and a burrito with carne asada. They favored the carnitas and found the burrito to be average. I took a bite and found more tortilla than I expected from previous pictures (maybe decreasing portions??). Lastly, we did order chips and salsa. The chips are okay and the salsa....well, I just found it be okay at best. I think they literally use canned tomato sauce. Sorry......I just don't know. I really wanted to love this place and was so excited to try it. Unfortunately, I believe today will be my first and last time at taco bus.
(3)Amena W.
Such good food and available at all hours of the day! Our group tried an array of things from their menu and everyone loved the food. Such a great late night or snack spot. The menu is priced very reasonably for the amount of food you get and the food is filling. I had a quesadilla with one of the veggie/cheese fillings and it was creamy, flavorful, and filling. 10 of us hung out on the benches and it was a really fun environment. I would recommend Taco Bus to anyone visiting the area.
(4)Shawn H.
Things are looking up again at the Taco Bus! They must have been in the middle of working on their restaurant last time I was there because it certainly looked to be in disrepair, but this time was a different story. The restaurant is looking great and the food is very good. They installed one of those fancy Coke machines that dispenses 100+ flavors, and they added a new meat selection, Desebrada, which is "shredded beef cooked Northern Mexican Style with tomatoes and chiles". Although I am still disappointed that they got rid of the Barbacoa, the Desebrada is an acceptable substitute that will bring me back to the Taco Bus again! One of my other favorites is the Butternut Squash Tostada. This is an excellent vegetarian option (and this is coming from a huge meat lover!). I'm very happy to put their rating back up to 4 stars. Hey, Taco Bus! Bring back the Barbacoa and you'll get your 5th star back from me! Are you listening?
(4)Tracey C.
Seriously my absolute favorite place to eat in Tampa Bay! Best tacos and the green sauce is amazing!
(5)Wendy F.
Everything is worth trying. It's a must eat in Tampa for authentic Mexican food. You may stand in line a minute, worth every bite. Tacos, desserts, everything. Prices are excellent. Perfect for late night. Very funky little eating area. Highly recommend this place
(4)David b.
Downgrading to 3 stars. They can't seem to get my order right, not a single one. 3 tacos, carne asada with ONLY onions and cilantro.(classic authentic taco). How is it possible you can give me everything except onions and cilantro every single time?
(3)Vicky R.
I had the two taco carne asada and it was extremely salty but I had guac and it masked the salt a bit. Other than that, it was good.
(3)Joe P.
The number one top notch indoor/outdoor bus Mexican restaurant of all time. Get the mother fucking tostada with chicken. I rolled up there with my squad three times in one day and no one bat an eye at how outwardly damaged we all are. I love this place and everyone who has ever worked there.
(5)Daniel W.
I think its funny taco bus advertises "14in" burritos but its really only 7in. The food is good but please dont false advertise!
(2)Mel L.
Taco Bus is good... Not the best Mexican I've ever had by any means, but the fish tacos and shrimp tacos are quite tasty. I did not like the chicken tacos at all. The dark meat breading was soggy and tasted more Italian-seasoned than Mexican. No Bueno. I like ordering outside of the vintage bus, paying homage to the old food truck operation. It gives the place character. However, the inside is such a dive and the outdoor seating is terribly uncomfortable.
(3)Sean R.
Ive been frequenting the BUS for over a year, its right by my office and now one is close to home here in Brandon. Truth is, they are consistently inconsistent. The burritos are getting smaller and the food quality is just going down hill. Today was Ranchero Burrito day. For almost $9 I got a medium size burrito that wasnt even hot. Nothing in it was mixed right, thrown together. Bottom line....its not worth the money.
(2)Daniel F.
A few days after my visit, and I realize that the Mexican Burrito Gods are so angry at TACO BUS that they are spewing hot sauce out of their ears right now... (this review is solely based on my opinion, my experience, recommendations) Being somewhat newer to the Tampa area, I was told to check out TACO BUS. Went for my first time a couple months ago. VERY GOOD. FRESH. HOT. Because of this experience, I recommended TACO BUS to my friends who had just moved here too. They went and they really liked it. I love introducing good new food to friends and then they enjoy my recommendations. Then on May 5th, Cinco de Mayo, at about 11 pm, I went to TACO BUS again, this time bringing my brother, who loves Mexican-ish food as much as I do. My wife came too (she is from South America, therefore familiar with fresh ingredients). I had been telling him for a few days, "You have to come. It's one of the best burritos you can find". Now, it is Cinco de Mayo, but this didn't mean too much. About fifteen people ahead of us in line. A few people already sitting around eating. I ordered the "Picadillo Burrito" which is essentially a ground beef burrito (last time I ordered the shredded beef burrito). Brother orders Carne Asada burrito and wife orders Carne Asada Torta. Two burritos plus drink was in the neighborhood of $27. Took 25 minutes to get food. If fifteen people in line is high volume, then I'm impressed. I TOOK A BITE OF MY GROUND BEEF BURRITO... Cold beef! My favorite! Barely warm if at all! Overly salted mush. The ground beef had no familiar form or texture. It looked like this: Chop up ground beef at home. Add tomato sauce. Now carry that skillet full of ground beef to your driveway, dump it out behind your Chevy Tahoe's back tire and reverse the car. Now go forward. And backwards. And forward again. Do that twelve more times. Look at your beef now. It is flat and texture-less...My side of rice was cold too, and seemed refrigerated a couple times prior, not to forget that it was likely sitting out all day. Simply put, my rice tasted old. Plus, bad tortilla wrapping job. Everything was loose, nothing tight. I couldn't get a good bite of everything together. My brother said the carne asada burrito was underwhelming and the "steak/carne asada" tasted like it was one step up from steak-ums. He also made a comment about the last 1/3 of his burrito being barren of ingredients which did look really bad: "I love that I ordered a $10 sour cream and cheese burrito" My wife had the carne asada torta. Looks like it had potential. She and I agreed that it only tasted of straight up heavily buttered bread with a hint of ingredients. I must add that the two salsas that they have as options are rather bland and flavorless for a taco joint. Really. TACO BUS on Hillsborough Ave might suffer from at least two of these problems in my opinion: 1) A sub par system of building the order in a timely manner when people are in line. 2) Riding on the environmental fact that you actually order your food from a cool old bus, therefore guaranteeing business from curious eaters. 3)Sending food out just to complete the kitchen ticket, without any accountability from a head cook/chef to make sure the product has the right amount of ingredients in it, looks presentable and is warm. 4) Jaded management that knows people will continue to come eat here anyway because everyone talks about it and give it five stars for some reason. Taco Bus! Where is that good food I had when I came the first time??? The good food I recommended to people? I'm embarrassed that my brother hated my recommendation. Can quality stay maintained when there are more than a few people in line? Can't a $27 meal for two be a little better than cold, old and incredibly half way cared about? You guys built a good reputation on something delicious, right? I will come back and eat one more time soon and hopefully it's great so that I can take this review down or write a new one to eat my words. Until then, I advise anyone who is standing in a line twelve or more people strong, to turn away and find your closest Chipotle.
(2)Ben T.
This dive in in my hood boys and girls. I love them and they are fresh and good and open 24 hours a day. Love to hit them on the way home from the club. The food is so fresh and made with the cabbage which is the real way. You will enjoy.
(5)Peggy M.
Excellent fresh tasting food. Lots of vegetarian choices, a huge plus! We eat here every month.
(5)Ricky A.
I finished my butternut squash/ranas con queso burrito and I straight up started having a heart attack. I ate it faster than my friends and they were all still eating and thus, having much more fun than I was having. I hated life for a second until Tom asked me if I wanted his one tempeh taco. Holy shit, Tom. Saved my night there. Anyway, the atmosphere is perfect. Love the outdoor spot. This is the type of place you just go late at night with a bunch of friends and don't care a lick about being animated and loud. I can't stay in Tampa so I'm going to have to go sit in the van and contemplate whether life is going to be worth living in other areas where burrito shops don't offer butternut squash in their burritos. Monsters.
(5)TJ T.
The first time I ate at TB years ago, I hated it. Good thing I went back because I LOVE TB! I live in St Pete so there was a time I've had to drive to this location to get my fix. Thankfully, more locations opened up and St Pete is one of them. Yay! My all time favorite item at TB is the Burrito. I usually get the shredded pork and occasionally I'd get the beef tongue (lengua). What? Beef tongue is delicious! My second favorite item is the Tacos. Any filling is good, but I really recommend the shredded pork. The line can get long at this location, but it moves fast. Once you've placed your order, if you're getting it to-go, wait for it near there, otherwise grab yourself a table and a server will bring it to you. If you like spicy, definitely put some green sauce on it.
(5)Jake D.
An infamous beacon of burrito for anyone passing through the Tampa area-- Taco Bus pairs their great food with a pimp lil outdoor seating area. Don't sleep on this place (you won't have to with their extended late-night hours). I got the pollo verde burrito. The filling was layered sort of poorly in the burrito, but once I hit the chicken.. Fuuuck. Add a pineapple water on top of that and you've got a good thing going.
(5)Ashley F.
The food is awesome!! As long as they get your order correct. I have eaten here quite often as they have a wide variety of very tasty food for a good price, although on one occasion I ordered something omitting a topping, but they added extra by mistake. The food was still really good though!
(4)Danielle F.
Eh. I really wanted to love this place but I found it average. I ordered the torta and while the bread was really soft and good, the meat was kinda mushy and there wasn't a whole lot of standout flavor. I tried all the salsas and again, I found them to be average.
(3)Jennifer B.
Best place for some really good Mexican food. Butternut Squash tostada is the best by far and most impressive combination. So many great things on the menu to choose from. Will be back to try more items from the menu. Friendly and clean.
(5)Patrick L.
Forget about Texas. For that matter, go ahead and take California, I don't care. The best tacos and burritos on the planet reside at a most unlikely location - a perma-food-truck in Tampa, Florida. Really. The tacos are THAT good. We're talking fresh ingredients and full of flavor, while apparently, astonishingly seeming devoid of the grease that in my opinion plagues so many other highly-rated Mexican joints. I don't know how the Taco Bus does it. I know this place has supposedly spent 20+ years refining its recipes, and I guess I believe it, because it's obviously doing something right. I've tried tacos and burritos with cochinita pibil, steak, chicken and fish, and I don't have a favorite. They are all great. The agua fresca, horchata, and lemonade are still too sweet for my liking, but when the tacos are this good, who cares. I've half-seriously contemplated the idea of driving 4.5 hours to Tampa just to hit the Taco Bus. Seriously, do you think the tacos would still be good if I stocked a large cooler with them, drove them back to Miami and threw them in the freezer? If Taco Bus ever expanded to Miami, every other Mexican place within 80 miles would be forced to close up shop. The difference is that clear-cut; it'd be a huge raise of the bar.
(5)Travis S.
Taco Bus is mainly for the drinkers at 1 in the morning if they are feeling hungry they can go get some cheap food. There are much better places to go for food at that time of night. Plus anything would taste good when your drunk which is sad but true. I had a burrito and it was very dry and bland and there was nothing special about it.
(1)Chelsea S.
I love taco bus. I wish it were easier to get to because it is downtown and I don't work in walking distance but I could probably eat the carnitas tacos every day. Delicious.
(5)Lori V.
This is one of my favorite places. At first, I was thrown off because I didn't know where to order. It is a little confusing. You can go into the restaurant or go right up to the "taco bus," place an order to go or to stay in. I mainly get the tacos. I'm not a fan of the sweet potato one. The chicken and beef are delicious. I get corn tortillas over flour because corn is healthier. It doesn't taste as good though. The tacos are dressed very nicely with pickled items placed on top. The sauces placed on the tables really add to the experience. Try the green one! I don't recall the guacamole being anything special and I've ordered it many times. This is my favorite taco place in Tampa. I believe it exceeds California Taco which is hit and miss. Service may be slow but be bold. Get up and ask for the check and ask any server what you want. Anything goes.
(4)Sabrina T.
This is a must stop place if you are passing by on 75 or staying in Tampa. Coolest place ever for a 'taco truck'. It's open 24/7. That is crazy! The servers are awesome. You can pick up on the bus or dine inside. They even allow you to BYOB! How crazy is that! I loved their fish tacos and watermelon drink- I forgot the name but it was really awesome. Imagine going out in a field and breaking open a nice cold watermelon and drinking the juice. I know the watermelon in the field would not be cold- but at Taco Bus, the drink is and you'll love it. Every time we've been, we love the food and service.
(4)Jill L.
It's 1am on a Saturday. After a night of bar hopping, you crave something both filling and flavorful. Taco Bus has you covered. The selections are diverse and all equally delicious. Whether a vegetarian or strict carnivore, there's a filling for everyone from the Rajas con queso (my personal favorite) to a perfectly seasoned carne asada. The drinks are great as well. The agua frecsa is perfect for a hot summer day while the horchata is essentially a churro milkshake. Each order comes with a red and green sauce. Mild and spicy respectively. My only gripe is with the accuracy of the take out orders. It may not be every time, but I've learned to start checking my orders before leaving the parking lot. For your next late night Mexican craving, you know exactly where to go for a satisfying bite.
(4)Alyssa D.
The food was amazing portions were very large but now the portions are small and the hospitality has lowered other then that the food is good
(4)Amrita S.
A cute place with great food! Thumps up to butternut squash tostada and rajas con queso! Must try their cucumber juice and hibiscus lemonade.
(4)Claire K.
Lunchtime swing by- The Line Up: Combo of tacos, one tofu/one butternut squash, rice & beans, side of guacamole. Pretty good! Fresh. The sauces provided were wonderful. I enjoyed the Guac immensley & it's worth the extra $1 Steady business, flow of customers....that says somethin' about doing it right. I'm swinging back by when the opportunity allows.
(4)Carol T.
Taco Bus is NOT a good place to eat dinner. And it was expensive for what tasted like canned chicken meat.
(1)Alayna D.
I believe this is the original Taco Bus location, although there are others spread throughout Tampa. Location is as quirky and unique as the pictures look. Tucked back behind a building, on a dirt paved road/parking lot - it's literally a bus with yummy tacos! Good amount of seating both inside & out (covered). Limited parking. Staff was friendly and order served quickly. Menu was easy to order from (although online ordering is available too if you don't want to wait) and offered more variety than I imagined for, well, a bus restaurant. There is something for everyone - quesadillas, tostada, burrito, tacos and salad, too. Choose your meat or meatless - chicken, beef, fish, shrimp, vegetarian. I was thoroughly impressed with the variety! Butternut squash - seriously? Wow. I wish I could have ordered it because it sounds delicious. I ordered the Papos Plato ($8.89) with fish. Lightly fried fish with great flavor came on a bed of Mexican rice topping with onions, tomatoes, cabbage and fresh cilantro and on the side were tostada chips to scoop. Yum! The fish was fresh and light. A great portion size for two - I had leftovers. Fiancé ordered shrimp tacos ($2.99/each) - the shrimp had less flavor than we hoped (not as good as the fish I had) but were a good size shrimp. Tacos themselves were on the smaller side so order more than 1 if you're hungry. Tacos came with Mexican rice and refried beans that had great flavor for chip scooping, too. From their menu looks like they have daily specials, too. Worth checking out if you're in the area. Not sure how the other locations compare to the original. They also serve breakfast I'd like to try sometime (limited hours on weekends only).
(4)Andy D.
The greatest times I've ever had in school was from the bus. The greatest street food I had well, it came from a bus. The magical mystery taco bus Ay-yi-yi es muey bueno! Ethnic street food is always a treat, from Thai Papya Salad, to Filipino crispy Pata. But, there's something inanely beautiful about the "Taco". A truly versatile work of art. And Taco Bus is to a Taco as Rembrandt is to canvas. But, there's more so much more, I started with a butternut squash salsa, my God it was so good, now when I make salsa, I'll make it with butternut squash. Then I advanced myself with three taco's. Probably not the wisest decision, since after two I was stuffed. I got the Conchita Philib an excellently marinated pork, a Chicken Verde Taco, and a Carne Asada. My favorite was the pork, not that the other two were bad, oh no they were excellent also. Great dive ambiance and friendly service, along with unbelievable food, what more can you ask for!!!!
(5)Rita T.
What a waste of money... Their food made me sick... Not authentic Mexican food.. It is more like the kind of food Americas like, no flavor. I had a Cochinita plate and did not like it at all.. Veggies were old, rice was old and dry. Will not come back.
(1)Sondra C.
Oh my dear god, this place has some of the best cheap eats in Tampa! I can't count how many times I've been here, but each time I've left with a happy, full belly and cash still in my pocket. I love their Agua frescas, particularly the pineapple one. They make the tortillas from scratch, bless 'em. I really love the Carne Asada tacos, the butternut squash tacos, the pollo tacos, fish tacos and eBen tofu tacos. Comes with crisp red cabbage shreds, cojillo cheese...mmm....Very casual and quick. Highly recommended wherever you find a location - St. Pete, Seminole Heights or downtown Tampa. Friendly staff, too.
(5)Richard R.
Who doesn't love a quirky dive! The moment we pulled into the parking lot we were in love with the look of this place. Uneven parking surfaces, trees growing out of the pavement and two broken down buses, one of which they use as a kitchen... brilliant! You can either order directly from one of the kitchen windows or come inside where the funky Mexican motif continues. I love a Southwestern themed restaurant, especially the ones with sombrero's, serapes and old bull skulls hanging from the walls. But as soon as I noticed the signs that it had been featured on Diner's, Drive-in's and Dives with Guy Fieri, I knew it might be a problem. You see, I've traveled to a number of places I've seen on DDD and I can honestly say that me and Guy don't see eye to eye on what good food is. I wish I would have known that before I got all excited about this place. ------------ - - - - - - THE DETAILS Date & Time: Wednesday, December 26th, 2012 @ 3:00pm Dining Companions: Mom, wife and kids What to expect: No kidding, they actually do all the cooking in a school bus! EPIC Liquid: water only Ordered: *Shrimp Taco (2 stars out of 5) - $3.49 *Extra cheese - $0.30 Guacamole - $2.50 *Tostada (3/5) - $3.49 *Two Taco meal deal (2/5) - $8.89 *Extra Crema x2 - $.60 TOTAL - $21.42 ------------ - - - - - - THE FOOD Let's just cut to the chase, I didn't like it as much as I hoped I would. The flavors were bland to me, but that could partially be my fault. They have a system where you decide what style you want (taco, burrito, tostada, etc). Then you choose your filling from an assortment of meats, seafood's or vegetarian selections (incredibly smart ordering system). Next you choose side, appetizers and other toppings for your meal. The problem is I had no idea what topping were best, so I ordered the usual suspects (lettuce and tomatoes & cheese). Everywhere in this place people seemed to be enjoying their meal. The table next to us enthusiastically suggested what I ordered when I asked what's best. Their suggestion was the two taco meal deal with Carne De Res Desebrada (shredded beef cooked "Northern Mexico style") and Pollo Verde Desebrado (shredded chicken in a green tomatillo sauce). After the "mmmm, so good" dramatic play by play of how much they love coming here, I was pumped and primed for an awesome taco. Sadly, there was nothing special about my meal. Maybe, just maybe this is a case of right place, wrong meal. THE VERDICT Staff is friendly, service is quick, prices are somewhat reasonable and the Southwestern cool factor is off the charts! But don't believe the hype, the food was 2.5 stars at best. I do plan to come back and give them another try on my next visit. My nephew who lives in Tampa loves this place and assures me if I let him order for me, I'll love it too. Yelp100 [19]
(2)Kisente F.
I love this place every time I visit my friends at Tampa. If I ever feel the need to snack on something and it's late at night I think of Taco Bus. It's affordable and they deliver quality food. So far I have tried their 5 thousand year old recipe pork burrito, chicken burrito and shredded beef burrito. All were delicious and I have to make a point to try everything in their menu.
(5)Jeremy B.
I'm still giving 4 stars but I will say that it's not the same as it was before it sold. I personally feel the steak burritos have a little less of the unique flavor they used to have. The meat used to be cooked a little different and the two side sauces are not the same.
(4)Zao Z.
It was really good. I order the carnitas and the fish tacos. Both were very tasty. My only complaint is that the entrance is a very small and tight angled opening. Your parking lot is full of pot holes. I do not like driving my Mercedes though what you guys call a parking lot. There is no snow in Tampa, thus no use of salt, thus no road corrosion. There is no excuse to have such a horrible parking lot. Fix your parking lot please! If you drive a low car, do not come to this location. The other locations are mediocre compared to this location.
(4)Josizzle ..
Bad experience today at the taco bus. Paid for my food and waited almost 35 minutes to get my food. The lady who brings the food out had to ask me for my receipt just so that they can remember what I ordered. Their food is good but their SERVICE IS TERRIBLE. They don't even know what rolled tacos is? How do you serve Mexican food and not know or serve rolled tacos with cheese and guacamole on top. Rolled tacos are the shizznittt! ? It'll be a long time before i got back to the Taco Bus again. TERRIBLE SERVICE
(2)Allison K.
I couldn't get past the corn tortilla. I guess I'm a flour tortilla type of person. The fillings were pretty bland, which made me dislike the fact that it was in a corn tortilla 10x more than it probably should have.
(1)Jason W.
glad they exist, glad they are in seminole heights, glad they are open late and glad they have a large selection of vegetarian food as well as plenty of meat options. i am not a big fan of food truck style meals and i like sit-down places. the inside dining room is an after thought to the bus and often has the cleaning supply smell. But outside is neat with a covered patio located just next to the bus. The crowd/line can get long late at night but moves fast. no beer (but no one complains if you bring it with you). amazing that they have grown so much over the past few years with multiple locations. an established staple of the growing seminole heights community
(4)John B.
The meat is good so it's aggravating to have that goodness diluted with all the tomatoes, lettuce and cheese. And as an "authentic" Mexican taco lover I wished that they'd used corn instead of flour tortillas. The watermelon aguas frescas was amazing and the salsa was good enough that I wanted to wrap my lips around the squirt bottle and drain the container but I resisted and instead drown the last few bites of taco in that Heavenly, spicy goodness. Not quite as good as East LA street tacos but pretty darn solid. 2013 #71 / 365
(4)John C.
Probably the closest thing you'll get to real Mexican food in Tampa. I've been to all the area locations multiple times, and I almost always get the tacos. I have a soft spot for the pollo verde desebrado and carne asada fillings, and when you throw in some home-made green salsa and a ton of cilantro, you've got one delicious meal. The beans and rice as sides can be a little bland, and I wish they still served barbacoa beef, but overall, it's hard to beat Taco Bus when it comes to Mexican food in the Tampa area.
(4)Colene C.
What's all the fuss? The Taco Bus is a cute concept (yes, there's really a bus), but I wasn't too impressed with my tacos. On my plate: Carne Asade (meat was a bit tough), Pescado (disappointing - mushy battered fish), and Camarones (the best of the 3). I was disappointed by the quality of the tacos. I'm not sure if it was just the particular time I was there but I'm surprised that my fellow Yelpers gave this such high ratings. There won't be a repeat visit tho, just can't subject myself to ho hum tacos!
(2)Mariah M.
One of my favorites for sure! very cool place and the food is amazing! Chef Rene knows what he's doing and knows what people want. The menu is perfect and has so much variety so there is something for everyone! They even have vegan items!
(5)Turkey B.
Always the first stop off of the plane when I come in to Tampa, never-mind that it is 1am. I've only seen one person strung-out on drugs in the parking lot in the 8-10 times that I've been here. The menu has a lot to offer in the way of variations of tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Now, answer me this, Taco Bus. What happened to the Barbacoa quesadillas!?!? This soft, greasy, melt-in-your mouth braised beef was so perfect on the flour tortillas, accompanied by freshly chopped tomatoes, cilantro, cabbage, cheese, with lime juice and salsa verde. There are some beef and pork options that are similar, but the Barbacoa has picked up and left the menu for the time being. That said, the fresh ingredients and multiple options that the Bus has to offer make it a must-visit. I didn't really see too many places in Florida where you can buy a Jarritos (those are everywhere in Chicago), but I'd recommend a Pina flavored one to wash down some quesadillas with chips and guac.
(4)Tiffany B.
Totally Disappointed. I don't think it's that I now live in Tucson, but this experience just wasn't up to the hype. The horchata was great. I was so excited to go here straight from the airport! Big disappointment, took most of the food home and still didn't eat it. Maybe it was an off day? Really bummed and a little embarrassed that I was raving about how great this place was...
(2)Jane P.
Enjoyed all the vegetarian/vegan options and the different ways to combine the dishes. The staff was friendly and helpful. The tofu filling was tasty but the butternut squash s bit too sweet for my taste on a taco. The high bar seating was inviting but a bit uncomfortable and had a bit of a foul odor so we had to move our seats after a while.
(3)Dianna B.
After a long evening at Busch Gardens, I wanted food, but not something gross or greasy, so I opted for Taco Bus. Their menu is pretty simple, you choose WHAT you want - as in style of food, be it taco, burrito, quesidilla etc and then you choose your meat, or perhaps a vegetarian option. You place your order, and then you take a seat.... and wait. The wait isn't terribly long and the food is deliciously fresh. While they're currently open 24/7, as of 12/9/13 their hours are going to change. Keep this in mind.
(4)Michael W.
Wow, way to mess up a good thing. I'm not sure why exactly they chose to butcher their menu, and take away some of the best things they had to offer. I imagine it wasn't because they could not longer afford it, since they are always busy. So, the good first. They are pretty damn tasty with what they have. The lengua is especially nice. Delicate and delicious! The cochinita is also worthy of trying, as it is some of the best I have tasted, and I have tasted quite a bit. Portions are not bad either, and I do not feel they hold back in this area. And now we have to speak of the reasoning behind the 3 star rating: Service and lack of options that once set it apart from the plethora of taco places in Tampa. Not only do the "servers" not seem to care about your patronage, they seem downright snooty most of the time. Girls smacking gum and looking totally uninterested, is quite the norm. For the love of all that is holy, why exactly did they take away the barbacoa and tamales? I mean they do not have many options anymore. No barbacoa, no tamales, no Puerco asade, or al pastor! Hubris seems to be at the bottom of this. Once they acquired a firm customer base, they seem to no longer care, and want to rest on their laurels. I used to come here almost every Sunday, and now I cannot see a reason to come back, as the prices are not the best, the food is not the greatest(still pretty good), and service is below-par. Well, it is not the worst place, just you can do much better now. Adios Taco Bus.
(3)Leah B.
Taco Bus used to be awesome. Right around the time they opened the St. Pete location and started expanding they went down hill. And that was a while ago. It's not that I won't eat there any more, I will, it's just that it's pretty hit or miss any time you go anymore. The food was consistently good back in the day. Now it's not. It's not a place i would go out of my way for by any means, the way it once was. It might not be terrible, but it might not be that good either. Just be warned. RIP old, authentic Taco Bus on Hillsborough with no seating and amazing, amazing food.
(2)James J.
My review is based on the TB on Falkenburg Rd near SR60. This is a great place to go for a quick meal. My personal favorite is the COCHINITA PIBIL, which is "shredded pork marinated in achiote and bitter orange, then wrapped in banana leaves and slow roasted in a smoker." I Love it! Especially in a quesadilla. The service time varies depending on when you get there. If you're going for lunch, go around 11-11:30 if you want quicker service. I found the staff to be quite friendly and helpful, and there's generally plenty of room to sit, even with groups of 4 to 5.
(4)Danielle F.
EXTEMELY FN SLOW! Food is good but how long does it really take to make a taco? They are totally taking advantage of their popularity and the fact that you already paid. I shouldn't have to wait 40 min for tacos. When I visit Tampa, I make it my business to make at least one trip there. I'm not sure about return visits
(2)Alex J.
Love that it is open 24 hours and always has a crowd. They got rid of the shrimp tacos which were my favorite so I need to find something else I like. The butternut squash taco was not for me, the squash was undercooked.
(4)Jim D.
Went here at the behest of Triple D and also, because I was in Tampa for a Tampa Bay Rays game. Was thoroughly surprised by the place as the people were super friendly and helpful. Had the beef tacos and they were amazing. My girlfriend had the Chicken Quesadilla and she said it was one of the best things she's ever eaten. We also split a cheese dip and we loved it so much we got it to go. We're honestly planning a trip back to Tampa just to go there. It was that good.
(5)Joel H.
The original Taco Bus is one of Tampa's finest late night food excursions. It is open twenty four hours a day so no matter when you get a hankering for Mexican food, they will be waiting with an open bus window. While the Taco Bus offers a number of exotic meats for their burritos, tacos, quesadillas and tortas they also have plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. I'm talking tofu, butternut squash, vegan steak strips and tempeh just to name a few. I've tried all of these (minus the squash). I find the strip steak and tempeh to be a bit too salty (and expensive) for my liking. But the tofu, oh that tofu. It is perfectly grilled and meshes well with the cabbage, mexican rice and beans that are also placed inside the tortilla. Squeeze a little lime overtop and douse with the red sauce and you've got one of the best meals in town. Daiya is now an option (at least at some of their locations) but I find that stuff gross and unnecessary in the already flavorful burritos. This is the only Taco Bus in town that has never botched my order. Pretty good considering this is the one I've visited the most.
(4)Jeff K.
First time here and tried the chipotle chicken burrito, fully loaded. Was a fan after the first bite. Loved how they put massive amounts of cheese. The mild sauce paired perfectly with the burrito. This place has awesome hours as well. Definitely a good spot to hit up after a night on the town!
(5)Reynaldo R.
They dropped the pulpo ceviche and replaced it with a mango ceviche. It is no longer worth a 30 minute drive for me.
(1)Andre F.
I gotta bump down the bus. I went in recently and they've changed the menu. No more barbacoa, no more tamales on weekends. No more puerco asado. It's like they reviewed their tastiest items and decided to stop serving them. They still get 3 stars because the green sauce still burns and the fish tacos are still damn good. Taco Bus - if it's not broke, don't fix it! Bring back the good stuff.
(3)Rita V.
AWESOME!! A dive, a true dive with great food, loud mexican music and cheap eats - great tacos!! Fish tacos are delicious as are the shrimp tacos. Horchata, aguas frescas, and smiling, happy people who bring food to your table (yes they have tables!). Cool!!!! You have to check out these good cheap its!
(4)Michael S.
We have been going here for 3 years and lately it's a hit or miss and mostly misses. My wife was disappointed with her Tacos and my burrito was horrible. the chicken felt fake. honestly taco bell has better flavor. 3 years ago this location was awesome but since opening the other locations it's been downhill everywhere.
(1)Malissa S.
As always, excellent and delicious. Anything I get with the Carnitas is so delicious!! And the watermelon water!!! Yummy!!! I love the Taco Bus!! One of my favorite places in Tampa-never disappoints!!! I took my mom today, her first time and she's still raving about it!
(5)Joshua B.
I was on vacation in Tampa about a month ago (6/22-6/28) and I figured I would finally give them a proper review. This was the second time I visited this particular Taco Bus on two different vacations. The first time I tried this place out (October 2013), I would have given it a 5 Star review, but we went at dinner time/much later when it was much slower than a lunch rush. Me and two friends stopped in on our last full day in Tampa, which was a Friday, 6/27. We got there around lunch time, and the parking lot was already packed. We got inside and had to wait a few minutes to be seated as they had to clean a table off it was so packed. Once we were seated, we put our drink orders in, which we all got horchata. One of the friends I was with complained his was a little too sweet, but I didn't have any problem with mine. There must have been a little confusion as we had two different waitresses wanting to take our orders and everything, but that was worked out fairly quickly. We ordered our food, and I ordered burrito prenado with chicken chipotle (since it was Friday) and added a side of rice and refried beans to my order. It took a little while for our food to come out, but once it got to us, everything was there and no problems. The burrito was really good, and the rice was what you would expect from mexican rice; however, the refried beans were a little to dry for my liking. We finished our meal and paid; we were there for roughly about an hour. I definitely enjoy this place, and when I make it back down to Tampa, I will be going back...though it'll definitely be around dinner time/in the evening.
(4)Samantha G.
Had Taco Bus for the first time recently after living in Tampa for quite some time. The price and quality of the food is a great deal. The food is always made to order and never disappoints. I should have done this review a while ago but had Taco Bus for the first time at the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival. I waited in line (yes, it was the longest line out of all 10 food trucks), but it was well worth it. I got the chicken taco meal with cabbage with little wait time. I was surprised how fast my food came despite the crowd. I will keep coming back!
(5)Serena T.
First meal in Tampa! Super cute storefront of *spoiler alert* a school bus! Came in for a quick dinner, and had some of their menu's starred faves. My tacos were fresh and delicious; will come back again if I'm in the area and looking for a quick meal.
(4)Cece C.
Yes. Not much I can say that hasn't already been said... no matter what you're getting or if you think you do or don't like it, get beans and rice with your meal. SO YUM and I usually don't even like that kinda stuff. Dog-friendly, for the most part... oh also the horchata is delish! I could drink that stuff all day. A must-see and must-visit for all Tampa people! (Skip the downtown location and go here. I gave them one star and I'm sticking to it dammit.)
(5)Angela P.
OMG! How had I not heard of Taco Bus until now?! Imagine roaming the streets of Tampa seeking nonexistant vegan food all hours of the night until you finally collapse from a lack of tasty morsels. Then out of the corner of your eye, you see Taco Bus to the rescue! With its four locations including three in Tampa, Taco Bus is growing quicker than you can say, "tacos, please." And the best part is that they have tons of vegan options! On my first visit to the downtown Tampa location, I was a little disappointed to find that the bus was merely part of a short bus made into a storefront with a full restaurant behind it because I really wanted to see the real bus. On the other hand, I was glad to have a place to sit down and eat. Taco Bus offers an extensive menu. First, you choose "Your Favorite Way." This includes options for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salads, Mexican sandwiches, tostadas, and plates. Next, you choose your filling. Vegan options include grilled tofu, vegan "steak" strips, tempeh, butternut squash or just rice, beans, and veggies. Then you choose the veggies you'd like: tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and/or cabbage. Additionally, they even have a vegan food facts page that details what is vegan and what isn't. The Mexican rice, refried beans, corn and flour tortillas, red and green salsas, and guacamole are all vegan as are the vegan tamales! I am so thankful for this page as many of the people working there do not speak much English. In fact, their slogan is "Broken English, Perfectly Spoken." Ha! I was so overwhelmed with the choices that I just ordered two tacos--one with grilled tofu and the other with tempeh. They were both better than I could have ever expected. The tofu had this amazing spice on it and it was grilled so well as was the tempeh. I mean, they were both very good. And they were topped with fresh veggies. I put lots of hot green salsa on them and went to town. I also ordered the refried beans. These were just so-so. I had such a great experience that I headed to the original East Hillsborough location a couple nights later. Now, this is a serious operation. There was a brick and mortar restaurant along with a white take-out bus and a yellow bus that opens for the late hours so you can get your taco fix 24/7. There was a long line for the take-out bus so I went inside. Again, I ordered two tacos--this time with butternut squash and steak strips. The butternut squash was okay, but it didn't have much flavor. The vegan steak strips were seasoned like the tofu and tempeh and again, were very good. I also tried one of their pineapple drinks, which was a bit too sugary for me. I am so thankful to have found Taco Bus. For $6, I had a better meal than I've ever had in the city of Tampa along with great servers who truly spoke perfect broken English. Taco Bus, you are a godsend.
(5)Brad S.
Every time I've stopped in here, it smells like there is some kind of sewage backup going on. And even though it's been cleaned up a bit from its early days, it's still pretty dirty everywhere you look. As for the food, I find the portions really skimp on the protein. Even the refried beans come in a miniscule portion. Granted, they use ingredients such as cilantro. But that is no longer the novelty it once seemed around here 10 years ago when I thought the Taco Bus offered better deals at better prices. I think success has gone to their heads and they've gotten greedy.
(2)Justin S.
This is one of the coolest locally known Mexican dives in Tampa. Every time I'm near Nebraska in Tampa, I always stop at the original Taco Bus location. The location, I'll grant you, is shady. Don't stray too far away from your car or let it out of sight if you can help it. The value for the price is a little off - I wish for the price you'd get a little more food, but that's a minor gripe. The food is as authentic as it gets, the service is with a smile and unintelligible. :o) There are very few places like this in and around Tampa that are this unique and authentic. Definitely give it a shot. If you have the late night munchies, Taco Bus is open really late, and there's always a line no matter what time you show up - so be patient.
(4)Haley D.
THis is another one of my favorite late night spots. I cannot believe how much they have grown over the past few years. Authentic mexican tacos are sparse in Tampa and to have them available late night is definitely a bonus. We used to frequent the bus late night after our work shifts. The fish tacos are a personal favorite. The green verde sauce is killer and compliments every item on the menu. The chicken burrito is a staple for any Mexican eatery and theirs meets the mark for my taste buds.
(3)Brian C.
This location especially. Love ordering from the bus and eating it in the little shaded outside area in front of the bus. Cochinita pibil, carne asada, carnitas, burritos, tortas... all pretty solid. The hot sauces on the table are good too. Don't forget to ask for sour cream!
(4)Carolyn C.
Really a great Tampa institution with amazing food. Definitely eat there and enjoy it!
(5)Tina H.
I'm with other reviewers. I moved to Tampa in 2009 and this was a place you had to experience. On Saturdays you used to be able to get a giant flavorful tamale. No ordinary tamale trust me. We moved farther south in 2011 and I only get to Tampa now once I year. It's been 3 years and I was seriously jonsing for a great Saturday morning tamale. We found that taco bus expanded, cleaned up and looks great but many items are no longer made. No tamales, they are just bringing barbacoa back they seriously messed up a decent readable menu. Food today was meh! I settled for one of the breakfast tacos and was treated to canned pickled jalapeños in my huevos where you should use fresh. Unfortunately this visit determined that we won't be going back. Viya con Dios Taco Bus! Very sad!!
(2)Ian H.
I use to rep this place so hard in Chicago but I come back down and grab a bite to eat and i would have been happier with my meal eating at taco bell and I absolutely hate that trash too. The steeak was chewy like I was biting into a bunch of tire chunks. Oh and they play garbage music now ...
(1)Ryan H.
Taco Bus is a sweet mexican place right off the highway. They literally make the food inside a bus that has been converted into a grill station and kitchen. While the appearance may be strange, the food is fantastic. My only complaint is that if you eat a lot like myself, you can end up spending $15-$20 pretty easily. Their food is a jam session though.
(4)Nicole M.
Off the streets of Tampa and into a dusty town in Mexico. Food was fresh and tasty. I had the tacos with butternut squash and chipotle chicken (one of each). The squash was sweet balance against their salsa verde sauce. I will be definitely visiting the Taco Bus the next time I am in Tampa.
(5)Elspeth F.
Great little mexican joint. Great tacos, sit down, take out, and walk up options! And its actually a bus...on the side of a building! ¡Perfecto!
(3)Emily L.
Excellent, all-around. Super casual, super yummy. Delicious food. We had chips and salsa. Salsa was amazing. We all had tacos, some with carnitas, some with shredded beef. The soft corn tortillas were delicious, the meat was tender and perfectly seasoned. Two sauces sit on the table. I preferred the salsa verde with jalapeños, which was spicy and delicious. Highly recommend and hope we can come back someday!
(5)Gabriel P.
This 24 hour Mexican establishment has become the Mecca of late night dining. Taco Bus has become the go to place for all those seeking freshly made food after a night out on the town. Fresh ingredients, an excellent staff, and wonderful cantina-like feel make this one of the best eateries on this side of town. Order a Mexican Coca Cola with your next meal.
(4)Jen B.
Carne asada tostado is my fav. Not quite what the menu use to be but always delish!
(5)Nicole O.
Food truck like atmosphere, good authentic Mexican food. Can't go wrong with the guac.
(3)Toni J.
Amazing food for the price! I always get the burrito meal (burrito, rice, & beans) and either the meat of the day or chicken. So my favorite day to go is Friday to eat a chipotle chicken burrito - absolutely delicious! The atmosphere makes it a great place to go to after study group - which is great since USF's pretty close. I've only had good experiences here and I'm going to miss this place dearly after I graduate. Would recommend anyone visting Tampa to visit this place.
(4)Daniel P.
Great steak tacos with a side of guacamole... Will be back here when back in Tampa for sure!! Would have given it 5 stars but at $3. Per taco it's a little pricey
(4)Heather M.
LOVE LOVE LOVE Taco Bus! carnitas are awesome.. as is the shredded beef! Always a tasty pitstop
(5)Izzy G.
We originally experienced Taco Bus in St Petersburg, and we're definitely a fan. I visit here probably once every month or two and generally get the same things. If you're a fan of Mexican food, this really is a must-try place. The fact that it is open 24 is definitely a huge plus!
(4)Lauren C.
The "original" taco bus is nothing short of amazing, delectable Mexican food delight. Sure, the whole bus idea is a fun concept, but still the environment leaves a lot to be desired. All the "normal" comfortable chairs and tables are usually taken, so I either get stuck standing, taking it to go, or sitting on the wobbly tree posts that they like to call tables. Regardless, the amazing flavor of the food and the fact that they are open all night make it worth it. I have been many times before and recently brought a few taco bus newbie friends to check it out on a late saturday night. I love the tamales, but they only have them on the weekend, so I couldn't pass it by and went with the chicken tamale, which I piled with spicy green sauce on top as well as a side of Mexican Rice. All get a big thumbs up from me. The drinks here are also fabulous, many authentic mexican drinks including hibiscus tea and piña juice, the horchata milk is my all time favorite. Its a great complement to the spicy food since it's nice and sweet and balances out. Another great aspect of taco bus is the ample selection of vegetarian options they offer, which are super tasty and help to accomodate all kinds of people. One of my friends that I brought is vegetarian so it was great that she could find a few tasty options as well. The only downside here besides the crappy seating and bathrooms is the long wait, especially late at night it can be very slow trying to get through the line, but hey that's the price you pay to go to such a popular spot! Definitely recommend everyone checking it out.
(4)Amanda H.
Oh my goodness. I dream about their fish tortas. They are so incredible. Everything I had here was yummy, but get the fish torts! You won't regret it. I love the set up here as I love casual outdoor eating. The lady who took my order wasn't the friendliest and didn't seem like she liked her job much, but the food more than made up for that. Taco Bus makes me long for my next visit to Tampa.
(5)Dolores C.
A unique dining experience and a Tampa institution. The kitchen is a bus. Fun place to take people who are visiting the Tampa area.
(3)Zach H.
I've been coming here for a couple years now and this is one of my Top 3 favorite places to eat in Tampa. Every time a friend comes in town and asks me what places to eat at before they leave, Taco Bus is one of the places I immediately think of. They have daily specials, any of which you can't go wrong with. The menu is simple-- choose your vessel (taco, burrito, quesadilla, etc) then choose your meat filling. They also have vegetarian options for those who live that lifestyle. For my fellow adventurous eaters, one of my absolute favorite things to get is a Lengua (Beef Tongue) Burrito. It's so tender and flavorful and got several of my friends to jump on the Lengua train, too! SO GOOD. A Torta with Cochinita Pibil (marinated shredded pork) is also one of my favorites. The Guacamole is pretty awesome as well. I haven't had a single thing from the menu that I didn't enjoy and I always look forward to coming here.
(5)Eric W.
The food was fresh and really quick.
(4)Brian F.
Second time at Taco Bus...started by ordering some chips and salsa and well, lets just say it took a while before we got anything. Probably because a woman was heavily complaining about not having enough cheese on something and the entire staff was in a tizzy, none the less they came finally and were tasty. The salsas are delicious. Our order came, but mine was incomplete so the server (not the one that took our order) went back to make it right. My partner's quesadilla was a bit runny so they took that back as well. Flavors here are amazing. I had 3 tacos, one carne asada, one chicken and one shrimp with tomato and onion. My partner's quesadilla was not acceptable to him, so he ordered a shrimp taco and was happy. Then the bill came and an extra taco made its way on there. The server removed it. All in all, service was relatively fast and the food was good.
(3)Joanne Y.
The food is okay and the price is decent. The only good thing is that they are opened at all hours and are the only place that serve food really late. I ordered a burrito combo meal here and got home and only received the burrito without the beans and rice which I paid for, the burrito overall was good especially with the salsas that they give you with it. Ordered the tres leche cake as well which was not worth paying for because it was just soaked in liquids and had to be thrown out.
(3)Food E.
Two words: Chicken Quesadilla :D Friendly and fun environment. Fresh tasting food, always.
(5)Wes M.
Absolutely love this place! I always get the tacos, which you can't go wrong with. Staff is fast and friendly. Food comes out fast and is fresh! You won't be disappointed! Stop reading and go now!!!
(5)Scott S.
The place always smells bad and the service is slow - it shouldn't take 40 minutes to get Mexican food. The food is good though.
(2)Phillipa L.
After hearing all the time I need to try Taco Bus tacos from friends and co-workers I decided to visit their location on Fletcher Ave Tampa a few weeks ago. I had the meal deal for 2 tacos served with Mexican rice & refried beans. I got one soft taco and one crunchy. Honestly, I don't know what all the hoopla is about. Firstly, I think they're overpriced. Secondly, there was nothing so significant or outstanding about the taste of the tacos. It tasted like a taco I can make at home. The wait was long too. The wait creating and excitement within me that they were really making me a taco that will blow me away. I only ate there that one time and that's all I tried. I was not impressed so I don't think I will be back.
(3)Elyse B.
This place is amazing, I love it and the food is out of this world. It also helps this place is open 24 hours so I can get my burrito fix at all hours.
(5)Mark H.
Recently went back for the first time in a while and grabbed a carne asada burrito. La Chica got the lengua burrito. I did it wrong--she did it right. The tongue is so tender and tasty. I can't ever imagine going back and eating anything else. Wow!
(4)Deborah H.
A great place with good food and a nice area to sit outside in the shade next to the bus! I had the vegetarian plate which consisted of Mexican rice and beans with "taco" vegetables...tomatoes, onion and cabbage. There was way too much for me to eat at one sitting, but I gave it my best shot! I originally wanted to go for the experience, but I will go back for the food...really good!
(4)Rachel M.
I can't believe I never reviewed this Taco Bus. I guess because I have reviewed the St. Pete Taco Bus. I do love this place. I love the Taco Bus St. Pete Location better though. There's more seating there. The food here is great, and I dream of the shrimp tacos and the butternut squash tostadas. I also live the pineapple water. Ahh, this place is so good.
(4)Rachel H.
Just visited the USF location and it was even better than the original. The service is much better and so fast. Lots of seating and the music volume isn't hurting your ears. I kind of feel like a crotchety old lady now but it was such a great experience and we were able to bring our grandparents to try it (something we couldn't never do at the original). The tamalitos are my new favorite menu item.....I ordered the soy chorizo at first but they were out so I switched to the pinto bean and it was delicious. Paired with a butternut squash taco and some watermelon juice, it was summer perfection. Kudos.
(5)Chris D.
I like it I'm used to like Tex Mex and Baja California but I approve of their food. The concept of having a school bus there is really unique and awesome. When speaking with people that live here they said go to this one only.
(5)Lori F.
Great food, but expect to wait a LONG time as it's no longer a "special secret" spot. Droves of people have jumped on the bandwagon of the Taco Bus phenomenon. Still great fun and great prices for great food (is that enough greats?)
(4)Tom F.
I had a fish burrito and it was good, big too! The horchata was excellent and I wish we had a Taco Bus in Virginia. We were there at around 9:30 PM and the crowd was steady increasing as time went by. Go for the experience and the food should not disaapoint.
(3)Ana H.
This place might surprise you! The food is very good! I have had a lot of Mexican food, and this one was definitely good! We sat outside which is very nice and rustic, the only thing was the Mosquitos but besides that it was nice. It is a must try!!
(4)Andrew J.
Upon arriving, the man taking my order had a 49ers hat on; I'm already a fan. My carne asada fries were cooked in about 5 mins and they were delicious. I hadn't had them since my stint in Vegas and all the memories started coming back to me after the first bite. I will definitely be making a trip back to the Taco Bus.
(4)Janelle F.
I love the food here! Always delicious and I am a huge fan :D
(4)Marinda H.
What's all the buzz about? It's kitschy but the food isn't all that great. Chicken Tamale: delicious corny mixture, chicken was a little dry, green sauce helped add some flavor/spice Tostada with Butternut Squash: squash mixture was delicious, however not a good idea on a tostado = wet mushiness. Tostado shell is nothing special so probably won't order again Pork Taco: the pork is by far the best meat! Love the crunchy cabbage, tomatoes, onions, cilantro toppings (and lime of course)! BF got the Barbacoa Burrito and wished he had gotten the pork. Beef is good but 'pot roasty' - too much on a big burrito, taco size portion would have been better. Our friends got an order of guacomole and chips - nothing special about the chips but the guacomole is great with the perfect amount of garlic. Love the Mexican Coke and the green sauce was very flavorful. Split a piece of Tres Leches cake - good but I won't be dreaming about it. Had heard soooooo much about this place, my expectations may have been too high. I thought it was a little pricy ordering a la carte ($3 taco, $3.70 tostado) and not huge portions for the price. Very cool that they have lots of veggie options (tofu, tempeh, fake steak, butternut squash).
(3)Juliana S.
Love taco bus ! If your ever visiting Tampa Taco Bus is a must try ! Serve fresh fast Mexican deliciousness literally out of a bus ! There open 24/7 and even accommodate to vegan/vegetarians. I eat red meat, but I love their vegan steak strips ! 2 vegan steak strip taco meal deal under 10$ !? You can't beat that
(5)Alejandra G.
It's delicious! Everything looks fresh and it tastes amazing! I tried the butter squash taco and I was worried at first since it's a veggie taco and I thought that it could have a meh taste but it was really good! ...REALLY GOOD. I also had the shredded pork and the other pork one that I forgot the name of it but it said it was a Mayan recipe. That one was delicious as well. The guacamole is one of the best that I've tried and I am not even a fan of guacamole. Overall everything was really good. The only thing that was not too good was that the cashier seemed lost.
(5)Brendan C.
There's nowhere better for late night grub the at taco bus. Caters to vegetarians but has great food all around. I love their rice. Come here for 24/7 good food!
(5)Randy R.
Late nights at the Hillsborough location is great for food and people watching. Fun music played outside for takeout
(4)Brian L.
The real deal. Our family has eaten here many times. One of our favorite casual dining options in all of Tampa. Super-flavorful food. Authentic recipes. Neat food-truck atmosphere. Fresh everything.
(5)Dreyden I.
My wife and I went to Taco Bus with some friends a couple of months ago. The red and green salsas they have on the table are phenomenal, the chips are also decent. The food was bland for us, we are not Mexican food connoisseurs by far, but it just didn't give us a lasting impression. I wouldn't mind going back there but it wouldn't be our first choice.
(3)Lily H.
This is yet another Tampa Bay's gold mine! There was a period of time I came every weekend (I live in Bradenton) and sometimes just to eat here! Pretty much everything on the menu is great here. My favorites are: Cochinita Pibil Torta (marinated shredded pork based on a 5,000 years old Mayan recipe), the Chicken Quesadilla, the Carne Asada Tostada (Marinated Grilled Steak), and the Fish Tacos. Their mexican rice is really really good too. And I always have a Mexican Coca-cola that comes in a tall glass bottle with my meal, not sure if there's any different... maybe more carbonation? But the best part about this place is that it's OPEN 24/7. That's right! No matter what time it is, you can always get some delish authentic Mexican food, that's way better that Taco Bell. Process: You wait in line (always a line even into the wee hours...been there at 2-3AM before), order and pay at the bus window, get your drinks that are instant (like the coca-cola....the other drinks like horchata, etc., they will bring you later), get a number, find a seat inside the building or outside and then they will bring the food to you by calling out your number. Now the history: My friend told me that this place started out as a mobile taco bus on the streets and apparently had just been a huge hit so they decided to become a stationary taco bus on Hillsborough where everyone can find them. Then over time, due to the success, they decided to build a dining building so more people can sit, but still make everything on the bus. And now, they also have a location in St. Pete, Downtown tampa and USF area. Now the exciting news, just last week while in Brandon, where I travel to quite often to my friend's place, we saw a sign that said that Taco Bus is opening up another location right there! Both of us just started jumping up and down in the car, well...we tried... There was one time on a freezing night, we were craving Taco Bus so much, we decided to go, but since it was such a cold night, all the seats inside were full! We decided to get the food to go and went down the street, sat inside Starbucks, devouring our food and not really caring if people would look at us funny. The only complaint I have and is the only reason I don't crave it as much is that about 2 years ago, the flavor changed slightly.. It's still good, but we felt that something was missing. It took us like 4 more tries to figure out, or at least think we figured out, that the cheese is changed or missing. There used to be alot of cheese, but not anymore... To this day, I don't know why this is....but IT'S STILL VERY GOOD!
(4)K S.
Over all great. The guy who took our order was super nice and friendly. The food was good.
(4)Zulekha F.
The food was delicious; however, I wish the menu was a bit more simplified. The staff was friendly and helpful and the food appeared freshly made. Very cool and unique decor.
(4)Erik A.
Its a shame we used to go to this place back in the day when it was called taconazo, it seems like the quality went down and the prices went up. The meat was low quality and very little in the tacos in both the chicken and the steak. Wish Tampa had some decent Mexican food.
(2)LinZ E.
I love this place! Mostly because it stays open late and I'm huge into Spanish food. Sad they discontinued their barbacoa meat. :(
(5)Cara M.
I love taco bus. They are quick, convenient and although I am not vegan or vegetarian, their options for both are delicious.
(4)Katy S.
LOVE the Taco Bus! This is definitely a favorite for me, living close and often wanting a quick meal. The tacos are fantastic. My personal favorites are the barbacoa tacos. I typically douse my tacos in the green and red sauce to make it spicy and juicy. I've come here for breakfast once, too. Picture the dinner taco, stuffed with eggs instead of rice. YUM. This place is authentic and has a pretty extensive menu. The staff is always friendly and I mean, you are eating out of a bus, that is pretty cool. The only gripe I have about this place is that there are often long lines, due to the popularity. I have begun calling ahead to pick up my tacos so that I can get in and out quickly.
(4)Emma D.
This place is the bomb diggity. The food is delicious, well-prepared, and very easy to customize. The last time I went there, I ordered guacamole on the side and when the rest of my food came out, there was no guac to be found. Two minutes later, our waiter returns with a huge basket of chips, salsa, and three containers of guacamole - on the house. My usual order is what I like to call the quesadilla penada - like a pregnant burrito, but with melted cheese. What could possibly be better? Oh wait, horchata! Their horchata was excellent and the only time I was disappointed by a Taco Bus adventure was when they were out of horchata.
(5)Minsoo P.
Absolutely the worst taco I've ever had in my life. The steak was inedibly salty and hard. Then the ran out of everything. Service was..."casual". Tacos from under a truck, not from it. Do not recommend.
(1)Robert S.
Sad, sad, sad, sad, sad, sad, sad, sad, sad, sad. Lengua discontinued. The best thing on the menu is gone. Well now to find another place that serves it as good as they did. Bye-Bye Taco Bus.
(1)Francesca C.
Vegan dream land! Some of the most impressive vegan Mexican selections we have seen! Vegan steak quesadilla was rockin'!!!!!
(5)Hoda B.
Great place to have taco! Plenty of choices, juicy and well seasoned.
(5)Md Q.
Yeah.... I understand that this is a Tampa staple, but the food legitamately sucks here. We won't get started on the customer service. I know its weird but I am used to some great Mexican food coming from Richmond , Va Is it authentic? I dunno... I do know its freaking delicious and yours isn't. I liked the whole concept, kinda like chipotle. Again, a far superior burrito to what I had here. I actually gave it 3 tries and even went to the other store . They both blew. Both of your locations got 4 stars... how did they manage that?
(1)Gwendolyn M.
I love their new queso dip! They're open late, which is good for night owls like me.
(5)Annie L.
Tacos were well made with fresh ingredients and moderate pricing. I enjoyed both types of salsa (the green and the red) that was offered on the table. We ordered the shrimp and chicken tacos---both were equally delicious. It definitely gets crowded around lunchtime, so make sure to arrive early or order on the go!
(5)Kelly Q.
A little overpriced, but I'm a fan. I like the authenticity of the menu selection and their Horchata is a definite winner -- and I've tried a lot of Horchata in my day. Even my friends who've never tried the drink before were loving it. I would say the other downfall is that the sides are waaay too small! It's like a 1/4 cup of rice and beans... really? Maybe I'm just too american. Nevertheless, you know I'll be going back for the Horchata.
(3)Jason C.
This place really hits the spot late at night. I like that they have the full range of options for Taco Bus. I really want to try their breakfast options some time.
(5)Susan B.
I always get the Chicken Quesadilla when I come here, and it always is fantastic. Good food, the price is a wee bit high considering you self order and wait for food to be ran to your table.
(4)Aleema A.
I love the taco bus. I live right down the street from it and let me tell you, it has some the best food for something that is considered "fast food". I usually get their tacos and I really love them. The food is cheap but that doesn't mean they skimp on the flavor. It is rich in flavor and my food is usually gone within several minutes. They have any kind of Mexican food you can think but the menu isn't difficult to navigate. Whether you take it to go, or dine in, the turn around is really quick. Eat at the Taco Bus anytime you can. You won't be sorry!
(4)Alexander G.
This Place Sucked so Hard! Let me start with the prices. IM going to read 2 things off my receipt: 1 small bottle of Coke cost me $2.50 - it was one of those small glass bottles. 1 large guacamole and chips for $5.50 - the guacamole was a cheap store bought brand and the chips where nothing more than 3 tortilla shells broken in half on a small paper plate. Now let me get to the quality. All the ingredients where not fresh they where either from cans or frozen. The employees where rude as hell. I thought this place would be great since I seen it on Diners, Drive ins and Dives but boy was I sadly Mistaken. I would not recommend this place to anyone.
(1)Andrea M.
Definitely not my taste by any means but I see why others enjoy it. Chips and queso was the best part. Maybe it was the flavor of carnitas that really turned me away.
(3)Nathan B.
The best tacos in town! My favorite is the fish tacos. They have a huge selection in the menu. Prices are cheap, family oriented and the best part is that they are open 24/7. The food is tasty. The kitchen looks clean and the staff is friendly. Best place to eat after hours.
(5)Jeannie L.
I was slightly skeptical of this place at first. The area looks a little shady but my friends all said it was a must try. I have to say, I completely agree! The tacos are amazing and the guacamole is a MUST! I think I will have to make this a required stop every time I go to Tampa from now on. I wish they would start one in DC. Also....if you go during the summer you MUST try their watermelon juice. It is so refreshingly good and surprisingly not overly sweet.
(5)Jennifer B.
Awesome authentic mexican food! they are food savy! You will not be dissappointed
(5)Bob B.
Taco Bus is a great place for fairly authentic mexican food. Lines got a little out of hand after being on some cooking shows, but lines move quickly and they're not San Francisco type lines. Their horchata is too sweet for me, ok, just not great. My favorite dish if the cochinita pibil tortas. Fabulously messy and tasty! Beef tongue tacos are really tender and well executed as well. If you need a late night meal you can count on the Taco Bus.
(4)Amber D.
Vegetarian and Vegan Mexican amazingness... If you haven't been to Taco Bus your missing out. Their burritos could feed you for a week. It's worth the long line or the blubbering drunk patrons (depending on when you go, I like it best after the bars close). I think Taco Bus is a great place to eat, but also a bay area hipster community icon. Eat their food, like it, all the cool kids do. If you do welcome to the club. The steak tempeh is good too...but it really really tastes like the real thing. Eh the chips and salsa is the only not so amazing thing there.
(5)Dena P.
yum, yum, yum! Their food is pretty good. Not the typical lets go to Taco Bus on a date but more of a quick grab for some good food or a middle of the night meal. The food is pretty good and normally service is not that bad. On good nights lines are pretty good... other nights the wait could take forever. The St. Petersburg location is not bad either but they are only open 24/7 on the weekends. I like this place :) done deal!
(5)Christina N.
My family and I moved here from Arizona almost two years ago and I've been searching for authentic Mexican food ever since. Although Taco Bus didn't deliver what I'm used to, it was pretty darn good. The environment was fun with a very laid back atmosphere. There are many different seating options so it was easy to find a place where we could talk and laugh without bothering others. We ordered ahead because we weren't sure how busy they would be during the lunch rush. The online ordering is simple to use if you're limited on time. We will be heading back.
(4)T N.
Recommend the butternut squash taco, it's delicious! I also got the steak and the chicken taco, they were ok. Portion size of each taco is not large but not too small either. The pineapple water was very good. They are open late which is a plus. Only reason I'm giving this place 4 stars and not 5 is I would have preferred tacos with hard shell, but the only option you have is a tortilla.
(4)Steph G.
I fought EVERYBODY when it came to trying the Taco Bus. Food out of a bus? Off Hillsborough and Nebraska? Outside? No thanks. Boy was I wrong. After many begs, I finally went here and although it's a little rough around the edges on the outside, the food is DE-LISH. Now, I live down the street from the original "bus" and each time I go there I tell myself I'm going to order something different, however, I usually default to my go-to meal: the fish tacos with a side of guacamole. Their fish tacos are light, not greasy and topped with fresh slaw, pickled onions, pico de gallo and an amazing cream sauce. Their guacamole is to die for, and hands down the best I've ever had. Served with a side of tostado chips and fresh pico de gallo on top. They also make a mean horchata (like a drinkable rice pudding) that I get every time. It's creamy and refreshing with just a hint of cinnamon. Their food is fresh, there are TONS of vegetarian and healthy options and the staff is always friendly. The original location is open 24 hours a day, yes 24-7, and have call ahead ordering out. The waits can be long, so it's best to call ahead. The best news? Taco Bus has expanded all over the bay area! There are locations in Downtown Tampa, St. Pete, the USF area and their newest location: Brandon! When Carlos, from Carlos Eats, extended an invitation to a blogger dinner he was hosting at the Brandon location, I couldn't refuse. Both the guy and I have become major fans of the Bus, and I knew he'd jump at an opportunity to check out the new location. The new Taco Bus is located at 301 South Falkenburg Road. Brian and I were the first to arrive and were warmly greeted by Taco Bus founder Rene Valenzuela. As we waited for the rest of the group to arrive, Rene brought us out fresh, ice cold horchatas. We sipped and chatted a bit as we looked around the new location, which is much bigger than the others. With a spacious outdoor patio seating area, indoor booths and a huge group counter top area, Taco Bus Brandon is the perfect place for groups and parties. I may or may not already be planning my next birthday party! ;) #Junebaby Before we knew it, the others had arrived and the food began rolling out. And boy did it roll! Rene's goal for the evening was to introduce us to some of the vegetarian options Taco Bus has to offer. With limited vegetarian restaurnaunts in the Brandon area, Taco Bus may become a go to for all the local herbivores. ;) We tried SO many dishes: tofu and tempeh tostadas (amazing!), rajas con queso tostadas, cochinita pibil tostadas, carne asada tacos, butternut squash tostadas, guacamole and (my favorite) creamy tres leches cake for dessert. I made sure to make room for dessert. Their tres leches does NOT disappoint! So refreshing and rich! As we ate, Rene told us stories of how the Taco Bus came to be. As he explains his story, you can see and hear the pride in his voice. These recipes are traditional family recipes that focus on fresh and healthy ingredients. Nothing comes out of a can around these parts. It's a product you can feel good about putting into your body. If you haven't been to any of the Bay Area Taco Bus locations, go now. And if you don't live in the area, I feel sorry for you! So sorry that I may air-mail you a carne asada burrito. Thanks again to Rene for the hospitality and Carlos for the invitation!
(5)Samantha H.
Really great vegetarian options and plenty of food for the price! The taco sauces on the table are excellent--love coming here! Just wish they had outdoor seating like the St. Pete location!
(4)Addiel A.
Love Taco Bus. It has delicious Mexican food. Most people around Tampa like to go to Taco Bus after leaving the club because they serve big hot quantity's of their food plus it's open at very convenient times. If you like Latin or Mexican food I recommend it.
(5)Justin B.
I've visited Mexico four times, and am going to climb out on the furthest limb to say: Taco Bus is more "authentic" than most of the meals I ate IN the actual country. I know, right? That doesn't even make sense, but I'm not kidding. It's the real deal. Your TB experience will start with a missed right turn, realizing you just passed a brightly painted bus and then making a U-turn. You will pull in, create your own parking space and walk uncertainly towards multiple large vehicles. Here you will choose whether you want to sit indoors (boring) and be waited on, or walk up to the bus (mhmmm) to place your order and sit outside. When you sit outside you will be underneath a hut-like porch with loud salsa music playing, sitting on what another yelper describes as: "a wobbly tree-post they call a table".....and it's awesome. If you want to feel like you've left Tampa (or 'Murica) for a moment, this is for you! Start with the guacamole and ask for an extra lime to squeeze over it. The small is enough for two, but you won't find me sharing any. The portions are pretty big, but I would recommend you steer clear of ordering the burrito regardless of how hungry you may be. Get two, three....seven taco's instead. There are so many great filling options that you will want to try more than one thing. Taco's let you do that. Make sure to try the "filling of the day", the shredded beef is killer, and remember: If you can't pronounce it you probably want it. Amazing, fresh Mexican food. Atmosphere that transports you to another country. 24 hour taco access. ¡Fiesta!
(5)R G.
Its kitchey, creative, local, well-priced and Good. Ride the Taco Bus!
(5)Melanie B.
Great late night spot in somewhat questionable neighborhood. Went there on random Tuesday night and 5 cops flew past us with lights and all and saw an amazon transvestite prostituting. But the tacos and tortas are awesome and the other stuff is just the entertainment. Totally worth the haul at 1 a.m. from South Tampa
(5)Michael E.
We didn't care for it, missed options like hard shells and a choice in hamburger taco type meat. It wasn't what we go for normally.
(1)GuruRas K.
I'm a Butternut squash & Hibiscus tea fan! The Hillsborough Ave location is the best!
(4)Justin D.
Guy in the bus recommends a fish torta... Review will come later
(5)Amy V.
Home of the 24 hour taco, Diners Drive-Ins and Dives, and stickin' good Mexican food. From vegans to meat eaters, Taco Bus will fill that void at all hours for a great price. I laugh every time I read their slogan: "broken English, spoken perfectly" - it's perfectly true and absolutely ok. Located on Hillsborough Ave., just east of 275. You'll want to get over to the right quickly if you're coming off of 275 S. Make it fast. - Chips and Guac: the small order is perfect for two people who love guac. Fresh and accompanied with fried corn tortillas for dipping. Topped with fresh cilantro. Please and thank you. - Steak tacos: each taco comes with two tortillas, so you can take the time to divide your portions or just stuff your face at once, much easier. I tell myself that eating two tacos is really like eating four, but who's counting. There's something for everyone here and it's a Tampa staple.
(5)Day W.
I wouldn't go out of my way for this place. I have not been to the one in Tampa but I had better at Red Mesa Cantina in downtown St. Pete. Yes, one place's prices are higher than the other but the prices are justified.
(3)Tom W.
It's good - but it used to be better. I'm concerned that they might be getting too big for their britches. This used to be the spot, and now I find myself going elsewhere for similar food. Not saying it's bad, and if you haven't been, you should go experience it & make your own decisions. I'm just a little disappointed in the direction it seems to be heading.
(3)Mark L.
I've been to the bus many times now, usually going late night. I don't quite understand what is so hard about "no cilantro" but apparently it's impossible to make a burrito without it. It's an ok restaurant in a bad part of town that's open late nights. Honestly, I probably would've preferred McDonalds.
(2)Nate L.
I LOVE taco bus!!! I have never had a problem with them at all! my favorite location is on Hillsborough Ave next to 275. Great for fast delicious Mexican food!
(5)Nick C.
After a late night celebration we asked our party bus driver ( in our best sober voices) to take us somewhere for a late night bite to eat. To the Taco Bus we went! None of us being from Tampa we had no idea what we were in for. Pulling up it looks like a little whole in the wall but what is inside is amazing! Probably some of the best tacos I have ever had. Very simple and short menu. Makes for a great lunch or late night eat. Not truly authentic but not that tex mex crap thats every where else either. Its great!
(5)Jeanette A.
Love coming here ! Great authentic Mexican food made in a bus, open until very very late about 4am so it's an ideal spot to come after a night out. Service is quick, you can eat outside or inside. So far I haven't had anything on the menu that I didn't like.
(5)Denise H.
The service was scketchy, they got my order wrong twice. I was not sure if they cared if I was there. The food was good an authentic.
(3)Trevor H.
Okay, not sure what I was thinking when I rated this place with just three stars?! My third time back, I came with my family. We ordered a bunch of food. Chicken tacos, Veggie tacos, Carne Asada burrito, and Watermelon Agua Frescas! I did not get a chance to try the tacos because thats what my family ordered, but I ordered the burrito. I feel like they stepped uo their game with the burrito. I liked the cabbage that was in there rather than wilting lettuce. And the hot sauces, YUM! I love spicy and their green (well more of a dark dark green) sauce was delicioso. But what I really enjoyed was the watermelon agua frescas. They came in a huge jumbo size cup for just $2.50. My grandmother loved it, though we definitely split one of the cups with her since it was so large. Definitely hit up taco bus if you are craving some good Mexican. For tacos and burritos, Taco Bus is where it's at!
(5)Elizabeth D.
This time we did take-out from the bus itself. We arrived during the lunch rush and thus there was a decent lengthed wait. Once we got back to the office to eat, I was totally blown away. This food was WORTH. THE. WAIT. Side note: I skipped the calorie laiden horchata and opted for hibiscus flower lemonade. Hrmmm, I think I should stay away from their drinks. This was thick and sweet yet tart but I could tell there were tons of calories in each sip. And again it came in a giant cup. Now, back to the food. I ordered one shrimp taco and one fish taco, both on a flour tortilla, both with guacamole on top. One bit into my shrimp taco and I knew it was going to be the best lunch I'd had in ages. Not that my lunches have been unsatisfactory, but this just took lunch to a whole new level. I loved my shrimp taco so much that I feared my fish taco would make me sad. I was wrong. My fish taco was equally as awesome. Now I have the dilemma of never wanting to try something new at Taco Bus. I truly believe that I've found that go-to meal. Man, they sure know how to dress a taco. They may serve them out of a bus, but they put out beautiful tacos dressed to the nines. I enjoyed every bite. These tacos appeal to the masses. Their parking lot is always full. And although it's a dirt lot, people with all kinds of cars (Lexus, Lotus, Infinit, Mercedes, etc.) will find a spot just to indulge in quality Mexican food. If you're on the fence about trying this place, just jump over to the other side. No drug lords in this Mexican foodie heaven, just a fiesta with amazing tacos.
(5)Deb C.
Had 6 tacos - to try each of the 2 types of chix, pork and beef!!! The shredded beef, carnitas and grilled chicken - AWESOME! The others were good, just not as good. Come here for quick food anytime of day!
(4)Romel C.
Awesome just plain awesome. The burritos are good and large portions. I usually get the barbacoa or carne asada burrito or the burrito prenado, which comes with rice in the burrito. The reg burrito noes not have rice. The tortas are good, my wife always gets the barbacoa torta. The tamales are awesome also. We even tried the vegan and breakfast burritos and we're not disappointed. The horchata and hibiscus drinks are good. The hibiscus was a little too sweet but maybe just my preference. I always go whenever back in Tampa. I love their sauces, I smother my burritos with it. I prefer the spicier one but both are good. Pros: open 24 hrs, good variety, you can dine indoors, outside or on your car. Good prices, large portions, friendly staff. Cons: you might miss it if you are not looking for it, tamales only on weekends.
(5)Gabriel S.
Owney BottomLine: Tamales, Enchiladas and Menudo! Oh My! Tasty Mexican even in Florida. Good job, Mexicans! The first time I went there I wasnt that impressed. I had a burrito and it was pretty boring. Nothing spectacular, but a decent spot to go for lunch. But one Sunday I decided to tryout the Menudo and other Sunday specials and I was not disappointed. This experience shot my rating way up...in all kinds of ways. My girlfriend got the Tamales and enchiladas and we loved them. The tamales with plenty of pork and the enchiladas with flavorful mole and cheese. It was pretty awesome. My menudo, served with all the appropriate spices and tortillas was really fantastic. I've eaten this stuff my whole life, so I think I know what good menudo tastes like and this was good stuff. Go on Sunday's when they are doing special things. Other days, expect a good meal, but nothing to wrote home about. Oh yeah, the horchata was pretty good too. Service was pleasant. Indoor seating available. Nice/clean atmosphere.
(4)Gruvy G.
Great Tacos but not at a Great price! Another one of those "cost too much" Tampa spots. I think I paid $15 for 3 Taco's. :( A Far cry from taco bell!
(3)Geoffrey L.
The food is amazing, menu is varied, if you see the watermellon water, commit to it. The wait can sometimes be a bit much, but oh so tasty.
(4)Garrett T.
Great place for a quick meal that is authentic spanish food. I always get the chicken tocos and never have a complaint. There speedy and great! plus the bus is bright yellow you cant miss it. Also open late for all those who are craving late night munchies.
(4)Johnny H.
While on vacation in Tampa, we went here based entirely on the Yelp reviews. We're glad we did; this place was great. I had three tacos; fish, carnitas, and barbacoa. All were great - lots of flavor and piled high with meat/fish. My wife's tacos were equally great -- she had shrimp, butternut squash, and the vegetarian "steak." The green "hot" sauce was extremely tasty, but not exactly "hot." The Horchata was fantastic -- maybe the best I've had. The large was huge, definitely worth the price. But that's true for all the food here -- the prices were great. The one disappointment was that they didn't have lengua (tongue), my favorite type of taco. It was on the menu but I don't think they still serve it.
(5)Duane T.
stopped by on a rainy monday to hear what the fuss is about. it wasn't busy, i had a burrito with carnitas. super good. nice outside dining area covered for the rain. i'd go again if i was in the area but this is a long haul from pasco county
(4)Cory C.
really great tacos, good quick service and I like the open atmosphere, neighborhood is a little rough with vagrants but the restaurant is good
(4)Alisson B.
I wasn't impressed by the food or service. I thought the food was ok. I had a carnitas (pork) burrito with beans and rice. I was by far not the best burrito I've ever had. I much prefer Tijuana Flats for this kind of food. Completely average service. I won't come here again.
(3)Prits K.
This place excellent fr vegetarians.. very friendly staff.. I liked the woody sitting arrangement with nice mexican songs.. they even reduce the listed price of dish if u dnt want meat unlike others which charge the plate equally fr veg and with meat.. will definetly visit this place again..
(5)Manuel G.
I live in Miami , but recently had to travel to Tampa, and all my friends rave about this place. We'll its better than advertised . Chef Rene is amazing , with a perfect balance of service , with serious quality . The burritos are huge , Quesadilla steak is really good but if u really wanna flip your wig, try the Horchata ,understand I've had a lot of Horchata in my day but, Taco bus takes the prize , plus there never close. Que viva Mexico !!!
(4)Daniel J.
Just had the beef taco. I give 3 stars due to the fact that they didn't have ground beef hard shell tacos, which I really had a taste for at 1 am. The closest of what they had was a soft shell taco with sliced steak. Which was ok but my expectations were on a ground beef taco with cheese and shredded lettuce. The flavor of the beef wasnt anything memorable. I may go there again later in the future but will try something different.
(3)Buzz T.
Muy bueno food, and there's really nothing else to say. You want a treat from Tampa? Look no further. It's so hard for restaurants to differentiate themselves from the competition. So many places open up and don't last. Taco Bus is growing like a grape vine throughout Hillsborough county. And they're doing it on great food alone. A little atmosphere never hurt either. Food trucks are growing in popularity whether for novelty, convenience, or pragmatism but it doesn't really matter when you're food is this fresh, fast, and delicious. Sure it doesn't hurt that national TV shows have visited the restaurant, but if they weren't good food they'd fail not grow. If you want authentic Mexican food cooked fresh, go to any of the Taco Bus locations. They're a true jewel of the area.
(5)Shannon M.
Everything is fresh and delicious! Authentic, tasty, big portions! Everything about this place screams amazing, and they make everything out of a bus! I get the Chicken Burrito Meal all the way and it is enough to feed 2 people, you get rice and beans with it as well. Everyone that has gone there has said everything is great. I need to branch out and try more! They cool thing other then them cooking in a bus, is that they do have a few tables outside, but they also have an inside to eat in. This place is always slamming, you can tell is legit just by the food smells and everyone lined up.
(5)Ryan N.
This review is based on my experience during lunch: Atmosphere: 2/5 It was hot and you wait outside on the asphalt next to the bus. There is a funky smell right outside the bus that makes you second guess ordering food. There's a small outdoor seating area but it was too hot to eat outside. Food: 4/5 Good authentic Mexican style tacos and burritos (not Tex-Mex). The sauces included with the entree had a good heat and flavor. Value: 4/5 Not too bad for lunch but a little high for what it is. Overall, I would recommend someone to order online and get it to go for lunch but not to eat outside.
(4)Nicole Leigh S.
This restaurant, literally a transformed bus, is without a doubt one of my favorite food stops in town. They boast a very veggie/vegan friendly menu (with typical meat replacements) that includes things like butternut squash filling (or, you know, tostada topping?!). Great lunch, dinner and daily specials are also a selling point. But the topper? I mean, the real here's-why-I-keep-coming-back deal sealer? THE GREEN SAUCE! Guys. There are no words for me to share with you the epic (possibly crack infused?) addictive flavor this is. I used to say Sriracha was my favorite hot sauce, and when it comes to Asian foods that may be true, but on the whole? The Taco Bus green sauce. It's like the nectar of the gods. It's as if angels cried and these are their celestial tears- ready for us to devour and pleasure our tas- okay, I'm going a bit far, but I think you get the picture. This place has been in business for ages (pretty sure my mom used to come here when she was in college). They have recently started expanding to include a location in downtown Tampa, St. Pete and are close to opening a non-bus location on Fletcher. But I'll be honest when I say the original is best and will always most favoritest! I encourage, nay, demand all Tampa goers, visitors and natives alike!, to visit and report back with your findings. Do it!!
(5)Cathie D.
Been here (and to the other locations) multiple times. Stopped here for lunch today and had a chicken burrito. It was really good!! I love sitting outside by the bus listening to the music. My only complaint is that it's a little pricey for the type of food you are getting. Will be back for sure though!
(5)Donny P.
Everything looked good at the start. Ordering was straightforward. Just follow the steps on the menu. Glad to see vegan options on the menu, and asked for vegan meat substitute and double checked that the fillings in the burrito pregñada were vegan. Sat down and got my food. Took one bite and noticed cheese in my burrito. Brought it to their attention and was told that since I didn't pay for vegan cheese, they gave me regular cheese. Don't really understand that rationale!!! If I asked for "vegan" meat, why would I want cheese!! Turned me off. Got my new one ate it and left!! Will be a long time before I come here again. Suggest that they teach their order takers what vegan is and what that means!!
(2)Kim O.
Love taco bus. This is authentic Mexican food. I always get the fish tacos. Get them with everything on them and you'll have the best fish taco in Tampa for sure. My husband always gets the torta or taco de lengua and he says it is the best. The horchata is amazing as well. The staff and setting are both quirky in a good way. Highly recommended
(5)Shelle B.
Great, FRESH food, reasonably prices. Funky place, good for a quick bite.
(4)Mitchell M.
excellent food and service. The horchata is delicious. Tacos are great but I wouldn't waste money on the chips and dip. nothing special about those. Try the chipotle chicken tacos and the pork
(5)Scott S.
An OK place for OK food. I've had better Mexican food and a lot better tacos elsewhere.
(2)K S.
Went here on recommendation from a friend. Can't make up my mind if I like it or not. We were there around 10 pm and I wouldn't say the staff was rude, but they're not exactly super helpful either. It was kind of intimidating, but maybe that's just me. Anyway, I got a burrito with the vegan steak strips, chido style, and chips and guacamole. No drink. Paid about $15, which is a bit on the hefty side for me. So, the good: the portion sizes are also hefty. One burrito would definitely be enough for two people. The eh (not bad, per se): the layout of this place was kind of confusing for me. Maybe I'm just dumb. The food was okay. I am used to meat analogues and I just want feeling the "steak". There was a lot of it, so I guess that's good, in terms of bang for your buck, but I just didn't like them - the texture, the flavor, there's something I can't quite out my finger on. The guacamole was fresh, but was missing some garlic and lime juice. All in all, I'd probably come here again if I got the chance, but I can make a burrito and guacamole for much less than $15. This would be a good spot for your post-drinking meal.
(3)Anne B.
I LOVE Taco Bus! Food is really, really good! Service is fast and friendly. Prices are very reasonable. I have recommended this place on other sites. When you see many others of Latino descent eating here, you know it's authentic!
(5)Lin C.
Ate at this at a food truck rally. It was horrible! We had so many trucks to choose from and were so sorry we chose this one. Our friends all had great foods from other trucks. Bummer.
(1)David V.
Oh, yeah! If you are looking for GREAT Mexican food you would probably pay ANYTHING for, if the surroundings were a little plusher, stop by the Taco Bus. I've ordered from several categories on the menu and have never been disappointed. Fresh, Fast, Fun, and the price is right.
(5)Cassandra S.
Amazing food! Love the story of how this place started (small and independent). Best "food truck" in Tampa. Prices have gone up a bit since they opened years ago, but the food's so awesome they can get away with it.
(4)Rachel R.
Love love love. Not really sure what to say, except I take everyone here that comes to visit me from California. Being from Southern Cali, I love me some good Mexican food & this place is the real deal. Love their tamales (only available on the weekends, although I have read they are no longer serving them- say it's not true!!!) and love their platas! Amazing. Salsa is good & burns like it is supposed to, rice is good, meat is great. It has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives- they now have three locations & the one on Hillsborough is 24 hours, which is great! Check it out!
(5)amy m.
I'm not even a big fan of tacos. But holy moley, I love Taco Bus. I've ordered many different things from the menu and each time it has been delicious.
(5)Aaron L.
A staple in Tampa for food! This is the location that started it all. Don't come here for swanky, sparkling, restaurant experience...come here for THE BUS! I'm a fan of the Cochinita Pibil filling (it's an ancient Mayan recipe) but I haven't had a combination that wasn't mind blowing. The sides of beans and rice are your average Mexican deal, but you don't come here for that.
(5)Natalie Y.
I love, love, love this place! It really is the only place in Tampa that has somewhat authentic Mexican food. Now, it is in a less safe area than other parts of Tampa, so of you're not comfortable with that, you might not want to go to this location. As for the staff, they are fine. This isn't a 5 star, high end restaurant. You wait in line and order at an actual food truck. Once you pay, they give you a number card and from there you can sit outside or go in the little buliding next door to sit. Someone does bring you your food. They have a variety of selections. My favorite is the burrito. With each item, you can make it to what you like. Plus, it's all non spicy, so for heartburn people, the food is fine for you. This is one of my favorite Tampa local food places. I highly recommend to eat here.
(5)Nick G.
The place to go for tacos in Tampa. This place is so legit, and being open 24/7 blows my mind, but it is so appreciated at 1:30 in the morning. I would personally advise against the burritos though. They tend to be overly bread-y and the ingredients are not well dispersed. Definitely go for a fully loaded taco. So fresh. So delicious.
(5)Kassandra G.
Now I can say, since I went out with a friend from Plant City who is mexican to another taco spot, I haven't been back to taco bus as much because she did tell me it was not authentic. :( Broke my heart a little beacause I had been going here for years at all times of the day and loved it! But it was a bit crushing when told all these years I had been lied to and their food was not the most authentic that can be found in the area. Yet, I still return because Taco Bus has always been good to me. It certainly isn't the least expensive taco cart I've been to, it isn't unaffordable either. Their fish taco's probably have been the best I've had and the horchata, not the best, but alwasy satisfactory. If you know spanish, the service is great, if not however I have been informed that it can be a bit cut and dry but most people dont mind for the quick lunch taco or late night dining. Always fun, good with friends and ethnic fare to satisy a craving.
(4)Min C.
Interesting setup with delicious food that won't kill your wallet! The Butternut Squash Centro wasn't as big a hit with the group, but the Cochinita Pibil was delicious! $15 fed 3 hungry people with a bad case of the munchies and was a fun place to visit late at night. There's a bit of line, but definitely worth the wait!
(4)Miguel S.
If you want authentic mexican burrito, then this is the place. I've yet to try a burrito that beats taco bus. Awesome set up
(5)Kate W.
Went there for the first time today after hearing about it for months from friends. Have to say I was impressed. Fish tacos were great. Chicken tacos were solid. Chips + salsa weren't my favorite, but that's because I personally prefer pico de gallo/chunky salsa to the more liquid/hot sauce variety. The atmosphere reminded me of the little taco shops I've been to in San Diego.
(5)Bj O.
After reading rave reviews, and waiting in a line for nearly 40 minutes to order, I expected a LOT better. The Burrito was just OK, the rice and beans served with it were awful, and the seating area and tables had a dirty look and feel. IMHO, Chipotle Mexican Grill is much better (and cleaner). Frankly, I have no idea why so many people seem to be in love with this place.
(2)Michael R.
This joint was a staple of my diet when I lived a few blocks away. I always got their huge steak burritos on days when I recovered from boozing the night before. There is no sour cream to be found and the food is a bit heavy on the cilantro, but I like it that way. Some folks may prefer Ybor places like Mema's but their prices are higher and you don't get as much food for your dollar. With most food places being so sterile these days the "Taco Bus" is a great reminder that independent neighborhood food is a live and well.
(4)Samantha M.
My boyfriend and I have been wanting to try the Taco Bus for awhile and decided to make the journey and head over there this evening. The food did not disappoint, I had the Quesadilla with Carne Asada and my bf had a burrito with carne asada, the quesadilla was like nothing I had ever had before! cilantro, onions,garlic, tomato, cheese and of course the meat! YUM! The people that compare it to the dollar menu at Taco Bell don't know what the heck they are talking about! Our favorite Mexican place was Poblanos in Clearwater which happens to be about 2 minutes drive from where we live.... now though.... I think we will be making the 30 minute journey to Tampa quite often. Give it a try, opened 24 hours a day 7 days a week, the people are friendly, the food is plentiful... you wont be disappointed.
(5)Lisa O.
Once you go to the bus you never go back...nuff said.
(5)adam h.
I have never eaten a fish taco before so I decided to try one out here and was very happy with my order. The food is very good and the staff are very nice. I try to go here every time im in Tampa.
(4)Alex T.
Best Taco in all of Tampa. It's a little hole in the wall but, that's usually where you'll find the best food. The taco bus is by far the best tacos in Tampa.
(4)Charles C.
good spot for late night tacos! good prices and the burritos are good!
(4)Ryan Z.
Can't go wrong here with the food. Excellent prices. Excellent Food. Try the spicy grilled shrimp. The service could use a little work. They kind of just drop your food off and disappear. Stick to ordering from the window and getting your own stuff.
(5)AL D.
I love the food but I wish that they had more points of sale during peak hours and maybe a special line for drunks. Best bet the torta with tofu. ( much cheaper than the burrito with tofu)
(4)Terrence P.
needs moar hawt sawce
(3)Bethany L.
This place was OK. Definitely dive looking but service was good and the food was yummy. I had tacos and a tamale - the tamale was huge! Not exactly California style mexican but pretty good for Tampa. The downside was the restaurant smelled (really strongly) like cleaning fluid. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they are cleaning but it was so overpowering we took the food to go, instead of eating there, because I was getting a headache.
(3)Willow G.
love this place for it's food along with it's atmosphere. friends & i have taco bus at least once a week, we especially swing by late at night - gotta love their hours!
(4)Lindsay B.
I found the napkin dispensers absolutely impossible, but there are some dankus tacos there
(4)Andy F.
This is fantastic street food! I really enjoy the tostadas. The ancient pork recipe is good and the butternut squash vegetarian option is amazingly tasty. But, my favorite is the beef tongue, which is like melt-in-your-mouth potroast. The tamales are as big as your head. The green salsa is most tasty. I had the shrimp and octopus ceviche and that was the only disappointment. It was not prepared like other restaurants, and my stomach hurt a bit afterwards. But, it was still tasty. This place is great to hit up when you're starving!
(4)Sarah H.
Man, do I wish I lived closer to this. I was also in a bit of a rush when I stopped for a visit, so I definitely want to come back and sample a bit more food. I had two carne asada tostadas, which were excellent. Everything tasted very fresh. Just trying to get a parking spot is difficult and awkward, though, so maybe going during the lunch rush isn't the best idea.
(4)Don A.
So after hearing how authentic the taco bus was we made the trip from the burg this Sunday. We walked right in and sat down at a table. In the next 5 minutes all six tables were full which was great to see at 4 o'clock on a Sunday. We received our drinks and chips and salsa soon after. As much as I hate to say the rest, well, let's just say it was downhill from there. I have to admit I was blown away by the styrofoam use, plates, cups, chips on a paper towel over styro? We did receive our food rather quick but I just don't get it. Anyone who has been to Mexico or the west coast for that matter would have to agree these are not the gourmet authentic tacos I had imagined they would be. Here I sit hours later still burping onions, seems the white onions were not enough so they covered the top of the tacos with more onions, this time red ones. The chicken had no season or flavor what so ever. The carnitas were ok but lacked the intense flavors I had envisioned. The fish taco reminded me of fried fish sticks in grade school, again covered in onions. Last but not least 5 of the 6 tables sat for 10-15 minutes trying to get our checks; we sat and watched 3 guys go to counter to ask for their checks. I mean no disrespect here but we simply do not get it. For now we'll stay loyal to red Mesa as the search continues for more flavorful tacos.
(1)James C.
Great tacos. Amazing breakfast with chorizo.
(5)Bharat R.
This is the perfect hybrid of street food and a regular traditional mexican restaurant - giving the appearance of a restaurant that grew around the parked truck. We are vegetarians, but were not disappointed. The Rajas Con Queso was an interesting detour for us - normally used to traditional veggie burritos/quesadilas. When we entered, it wasn't clear if we were supposed to go and order ourrselves or sit and be waited upon - but just as we were settling down the girls appeared and cleared the confusion. Another couple that enetered after us were in a similar predicament and which we cleared for them. The service was efficient and non fussy. The food was fresh and tasty. I'd say this is a must-go if you're visiting Tampa and are even marginally inclined to do Mexican. Quick and Unfussy but not a Chipotle-esque assembly line.
(4)E D.
Best Mexican Food outside of SoCal. Try the fish tacos!
(5)Joanne U.
Our clients brought us here last Thursday for some authentic Mexican experience and WOW is all I can say. I've never really cared for Mexican food before, my standard fare was just limited to cheese quesadilla, chips, some queso dip, and margaritas.So I went here with an open mind and some appetite. OMG I love love love their chips and queso dip. It's worth ALL the calories, let me tell you. I also had the most delicious soft taco asada (steak) in the world, the flavors just explode in your mouth. Now everyone knows I would be happy to eat anything hot or spicy any day so when I dropped some verde (green) sauce on my tacos, it became even more yummy for me. We tried some Mexican drinks too, forgot what they called it but one tasted like pineapple juice (so refreshing) and the other one tasted sweet with a hint of milk on it, but not too overpowering. You would think that's all there is to the place right, but that doesn't stop there. Can I just tell you how AMAZING the desserts were? Give me tres leches anytime for dessert and I'd be happy, but the sopapillas totally stole the scene. It was so so so good! This place has now changed me. If Mexican food is always THIS good, I would happily return here over and over again (if calorie watch is not a factor that is!)! Thank you Taco Bus, for the authentic, delicious Mexican food! Blown away as a first time guest and planning to be a regular (when in town for business at least)!
(5)Colin K.
They are currently out of vegan steak strips, for some time now, so check before you go.
(4)Chelsea B.
I love this place, but I'll be honest, I've mostly put it in my back pocket for when company comes--I never go by myself anymore. I'm not a huge fan of the increased prices, crowds, or greasiness...even as I appreciate new additions to their menu like Tacos al Pastor. Nothing can ever displace Taco Bus in my heart for their unique design, but they aren't the best or cheapest taco joint in town anymore.
(4)Josiah G.
What the hell is going on with Taco Bus? I couldn't find their food truck on Yelp, but I figured the main location will work well enough to seriously ask, what the hell is going on? My girlfriend and I were at first Saturday in Safety Harbor and we saw the Taco Bus food truck. After being met with a "what the hell do you want" type look, I ordered two beef tacos off the very small menu. We each took one bite, threw the rest away and got pizza. For almost $10, I would expect warm, not ice cold tortillas and maybe some beef and not just a plethora of raw onions. I don't know if Taco Bus is being spread out too thin or not, but as far as what I ate here and how it compared to my first Taco Bus experience on Hillsborough many years ago, this was an ice cold shell of what it once was...
(1)Bernadette S.
I am not an expert with Mexican food. When visiting Tampa, a handful of people told me that I couldn't leave Tampa without eating here. Maybe it was the hype that surrounded the name from all my friends, but I was not excited as I thought I should be after eating there. Don't get me wrong. The food was good, i have no complaints. But it is probably not at the top of my list of food places to visit when I go to Tampa again.
(3)Dave P.
Taco Bus was a Tampa staple for Mexican and a true Seminole Heights establishment. They started strong but sold to a new owner who makes their current stance weak (like pitiful). Let's start with my order from tonight, March 10, 2015. Plato with Chipotle Chicken. The beans look amazing, like a pinto bean flavor explosion! The rice is screaming for attention too! It is calling me with its veggies and mexican rice "profile". Epic fail. The refried beans In my cabinet are way more flavorful... Cold and still in the can. This Mexican rice is served in public schools around the country. Barf. Flavor, what flavor. It's worse than your first self cooked meal, ever. There should be the subdue hint that the rest of my meal is going to at least be edible. No dice. I'm hovering over two plates of TB, creamy chicken Pabli and a burrito. I was hoping there would be some sort of diversity, some miscarriage of judgement, something. I'll call it disgust. Save yourself a trip. Eat if you must... Otherwise, avoid at all cost. The product isn't worth the time, effort or cash. If you want mexican, go to Miguel's. If you want good, cheap, fast go to Taco Bell on Dale Mabry. I can't tell you any reason to ever subject yourself to TB. You'll do it. Afterwards, do the rest of the world a favor and post your thoughts. The only way to get the original back is controversy. It's also the witness the owners fail. If you loved the original TB then let the world know.
(1)Jenilee A.
When I first seen this place. I thought "whoah this dose not look appealing" BUT I'm glad I decided to take a chance on this gem. We ordered (my husband and I) a Torta Mexican sandwich with conchinita Pibil filling and a quesadilla with carnitas filling, beans, rice and sweet tea. We split both between us. The Torta was delicious the cabbage and mayo combined with the pibil filling was soo good. But the best part was the fresh homemade bread!! The bread was melt in your mouth warm, like something from heaven. ( I wanted to ask if I could just purchase some of the bread to bring home and save for sandwiches.. But I didn't) The quesadilla was good as well. The rice/beans on the side were different than most I've had and tasted a little off. The seating inside smelled terrible.. Kind of like vomit ( hope that's not TMI), so we sat outside and enjoyed the breeze. Overall I would recommend this place! It didn't blow me away, but it was good. I would love to try the tres leches cake next time... I was just to full. But if anyone try's it please leave me a compliment below saying how it was.
(4)Marissa S.
Nice people, terrible food. The tortilla chips are over-salted, the guacamole has taken a nosedive, and I am really not sure what kind of meat I am eating... Overpriced and over-salted.
(2)Shahlaine K.
I'm not gonna lie, I love me some Taco Bus! I work pretty close and love that I can order online and just pick up. I usually get fish tacos which never disappoint. They also have garlic-y shrimp tacos which I love. I appreciate any place that doesn't over cook shrimp! Also, the chipotle chicken tacos are tastey as well!
(4)Mercy G.
TORTA! You must get the Torta! Everyone who works at Taco Bus will validate that it is the best thing on the menu! Made fresh daily! It is SO delicious you will keep coming back!
(4)Candice M.
On my first visit I got the pollo salad with cilantro dressing, but on my second visit I got the salad and the taco with steak. This has to be some of the best Mexican food ever. Considering the only other places I've been to are Red Mesa and Que Pasa, I don't really have much to compare it to, but its GOOD. The salad has a variety of ingredients which keep my taste buds interested, and that cilantro dressing over the tender chicken really sets it off! It is sooooo good. The first time I came here, I didn't have the tacos because I was dieting for a fitness show, so this time I made sure to enjoy me some carbs. I ordered one steak taco with all the toppings and ate that first as soon as I sat in the car, Literally, I looked down at my wrapper after 15 seconds and it was all gone! I said to myself,"Geez Candice, you inhaled that taco." It was honestly so good, I was going to get out of the car and order 3 more before I drove off, but instead I took my greedy self home and enjoyed my salad. Atmosphere- Everything is spread out---You order and pick up your food at the buses(food truck type of feel), they have some outside tables and they have inside dining which I never knew they had. The last time I came was it 3 am after hanging out with friends, and we sat outside. We were the only ones there last time, so it was nice to have good convo and laugh without bothering others. Everything so far has been flavorful, quick and tasty. I love Taco Bus!
(4)Vijay K.
Best mexican yu will find in whole of tampa the burrito prenado is the best burrito you will get to taste
(5)Alyssa K.
There's no Diners, Drive ins and Dives places in Orlando. Found this on a food network food map while driving up from Marco island, so we had to stop. It's a dive alright. It's so sketchy, the location, the busses, the tables, the service. It's all divey. That's the kind of thing I love. We sat down to eat there and ordered horchata, chips and guacamole, two tacos, and a burrito. Everything came out relatively fast. The chips and guacamole were very good. The horchata was as well. They got my taco order wrong, I ordered one cochinita pibil taco and one carne asada. Instead of the pibil, I got some chicken. I did not like the chicken, it tasted like mustard. When I told them about the mistake they made me a new one quickly and apologized. They were both great tacos. The burrito was probably even better than the tacos in my opinion, this place is really good. I'm amazed that it's so popular in a place like Tampa, but I love it. I'll have to make another stop here next time I drove through Tampa.
(5)Leslie D.
Great food here at taco bus I came here after work for some dinner. My husband I left happy we both enjoyed our meal great salsa and chips. And tacos they have variety of all kinda of Mexican food. Will come back soon .
(5)Mary M.
I have to say... It lives up to the hype! It was delicious. I had the pork tacos, the tostado with no meat, queso, bean dip and salsa. Loved all of it! The bean dip was especially my favorite dip. My friends had chicken and steak tacos and raved about their meals. I can't wait to go back and try more!
(5)Daisy D.
I had Taco Bus on my radar for a while. Maybe it's my Food Network addiction; I used to have a problem. But regardless, after drinking beers all day I think this would have been the first place I picked as soon as I opened up my trusty Yelp app. Taco Bus is some of the best drinky-drunk-dinner I've had in a long time. We ordered our food at the window, found a table between the two...er, buildings?...and went to town. I went with the Burrito Preñado with carnitas. While the wrapper was reminiscent of Taco Bell, this was way más than I would have ever gotten if I had made a run for the border. The pork was juicy and the burrito packed a lot of flavor. I basically inhaled the whole thing. How I did it and didn't regret it later I will never know. I had mine packed with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, guacamole, sour cream & cheese. It could have used more cheese, but everything to me can always use more cheese. While I didn't need them, I do agree with Hunter B. that a few chips would have been nice. Sometimes when my burrito is overflowing with gooey goodness I like to take a couple scoops with a chip or two, but that wasn't an option. I was also slightly disappointed with the bottle soda, but understanding the setup, it's not surprising. I'm just a fountain loving fool.
(4)Justin M.
You can't beat the atmosphere and the hours. I came here after a local wrestling show and was impressed with everything. Food came out quick and correct. Servers and employees were friendly and laid back. The food was grand. Tacos done expertly. There's a great variety as well. I spent about a week around Tampa and this is the one place I'll be certain to come back to if I'm ever in town again.
(5)Jayme N.
I have 0 complaints about this location. This food here is outstanding, and customer service is T1. I can tell you if they have values here they 100% follow every single one.
(5)Ingrid R.
Years ago this was the place for great authentic Mexican food, now however I can honestly say I rather go to Taco Bell. The last time I was there I spend 28.00 on 4 tacos and two drinks! Not to mention I didn't eat my tacos because what was supposed to be steak was more like greasy cardboard. Not even their salsa was fresh. It's very sad that what made this such an amazing place before is now been compromised by their popularity. Bigger is definitely not always better.
(1)Morgan B.
Our team visited here twice during a week-long trip to Tampa. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the visit. While the locale itself looks a bit run-down and dodgy from the outside, the immediate eating area is quite nice. The service was excellent and very efficient for our group of almost 40. There was something for everyone to choose, and the price was right, especially for the quantity. Favorites were the drink options- try the horchata or agua de pina. Definitely would return again if I was in the area, and would recommend to others!
(5)Adrienne V.
Bring back the shrimp taco bus! Bring back the rice pudding taco bus! Bring back the hibiscus iced tea taco bus! All of the most awesome things on their menu they got rid of this year. They went from being my second favorite restaurant to being somewhere that I would never ever go to.
(1)Karen F.
What is there to say about Taco Bus that hasn't already been said? Go here, eat here. The original location is the best. These are far and away my favorite tacos in the Tampa Bay area. If you are looking for fast food style with shredded lettuce and fake chez, these are NOT for you. But if you are looking for the real deal topped with diced tomatoes, cabbage mixture, cilantro and onions - you have a winner! I used to always get the Pollo (chicken) tacos, but lately I crave their Pollo Verde Desebrado (shredded chicken in a green tomatillo sauce). I usually get it as a combo "meal deal" with rice and beans. I will say - I'm a bit sad that they seem to have changed their refried beans in the past year or so - has anybody else noticed that? They used to be amazing, and now they are just good. Also sad that they stopped making their tamales on weekends. I guess there just wasn't enough demand for them. What a shame, because those were unique and delicious. Final tip - make sure you buy a red sauce and/or green sauce to-go - fresh and hot and spicy you'll find they perk up almost any food you have at home.
(4)Matt M.
Well let's with this, it's 12:15 am and I come to taco bus looking for some delicious food. All I am craving is the El pastor and fish tacos. And what do I come to find out, they have removed the El pastor from the menu. In my opinion the only good dishes at taco bus are the fish and El pastor, which they just took off the menu. Please come to your senses and put the El pastor back on the menu.
(1)Uncle Sam B.
They are cool. They accidentally charged me $35 for two tacos I ordered online but they returned the money back to my card and bought my meal. I didn't even ask them to. Love a free meal!
(4)Mark R.
Meh. This is absolutely not authentic Mexican food. It's a bit too greasy, a bit too cheesy, and largely lacking in the authentic flavor of a true roadside taco stand. It's main redeeming quality is that it's open late, and serves as solid late-night, cover-up-the-booze food, something otherwise lacking in this town.
(3)Delta M.
This was some of the best tacos I've ever had. I got there at 1145pm on a Saturday night and was shocked at how many people were eating and in line to order. After getting my food, I understand why, simply amazing!!!!
(5)Ivan C.
Im not sure what the hype is about this place.... waste of time driving here. Roaches crawling all over the busses. I've had better food at "Taco bell"
(2)Jim M.
Had some great fish tacos here; salsa verde was excellent with just the right amount of heat. The place may not make a great first impression but take a chance in the food - it won't disappoint!
(4)Amber H.
I can't go on enough about how much I love this place. I love everything about it, from the loud and fun decor, to the authentic tasting food. No matter what I order, I love! The price is right too. All the ingredients use always taste fresh. The staff is very nice. I love the fact that it's open 24 hours a day! When you're out late at night, this is a great alternative to greasy diners!
(5)Kirsten L.
I absolutely love this place! The staff is so nice and they were patient with my friends and I who didn't know at all what to get. I got two tacos, and I didn't even know but you can get different styles! I got the picadillo and Al Pastor and I personally liked the Al Pastor better, but both were really good! At first I thought it wouldn't fill me up but they're actually pretty filling! The location in Hillsborough is the better location, it's open later (Most nights open till 4am, some nights 24 hours) and I personally think that the staff here is nicer too. The only thing was that we waited a little bit for the food. We hit the rush and it took almost 30 minutes. But overall awesome late night bite for sure!
(5)Tom J.
What happened to the Taco Bus? Think they had the JV team on tonight with no coach. My online order took 1 hour & the girl behind the cash register said "I have no idea what's going on" on three separate occasions. I'll still be getting my Taco Bus on from time to time.
(3)Nadia E.
50/50 chance of getting your food correctly at this location when ordering from the bus window. It's a bummer since they have so many delicious vegan options when they get the order correctly. I've been given dairy cheese multiple times when I specially ask for vegan cheese. My friend was given real beef instead of vegan steak strips. However, whenever I've been waited on inside the restaurant the order has always been correct. I hope they work on improving their inconsistencies with service.
(3)Josh N.
The location and charm are both original and fun and the new menu items they added are delicious (I recommend the guac) that being said my partner and I went here last night with some friends of ours visiting from out of town and we all spent the night with messed up bellies. Hours after eating we all headed to bed and we all ended up with a sleepless night don't know if there was msg or bad spices but we were all hit with dumbly tummies
(3)John C.
Wow I used to eat here once a week at least for several years and it was always great. So great I spread the word as much as I could. Went today for the first time in quite a few months. I was there right at peak lunch time and only 2 other people were in line - my first clue that something was up. Next Clue was the price hike, the burrito has gone from $6 to $7.50 Clue #3 when my take out order arrived each burrito had been sliced in half and was now served in a fancy plastic container (used to be wrapped and bagged) When I got the order back to the office everyone remarked on how much smaller (less filling) the serving was. Also no limes Well despite all this I was still looking forward to eating it, but that was the biggest disappointment of all the flavors were gone. The Conchinita pork was bland and dry, and I had to drown it in the green and red sauces just to give it some kick. Everyone at my office said the same thing "Things ain't what they used to be" It's been McDonaldised - well we won't be back Such a pity to see what was the best take out place in Tampa ruined.
(2)Jessica M.
Good spot for late night food, we wanted nom nom after a show at Skippers and called to see how late they served, guess what they serve 24hrs on the weekends. Sweet! Tacos it is.
(4)Squints D.
Although I find that the flavors lack a punch, Taco Bus deserves 4 stars for the sheer fact that it caters to night owls. On top of that, the food is fresh and that goes a long way. The Hillsborough location is mostly outdoor, informal dining where you order at the window of the food truck and dine al fresco outside. Of course, additional seating and restrooms are available indoors. Overall, it's a winner if you're like me and don't decide that you're hungry until 11:30pm.
(4)Michael W.
Of all the tacos I've eaten on or near a bus, Taco Bus tacos are by far the best. Having visited four Taco Buses so far (a quadfecta!) I can recommend all without hesitation or reservation.
(5)Adam A.
Like Toby Keith, it's not as good as it once was. Carne Asada burrito is my goto here. The veggie blend is nice with cilantro and cabbage for a nice crunch. The hot sauce is among my favorite. But as goes most restaurants it goes mainstream and can't maintain what was so great for so many reasons from flavor to the feel to price.
(3)Quan D.
Quick Summary: A good location for some late eats, the food is pretty tasty and comes with a pretty good value. The Horchata is a little on the sweet side and could use some more cinnamon, but overall a place I'd come back to when I get some of the Mexican hunger pangs. After a late arrival to TPA and airlines not serving food like they used to (not that I was a fan of that food) I found Taco Bus as a great alternate to 24/7 fast food chains. They've got a pretty good variety of meats and options and at a good value. I went with the burrito with the cochinita pibil with some extra jalapenos. My recommendation is to go without the rice and beans filling, it drowns out any of the other flavors. I also got a side of the ceviche (mixed octopus and shrimp), it's a bit on the sweet side, but pretty good overall. A random note, it may because I got the food to go, but the way the ceviche was given to me just gave me the feel it was a pre packaged deal, not freshly made. Oh and I got a large horchata, if you've never had this drink it is a delicious sweet milky drink. The large is huge and should be shared. I found their version here was a bit sweeter than I like, I prefer to mine to have a few more of the spice flavors take precedence. Overall it was a worth while visit and definitely warrants a return. I'll have to give the tacos a try next time!
(4)Eric T.
I hate to do this, but I have to give this place two stars. Now, my review is not based on the food. To me it's great, it's just the lack of following directions. Let me explain.... I'm vegan.. as far as quick vegan options in Seminole Heights goes TB pretty much has the best. I love their vegan steak strip burritos, but when I call in OR do an online order and simply request "no cheese", that request is met with a 50% accuracy. Seriously, every other time I get my food with cheese in it, and then I go through the frustrating wait for them to make it a second time. Sometimes I get a sorry from the cashier, but that's about it. Taco Bus.... get it together!
(2)Peter C.
The food here was great. The way it was presented was not. I ordered to go and all my food was outside of my taco very messy and careless however it still gets 4 stars at least being the food tasted so good...
(4)Morgan H.
I would've definitely given 5 stars if I didn't love the taste of Loli's Mexican Cravings by the airport. It was definitely my best taco eating experience ever!! Ordering at the bus and then being able to eat inside was the most fun. Indoor and outdoor seating options were super fun. The food tastes were super authentic too. I didn't really like the carrots and peas in my rice, but the pieces of chicken were phenomenal. It was actual real chicken breast. Sooooooo good. The sauce?!? Sooooo good. And being able to make it a combo with rice and beans definitely gave it points over Loli's. They were definitely the most filling tacos I've ever had. Like I could take a nap. Soooo awesome!!
(4)William C.
There is a fly problem here.
(1)J C.
I got a burrito prenado filled with pork al pastor. The pork was tender and not as strongly flavored as other versions of al pastor I've had. All in all, the combination of this meat and the other fillings made for a decent burrito. My only complaint would be the sizing. I guess I shouldn't expect Chipotle sized burritos, but that's kind of the bar I was working with, given this price point.
(3)Sue S.
This bus is addicting! Open late into the morning...way exceeds any fast food run you've ever been on! Order online for your convenience... Authentic tacos like no other!
(5)Malinda L.
I am giving this 5 stars because of the price and quality of the food. I have never had a bad experience here and the food is always freshly made and has great flavor. You can't beat the prices and it is a fun place to go. I am definitely a big fan!
(5)Tara A.
My husband and I had heard all the hype, we were in the area, hungry and decided to give it a try. The parking lot was busy even at 3pm on a Sunday, which seemed like an excellent sign. The menu looked incredible, tons of choices that literally made my husband's mouth water. He had the "pregnant burrito" with picadillo & I couldn't wait to try the tostada with carnita (I make both of these at home without ever trying them out and we were super excited to see what they were 'suppose' to taste like). Because we were hungry we also order chips and guacamole (I refrained from ordering dessert on the spot, lol). The food came out SUPER quick, the chips and guacamole first; our meals followed less than two minutes later. The chips were okay, not warm at all. I guess I was expecting fresh made chips but these were certainly store bought. The guacamole was wonderful. It had chunks of tomato, seasoned nicely with a really great bite of acid. Easily the best part of our meal. My husband's burrito was yucky, for lack of a better word. I couldn't even place the actually meat taste, which worries me. The tostada, once again, store bought and served cold. The carnita meat had NONE of the citrus flavor or caramelization that I am use to. The whole thing just lacked flavor. I enjoyed the sauces that were on the table, but my husband was unimpressed. The ladies who took our order were efficient, the food came out super quick, but the seating was a bit of a mess. There were flys landing on our food and three ladies at the table right next to us were smoking like chimneys. Over all we were unbelievably disappointed in our experience and will not be back. Don't believe the hype.
(1)Q M.
We were visiting from out of town and heard a lot of positive recommendations for taco bus so we tried it. I order the chicken tacos. The portion size was rather small and I had to add cheese and sour cream, which in my opinion should have came with the tacos. The meat was seasoned well and the tacos were pretty tasty, especially after you added the free sauces on the table. Overall for the price I don't know if it was worth it.
(3)Jullie C.
The owner of Taco Bus is awesome. I remember when I was a little kid and this place was literally a little trailer and she would be the only one working making all her tacos one order at a time. She didn't speak a lick of English and she only had 3 or 4 choices on the menu and now she has over 500 reviews and a good bunch of employees. She obviously is a hard worker. The food is amazing, and the service is pretty good considering it's always busy. Now when I visit Tampa and want to go for lunch there's barely any place for me to park because of the heavy lunch rush. Glad this place worked out so well.
(5)Lydia C.
Perfect place to stop at after a night of drinking! I loved the super cute buses and the staff was just awesome! I had a fish taco and it was so delicious! I also tried the green and the red salsas which had a very spicy kick and were excellent on the taco. I can't wait to go back! I'm saying a prayer that the taco bus guys find it in their hearts to open up in Orlando! You must check this place out if you are in the area. I highly recommend the fish taco!
(5)Megan H.
A great spot to grab a bite to eat. Delicious food and friendly staff. We came back a second time and couldn't stop talking about the place in between visits. We were recommended by many locals to come here and they weren't kidding when they said it was awesome. We ordered the pollo Chipotle burrito and the carne asada burrito... both outstanding! Our service was wonderful, and the prices are so reasonable!!
(5)J L.
We have eaten Taco Bus at several times since and it still is ahmazzing! the only think that I would say is don't have the sweet potato taco.
(5)Sean R.
Ive been frequenting the BUS for over a year, its right by my office and now one is close to home here in Brandon. Truth is, they are consistently inconsistent. The burritos are getting smaller and the food quality is just going down hill. Today was Ranchero Burrito day. For almost $9 I got a medium size burrito that wasnt even hot. Nothing in it was mixed right, thrown together. Bottom line....its not worth the money.
(2)Daniel F.
A few days after my visit, and I realize that the Mexican Burrito Gods are so angry at TACO BUS that they are spewing hot sauce out of their ears right now... (this review is solely based on my opinion, my experience, recommendations) Being somewhat newer to the Tampa area, I was told to check out TACO BUS. Went for my first time a couple months ago. VERY GOOD. FRESH. HOT. Because of this experience, I recommended TACO BUS to my friends who had just moved here too. They went and they really liked it. I love introducing good new food to friends and then they enjoy my recommendations. Then on May 5th, Cinco de Mayo, at about 11 pm, I went to TACO BUS again, this time bringing my brother, who loves Mexican-ish food as much as I do. My wife came too (she is from South America, therefore familiar with fresh ingredients). I had been telling him for a few days, "You have to come. It's one of the best burritos you can find". Now, it is Cinco de Mayo, but this didn't mean too much. About fifteen people ahead of us in line. A few people already sitting around eating. I ordered the "Picadillo Burrito" which is essentially a ground beef burrito (last time I ordered the shredded beef burrito). Brother orders Carne Asada burrito and wife orders Carne Asada Torta. Two burritos plus drink was in the neighborhood of $27. Took 25 minutes to get food. If fifteen people in line is high volume, then I'm impressed. I TOOK A BITE OF MY GROUND BEEF BURRITO... Cold beef! My favorite! Barely warm if at all! Overly salted mush. The ground beef had no familiar form or texture. It looked like this: Chop up ground beef at home. Add tomato sauce. Now carry that skillet full of ground beef to your driveway, dump it out behind your Chevy Tahoe's back tire and reverse the car. Now go forward. And backwards. And forward again. Do that twelve more times. Look at your beef now. It is flat and texture-less...My side of rice was cold too, and seemed refrigerated a couple times prior, not to forget that it was likely sitting out all day. Simply put, my rice tasted old. Plus, bad tortilla wrapping job. Everything was loose, nothing tight. I couldn't get a good bite of everything together. My brother said the carne asada burrito was underwhelming and the "steak/carne asada" tasted like it was one step up from steak-ums. He also made a comment about the last 1/3 of his burrito being barren of ingredients which did look really bad: "I love that I ordered a $10 sour cream and cheese burrito" My wife had the carne asada torta. Looks like it had potential. She and I agreed that it only tasted of straight up heavily buttered bread with a hint of ingredients. I must add that the two salsas that they have as options are rather bland and flavorless for a taco joint. Really. TACO BUS on Hillsborough Ave might suffer from at least two of these problems in my opinion: 1) A sub par system of building the order in a timely manner when people are in line. 2) Riding on the environmental fact that you actually order your food from a cool old bus, therefore guaranteeing business from curious eaters. 3)Sending food out just to complete the kitchen ticket, without any accountability from a head cook/chef to make sure the product has the right amount of ingredients in it, looks presentable and is warm. 4) Jaded management that knows people will continue to come eat here anyway because everyone talks about it and give it five stars for some reason. Taco Bus! Where is that good food I had when I came the first time??? The good food I recommended to people? I'm embarrassed that my brother hated my recommendation. Can quality stay maintained when there are more than a few people in line? Can't a $27 meal for two be a little better than cold, old and incredibly half way cared about? You guys built a good reputation on something delicious, right? I will come back and eat one more time soon and hopefully it's great so that I can take this review down or write a new one to eat my words. Until then, I advise anyone who is standing in a line twelve or more people strong, to turn away and find your closest Chipotle.
(2)Ben T.
This dive in in my hood boys and girls. I love them and they are fresh and good and open 24 hours a day. Love to hit them on the way home from the club. The food is so fresh and made with the cabbage which is the real way. You will enjoy.
(5)Peggy M.
Excellent fresh tasting food. Lots of vegetarian choices, a huge plus! We eat here every month.
(5)Mark B.
Real Mexican made food. I know there are a boatload of mexican /taco places invading our towns. Some fair some good and some even real. I have been to Mexico surfing many times. There you get the deal deal Mexican. After all you are in Mexico and they are cooking. Good bare bones food is what you get. Here you get just about the samething. They serve you super fresh things like the cilantro, tomatoes, onions all so fresh you can tell by the crunch of the veg the brightness of the flavors. You mix that freshness with some really nicely but not too aggressively seasoned meats. Then you have the makings of a good yet relatively cheap meal. We were in a group and we tried about half of the menu. From tacos of each meat to a tostada and even the burrito and a torta thrown in. You know when the table is gotten good food when you could hear a pin drop. We were all loving our meal. Now this place is also a little different. You can see their grown from a single taco bus ( literally) to a small building to a larger building. All which still sit where they were originally placed. You can sit inside, outside, or on benches, chairs, or even stools. This place is piece melded together But one thing for sure is the cooking part is top notch. If you like us are visiting Tampa you need to find the bus.
(4)Amy D.
Much better than the Taco Bus downtown. The quesadillas ar legit and the ambience authentic. Service is quick with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Also recommend, trying the pineapple water. Refreshing and sweet all in one. Another thing to try is both sauces. Both have a kick and flavor to keep you coming back to try more on the menu.
(4)EJ P.
I would just like to reiterate the fact that this food is slightly better than Taco Bell (which I think is crap food), possibly not as tasty as something like Chipotle (which I think is crap food), and a lot more expensive. Taco Bus is not a good Mexican joint; it's just a gimmick that has been severely overhyped by people in Tampa who've never been to Mexico or west of the state of Louisiana and eaten REAL Mexican food. Taco Bus would be in no way be considered "good Mexican" west of the state of Louisiana. However, for Tampa, where decent Mexican or ANY Mexican is rare, this is a decent taqueria. The fillings are hit or miss and taste old and off-seasoned, the tortillas are from a bag, the toppings are no biggie, the salsas are horrible, the prices are high. If you are from Texas, Cali, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona and so on, or from Mexico, do not bother going here or to any other Mexican place in Tampa Bay. You will be pissed you spent money on what Tampa considers "great" Mexican food. I do not understand how anyone can think this food is good. The only thing "authentic" and "Mexican" about this place is the fact that they use Fabuloso to clean the floors, play Latin music, and have bugs flying around. The food is usually old and always is made the lowest quality ingredients. On top of that, it's BLAND. The only way to get good Mex in Tampa is to get on a plane to San Antonio, Albuquerque or LA.
(2)Occy V.
I ate this sober so maybe thats why it wasnt appealing to me. Very expensive and honestly the seasoning just isnt there for a mexican any kind of food truck. If you go here make sure you tell them to take it light on the cilantro unless you have hooves =)
(2)Brett B.
Best Burrito in the Bay! You will find no better burrito. The ingredients are very fresh and the flavor of the tender meats is outstanding. Open 24/7 great for late night feast.
(5)Hunter B.
I wanted to give the Taco Bus five stars. My puerco asado burrito lunch was among the best burritos I've had outside of the Mission District in SF. The style is different than the Cali style, but to me, it's every bit as good. Service was fine. I ate at a table, instead of takeout from the bus window out back. So where did that fifth star go? The salsa verde is amazing, and the roja was great, too ... but the burrito didn't come with chips. Maybe that's a ticky-tack foul and I should call it 4.5 stars, but I'm used to at least a few chips around the burrito. Either way, I'm definitely going back and will recommend it highly.
(4)Laura S.
I loved this place! Not exactly in the safest part of town, but the food is delicious and super authentic. Don't go for the ambience or service, though!
(4)Paul S.
This place is serious. Not the garbage Tex-Mex crap. This is authentic mexican food. Carne Asada burrito is a must!
(4)Athena L.
I rate the bus only 4 stars because others in the group ordered chicken and weren't happy with it. I had a shrimp burrito and loved it. The verde is phenomenal here it has the perfect amount of spice. My mouth is watering just thinking of it. Another person with me ordered the steak burrito and had no complaints. My suggestion is avoid the chicken and you'll love it.
(4)Elithea W.
this, tampa? really?? i'm really, really sorry but this stuff, while admittdely slightly different than, is nowhere more "authentic", whatever tat means, than the ex-pepsico taco bell. it is, however, a lot more expensive. for what? i might stop to take home a small guac sometime again, as that was nearly worth the price of its ingredients and i live close, but probably i'll just buy the avocado and continue to make my own. but two tostadas slung into the same takeout box so that two people couldn't make heads or tails of them, not that it would have made any difference if they could have, but i paid over ten bucks for this?? bland, blagh and boring. and i'm still hungry. what a rip. your mexicen neighbors are laughing st you, hipsters!
(1)Kara K.
Taco Bus = Yes The carne asada anything is delish! It's definitely casual and low-key... I mean come on, they serve food out of a redesigned school bus! But don't let the bus scare you... the food is great and the experience is fun!
(5)J. P.
I really enjoyed my trip to the Taco Bus. Everyone has told me how awesome it is. I just hadn't been. Now, I'll have to make regular visits. I had three tacos with three different meats. My wife got the burrito. We also shared a guacamole appetizer. The appetizer was a little short on chips, but everything we ate was awesome so we'll let them slide on the chips.
(5)Sharon E.
I wish Yelp gave me more Stars because I would give this place 10 stars!! The wait staff was so nice and efficient. Now onto the food. Started with guacamole & chips..Fresh & yummy and the small was perfect for 2 people. Hubby & I both ordered the Burrito with Carne Asada. Probably the best burrito in the world. The meat was perfectly seasoned & the veggie & cheese filling was fresh so you could taste every ingredient. Hubby was able to finish his but as much as I wanted to & gave it a valiant effort, I had to leave about a fourth of it on the plate. I was so sad to say goodbye to it. I suggest everyone give this play a try. If my recommendation doesn't work, remember, Guy Fieri did a feature on Diners, Drive-ins & Drives & gave it a thumbs up..
(5)Anna M.
Taco Bus: still AMAZING. They now have Vegan Steak Strips that rock my world!
(5)Brandon P.
Came here with my wife and uncle. I ordered the burrito with shredded beef. This tasted pretty good, although not great by any means. I also ordered the strip steak taco. Meat was ok. Not much flavor and a little dry. My wife ordered the chicken quesadilla and hated it. That didn't have much flavor either. Overall, I give this a 3. Wife refuses to go back. Might have better luck going with the guys.
(3)Paula D.
Great unique joint! You must go here. Delicious food and a fun environment.
(5)jon Q.
The atmosphere here is great; staff is friendly and the eating areas are clean and quite (and they look cool too). The food is top notch, I really enjoyed the fish tacos. Over all I would say this is definitely a great place to stop for some good mexican food. Perfect spot for a date as well. If you go, try the horchata-- its the best I've ever had.
(4)David C.
I've eaten the questionable meals. Roadside along the Baja Peninsula, peeling stucco and stray dogs. Down there, pointing is the universal language, and price is relayed with raised fingers. There's always a moment of uncertainty after consumption - what did I just eat, will this meal be my last? Those memories are the best, and the hardest to replicate. Not impossible, though. I'm told the Taco Bus was once mobile. Increased demand combined with swelling gas prices rendered the bus sedentary, and a building grew around it. Now it resembles its ramshackle counterparts south of the border - wooden tables hammered together under electric fans blowing hot, wet air just fast enough to keep the flies off. There's music, but never in English. Ambiance would be a tease without food, but El Taconazo delivers. From juicy shredded Barbacoa to tender Carne Asada to a couple of great veggie numbers, everything's good. The squash tostada will induce that wide-eyed look of flavor discovery in even the most seasoned of lettuce heads, and you'll swear that the cheese and nopal burrito is meated. Horchata, maybe the best hot-weather drink ever, hits in full creamy force with beautiful bursts of cinnamon and vanilla. Hibiscus Lemonade and Tamarind Agua Fresca, once acquired as tastes, will never let go. You will never want refrescos americanos again. They've even got glass bottled coke made with cane sugar vice high fructose corn syrup. A sign out front assures, 'broken English, spoken perfectly.' Never fear, even if you mangle your Spanish for the order, you've always got those universal fingers.
(5)Inspector Y.
Crazy crazy....this place rocks. Good food, good prices. Had the chiviche and the menudo...also a few tacos. Check them out.
(4)Justin R.
I love this place for a few reasons: 1. they have badass tortas. I haven't had a good torta since coming to Tampa, if you are a fan of the torta, you will love this place. 2. Horchata, they have it, and it's done right, and they have the Mexican Coca Cola, which much to my chagrin is now made with corn syrup.....boo to that, but I fault the bus not for this heresy, but Coke. 3. The service is prompt, and the food is out fast. 4. They put a good spin on traditional Mexican. 5. NUFF SAID!
(5)Joshua S.
Had the chicken tamale, puerco asado and carne asada taco, all of which were very tasty. The tamale was the best, though. My sister had a pork tamale, which was even better than my chicken. The horchatas we got were also SO spectacular! Perfectly sweet with a good hint of cinnamon. Decor is obviously poor, but I really liked everything about this place nonetheless. The employees are also very nice and patient with first-timers. 2 tacos or 1.5 tamales is definitely enough for one person. 2 tacos plus a tamale was WAY too much... but I still ate every bite. :-\
(5)Tara M.
My friend wanted to stop at a Diner's, Drives and and Dives spot this the Taco bus was it on our way back from Clearwater beach and we all agreed WOW is the best way to describe it. I ordered 2 taco meal with pulled chicken and carne asada with everything which comes with rice and refried beans. I am normally a slow eater but this food did not last long! Well worth the stop on our way back to Orlando!
(5)Bob K.
We have made many trips to Tampa (from Chicago) but this was the first time we ate at The Taco Bus. It won't be our last! Very tasty food - very friendly service - cool vibe - tables in a shaded area just off the end of the bus - a sink built into the front end of the bus to wash hands - down to earth perfection. I had the Barbacoa (braised beef) taco - $2.69!!! Wife had the Friday special - chicken chipotle in a taco shell and then we shared an appetizer - the Butternut squash Centro. This was actually a good order - the squash appetizer with poco de gallo, sweet peppers and queso cotija was light and refreshing and a great finish to lunch. Can I take this bus home with me to Chicago?
(5)Lily T.
One of the BEST tacos de lengua I have ever tasted. Simple yet so delicious! the lengua cubes were cut in large pieces and was so tender and flavorful.
(4)Thea H.
I wouldn't break my neck to go here. The fare is more authentic than say Taco Smell... I mean Taco Bell or Moe's with items I never even knew existed. So, I give them a star for authentic. There's another star for fresh. There's nothing pre-done, canned, artificial here. It's super fresh. And I can really appreciate fresh food. I love the salsa! The last star is for fun. The bus is a riot. You have to love that kind of individuality in a town chock full of chains. What I don't like is the flavor. I'm not completely sold on the chicken. Note: I don't eat four legged animals so I haven't experience with the other meats. On my first visit I had a burrito. I was really disappointed with the meat. I was hoping for something spicy and grilled like at Chipotle... now, now put down your tomatoes. I really like the chicken at Chipotle because it actually has a kick to it. I was expecting something like that but I didn't get it. One night after work I was really craving a taco and refuse to go to taco bell and I stopped by on my way home. The taco was really great with fresh toppings. The chicken was still meh but the ingredients were terrific. I figured it was a fluke and went the next day before my night job. The chicken was even better but it's not as spicy as I'd like. It's an ok place and I will go back but I'm not a junkie for it.
(3)Brianna R.
If you like mexican food YOU WILL LOVE THIS PLACE. it's definitely a dive place, if you're a pinkies up person this probably isn't the place for you. you order literally out of a bus window and it's very fast, cheap and beyond satisfying! their hot sauce is pretty sweet too. we had the mexican style cooked meet burritos with rice and beans and cleaned our plates. to die for! yum yum! the outside seating is pretty cool too but there's inside with a/c as well. bathrooms are clean and if you're in tampa you need to go here!
(5)Jess S.
Great vegetarian options! I love there food, always fresh & tasty! I want some right now! Lol I'm hungry for some good Mexican food!
(5)Amy Z.
Taco Bus is now open 24 hours! I love the combo. Very close to San Diego style.
(5)Jackie B.
I've been eating at Taco Bus for the past 4 years and I am sad to say that I will never go back there again. I have been getting the same burrito for years and over the past year or so, I've noticed the quality of the burrito is getting worse. To me, the burritos do not taste as well as they used to and it seems like the staff who make the food do not care to pay attention to little details and do not care to make the burritos properly like you order them. My boyfriend ordered a taco the other day and specified that he did not want cheese in it. He got almost to the end of half the burrito and realized that the last few bites had cheese in them. He is allergic to cheese and so he was upset that he had taken a huge bite of the burrito and there was cheese on it. He went up and told the people who make the burritos that he specifically ordered no cheese, and they repeated it back to him when he made his order and there was nothing they would do. They just said "oh well, you already ate half of it, so we won't make another for you." This is not the first time that taco bus has really let me and other people I know down, but it was the final mistake that made me decide I will never go back to taco bus again.
(1)Pamela R.
At first i was a little skeptical about going to a place called "taco bus". Mexican food being served out of a bus? who does that. Little did i know this would become one of my favorite places to eat in tampa after classes. I love the tostada's w/ chicken or steak. Very delicious. I also love the shrimp taco :) yummy. nice juicy shrimp just wonderful. Pros: Authentic mexican good, Great prices Cons: Not really a fast food place. On a good day be ready to wait about 10mins for your food. The Hibiscus lemonade is not that great
(5)Larissa S.
Never thought I would have burritos as good as I did in NYC, but Taco Bus takes the cake. Sure, the meat is cheap, but all other ingredients are fresh. That meat is what makes a good burrito, that is the authentic difference. They offer pollo, barbacoa, vegan choices and my favorite, cochinita pibil. Get the pork! Also, do not forget to get a Mexican coke. They are open 24-7, which is great after a long night of partying if you are willing to make the drive. They are located in Seminole Heights area, which is the new hipster area of Tampa, but they have been here long before that. They have a sit in and take out options. Their green hot sauce is out of this world. Many other Taco Buses have opened up after this one because of their growing popularity, but just like any other Primanti Bros, Giordano's, or Geno's, you have to go to the original to get the real dank stuff.
(5)Kelly S.
After reading all the hype about the taco bus - I was really excited to go and check it out. My first thought was, "I thought all the reviews said this was cheap Mexican food". It is not cheap, almost 20 bucks for two people is moderate. We got the 2 taco deal and a quesadilla. The quesadilla had almost no cheese in it!! The tacos were okay (chicken and steak) but that is after I pulled out all the fat and grisle from the meat (yuck). The best part was the cabbage on top of the tacos. My conclusion, maybe this place tastes better when you are drunk and hungry - otherwise, don't bother.
(2)Necota S.
Passing through the area, I happened upon this and was pleasantly surprised about how thoughtful the tacos were. I would gladly hangout here and enjoy the outside vibe.
(4)Katrina R.
When you need a Mexican, not a Tex-Mex fix... We have heard of the famous Taco Bus for quite some time, but never ventured down there. Oh...my...new love. When you pull up to this rustic place you first see the big school bus that has been converted into a kitchen; and then you are awe struck by the excellent authentic Mexican menu they serve up. You get authentic Mexico City feast at real "taco bus" pricing. $10 and you can eat like a king! I highly recommend the butter nut squash tostada. There is usually a pretty long line (it's 24 hrs), but its always worth it; and if your around my age your probably the oldest and most sober as well. :) It is definitely a must-eat destination when you are in Tampa. Not in the glam-o-rama part of town, but Seminole Heights is up in coming...lets just hope Taco Bus remains down to its roots!
(4)Mark A.
Took the trip from the DDD segment and overall I'm glad I came by. I tried several things; torta, tofu tostada and a side of Mexican rice. Also had the pineapple drink. First the torta. Good flavor but too much bun for me. I ended up eating just the bottom half of the sandwich so I probably didn't get the full taste of this one. The tofu tostada was excellent. Had you not ordered it, you would never guess its tofu. Surely would try that again. The mexican rice was not what I would expect from an authentic mexican spot so I would steer clear of that. The pineapple drink was great and would surely recommend. The staff is very friendly and do agree with some of the other reviews that there is a funky smell that comes from the outside area. That can be fixed with better cleaning the soil/rocks around the tables and moving trash bins. Sad I'd even have to comment but it's worth stating that you should eat inside.
(3)Veggie L.
What a very cool place! I'm a vegetarian traveling through Florida on business. I have to say that this state is not my favorite (Miami & Tampa specifically); however, after reading through hundreds of reviews on Yelp my colegue and I decided it was a great idea to try taco bus. Can I just say?? Freggin Yummy!! We had the vegan steak strips in a burrito & vegan tamales. We also had the amazing pineapple water. This place is fun and delicious. So happy to finally have good mexican food outside of CA.
(4)Sara S.
Taco Bus is definitely a diamond in the rough! I'm thankful for my friend telling me about it and taking me there one boring day last summer! I have to admit, if he hadn't taken me there, I wouldn't have gone searching for restaurants in this location. The food is deliciously authentic, using corn tortillas and fresh pico de gallo. There is a variety of meats and choices for meat eaters and vegetarians. The only 2 complaints I have heard from other people that I have taken have been that you have to pay extra for cheese (only about .30) and that there aren't any chips and salsa. I find both of those complaints to be minor compared to this great, authentic Mexican food!
(5)Heather B.
By far the best Mexican in all of Tampa!! Or outside of Mexico- seriously amazingly fresh and tasty food made in a big ol bus attached to a building! So yummy - we had fish tacos, butternut squash tostadas and a quesadilla with vegan steak strips. They have quite an assortment and are vegetarian and vegan friendly. The one downfall- stryofoam plates :( oh and no beer. But all in all it was excellent!
(5)Michael V.
Another wonderful Tampa Bay "dive" that everyone should know about, but I'm kind of glad they don't. Eating here is like eating in a roadside stand in Mexico. Unimpressive decor, but great food. When we last visited, some local Seminole Heights residents carried in a cooled filled with their own cerveza and wine, and no one seemed to mind. Order anything, you can't go wrong!
(4)Olivia S.
Absolutely love this place. I have been in Tampa since May and have already been there 3 times. True authentic tacos. My favorite is the pork taco with their special preparation technique. They have some tasty drinks that are made from scratch. Although, it can be busy and seating is sometimes limited. Truly a must go in Tampa. Not to mention it is affordable.
(5)Jason B.
This place is legit.
(5)CC D.
If you have someone from out of town there are two things you have to do. #1 take them to either a Rays, Bucs or Bulls Game and #2 Take them to Taco Bus late night. It is a staple of Tampa. It's so different from other places. The food is pretty good. Not the best, but the experience is what matters. Awesome burritos. There is some ancient mayan pork recipe that's good. Fun to visit after the bars close and you have a case of the munchies!
(4)Ruby H.
Heard about Taco Bus from my foodie hair-stylist. Then learned from locals what an institution it is. A fun concept, tasty food, and generous portions. We ordered ceviche and a carne asada burrito. Both very good, although I liked the burrito more than I liked the ceviche. I'd definitely return on my next trip out to Tampa.
(4)Phil T.
This is a rockin Taco Bus....After it was recommended to me, first thing is this is right up my alley. Started off small, now they have the bus, a restaurant, and then the kitchen. This is the perfect bus stop anyone would want to go! Before arriving, I was a lil skeptical bc I heard overpriced, underflavored, and cheap meat tacos. It deffered me a lil bit but I went w/ my gut and I felt I had to experience it on my own. Seriously Im a taco king and these people are putting out a good product. Yes they are a lil overpriced. $2.70 for a taco, but they established themselves. They were probably penny tacos trying to just sell something that they were grown up on. Now they have a succesful business and the atmosphere, the food, the effort that goes into this place is well done. Nothing better than working from the bottom and up! I did a barbacoa taco and a carne asada tostada. Both were non fatty and decently flavored. The sauces were really good the verde and rojo. I liked the combo a lil taste of everything. :) Work friend got the chicken burrito and he liked it as well. Of course I asked him if the chicken was clean of bones. Always happens in shredded chicken but he said it was clean. Kudos to them! :) This taco bus is a must stop if not a routinely stop. Support you local restaurants!
(4)Rob H.
Cheap, tasty food 24/7. What more could you ask for? So this place has a normal sit down and order option during normal hours of operation. Come late evening, they go to only having the pickup (bus) window in the back of the place. There is seating both indoors and out. The food options vary a lot of a taco joint. My vegetarian friends are able to come here happily, they have a number of excellent options for those who dislike meat. For the meat lovers, they have even more choices. Food is decently cheap, and the quality is high. The only drawback is late around last call, this place can have a long line of horrendously drunk folks. As they leave bars and such, they want food and this place is open, so they come here. This means they slur, cannot figure out what they want, and all around slow up the line. If you were in a hurry around that time, you may want to go elsewhere. If nothing else, they do provide excellent amusement though. (I would not recommend bringing the kids around those times, but why are your kids awake at last call anyhow? ;) This place stays on my list of places to go when I am in Tampa. I will note they serve no beer, but you can bring your own without issue. They expect it.
(4)Chris D.
Not that they need the additional pimpage (60+ reviews!), but Taco Bus is authentic goodness. I missed an opportunity to go to one of the many taco buses in Oakland/San Francisco on my latest vacation, but I'm glad to have found one in my own 'backyard'. The 'guac' is fresh, tacos are yummy (hooray cilantro), and even the Hibiscus Lemonade is interesting. Of course, you can't go wrong with a Mexican Coca-Cola (much better than the 'American' version). From now on, the only places I'll go for good Mexican food are Taco Bus and Casa Tina in Dunedin.
(4)Kevin F.
Very tasty tacos! The Hibiscus-flower lemonade is a bit sweet, but quite refreshing. Definitely worth the visit. Besides, most of the staff are quite easy-on-the-eyes ;)
(4)Paula P.
Yayyy! Deliciouus, they use authentic Mexican tortillas, even have lots of vegetraian tofu and tempeh options. Sooo yummy and great prices!
(5)jeff t.
Ok, I'm just gonna be brutally honest here....this place is WAYYYYYY TOO OVERRATED. The food is DECENT at best and I honestly only really enjoyed the sauces they had available. Other than that, this place sucks, real talk. IDK why everyone likes to say T.B is the shit when I could honestly get better burritos at Chipotle or even Taco Bell.... :-/
(1)Kim T.
food isn't bad but when I was sitting there with a friend a girl walked up to me and shoved my bill in my face. She was not my waitress and I wasn't done eating. Then she stood over me and waited for me to finish. When I told her I wasn't done eating she was upset and stormed off. She came back with my dessert I asked for then stuck the ticket back in my face. Her attitude really made me wonder why I came at all. I live in walking distance but this is one place I won't be walking to anytime soon...
(1)Shazia T.
a hole in the wall place that is really good! i'll def have to come back and try their other items. here is what i had: - fish tacos: the best fish tacos i have ever had..... i ordered it with everything and added some red and green sauce. be careful with the green sauce cuz it's super spicy - watermelon juice: in a HUGE cup and super sweet.... really good, though I should have added some lime juice to it - tres leches cake: it was ok.... i've had better - shrimp taco: it was ok - vegetarian taco: good... covered in rice, beans, lettuce, onions. better with the green and red salsas - rice and beans: so simple and yet so yummy and flavorful... my favorite item from here so far - vegetarian tamales: really good and filling - horchata: tastes like the milk at the end of bowl of cinnamon toast crunch.... in a HUGE cup and kinda rich, so share with someone - pineapple juice: also in a HUGE cup and better than the other drinks in my opinion - rajas con queso: i had this as a taco and it was soooooooooo good!! definitely getting this next time - flan: i've had better. the top part tasted very egg-y. - butternut squash taco: good, but kinda weird in taco form in my opinion - butternut squash centro: LOVED it! came with tostadas and it was so good and light.
(4)Hilary A.
Your food is wonderful and reminiscent of my trips to Mexico. The only thing I truly miss is Chilaquiles. Please, please, please, por favor add this to your menu!!!!!
(4)Vito G.
The seating is uncomfortable and the atmosphere is deplorable (I had to listen to Harlem Shake like three times), but I'll be damned if this isn't one of the tastiest taco joints in the area. And open 24/7! I mean, it's a hike from Pasco County, but it is worth it. Three tacos (conchinita pibla, tabouleh, and fried fish) and they were all immaculately splendid. This is the kind of place I crave in the dead of night, where I can actually go get it in said dead of night. Four stars well deserved.
(4)Yvonne G.
I love Taco Bus. This is one of Tampa's coolest places. It is a funky, quirky dive joint. It is open 24 hours / 7 days a week. You can choose to sit down or walk up to the window and order take out, or carry it to one of their outside tables. The service isn't always the fastest, but if you are patient and love to people watch, like I do, then it's a great place to enjoy fresh Mexian food in Tampa. It is authentic Mexican style from Yucatan, Mexico. Fresh-made salsas, yummy guacamole and very tasty salads too. As a new vegetarian (less than a year) I'm happy that they have vegetarian, even vegan options here. My vegan sister visited recently and enjoyed dinner with us here. Warning: don't come here and expect to order the kind of taco Americans are used to eating. You won't find it here. The first time I brought my daughters here, my youngest was flabbergasted to learn she could not have a crunchy taco that you hold in your hand. I explained that a tostada is crunchy and has all the same stuff that a taco has on it, it's just flat. She was not happy. They do not serve alcohol here, but you can BYOB. Great atmosphere. Love the simple and fresh approach.
(4)Gwendolyn W.
Sanitation practices be damned!! But I've never been made ill by this late-night step-up from a roach-coach. Though I'm quite sure the staff do not clean the bus as often as I most would hope, but you know the food is fresh because this place is busy 24/7. There's a good reason it's busy 24/7. 1.) It's always open 2.) Quite tasty 3.) Speedy. What more do you really need when you're the designated driver at 3:13am on Saturday night and you have a car load of drunk folks? After they're done polluting themselves with liquor, drive down Hillsborough Ave and load them up with Mexican grub, boot everyone out on the front door of their domicile so they don't vomit in your backseat. Night, done! This joint would've received 5 stars except for the questionable sanitation practices previously mentioned. Overlook it and enjoy:)
(4)Mark B.
Wow, that was an amazing fish taco! And who likes refried beans? - Me - this is not the same as everywhere lese. Best Mexican food in Town
(5)Sheri R.
Ambiance is hysterical... it's definitely a dive - some of the best Mexican I've had. Try the guac - you won't be disappointed!!!
(5)John B.
OMG Best Tacos, and Burrito I have ever had! Everything tasted fresh, and home made. When I want Mexican, I know where I am going for now on! Wish I could give 6 stars!
(5)Patrick K.
As close as it gets. OK so after almost 5 years I have finally made it to the Taco Bus. All I can say is NICE! I had the Chicken Mole and its was as good as I have ever had. The wife had the regular taco's. Great Atmosphere very Rustic. We ended up sitting next to a couple from NY who literally just got off the plane and came straight here. Now that is a great compliment. So honestly if you are in Tampa and looking for great authentic Mexican, come here! if you are looking for wine and table cloths please look else where it just about the food.
(4)Alexander Z.
If you want good fresh Mexican, come here. There is enough variety on the menu that you can keep coming back and look forward to something different. Pricing is just right as well. The atmosphere is very casual and relaxed. Family friendly. One word of warning - due to its popularity it can get very crowded here so be prepared to wait but its well worth it. My wife loves the Mexican Coca-Cola as it is made with cane sugar and not corn syrup.
(5)Sarah C.
Had my first experience with Taco Bus last night, at the newly opened downtown location. After hearing raves, and far too long without good Mexican food, it lived up to expectations! I went basic, and got the chicken quesadilla. Delish! The tortilla was crispy and not at all greasy, the meat was tender, and the veggies so fresh! Big love for cabbage instead of lettuce (which gets so soggy when hot) and the fresh cilantro! I do with the downtown location had agua fresca, like the original, but that was the only problem. Only wish I still worked downtown, as I would become a regular.
(4)Rose S.
I am missing me some taco bus tacos. I will be stopping by for my fix when i get back in town.
(5)Luke H.
I miss the old taco bus. It has changed hands according local lore, and the changes are noticeable like: some of the staff speaks English prices have risen portion sizes on some dishes have grown portion sizes on some dishes have shrunk it is packed with tourists sometimes It is still a unique dining experience, and I highly recommend the aqua frescas.
(4)Kyle G.
It gets a five from me, purely based on the fact that I had an idea of what to expect. A 24/7 location on Hillsborough & Nebraska didn't sound ideal at 3am, but I instantly fell in love. It's perfect for a snack after a night out, and now that I think back, I don't believe I've ever been there before 1am (lol). The music is always pumping (usually Spanish pop), and it's often filled with a wide assortment of people. Now for the food - wowza. Authentic, fresh, Mexican/Spanish favorites that are reasonably priced, and gargantuan in proportion. I usually stick with the chicken burrito (which I always end up taking half of it home), but have had the tamales, fish taco and quesadilla. I don't think you can go wrong regardless of what you choose. Don't fret, vegans/vegetarians, they can take care of you here too.
(5)Jennifer S.
This place is awesome. Taco heaven. My boyfriend and I stopped at the Taco Bus this evening after reading all the great reviews that my fellow Yelpers have given it. I have to say, you guys haven't let me down yet! I had a carne asada torta (a mexican sandwich, basically) and a fish taco. My boyfriend had chicken tacos. Everything we ate was absolutely excellent. I can't wait to go back! The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is because it is absolutely freezing out tonight and their indoor seating area has no heat, so it was just as cold inside as out. Otherwise, 5 stars!
(4)Scott L.
Authentic and well prepared. Nothing to say about the environment because, frankly, its a bus with a shack attached that sells Tacos. I personally go with the Plato when I go because I believe they overpower the tacos with Cilantro, but even then the food is still delicious. It is also well priced; a perfect late night stop.
(4)Maria G.
Nothing like Cali mex food... friendly servers but they werent there until it was time to pay and then they took another 10 mins to come back... had the carne asada burrito with rice n beans... definately a different flavor out here in tampa.
(3)Niraj P.
Don't miss this place... Vegan steak strips was delicious
(5)Eric L.
Fantastic fish tacos. The horchata is excellent too. And the Carne Asada burrito is almost perfect. These guys use cabbage instead of lettuce, that's great if it's a fish taco, not so great in a Carne Asada Burrito. But that's aight, maybe yall will like it. Anyways, I love this place and it is always my first choice. I would die without them, or be forced to return to CA or AZ for real taco shops. My new favorite is to order "El Plato Carne Asada". It's about 8 bucks, has rice and beans with a huge pile of Carne Asada meat, 4 corn tortillas, and some fresh chopped onion, tomato, and cilantro. So you can sit there making tacos. Nice meal
(5)Chris V.
A little unorganized but the tacos were great. I got the barbcoa and it was delicious.
(4)John S.
Yeah...they serve tacos (among other things) from an old renovated bus. Don't let that scare you...the food here was amazing. I had the beef tacos and the meat was fall-off-the-bone tender and flavorful. Two tacos and a small order of chips and I was stuffed. Oh yeah...they're open 24/7!
(5)Marcos O.
Recently aired on Man vs. Food, and i'll tell you from years of going the food wins! Excellent tacos. I am not one to eat cabbage, but this is the only place I have with a smile. Very much a hole in the wall that looks shady with a man/woman serving tacos out of a school bus, but do not pass it up or you will miss one of the hottest spots in Tampa. Prices have gone up recently, but it is still afordable. They have 3 locations most of which are open almost 24hours a day. Definitely recommended
(5)Kevin L.
This is my kind of dive! Cheap, super flavorful and inovative Mexican food. My goal is to get there every time I hit Tampa and try everything on the menu! If you want nice, quiet indoor seating and being waited on, go somewhere else. This is help yourself, al fresco dining. One word of caution is the neighborhood. Ok during the day, be careful at night. Well worth the trip though.
(5)Daisy J.
Had my first experience with Taco Bus last night, and I can definitely say that I am hooked! So much that I ventured out for a second time just this afternoon. The first time I went I got there at about 10 PM right after a USF game had just let out and the line was pretty long, I was a bit weary about wait time but I quickly found that the line moves super fast & I didn't have to wait for very long. I ordered a Steak burrito on my first visit, and a chicken burrito the second; both were superb! so much meat! most burritos I've had are loaded with rice & beans and very little meat, but that is not the case here. The accompany my burritos, I got a horchata which is a type of rice milk combination and it was just delicious & refreshing. Taco bus please come to Orlando!
(5)Chris K.
I live in Orlando, and despise going to Tampa for anything. That said, Taco Bus is the ray of sunlight through the black clouds that surround the city. The food is well-done, and there are vegetarian options for those concerned with such. I recommend the horchata for your drink, which I loved before I went there, and continue to; but fail to find any chain burrito joints. The on-table sauce is also very appreciable.
(5)Beth S.
Best horchata in town!!!
(5)Wendy S.
I tried this location out but I think I'm still more of a fan of the St. Pete location
(4)Rachel F.
Delicious and authentic Mexican food at an unbeatable price!!! We ate here while vacationing in Florida- we were tired of spending lots of money on overpriced food so we looked for some yummy yet cheap places around Tampa to please our palates. Well, the Yelp reviews are spot on- this place is incredible! The perfect amount of cilantro, lime, and spice... all for a great price. I love how authentic this place is- I ordered in Spanish and they make the most unbelievable salsa and horchata. Yes, the kitchen is out of a bus- but I guarantee it is the best Mexican food that you can get for the price. We were only in Tampa for a couple of days, and we ate here like three times because it was so good- worth the 10 minute drive from the hotel! Sooo yummy, and you can't go wrong for the price.
(5)Albert G.
Best in town. Their beef tongue is excellent--tender, succulent, and tasty. Be adventurous; give it a try. The chorizo breakfast burrito is great too. Be warned, tho, chorizo is a bit greasy. Love that the Bus is in my 'hood, Southeast Seminole Heights.
(5)Chris M.
Ordered the Carne Asada quesadila and it was outstanding! Authentic with a cool vibe. They also have Mexican Cokes! Its a must stop.
(5)Azael P.
My burrito was too greasy, and horchata wasn't homemade. Too pricey for such lunch
(2)James H.
Cochinita Pibil burrito will keep you coming back week after week. The price is comparable to any Chipotle/Moes burrito shop but the taste is unbeatable. Wash it down with an Horchata and make sure you take a tamale home on the weekends.
(5)Beth S.
Craveworthy! Since eating at the Taco Bus for the first time a few days ago, my husband and I can't wait to get back. In fact, we're going tonight! One taste of these authentic Mexican good eats and we were hooked. i want to stress that the Taco Bus does not serve the same cookie cutter Americanized Mexican fare you may be used to. It is so much better than that. The bus is cheap and has an astounding variety considering it's size. Even has air conditioned indoor seating, but we sat outside and absorbed the scene--you really could believe that you've been transported to the heart of Mexico without ever leaving Tampa. We live in St. Pete, a good half hour drive from the Bus, but we won't let that stop us from becoming regulars here. It is so worth it! That said, if the owners read this post, please consider an outpost in St. Pete. We'll certainly spread the word!
(5)Mocking J.
Great for Veggie fare! We do not eat meat or fish, we found a friendly welcome here. Four fresh, tasty meat alternatives for your taco plate or burrito, the excellent salsa in abundance. and the wonderful fruity drinks. Yum! We live one hour away and we WILL be going back!
(5)Kelly F.
I had wanted to try out the Taco Bus first after hearing about it in the TBT then seeing it on Triple D. I will admit, I am making this review off the mobile Taco Bus that does the events and we first hit it up at the Gaslight Park Food Truck Rally sponsored by Mayor Buckhorn. My soul purpose when I went to the Rally was to get one or two items from each truck to split between the two of us so we'd have a good sample of all 8 trucks in attendance. We hit up Fire Monkey and a couple other of the more "famous" trucks and the last one in line was Taco Bus and from there I got the Steak Burrito and mama ordered a Chicken Taco. Both meats were dry and flavorless. We asked for grilled onions, nada, only chopped fresh onions. Needless to say, if it wasn't for the overabundance of the onions, there really would have been no taste at all. We both ordered ours with Cheese but if there was any, you couldn't tell. We both thought it was pretty Ghetto having to just grab a sauce off the area they had set up for the sauces, napkins and plastic forks. Would have been nice if the sauces were labeled and a hotness level. I like it hot, Mama doesn't, She got hot, I did not. After eating here at the Taco Bus, their dry tacos left me very unimpressed. Maybe it's because I am a Gringo and I just don't "know good Mexican food" but after spending a lot of time eating out of trucks in LA and Texas before coming here, I will say Moes, yes Moes, is better than the "Taco Bus". I am going to give all these folks rating it a 4 or 5 the benefit of the doubt and figure they were drunk when they ate there. When I was stationed in the Philippines and Korea we would eat gross things off of carts as we staggered back to base drunk and the next day thinking it was the best thing ever eaten. If you rated it a 4 or 5, had been drinking before dining there, please go back sober and have them for lunch. I think your new rating will be closer to mine. Just sayin'.
(1)Mary M.
Get it together, Atlanta - the Taco Bus is where it's at. Why don't we have street vendor approval yet? Had our last meal of our quick vacation at the Taco Bus, after finding it by accident on a stop to get gas. Totally unbelievable! I had the fish tacos (ahhhmazing) and I can't speak for my dining companions food because it was all consumed within seconds of appearing. They were packed with a sunday brunch crowd but still managed to have the food out before i had finished my stealthy concealed beer. a++
(5)Robert S.
MFing Taco Bus. Great tacos. Watch out for the flies. Not quite Mema's, but still incredibly good, with the added charm of being a bus, i guess. Lots of flies. The prices are very reasonable, and the flies are plentiful. Tables outside, right by scenic Nebraska Avenue. Veggie burrito is very filling and delicious for less than five. SO MANY FLIES AT THIS ESTABLISHMENT. Take your food to go. There are some flies there.
(4)Jeff C.
Man, this is classic "drunk" food. Wow, is it good. This place has got to be packed at 1 am-2 am on Weekend nights. For good reason. Flavorful, fresh, cheap. I'd be hard pressed to suggest an improvement; maybe fresh tortillas. This is the kind of place you hope to find when you live in Central FL. And then you hope no one else finds it so they don't change. Highly recommend the fish taco and the cochinita pebil (pulled pork) taco.
(5)J B.
I have no idea why this place is as iconic as it is. After three visits, I'd still describe their food as better than average high school cafeteria fare.
(1)Cathy W.
I used to love this place. Went at least once a week, then started getting carry-out guacamole... and that's when it got bad. Standing at the "bus" window, we could see the cooks preparing the dishes. I was shocked to watch one of the cooks shove some meat to the very back of her mouth, and then pick some leftovers out of her back teeth with a fingernail, in the midst of making someone's meal. She seemed to enjoy the food as much as I used to, but I just can't bring myself to go back there anymore. I won't return to a place that so blatantly vioates public health concerns. A person could get hepatitis from this behavior.
(1)Marcus F.
Taco Bus is one of my local favorite restaurants. The quality of food and the prices are exactly on point. i really love the burritos, they are stuffed full with whatever you want and they run about $7 a piece. it can be pretty pricey the more items you get. i get about two burritos and that $20. the menu is not extensive and very simple. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys spanish food and want to try something that's not taco bell.
(5)Ren J.
Great, authentic Mexican food. I love the "based on a 5,000 year old Mayan recipe" bit on the menu. Service and delivery of food (I sat indoors) was prompt. I ordered one fish taco and one carne asada taco -- both were killer. The green sauce on the table was spicy and flavorful.
(4)Tam D.
The food was just OK. I ordered a chicken quesadilla which was basically a large soft taco. There wasn't much cheese in it, and it wasn't melty. Maybe I don't know what a quesadilla is. I also got a beef tostada -- was not the biggest fan of the spices they put in the meat. At least they had Jamaica - although it was tainted with lemonade. The biggest problem, in my opinion, is the huge mound of styrofoam they must be sending to the landfill daily. I know the stuff is cheap, but come on! There has to be a better solution.
(3)Jacquie H.
This place is all about the atmosphere. The food is not impressive-it's not Baja style nor is it Sonoran or Chihuahua style. Maybe its from some Mexican state I'm not familiar with. I have high Mexican Food standards and this place doesn't fit the bill. I have taken out of town guests here (who are not familiar with Mexican Food) and they enjoyed it however.
(3)Niki P.
Great Place for Lunch but not the greatest looking restaurant!
(3)Terri S.
We love going to the Taco Bus. The food is very good and the staff is friendly. Should be on the DDD show on the Food Channel!
(5)Jen A.
I always eat too much when i go here...but how can i not?!
(4)Melanie K.
I went here at about 2am one night because we had the late night hunger. I'm not from Tampa so this was my first trip here and I didnt know what to expect. The prices seemed pretty moderate. $3 for a taco and about $7 for a burrito. I got the shredded beef taco as I wasnt really hungry enough to eat a whole burrito. The menu has a good variety and they offer specials daily. You order at the window and the cashier will give you a number, from there you take a seat and wait for someone to bring your food. It came out in only a matter of minutes. This place was pretty busy given the hour too, that surprised me a bit, but I took it as a good sign. The taco came out and was very colorful, I immediately had high hopes. It certainly didn't disappoint. I was half expecting some fast food garbage to come out on a plate, but this stuff looked fresh and good, and it tasted wonderful. The shredded beef was really stringy and a bit on the chewy side, this made the taco extremely sloppy to eat, but nonetheless enjoyable. The service wasn't over the top friendly or anything. As a new comer I noticed a bit of an attitude while ordering my food. The cashier couldn't hear us very well and seemed annoyed that she had to ask us to speak up. However I got the vibe that the place came with an attitude, and if you don't like it, they don't need your service. If the food is good thats what will keep me coming back. When you pay theres a line for a tip, we left $3 for two tacos. All in all I enjoyed my trip here, it was certainly a new experience and I can see myself going back to try out the other options.
(4)Brian S.
I've been to places that have great tacos and places that have bad tacos. As far as tacos go I like this place like a fat kid loves cake. However the Carne Asada doesn't taste quite right. But the Cochinita Pibil is really good. The only bad thing about this place is the mixture of roasted peppers and poop in the air. You don't notice it too much, much like how a person can't smell their own farts. The atmosphere is great, and although I was here at 5 Sun Eve I can only imagine this place and food get better at 2am in a drunken stupor. The customers are a very ecletic group of people which is refreshing for a place like this. It also seems from the reviews of this place there are some pretty cute girls that eat here too... Yes I'm talking about you Jamie E. I can't wait for the DT Tampa location to open. I just hope that the smell doesn't follow much like followers to Ashton Kutcher on twitter.
(4)Ilya Z.
i went to the one in St Pete. Good fresh food but long wait.
(4)Debi L.
I dream about the "Pappo's Plato" and horchata. They are delish and the portions so big I can usually split them into 2 meals. The ceviche is fresh and actually has octopus in it but they look @ you funny when you order it. If it wasn't so far and i wasn't afraid of being murdered in the area I might actually go more often.
(4)Ryan Z.
Can't go wrong here with the food. Excellent prices. Excellent Food. Try the spicy grilled shrimp. The service could use a little work. They kind of just drop your food off and disappear. Stick to ordering from the window and getting your own stuff.
(5)AL D.
I love the food but I wish that they had more points of sale during peak hours and maybe a special line for drunks. Best bet the torta with tofu. ( much cheaper than the burrito with tofu)
(4)Terrence P.
needs moar hawt sawce
(3)Bethany L.
This place was OK. Definitely dive looking but service was good and the food was yummy. I had tacos and a tamale - the tamale was huge! Not exactly California style mexican but pretty good for Tampa. The downside was the restaurant smelled (really strongly) like cleaning fluid. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they are cleaning but it was so overpowering we took the food to go, instead of eating there, because I was getting a headache.
(3)Willow G.
love this place for it's food along with it's atmosphere. friends & i have taco bus at least once a week, we especially swing by late at night - gotta love their hours!
(4)Lindsay B.
I found the napkin dispensers absolutely impossible, but there are some dankus tacos there
(4)Andy F.
This is fantastic street food! I really enjoy the tostadas. The ancient pork recipe is good and the butternut squash vegetarian option is amazingly tasty. But, my favorite is the beef tongue, which is like melt-in-your-mouth potroast. The tamales are as big as your head. The green salsa is most tasty. I had the shrimp and octopus ceviche and that was the only disappointment. It was not prepared like other restaurants, and my stomach hurt a bit afterwards. But, it was still tasty. This place is great to hit up when you're starving!
(4)Sarah H.
Man, do I wish I lived closer to this. I was also in a bit of a rush when I stopped for a visit, so I definitely want to come back and sample a bit more food. I had two carne asada tostadas, which were excellent. Everything tasted very fresh. Just trying to get a parking spot is difficult and awkward, though, so maybe going during the lunch rush isn't the best idea.
(4)Don A.
So after hearing how authentic the taco bus was we made the trip from the burg this Sunday. We walked right in and sat down at a table. In the next 5 minutes all six tables were full which was great to see at 4 o'clock on a Sunday. We received our drinks and chips and salsa soon after. As much as I hate to say the rest, well, let's just say it was downhill from there. I have to admit I was blown away by the styrofoam use, plates, cups, chips on a paper towel over styro? We did receive our food rather quick but I just don't get it. Anyone who has been to Mexico or the west coast for that matter would have to agree these are not the gourmet authentic tacos I had imagined they would be. Here I sit hours later still burping onions, seems the white onions were not enough so they covered the top of the tacos with more onions, this time red ones. The chicken had no season or flavor what so ever. The carnitas were ok but lacked the intense flavors I had envisioned. The fish taco reminded me of fried fish sticks in grade school, again covered in onions. Last but not least 5 of the 6 tables sat for 10-15 minutes trying to get our checks; we sat and watched 3 guys go to counter to ask for their checks. I mean no disrespect here but we simply do not get it. For now we'll stay loyal to red Mesa as the search continues for more flavorful tacos.
(1)James C.
Great tacos. Amazing breakfast with chorizo.
(5)Bharat R.
This is the perfect hybrid of street food and a regular traditional mexican restaurant - giving the appearance of a restaurant that grew around the parked truck. We are vegetarians, but were not disappointed. The Rajas Con Queso was an interesting detour for us - normally used to traditional veggie burritos/quesadilas. When we entered, it wasn't clear if we were supposed to go and order ourrselves or sit and be waited upon - but just as we were settling down the girls appeared and cleared the confusion. Another couple that enetered after us were in a similar predicament and which we cleared for them. The service was efficient and non fussy. The food was fresh and tasty. I'd say this is a must-go if you're visiting Tampa and are even marginally inclined to do Mexican. Quick and Unfussy but not a Chipotle-esque assembly line.
(4)E D.
Best Mexican Food outside of SoCal. Try the fish tacos!
(5)Kristy L.
Was great food. Only one problem. They didn't offer beef for your tacos!!! Who doesn't serve beef with their tacos or burritos?? They offered either chicken or pork or vegetarian meat?? Tofu, maybe?? But if they have vegetarian, wouldn't u think they'd offer beef?? Isn't beef the most popular meat?? For tacos, burritos, or any type of Mexican food?? I could be wrong. That's just how I've always had it served to me. With BEEF!!! And especially not TOFU!!!!
(3)Alyssa D.
The food was amazing portions were very large but now the portions are small and the hospitality has lowered other then that the food is good
(4)Amrita S.
A cute place with great food! Thumps up to butternut squash tostada and rajas con queso! Must try their cucumber juice and hibiscus lemonade.
(4)Claire K.
Lunchtime swing by- The Line Up: Combo of tacos, one tofu/one butternut squash, rice & beans, side of guacamole. Pretty good! Fresh. The sauces provided were wonderful. I enjoyed the Guac immensley & it's worth the extra $1 Steady business, flow of customers....that says somethin' about doing it right. I'm swinging back by when the opportunity allows.
(4)Carol T.
Taco Bus is NOT a good place to eat dinner. And it was expensive for what tasted like canned chicken meat.
(1)Rachel Z.
This place used to be amazing. It still has its redeeming qualities, but I haven't been in a really long time and I cannot say I'm excited to go back nor do I have any plans nor expectations to do so. When Taco Bus comes up in conversation I make jokes that they are "dead to me." That said, they are certainly worth a try. The prices are good, the food is great. I certainly suggest the butternut squash centro. My qualms are that they have gotten "too big for their britches" as they gained popularity and they discontinued my favorite dish which is totally a personal problem so I won't tell you not to go there on that alone. As they got more popular, they tried to adjust but they couldn't handle the growing pains and on more than five occasions within three months (we were regulars at this location near home and I also went to the one near my job in St Pete) our orders were lost in the shuffle and forgotten about. This was a little over a year and a half ago so maybe that's changed. The Seminole Heights location seemed to have the biggest problem with tracking their guests and the orders....but then they changed the tamale recipe; they used to have the best tamales anywhere--especially paired with the Taco Bus salsa verde. I still enjoyed the tamales but they now seemed comparable to those served else where. The salsa verde still made the difference. The larger tamales and the new tamalitos were both very popular and were frequently sold out. I had to be sure to go for lunch because it was a gamble whether or not they would be there if I tried to go to Taco Bus for dinner. So I was very surprised when they were discontinued. So now I joke that Taco Bus is "dead to me" until they bring tamales back.
(2)Whitney H.
Why 3?????......Because I am being honest. Today was my 1st trip to Taco Bus. For years I have read reviews, listened to individuals rave, and have even driven past countless time on Hillsborough Ave. So, it was a very exciting day when we agreed. The smell infusing my car made the 15 minute drive home seem like forever. I was feeding my almost 6year old tortilla chips to keep him from ripping into the bags. Finally, we reached home and were ready to dive into a variety of dishes. My sons ordered a flour tortilla with pollo. I immediately noticed the grease in the dish. And afterwards I noticed the grease on the plate. I ordered two flour tortillas_one carnitas and one shrimp. I favored the shrimp but found both to be greasy and the carnitas to be average in taste. My friend had the carnitas (flour tortilla) and a burrito with carne asada. They favored the carnitas and found the burrito to be average. I took a bite and found more tortilla than I expected from previous pictures (maybe decreasing portions??). Lastly, we did order chips and salsa. The chips are okay and the salsa....well, I just found it be okay at best. I think they literally use canned tomato sauce. Sorry......I just don't know. I really wanted to love this place and was so excited to try it. Unfortunately, I believe today will be my first and last time at taco bus.
(3)Amena W.
Such good food and available at all hours of the day! Our group tried an array of things from their menu and everyone loved the food. Such a great late night or snack spot. The menu is priced very reasonably for the amount of food you get and the food is filling. I had a quesadilla with one of the veggie/cheese fillings and it was creamy, flavorful, and filling. 10 of us hung out on the benches and it was a really fun environment. I would recommend Taco Bus to anyone visiting the area.
(4)Shawn H.
Things are looking up again at the Taco Bus! They must have been in the middle of working on their restaurant last time I was there because it certainly looked to be in disrepair, but this time was a different story. The restaurant is looking great and the food is very good. They installed one of those fancy Coke machines that dispenses 100+ flavors, and they added a new meat selection, Desebrada, which is "shredded beef cooked Northern Mexican Style with tomatoes and chiles". Although I am still disappointed that they got rid of the Barbacoa, the Desebrada is an acceptable substitute that will bring me back to the Taco Bus again! One of my other favorites is the Butternut Squash Tostada. This is an excellent vegetarian option (and this is coming from a huge meat lover!). I'm very happy to put their rating back up to 4 stars. Hey, Taco Bus! Bring back the Barbacoa and you'll get your 5th star back from me! Are you listening?
(4)Tracey C.
Seriously my absolute favorite place to eat in Tampa Bay! Best tacos and the green sauce is amazing!
(5)Wendy F.
Everything is worth trying. It's a must eat in Tampa for authentic Mexican food. You may stand in line a minute, worth every bite. Tacos, desserts, everything. Prices are excellent. Perfect for late night. Very funky little eating area. Highly recommend this place
(4)David b.
Downgrading to 3 stars. They can't seem to get my order right, not a single one. 3 tacos, carne asada with ONLY onions and cilantro.(classic authentic taco). How is it possible you can give me everything except onions and cilantro every single time?
(3)Vicky R.
I had the two taco carne asada and it was extremely salty but I had guac and it masked the salt a bit. Other than that, it was good.
(3)Joe P.
The number one top notch indoor/outdoor bus Mexican restaurant of all time. Get the mother fucking tostada with chicken. I rolled up there with my squad three times in one day and no one bat an eye at how outwardly damaged we all are. I love this place and everyone who has ever worked there.
(5)Daniel W.
I think its funny taco bus advertises "14in" burritos but its really only 7in. The food is good but please dont false advertise!
(2)Mel L.
Taco Bus is good... Not the best Mexican I've ever had by any means, but the fish tacos and shrimp tacos are quite tasty. I did not like the chicken tacos at all. The dark meat breading was soggy and tasted more Italian-seasoned than Mexican. No Bueno. I like ordering outside of the vintage bus, paying homage to the old food truck operation. It gives the place character. However, the inside is such a dive and the outdoor seating is terribly uncomfortable.
(3)Ricky A.
I finished my butternut squash/ranas con queso burrito and I straight up started having a heart attack. I ate it faster than my friends and they were all still eating and thus, having much more fun than I was having. I hated life for a second until Tom asked me if I wanted his one tempeh taco. Holy shit, Tom. Saved my night there. Anyway, the atmosphere is perfect. Love the outdoor spot. This is the type of place you just go late at night with a bunch of friends and don't care a lick about being animated and loud. I can't stay in Tampa so I'm going to have to go sit in the van and contemplate whether life is going to be worth living in other areas where burrito shops don't offer butternut squash in their burritos. Monsters.
(5)TJ T.
The first time I ate at TB years ago, I hated it. Good thing I went back because I LOVE TB! I live in St Pete so there was a time I've had to drive to this location to get my fix. Thankfully, more locations opened up and St Pete is one of them. Yay! My all time favorite item at TB is the Burrito. I usually get the shredded pork and occasionally I'd get the beef tongue (lengua). What? Beef tongue is delicious! My second favorite item is the Tacos. Any filling is good, but I really recommend the shredded pork. The line can get long at this location, but it moves fast. Once you've placed your order, if you're getting it to-go, wait for it near there, otherwise grab yourself a table and a server will bring it to you. If you like spicy, definitely put some green sauce on it.
(5)Jake D.
An infamous beacon of burrito for anyone passing through the Tampa area-- Taco Bus pairs their great food with a pimp lil outdoor seating area. Don't sleep on this place (you won't have to with their extended late-night hours). I got the pollo verde burrito. The filling was layered sort of poorly in the burrito, but once I hit the chicken.. Fuuuck. Add a pineapple water on top of that and you've got a good thing going.
(5)Ashley F.
The food is awesome!! As long as they get your order correct. I have eaten here quite often as they have a wide variety of very tasty food for a good price, although on one occasion I ordered something omitting a topping, but they added extra by mistake. The food was still really good though!
(4)Danielle F.
Eh. I really wanted to love this place but I found it average. I ordered the torta and while the bread was really soft and good, the meat was kinda mushy and there wasn't a whole lot of standout flavor. I tried all the salsas and again, I found them to be average.
(3)Jennifer B.
Best place for some really good Mexican food. Butternut Squash tostada is the best by far and most impressive combination. So many great things on the menu to choose from. Will be back to try more items from the menu. Friendly and clean.
(5)Patrick L.
Forget about Texas. For that matter, go ahead and take California, I don't care. The best tacos and burritos on the planet reside at a most unlikely location - a perma-food-truck in Tampa, Florida. Really. The tacos are THAT good. We're talking fresh ingredients and full of flavor, while apparently, astonishingly seeming devoid of the grease that in my opinion plagues so many other highly-rated Mexican joints. I don't know how the Taco Bus does it. I know this place has supposedly spent 20+ years refining its recipes, and I guess I believe it, because it's obviously doing something right. I've tried tacos and burritos with cochinita pibil, steak, chicken and fish, and I don't have a favorite. They are all great. The agua fresca, horchata, and lemonade are still too sweet for my liking, but when the tacos are this good, who cares. I've half-seriously contemplated the idea of driving 4.5 hours to Tampa just to hit the Taco Bus. Seriously, do you think the tacos would still be good if I stocked a large cooler with them, drove them back to Miami and threw them in the freezer? If Taco Bus ever expanded to Miami, every other Mexican place within 80 miles would be forced to close up shop. The difference is that clear-cut; it'd be a huge raise of the bar.
(5)Lori V.
This is one of my favorite places. At first, I was thrown off because I didn't know where to order. It is a little confusing. You can go into the restaurant or go right up to the "taco bus," place an order to go or to stay in. I mainly get the tacos. I'm not a fan of the sweet potato one. The chicken and beef are delicious. I get corn tortillas over flour because corn is healthier. It doesn't taste as good though. The tacos are dressed very nicely with pickled items placed on top. The sauces placed on the tables really add to the experience. Try the green one! I don't recall the guacamole being anything special and I've ordered it many times. This is my favorite taco place in Tampa. I believe it exceeds California Taco which is hit and miss. Service may be slow but be bold. Get up and ask for the check and ask any server what you want. Anything goes.
(4)Sabrina T.
This is a must stop place if you are passing by on 75 or staying in Tampa. Coolest place ever for a 'taco truck'. It's open 24/7. That is crazy! The servers are awesome. You can pick up on the bus or dine inside. They even allow you to BYOB! How crazy is that! I loved their fish tacos and watermelon drink- I forgot the name but it was really awesome. Imagine going out in a field and breaking open a nice cold watermelon and drinking the juice. I know the watermelon in the field would not be cold- but at Taco Bus, the drink is and you'll love it. Every time we've been, we love the food and service.
(4)Jill L.
It's 1am on a Saturday. After a night of bar hopping, you crave something both filling and flavorful. Taco Bus has you covered. The selections are diverse and all equally delicious. Whether a vegetarian or strict carnivore, there's a filling for everyone from the Rajas con queso (my personal favorite) to a perfectly seasoned carne asada. The drinks are great as well. The agua frecsa is perfect for a hot summer day while the horchata is essentially a churro milkshake. Each order comes with a red and green sauce. Mild and spicy respectively. My only gripe is with the accuracy of the take out orders. It may not be every time, but I've learned to start checking my orders before leaving the parking lot. For your next late night Mexican craving, you know exactly where to go for a satisfying bite.
(4)Alayna D.
I believe this is the original Taco Bus location, although there are others spread throughout Tampa. Location is as quirky and unique as the pictures look. Tucked back behind a building, on a dirt paved road/parking lot - it's literally a bus with yummy tacos! Good amount of seating both inside & out (covered). Limited parking. Staff was friendly and order served quickly. Menu was easy to order from (although online ordering is available too if you don't want to wait) and offered more variety than I imagined for, well, a bus restaurant. There is something for everyone - quesadillas, tostada, burrito, tacos and salad, too. Choose your meat or meatless - chicken, beef, fish, shrimp, vegetarian. I was thoroughly impressed with the variety! Butternut squash - seriously? Wow. I wish I could have ordered it because it sounds delicious. I ordered the Papos Plato ($8.89) with fish. Lightly fried fish with great flavor came on a bed of Mexican rice topping with onions, tomatoes, cabbage and fresh cilantro and on the side were tostada chips to scoop. Yum! The fish was fresh and light. A great portion size for two - I had leftovers. Fiancé ordered shrimp tacos ($2.99/each) - the shrimp had less flavor than we hoped (not as good as the fish I had) but were a good size shrimp. Tacos themselves were on the smaller side so order more than 1 if you're hungry. Tacos came with Mexican rice and refried beans that had great flavor for chip scooping, too. From their menu looks like they have daily specials, too. Worth checking out if you're in the area. Not sure how the other locations compare to the original. They also serve breakfast I'd like to try sometime (limited hours on weekends only).
(4)Andy D.
The greatest times I've ever had in school was from the bus. The greatest street food I had well, it came from a bus. The magical mystery taco bus Ay-yi-yi es muey bueno! Ethnic street food is always a treat, from Thai Papya Salad, to Filipino crispy Pata. But, there's something inanely beautiful about the "Taco". A truly versatile work of art. And Taco Bus is to a Taco as Rembrandt is to canvas. But, there's more so much more, I started with a butternut squash salsa, my God it was so good, now when I make salsa, I'll make it with butternut squash. Then I advanced myself with three taco's. Probably not the wisest decision, since after two I was stuffed. I got the Conchita Philib an excellently marinated pork, a Chicken Verde Taco, and a Carne Asada. My favorite was the pork, not that the other two were bad, oh no they were excellent also. Great dive ambiance and friendly service, along with unbelievable food, what more can you ask for!!!!
(5)Rita T.
What a waste of money... Their food made me sick... Not authentic Mexican food.. It is more like the kind of food Americas like, no flavor. I had a Cochinita plate and did not like it at all.. Veggies were old, rice was old and dry. Will not come back.
(1)Sondra C.
Oh my dear god, this place has some of the best cheap eats in Tampa! I can't count how many times I've been here, but each time I've left with a happy, full belly and cash still in my pocket. I love their Agua frescas, particularly the pineapple one. They make the tortillas from scratch, bless 'em. I really love the Carne Asada tacos, the butternut squash tacos, the pollo tacos, fish tacos and eBen tofu tacos. Comes with crisp red cabbage shreds, cojillo cheese...mmm....Very casual and quick. Highly recommended wherever you find a location - St. Pete, Seminole Heights or downtown Tampa. Friendly staff, too.
(5)Travis S.
Taco Bus is mainly for the drinkers at 1 in the morning if they are feeling hungry they can go get some cheap food. There are much better places to go for food at that time of night. Plus anything would taste good when your drunk which is sad but true. I had a burrito and it was very dry and bland and there was nothing special about it.
(1)Chelsea S.
I love taco bus. I wish it were easier to get to because it is downtown and I don't work in walking distance but I could probably eat the carnitas tacos every day. Delicious.
(5)Richard R.
Who doesn't love a quirky dive! The moment we pulled into the parking lot we were in love with the look of this place. Uneven parking surfaces, trees growing out of the pavement and two broken down buses, one of which they use as a kitchen... brilliant! You can either order directly from one of the kitchen windows or come inside where the funky Mexican motif continues. I love a Southwestern themed restaurant, especially the ones with sombrero's, serapes and old bull skulls hanging from the walls. But as soon as I noticed the signs that it had been featured on Diner's, Drive-in's and Dives with Guy Fieri, I knew it might be a problem. You see, I've traveled to a number of places I've seen on DDD and I can honestly say that me and Guy don't see eye to eye on what good food is. I wish I would have known that before I got all excited about this place. ------------ - - - - - - THE DETAILS Date & Time: Wednesday, December 26th, 2012 @ 3:00pm Dining Companions: Mom, wife and kids What to expect: No kidding, they actually do all the cooking in a school bus! EPIC Liquid: water only Ordered: *Shrimp Taco (2 stars out of 5) - $3.49 *Extra cheese - $0.30 Guacamole - $2.50 *Tostada (3/5) - $3.49 *Two Taco meal deal (2/5) - $8.89 *Extra Crema x2 - $.60 TOTAL - $21.42 ------------ - - - - - - THE FOOD Let's just cut to the chase, I didn't like it as much as I hoped I would. The flavors were bland to me, but that could partially be my fault. They have a system where you decide what style you want (taco, burrito, tostada, etc). Then you choose your filling from an assortment of meats, seafood's or vegetarian selections (incredibly smart ordering system). Next you choose side, appetizers and other toppings for your meal. The problem is I had no idea what topping were best, so I ordered the usual suspects (lettuce and tomatoes & cheese). Everywhere in this place people seemed to be enjoying their meal. The table next to us enthusiastically suggested what I ordered when I asked what's best. Their suggestion was the two taco meal deal with Carne De Res Desebrada (shredded beef cooked "Northern Mexico style") and Pollo Verde Desebrado (shredded chicken in a green tomatillo sauce). After the "mmmm, so good" dramatic play by play of how much they love coming here, I was pumped and primed for an awesome taco. Sadly, there was nothing special about my meal. Maybe, just maybe this is a case of right place, wrong meal. THE VERDICT Staff is friendly, service is quick, prices are somewhat reasonable and the Southwestern cool factor is off the charts! But don't believe the hype, the food was 2.5 stars at best. I do plan to come back and give them another try on my next visit. My nephew who lives in Tampa loves this place and assures me if I let him order for me, I'll love it too. Yelp100 [19]
(2)Kisente F.
I love this place every time I visit my friends at Tampa. If I ever feel the need to snack on something and it's late at night I think of Taco Bus. It's affordable and they deliver quality food. So far I have tried their 5 thousand year old recipe pork burrito, chicken burrito and shredded beef burrito. All were delicious and I have to make a point to try everything in their menu.
(5)Jeremy B.
I'm still giving 4 stars but I will say that it's not the same as it was before it sold. I personally feel the steak burritos have a little less of the unique flavor they used to have. The meat used to be cooked a little different and the two side sauces are not the same.
(4)Zao Z.
It was really good. I order the carnitas and the fish tacos. Both were very tasty. My only complaint is that the entrance is a very small and tight angled opening. Your parking lot is full of pot holes. I do not like driving my Mercedes though what you guys call a parking lot. There is no snow in Tampa, thus no use of salt, thus no road corrosion. There is no excuse to have such a horrible parking lot. Fix your parking lot please! If you drive a low car, do not come to this location. The other locations are mediocre compared to this location.
(4)Josizzle ..
Bad experience today at the taco bus. Paid for my food and waited almost 35 minutes to get my food. The lady who brings the food out had to ask me for my receipt just so that they can remember what I ordered. Their food is good but their SERVICE IS TERRIBLE. They don't even know what rolled tacos is? How do you serve Mexican food and not know or serve rolled tacos with cheese and guacamole on top. Rolled tacos are the shizznittt! ? It'll be a long time before i got back to the Taco Bus again. TERRIBLE SERVICE
(2)Allison K.
I couldn't get past the corn tortilla. I guess I'm a flour tortilla type of person. The fillings were pretty bland, which made me dislike the fact that it was in a corn tortilla 10x more than it probably should have.
(1)Jason W.
glad they exist, glad they are in seminole heights, glad they are open late and glad they have a large selection of vegetarian food as well as plenty of meat options. i am not a big fan of food truck style meals and i like sit-down places. the inside dining room is an after thought to the bus and often has the cleaning supply smell. But outside is neat with a covered patio located just next to the bus. The crowd/line can get long late at night but moves fast. no beer (but no one complains if you bring it with you). amazing that they have grown so much over the past few years with multiple locations. an established staple of the growing seminole heights community
(4)John B.
The meat is good so it's aggravating to have that goodness diluted with all the tomatoes, lettuce and cheese. And as an "authentic" Mexican taco lover I wished that they'd used corn instead of flour tortillas. The watermelon aguas frescas was amazing and the salsa was good enough that I wanted to wrap my lips around the squirt bottle and drain the container but I resisted and instead drown the last few bites of taco in that Heavenly, spicy goodness. Not quite as good as East LA street tacos but pretty darn solid. 2013 #71 / 365
(4)John C.
Probably the closest thing you'll get to real Mexican food in Tampa. I've been to all the area locations multiple times, and I almost always get the tacos. I have a soft spot for the pollo verde desebrado and carne asada fillings, and when you throw in some home-made green salsa and a ton of cilantro, you've got one delicious meal. The beans and rice as sides can be a little bland, and I wish they still served barbacoa beef, but overall, it's hard to beat Taco Bus when it comes to Mexican food in the Tampa area.
(4)Colene C.
What's all the fuss? The Taco Bus is a cute concept (yes, there's really a bus), but I wasn't too impressed with my tacos. On my plate: Carne Asade (meat was a bit tough), Pescado (disappointing - mushy battered fish), and Camarones (the best of the 3). I was disappointed by the quality of the tacos. I'm not sure if it was just the particular time I was there but I'm surprised that my fellow Yelpers gave this such high ratings. There won't be a repeat visit tho, just can't subject myself to ho hum tacos!
(2)Mariah M.
One of my favorites for sure! very cool place and the food is amazing! Chef Rene knows what he's doing and knows what people want. The menu is perfect and has so much variety so there is something for everyone! They even have vegan items!
(5)Turkey B.
Always the first stop off of the plane when I come in to Tampa, never-mind that it is 1am. I've only seen one person strung-out on drugs in the parking lot in the 8-10 times that I've been here. The menu has a lot to offer in the way of variations of tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Now, answer me this, Taco Bus. What happened to the Barbacoa quesadillas!?!? This soft, greasy, melt-in-your mouth braised beef was so perfect on the flour tortillas, accompanied by freshly chopped tomatoes, cilantro, cabbage, cheese, with lime juice and salsa verde. There are some beef and pork options that are similar, but the Barbacoa has picked up and left the menu for the time being. That said, the fresh ingredients and multiple options that the Bus has to offer make it a must-visit. I didn't really see too many places in Florida where you can buy a Jarritos (those are everywhere in Chicago), but I'd recommend a Pina flavored one to wash down some quesadillas with chips and guac.
(4)Tiffany B.
Totally Disappointed. I don't think it's that I now live in Tucson, but this experience just wasn't up to the hype. The horchata was great. I was so excited to go here straight from the airport! Big disappointment, took most of the food home and still didn't eat it. Maybe it was an off day? Really bummed and a little embarrassed that I was raving about how great this place was...
(2)Jane P.
Enjoyed all the vegetarian/vegan options and the different ways to combine the dishes. The staff was friendly and helpful. The tofu filling was tasty but the butternut squash s bit too sweet for my taste on a taco. The high bar seating was inviting but a bit uncomfortable and had a bit of a foul odor so we had to move our seats after a while.
(3)Michael W.
Wow, way to mess up a good thing. I'm not sure why exactly they chose to butcher their menu, and take away some of the best things they had to offer. I imagine it wasn't because they could not longer afford it, since they are always busy. So, the good first. They are pretty damn tasty with what they have. The lengua is especially nice. Delicate and delicious! The cochinita is also worthy of trying, as it is some of the best I have tasted, and I have tasted quite a bit. Portions are not bad either, and I do not feel they hold back in this area. And now we have to speak of the reasoning behind the 3 star rating: Service and lack of options that once set it apart from the plethora of taco places in Tampa. Not only do the "servers" not seem to care about your patronage, they seem downright snooty most of the time. Girls smacking gum and looking totally uninterested, is quite the norm. For the love of all that is holy, why exactly did they take away the barbacoa and tamales? I mean they do not have many options anymore. No barbacoa, no tamales, no Puerco asade, or al pastor! Hubris seems to be at the bottom of this. Once they acquired a firm customer base, they seem to no longer care, and want to rest on their laurels. I used to come here almost every Sunday, and now I cannot see a reason to come back, as the prices are not the best, the food is not the greatest(still pretty good), and service is below-par. Well, it is not the worst place, just you can do much better now. Adios Taco Bus.
(3)Leah B.
Taco Bus used to be awesome. Right around the time they opened the St. Pete location and started expanding they went down hill. And that was a while ago. It's not that I won't eat there any more, I will, it's just that it's pretty hit or miss any time you go anymore. The food was consistently good back in the day. Now it's not. It's not a place i would go out of my way for by any means, the way it once was. It might not be terrible, but it might not be that good either. Just be warned. RIP old, authentic Taco Bus on Hillsborough with no seating and amazing, amazing food.
(2)James J.
My review is based on the TB on Falkenburg Rd near SR60. This is a great place to go for a quick meal. My personal favorite is the COCHINITA PIBIL, which is "shredded pork marinated in achiote and bitter orange, then wrapped in banana leaves and slow roasted in a smoker." I Love it! Especially in a quesadilla. The service time varies depending on when you get there. If you're going for lunch, go around 11-11:30 if you want quicker service. I found the staff to be quite friendly and helpful, and there's generally plenty of room to sit, even with groups of 4 to 5.
(4)Danielle F.
EXTEMELY FN SLOW! Food is good but how long does it really take to make a taco? They are totally taking advantage of their popularity and the fact that you already paid. I shouldn't have to wait 40 min for tacos. When I visit Tampa, I make it my business to make at least one trip there. I'm not sure about return visits
(2)Alex J.
Love that it is open 24 hours and always has a crowd. They got rid of the shrimp tacos which were my favorite so I need to find something else I like. The butternut squash taco was not for me, the squash was undercooked.
(4)Dianna B.
After a long evening at Busch Gardens, I wanted food, but not something gross or greasy, so I opted for Taco Bus. Their menu is pretty simple, you choose WHAT you want - as in style of food, be it taco, burrito, quesidilla etc and then you choose your meat, or perhaps a vegetarian option. You place your order, and then you take a seat.... and wait. The wait isn't terribly long and the food is deliciously fresh. While they're currently open 24/7, as of 12/9/13 their hours are going to change. Keep this in mind.
(4)Jim D.
Went here at the behest of Triple D and also, because I was in Tampa for a Tampa Bay Rays game. Was thoroughly surprised by the place as the people were super friendly and helpful. Had the beef tacos and they were amazing. My girlfriend had the Chicken Quesadilla and she said it was one of the best things she's ever eaten. We also split a cheese dip and we loved it so much we got it to go. We're honestly planning a trip back to Tampa just to go there. It was that good.
(5)Joel H.
The original Taco Bus is one of Tampa's finest late night food excursions. It is open twenty four hours a day so no matter when you get a hankering for Mexican food, they will be waiting with an open bus window. While the Taco Bus offers a number of exotic meats for their burritos, tacos, quesadillas and tortas they also have plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. I'm talking tofu, butternut squash, vegan steak strips and tempeh just to name a few. I've tried all of these (minus the squash). I find the strip steak and tempeh to be a bit too salty (and expensive) for my liking. But the tofu, oh that tofu. It is perfectly grilled and meshes well with the cabbage, mexican rice and beans that are also placed inside the tortilla. Squeeze a little lime overtop and douse with the red sauce and you've got one of the best meals in town. Daiya is now an option (at least at some of their locations) but I find that stuff gross and unnecessary in the already flavorful burritos. This is the only Taco Bus in town that has never botched my order. Pretty good considering this is the one I've visited the most.
(4)Jeff K.
First time here and tried the chipotle chicken burrito, fully loaded. Was a fan after the first bite. Loved how they put massive amounts of cheese. The mild sauce paired perfectly with the burrito. This place has awesome hours as well. Definitely a good spot to hit up after a night on the town!
(5)Reynaldo R.
They dropped the pulpo ceviche and replaced it with a mango ceviche. It is no longer worth a 30 minute drive for me.
(1)Andre F.
I gotta bump down the bus. I went in recently and they've changed the menu. No more barbacoa, no more tamales on weekends. No more puerco asado. It's like they reviewed their tastiest items and decided to stop serving them. They still get 3 stars because the green sauce still burns and the fish tacos are still damn good. Taco Bus - if it's not broke, don't fix it! Bring back the good stuff.
(3)Rita V.
AWESOME!! A dive, a true dive with great food, loud mexican music and cheap eats - great tacos!! Fish tacos are delicious as are the shrimp tacos. Horchata, aguas frescas, and smiling, happy people who bring food to your table (yes they have tables!). Cool!!!! You have to check out these good cheap its!
(4)Michael S.
We have been going here for 3 years and lately it's a hit or miss and mostly misses. My wife was disappointed with her Tacos and my burrito was horrible. the chicken felt fake. honestly taco bell has better flavor. 3 years ago this location was awesome but since opening the other locations it's been downhill everywhere.
(1)Malissa S.
As always, excellent and delicious. Anything I get with the Carnitas is so delicious!! And the watermelon water!!! Yummy!!! I love the Taco Bus!! One of my favorite places in Tampa-never disappoints!!! I took my mom today, her first time and she's still raving about it!
(5)Joshua B.
I was on vacation in Tampa about a month ago (6/22-6/28) and I figured I would finally give them a proper review. This was the second time I visited this particular Taco Bus on two different vacations. The first time I tried this place out (October 2013), I would have given it a 5 Star review, but we went at dinner time/much later when it was much slower than a lunch rush. Me and two friends stopped in on our last full day in Tampa, which was a Friday, 6/27. We got there around lunch time, and the parking lot was already packed. We got inside and had to wait a few minutes to be seated as they had to clean a table off it was so packed. Once we were seated, we put our drink orders in, which we all got horchata. One of the friends I was with complained his was a little too sweet, but I didn't have any problem with mine. There must have been a little confusion as we had two different waitresses wanting to take our orders and everything, but that was worked out fairly quickly. We ordered our food, and I ordered burrito prenado with chicken chipotle (since it was Friday) and added a side of rice and refried beans to my order. It took a little while for our food to come out, but once it got to us, everything was there and no problems. The burrito was really good, and the rice was what you would expect from mexican rice; however, the refried beans were a little to dry for my liking. We finished our meal and paid; we were there for roughly about an hour. I definitely enjoy this place, and when I make it back down to Tampa, I will be going back...though it'll definitely be around dinner time/in the evening.
(4)Samantha G.
Had Taco Bus for the first time recently after living in Tampa for quite some time. The price and quality of the food is a great deal. The food is always made to order and never disappoints. I should have done this review a while ago but had Taco Bus for the first time at the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival. I waited in line (yes, it was the longest line out of all 10 food trucks), but it was well worth it. I got the chicken taco meal with cabbage with little wait time. I was surprised how fast my food came despite the crowd. I will keep coming back!
(5)Serena T.
First meal in Tampa! Super cute storefront of *spoiler alert* a school bus! Came in for a quick dinner, and had some of their menu's starred faves. My tacos were fresh and delicious; will come back again if I'm in the area and looking for a quick meal.
(4)Cece C.
Yes. Not much I can say that hasn't already been said... no matter what you're getting or if you think you do or don't like it, get beans and rice with your meal. SO YUM and I usually don't even like that kinda stuff. Dog-friendly, for the most part... oh also the horchata is delish! I could drink that stuff all day. A must-see and must-visit for all Tampa people! (Skip the downtown location and go here. I gave them one star and I'm sticking to it dammit.)
(5)Angela P.
OMG! How had I not heard of Taco Bus until now?! Imagine roaming the streets of Tampa seeking nonexistant vegan food all hours of the night until you finally collapse from a lack of tasty morsels. Then out of the corner of your eye, you see Taco Bus to the rescue! With its four locations including three in Tampa, Taco Bus is growing quicker than you can say, "tacos, please." And the best part is that they have tons of vegan options! On my first visit to the downtown Tampa location, I was a little disappointed to find that the bus was merely part of a short bus made into a storefront with a full restaurant behind it because I really wanted to see the real bus. On the other hand, I was glad to have a place to sit down and eat. Taco Bus offers an extensive menu. First, you choose "Your Favorite Way." This includes options for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salads, Mexican sandwiches, tostadas, and plates. Next, you choose your filling. Vegan options include grilled tofu, vegan "steak" strips, tempeh, butternut squash or just rice, beans, and veggies. Then you choose the veggies you'd like: tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and/or cabbage. Additionally, they even have a vegan food facts page that details what is vegan and what isn't. The Mexican rice, refried beans, corn and flour tortillas, red and green salsas, and guacamole are all vegan as are the vegan tamales! I am so thankful for this page as many of the people working there do not speak much English. In fact, their slogan is "Broken English, Perfectly Spoken." Ha! I was so overwhelmed with the choices that I just ordered two tacos--one with grilled tofu and the other with tempeh. They were both better than I could have ever expected. The tofu had this amazing spice on it and it was grilled so well as was the tempeh. I mean, they were both very good. And they were topped with fresh veggies. I put lots of hot green salsa on them and went to town. I also ordered the refried beans. These were just so-so. I had such a great experience that I headed to the original East Hillsborough location a couple nights later. Now, this is a serious operation. There was a brick and mortar restaurant along with a white take-out bus and a yellow bus that opens for the late hours so you can get your taco fix 24/7. There was a long line for the take-out bus so I went inside. Again, I ordered two tacos--this time with butternut squash and steak strips. The butternut squash was okay, but it didn't have much flavor. The vegan steak strips were seasoned like the tofu and tempeh and again, were very good. I also tried one of their pineapple drinks, which was a bit too sugary for me. I am so thankful to have found Taco Bus. For $6, I had a better meal than I've ever had in the city of Tampa along with great servers who truly spoke perfect broken English. Taco Bus, you are a godsend.
(5)Brad S.
Every time I've stopped in here, it smells like there is some kind of sewage backup going on. And even though it's been cleaned up a bit from its early days, it's still pretty dirty everywhere you look. As for the food, I find the portions really skimp on the protein. Even the refried beans come in a miniscule portion. Granted, they use ingredients such as cilantro. But that is no longer the novelty it once seemed around here 10 years ago when I thought the Taco Bus offered better deals at better prices. I think success has gone to their heads and they've gotten greedy.
(2)Justin S.
This is one of the coolest locally known Mexican dives in Tampa. Every time I'm near Nebraska in Tampa, I always stop at the original Taco Bus location. The location, I'll grant you, is shady. Don't stray too far away from your car or let it out of sight if you can help it. The value for the price is a little off - I wish for the price you'd get a little more food, but that's a minor gripe. The food is as authentic as it gets, the service is with a smile and unintelligible. :o) There are very few places like this in and around Tampa that are this unique and authentic. Definitely give it a shot. If you have the late night munchies, Taco Bus is open really late, and there's always a line no matter what time you show up - so be patient.
(4)Haley D.
THis is another one of my favorite late night spots. I cannot believe how much they have grown over the past few years. Authentic mexican tacos are sparse in Tampa and to have them available late night is definitely a bonus. We used to frequent the bus late night after our work shifts. The fish tacos are a personal favorite. The green verde sauce is killer and compliments every item on the menu. The chicken burrito is a staple for any Mexican eatery and theirs meets the mark for my taste buds.
(3)Brian C.
This location especially. Love ordering from the bus and eating it in the little shaded outside area in front of the bus. Cochinita pibil, carne asada, carnitas, burritos, tortas... all pretty solid. The hot sauces on the table are good too. Don't forget to ask for sour cream!
(4)Carolyn C.
Really a great Tampa institution with amazing food. Definitely eat there and enjoy it!
(5)Tina H.
I'm with other reviewers. I moved to Tampa in 2009 and this was a place you had to experience. On Saturdays you used to be able to get a giant flavorful tamale. No ordinary tamale trust me. We moved farther south in 2011 and I only get to Tampa now once I year. It's been 3 years and I was seriously jonsing for a great Saturday morning tamale. We found that taco bus expanded, cleaned up and looks great but many items are no longer made. No tamales, they are just bringing barbacoa back they seriously messed up a decent readable menu. Food today was meh! I settled for one of the breakfast tacos and was treated to canned pickled jalapeños in my huevos where you should use fresh. Unfortunately this visit determined that we won't be going back. Viya con Dios Taco Bus! Very sad!!
(2)Ian H.
I use to rep this place so hard in Chicago but I come back down and grab a bite to eat and i would have been happier with my meal eating at taco bell and I absolutely hate that trash too. The steeak was chewy like I was biting into a bunch of tire chunks. Oh and they play garbage music now ...
(1)Ryan H.
Taco Bus is a sweet mexican place right off the highway. They literally make the food inside a bus that has been converted into a grill station and kitchen. While the appearance may be strange, the food is fantastic. My only complaint is that if you eat a lot like myself, you can end up spending $15-$20 pretty easily. Their food is a jam session though.
(4)Nicole M.
Off the streets of Tampa and into a dusty town in Mexico. Food was fresh and tasty. I had the tacos with butternut squash and chipotle chicken (one of each). The squash was sweet balance against their salsa verde sauce. I will be definitely visiting the Taco Bus the next time I am in Tampa.
(5)Elspeth F.
Great little mexican joint. Great tacos, sit down, take out, and walk up options! And its actually a bus...on the side of a building! ¡Perfecto!
(3)Emily L.
Excellent, all-around. Super casual, super yummy. Delicious food. We had chips and salsa. Salsa was amazing. We all had tacos, some with carnitas, some with shredded beef. The soft corn tortillas were delicious, the meat was tender and perfectly seasoned. Two sauces sit on the table. I preferred the salsa verde with jalapeños, which was spicy and delicious. Highly recommend and hope we can come back someday!
(5)Gabriel P.
This 24 hour Mexican establishment has become the Mecca of late night dining. Taco Bus has become the go to place for all those seeking freshly made food after a night out on the town. Fresh ingredients, an excellent staff, and wonderful cantina-like feel make this one of the best eateries on this side of town. Order a Mexican Coca Cola with your next meal.
(4)Jen B.
Carne asada tostado is my fav. Not quite what the menu use to be but always delish!
(5)Nicole O.
Food truck like atmosphere, good authentic Mexican food. Can't go wrong with the guac.
(3)Toni J.
Amazing food for the price! I always get the burrito meal (burrito, rice, & beans) and either the meat of the day or chicken. So my favorite day to go is Friday to eat a chipotle chicken burrito - absolutely delicious! The atmosphere makes it a great place to go to after study group - which is great since USF's pretty close. I've only had good experiences here and I'm going to miss this place dearly after I graduate. Would recommend anyone visting Tampa to visit this place.
(4)Daniel P.
Great steak tacos with a side of guacamole... Will be back here when back in Tampa for sure!! Would have given it 5 stars but at $3. Per taco it's a little pricey
(4)Heather M.
LOVE LOVE LOVE Taco Bus! carnitas are awesome.. as is the shredded beef! Always a tasty pitstop
(5)Lauren C.
The "original" taco bus is nothing short of amazing, delectable Mexican food delight. Sure, the whole bus idea is a fun concept, but still the environment leaves a lot to be desired. All the "normal" comfortable chairs and tables are usually taken, so I either get stuck standing, taking it to go, or sitting on the wobbly tree posts that they like to call tables. Regardless, the amazing flavor of the food and the fact that they are open all night make it worth it. I have been many times before and recently brought a few taco bus newbie friends to check it out on a late saturday night. I love the tamales, but they only have them on the weekend, so I couldn't pass it by and went with the chicken tamale, which I piled with spicy green sauce on top as well as a side of Mexican Rice. All get a big thumbs up from me. The drinks here are also fabulous, many authentic mexican drinks including hibiscus tea and piña juice, the horchata milk is my all time favorite. Its a great complement to the spicy food since it's nice and sweet and balances out. Another great aspect of taco bus is the ample selection of vegetarian options they offer, which are super tasty and help to accomodate all kinds of people. One of my friends that I brought is vegetarian so it was great that she could find a few tasty options as well. The only downside here besides the crappy seating and bathrooms is the long wait, especially late at night it can be very slow trying to get through the line, but hey that's the price you pay to go to such a popular spot! Definitely recommend everyone checking it out.
(4)Amanda H.
Oh my goodness. I dream about their fish tortas. They are so incredible. Everything I had here was yummy, but get the fish torts! You won't regret it. I love the set up here as I love casual outdoor eating. The lady who took my order wasn't the friendliest and didn't seem like she liked her job much, but the food more than made up for that. Taco Bus makes me long for my next visit to Tampa.
(5)Dolores C.
A unique dining experience and a Tampa institution. The kitchen is a bus. Fun place to take people who are visiting the Tampa area.
(3)Zach H.
I've been coming here for a couple years now and this is one of my Top 3 favorite places to eat in Tampa. Every time a friend comes in town and asks me what places to eat at before they leave, Taco Bus is one of the places I immediately think of. They have daily specials, any of which you can't go wrong with. The menu is simple-- choose your vessel (taco, burrito, quesadilla, etc) then choose your meat filling. They also have vegetarian options for those who live that lifestyle. For my fellow adventurous eaters, one of my absolute favorite things to get is a Lengua (Beef Tongue) Burrito. It's so tender and flavorful and got several of my friends to jump on the Lengua train, too! SO GOOD. A Torta with Cochinita Pibil (marinated shredded pork) is also one of my favorites. The Guacamole is pretty awesome as well. I haven't had a single thing from the menu that I didn't enjoy and I always look forward to coming here.
(5)Eric W.
The food was fresh and really quick.
(4)Izzy G.
We originally experienced Taco Bus in St Petersburg, and we're definitely a fan. I visit here probably once every month or two and generally get the same things. If you're a fan of Mexican food, this really is a must-try place. The fact that it is open 24 is definitely a huge plus!
(4)Brian F.
Second time at Taco Bus...started by ordering some chips and salsa and well, lets just say it took a while before we got anything. Probably because a woman was heavily complaining about not having enough cheese on something and the entire staff was in a tizzy, none the less they came finally and were tasty. The salsas are delicious. Our order came, but mine was incomplete so the server (not the one that took our order) went back to make it right. My partner's quesadilla was a bit runny so they took that back as well. Flavors here are amazing. I had 3 tacos, one carne asada, one chicken and one shrimp with tomato and onion. My partner's quesadilla was not acceptable to him, so he ordered a shrimp taco and was happy. Then the bill came and an extra taco made its way on there. The server removed it. All in all, service was relatively fast and the food was good.
(3)Joanne Y.
The food is okay and the price is decent. The only good thing is that they are opened at all hours and are the only place that serve food really late. I ordered a burrito combo meal here and got home and only received the burrito without the beans and rice which I paid for, the burrito overall was good especially with the salsas that they give you with it. Ordered the tres leche cake as well which was not worth paying for because it was just soaked in liquids and had to be thrown out.
(3)Food E.
Two words: Chicken Quesadilla :D Friendly and fun environment. Fresh tasting food, always.
(5)Wes M.
Absolutely love this place! I always get the tacos, which you can't go wrong with. Staff is fast and friendly. Food comes out fast and is fresh! You won't be disappointed! Stop reading and go now!!!
(5)Scott S.
The place always smells bad and the service is slow - it shouldn't take 40 minutes to get Mexican food. The food is good though.
(2)Phillipa L.
After hearing all the time I need to try Taco Bus tacos from friends and co-workers I decided to visit their location on Fletcher Ave Tampa a few weeks ago. I had the meal deal for 2 tacos served with Mexican rice & refried beans. I got one soft taco and one crunchy. Honestly, I don't know what all the hoopla is about. Firstly, I think they're overpriced. Secondly, there was nothing so significant or outstanding about the taste of the tacos. It tasted like a taco I can make at home. The wait was long too. The wait creating and excitement within me that they were really making me a taco that will blow me away. I only ate there that one time and that's all I tried. I was not impressed so I don't think I will be back.
(3)Elyse B.
This place is amazing, I love it and the food is out of this world. It also helps this place is open 24 hours so I can get my burrito fix at all hours.
(5)Mark H.
Recently went back for the first time in a while and grabbed a carne asada burrito. La Chica got the lengua burrito. I did it wrong--she did it right. The tongue is so tender and tasty. I can't ever imagine going back and eating anything else. Wow!
(4)Deborah H.
A great place with good food and a nice area to sit outside in the shade next to the bus! I had the vegetarian plate which consisted of Mexican rice and beans with "taco" vegetables...tomatoes, onion and cabbage. There was way too much for me to eat at one sitting, but I gave it my best shot! I originally wanted to go for the experience, but I will go back for the food...really good!
(4)Rachel M.
I can't believe I never reviewed this Taco Bus. I guess because I have reviewed the St. Pete Taco Bus. I do love this place. I love the Taco Bus St. Pete Location better though. There's more seating there. The food here is great, and I dream of the shrimp tacos and the butternut squash tostadas. I also live the pineapple water. Ahh, this place is so good.
(4)Rachel H.
Just visited the USF location and it was even better than the original. The service is much better and so fast. Lots of seating and the music volume isn't hurting your ears. I kind of feel like a crotchety old lady now but it was such a great experience and we were able to bring our grandparents to try it (something we couldn't never do at the original). The tamalitos are my new favorite menu item.....I ordered the soy chorizo at first but they were out so I switched to the pinto bean and it was delicious. Paired with a butternut squash taco and some watermelon juice, it was summer perfection. Kudos.
(5)Chris D.
I like it I'm used to like Tex Mex and Baja California but I approve of their food. The concept of having a school bus there is really unique and awesome. When speaking with people that live here they said go to this one only.
(5)Lori F.
Great food, but expect to wait a LONG time as it's no longer a "special secret" spot. Droves of people have jumped on the bandwagon of the Taco Bus phenomenon. Still great fun and great prices for great food (is that enough greats?)
(4)Tom F.
I had a fish burrito and it was good, big too! The horchata was excellent and I wish we had a Taco Bus in Virginia. We were there at around 9:30 PM and the crowd was steady increasing as time went by. Go for the experience and the food should not disaapoint.
(3)Ana H.
This place might surprise you! The food is very good! I have had a lot of Mexican food, and this one was definitely good! We sat outside which is very nice and rustic, the only thing was the Mosquitos but besides that it was nice. It is a must try!!
(4)Justin D.
Guy in the bus recommends a fish torta... Review will come later
(5)Marinda H.
What's all the buzz about? It's kitschy but the food isn't all that great. Chicken Tamale: delicious corny mixture, chicken was a little dry, green sauce helped add some flavor/spice Tostada with Butternut Squash: squash mixture was delicious, however not a good idea on a tostado = wet mushiness. Tostado shell is nothing special so probably won't order again Pork Taco: the pork is by far the best meat! Love the crunchy cabbage, tomatoes, onions, cilantro toppings (and lime of course)! BF got the Barbacoa Burrito and wished he had gotten the pork. Beef is good but 'pot roasty' - too much on a big burrito, taco size portion would have been better. Our friends got an order of guacomole and chips - nothing special about the chips but the guacomole is great with the perfect amount of garlic. Love the Mexican Coke and the green sauce was very flavorful. Split a piece of Tres Leches cake - good but I won't be dreaming about it. Had heard soooooo much about this place, my expectations may have been too high. I thought it was a little pricy ordering a la carte ($3 taco, $3.70 tostado) and not huge portions for the price. Very cool that they have lots of veggie options (tofu, tempeh, fake steak, butternut squash).
(3)Juliana S.
Love taco bus ! If your ever visiting Tampa Taco Bus is a must try ! Serve fresh fast Mexican deliciousness literally out of a bus ! There open 24/7 and even accommodate to vegan/vegetarians. I eat red meat, but I love their vegan steak strips ! 2 vegan steak strip taco meal deal under 10$ !? You can't beat that
(5)Alejandra G.
It's delicious! Everything looks fresh and it tastes amazing! I tried the butter squash taco and I was worried at first since it's a veggie taco and I thought that it could have a meh taste but it was really good! ...REALLY GOOD. I also had the shredded pork and the other pork one that I forgot the name of it but it said it was a Mayan recipe. That one was delicious as well. The guacamole is one of the best that I've tried and I am not even a fan of guacamole. Overall everything was really good. The only thing that was not too good was that the cashier seemed lost.
(5)Brendan C.
There's nowhere better for late night grub the at taco bus. Caters to vegetarians but has great food all around. I love their rice. Come here for 24/7 good food!
(5)Randy R.
Late nights at the Hillsborough location is great for food and people watching. Fun music played outside for takeout
(4)Andrew J.
Upon arriving, the man taking my order had a 49ers hat on; I'm already a fan. My carne asada fries were cooked in about 5 mins and they were delicious. I hadn't had them since my stint in Vegas and all the memories started coming back to me after the first bite. I will definitely be making a trip back to the Taco Bus.
(4)Janelle F.
I love the food here! Always delicious and I am a huge fan :D
(4)Brian L.
The real deal. Our family has eaten here many times. One of our favorite casual dining options in all of Tampa. Super-flavorful food. Authentic recipes. Neat food-truck atmosphere. Fresh everything.
(5)Lily H.
This is yet another Tampa Bay's gold mine! There was a period of time I came every weekend (I live in Bradenton) and sometimes just to eat here! Pretty much everything on the menu is great here. My favorites are: Cochinita Pibil Torta (marinated shredded pork based on a 5,000 years old Mayan recipe), the Chicken Quesadilla, the Carne Asada Tostada (Marinated Grilled Steak), and the Fish Tacos. Their mexican rice is really really good too. And I always have a Mexican Coca-cola that comes in a tall glass bottle with my meal, not sure if there's any different... maybe more carbonation? But the best part about this place is that it's OPEN 24/7. That's right! No matter what time it is, you can always get some delish authentic Mexican food, that's way better that Taco Bell. Process: You wait in line (always a line even into the wee hours...been there at 2-3AM before), order and pay at the bus window, get your drinks that are instant (like the coca-cola....the other drinks like horchata, etc., they will bring you later), get a number, find a seat inside the building or outside and then they will bring the food to you by calling out your number. Now the history: My friend told me that this place started out as a mobile taco bus on the streets and apparently had just been a huge hit so they decided to become a stationary taco bus on Hillsborough where everyone can find them. Then over time, due to the success, they decided to build a dining building so more people can sit, but still make everything on the bus. And now, they also have a location in St. Pete, Downtown tampa and USF area. Now the exciting news, just last week while in Brandon, where I travel to quite often to my friend's place, we saw a sign that said that Taco Bus is opening up another location right there! Both of us just started jumping up and down in the car, well...we tried... There was one time on a freezing night, we were craving Taco Bus so much, we decided to go, but since it was such a cold night, all the seats inside were full! We decided to get the food to go and went down the street, sat inside Starbucks, devouring our food and not really caring if people would look at us funny. The only complaint I have and is the only reason I don't crave it as much is that about 2 years ago, the flavor changed slightly.. It's still good, but we felt that something was missing. It took us like 4 more tries to figure out, or at least think we figured out, that the cheese is changed or missing. There used to be alot of cheese, but not anymore... To this day, I don't know why this is....but IT'S STILL VERY GOOD!
(4)K S.
Over all great. The guy who took our order was super nice and friendly. The food was good.
(4)Zulekha F.
The food was delicious; however, I wish the menu was a bit more simplified. The staff was friendly and helpful and the food appeared freshly made. Very cool and unique decor.
(4)Erik A.
Its a shame we used to go to this place back in the day when it was called taconazo, it seems like the quality went down and the prices went up. The meat was low quality and very little in the tacos in both the chicken and the steak. Wish Tampa had some decent Mexican food.
(2)Dreyden I.
My wife and I went to Taco Bus with some friends a couple of months ago. The red and green salsas they have on the table are phenomenal, the chips are also decent. The food was bland for us, we are not Mexican food connoisseurs by far, but it just didn't give us a lasting impression. I wouldn't mind going back there but it wouldn't be our first choice.
(3)LinZ E.
I love this place! Mostly because it stays open late and I'm huge into Spanish food. Sad they discontinued their barbacoa meat. :(
(5)Cara M.
I love taco bus. They are quick, convenient and although I am not vegan or vegetarian, their options for both are delicious.
(4)Katy S.
LOVE the Taco Bus! This is definitely a favorite for me, living close and often wanting a quick meal. The tacos are fantastic. My personal favorites are the barbacoa tacos. I typically douse my tacos in the green and red sauce to make it spicy and juicy. I've come here for breakfast once, too. Picture the dinner taco, stuffed with eggs instead of rice. YUM. This place is authentic and has a pretty extensive menu. The staff is always friendly and I mean, you are eating out of a bus, that is pretty cool. The only gripe I have about this place is that there are often long lines, due to the popularity. I have begun calling ahead to pick up my tacos so that I can get in and out quickly.
(4)Emma D.
This place is the bomb diggity. The food is delicious, well-prepared, and very easy to customize. The last time I went there, I ordered guacamole on the side and when the rest of my food came out, there was no guac to be found. Two minutes later, our waiter returns with a huge basket of chips, salsa, and three containers of guacamole - on the house. My usual order is what I like to call the quesadilla penada - like a pregnant burrito, but with melted cheese. What could possibly be better? Oh wait, horchata! Their horchata was excellent and the only time I was disappointed by a Taco Bus adventure was when they were out of horchata.
(5)Minsoo P.
Absolutely the worst taco I've ever had in my life. The steak was inedibly salty and hard. Then the ran out of everything. Service was..."casual". Tacos from under a truck, not from it. Do not recommend.
(1)Robert S.
Sad, sad, sad, sad, sad, sad, sad, sad, sad, sad. Lengua discontinued. The best thing on the menu is gone. Well now to find another place that serves it as good as they did. Bye-Bye Taco Bus.
(1)Francesca C.
Vegan dream land! Some of the most impressive vegan Mexican selections we have seen! Vegan steak quesadilla was rockin'!!!!!
(5)Hoda B.
Great place to have taco! Plenty of choices, juicy and well seasoned.
(5)Md Q.
Yeah.... I understand that this is a Tampa staple, but the food legitamately sucks here. We won't get started on the customer service. I know its weird but I am used to some great Mexican food coming from Richmond , Va Is it authentic? I dunno... I do know its freaking delicious and yours isn't. I liked the whole concept, kinda like chipotle. Again, a far superior burrito to what I had here. I actually gave it 3 tries and even went to the other store . They both blew. Both of your locations got 4 stars... how did they manage that?
(1)Gwendolyn M.
I love their new queso dip! They're open late, which is good for night owls like me.
(5)Annie L.
Tacos were well made with fresh ingredients and moderate pricing. I enjoyed both types of salsa (the green and the red) that was offered on the table. We ordered the shrimp and chicken tacos---both were equally delicious. It definitely gets crowded around lunchtime, so make sure to arrive early or order on the go!
(5)Kelly Q.
A little overpriced, but I'm a fan. I like the authenticity of the menu selection and their Horchata is a definite winner -- and I've tried a lot of Horchata in my day. Even my friends who've never tried the drink before were loving it. I would say the other downfall is that the sides are waaay too small! It's like a 1/4 cup of rice and beans... really? Maybe I'm just too american. Nevertheless, you know I'll be going back for the Horchata.
(3)Jason C.
This place really hits the spot late at night. I like that they have the full range of options for Taco Bus. I really want to try their breakfast options some time.
(5)Susan B.
I always get the Chicken Quesadilla when I come here, and it always is fantastic. Good food, the price is a wee bit high considering you self order and wait for food to be ran to your table.
(4)Aleema A.
I love the taco bus. I live right down the street from it and let me tell you, it has some the best food for something that is considered "fast food". I usually get their tacos and I really love them. The food is cheap but that doesn't mean they skimp on the flavor. It is rich in flavor and my food is usually gone within several minutes. They have any kind of Mexican food you can think but the menu isn't difficult to navigate. Whether you take it to go, or dine in, the turn around is really quick. Eat at the Taco Bus anytime you can. You won't be sorry!
(4)Alexander G.
This Place Sucked so Hard! Let me start with the prices. IM going to read 2 things off my receipt: 1 small bottle of Coke cost me $2.50 - it was one of those small glass bottles. 1 large guacamole and chips for $5.50 - the guacamole was a cheap store bought brand and the chips where nothing more than 3 tortilla shells broken in half on a small paper plate. Now let me get to the quality. All the ingredients where not fresh they where either from cans or frozen. The employees where rude as hell. I thought this place would be great since I seen it on Diners, Drive ins and Dives but boy was I sadly Mistaken. I would not recommend this place to anyone.
(1)Andrea M.
Definitely not my taste by any means but I see why others enjoy it. Chips and queso was the best part. Maybe it was the flavor of carnitas that really turned me away.
(3)Nathan B.
The best tacos in town! My favorite is the fish tacos. They have a huge selection in the menu. Prices are cheap, family oriented and the best part is that they are open 24/7. The food is tasty. The kitchen looks clean and the staff is friendly. Best place to eat after hours.
(5)Jeannie L.
I was slightly skeptical of this place at first. The area looks a little shady but my friends all said it was a must try. I have to say, I completely agree! The tacos are amazing and the guacamole is a MUST! I think I will have to make this a required stop every time I go to Tampa from now on. I wish they would start one in DC. Also....if you go during the summer you MUST try their watermelon juice. It is so refreshingly good and surprisingly not overly sweet.
(5)Jennifer B.
Awesome authentic mexican food! they are food savy! You will not be dissappointed
(5)Bob B.
Taco Bus is a great place for fairly authentic mexican food. Lines got a little out of hand after being on some cooking shows, but lines move quickly and they're not San Francisco type lines. Their horchata is too sweet for me, ok, just not great. My favorite dish if the cochinita pibil tortas. Fabulously messy and tasty! Beef tongue tacos are really tender and well executed as well. If you need a late night meal you can count on the Taco Bus.
(4)Amber D.
Vegetarian and Vegan Mexican amazingness... If you haven't been to Taco Bus your missing out. Their burritos could feed you for a week. It's worth the long line or the blubbering drunk patrons (depending on when you go, I like it best after the bars close). I think Taco Bus is a great place to eat, but also a bay area hipster community icon. Eat their food, like it, all the cool kids do. If you do welcome to the club. The steak tempeh is good too...but it really really tastes like the real thing. Eh the chips and salsa is the only not so amazing thing there.
(5)Dena P.
yum, yum, yum! Their food is pretty good. Not the typical lets go to Taco Bus on a date but more of a quick grab for some good food or a middle of the night meal. The food is pretty good and normally service is not that bad. On good nights lines are pretty good... other nights the wait could take forever. The St. Petersburg location is not bad either but they are only open 24/7 on the weekends. I like this place :) done deal!
(5)Christina N.
My family and I moved here from Arizona almost two years ago and I've been searching for authentic Mexican food ever since. Although Taco Bus didn't deliver what I'm used to, it was pretty darn good. The environment was fun with a very laid back atmosphere. There are many different seating options so it was easy to find a place where we could talk and laugh without bothering others. We ordered ahead because we weren't sure how busy they would be during the lunch rush. The online ordering is simple to use if you're limited on time. We will be heading back.
(4)Steph G.
I fought EVERYBODY when it came to trying the Taco Bus. Food out of a bus? Off Hillsborough and Nebraska? Outside? No thanks. Boy was I wrong. After many begs, I finally went here and although it's a little rough around the edges on the outside, the food is DE-LISH. Now, I live down the street from the original "bus" and each time I go there I tell myself I'm going to order something different, however, I usually default to my go-to meal: the fish tacos with a side of guacamole. Their fish tacos are light, not greasy and topped with fresh slaw, pickled onions, pico de gallo and an amazing cream sauce. Their guacamole is to die for, and hands down the best I've ever had. Served with a side of tostado chips and fresh pico de gallo on top. They also make a mean horchata (like a drinkable rice pudding) that I get every time. It's creamy and refreshing with just a hint of cinnamon. Their food is fresh, there are TONS of vegetarian and healthy options and the staff is always friendly. The original location is open 24 hours a day, yes 24-7, and have call ahead ordering out. The waits can be long, so it's best to call ahead. The best news? Taco Bus has expanded all over the bay area! There are locations in Downtown Tampa, St. Pete, the USF area and their newest location: Brandon! When Carlos, from Carlos Eats, extended an invitation to a blogger dinner he was hosting at the Brandon location, I couldn't refuse. Both the guy and I have become major fans of the Bus, and I knew he'd jump at an opportunity to check out the new location. The new Taco Bus is located at 301 South Falkenburg Road. Brian and I were the first to arrive and were warmly greeted by Taco Bus founder Rene Valenzuela. As we waited for the rest of the group to arrive, Rene brought us out fresh, ice cold horchatas. We sipped and chatted a bit as we looked around the new location, which is much bigger than the others. With a spacious outdoor patio seating area, indoor booths and a huge group counter top area, Taco Bus Brandon is the perfect place for groups and parties. I may or may not already be planning my next birthday party! ;) #Junebaby Before we knew it, the others had arrived and the food began rolling out. And boy did it roll! Rene's goal for the evening was to introduce us to some of the vegetarian options Taco Bus has to offer. With limited vegetarian restaurnaunts in the Brandon area, Taco Bus may become a go to for all the local herbivores. ;) We tried SO many dishes: tofu and tempeh tostadas (amazing!), rajas con queso tostadas, cochinita pibil tostadas, carne asada tacos, butternut squash tostadas, guacamole and (my favorite) creamy tres leches cake for dessert. I made sure to make room for dessert. Their tres leches does NOT disappoint! So refreshing and rich! As we ate, Rene told us stories of how the Taco Bus came to be. As he explains his story, you can see and hear the pride in his voice. These recipes are traditional family recipes that focus on fresh and healthy ingredients. Nothing comes out of a can around these parts. It's a product you can feel good about putting into your body. If you haven't been to any of the Bay Area Taco Bus locations, go now. And if you don't live in the area, I feel sorry for you! So sorry that I may air-mail you a carne asada burrito. Thanks again to Rene for the hospitality and Carlos for the invitation!
(5)T N.
Recommend the butternut squash taco, it's delicious! I also got the steak and the chicken taco, they were ok. Portion size of each taco is not large but not too small either. The pineapple water was very good. They are open late which is a plus. Only reason I'm giving this place 4 stars and not 5 is I would have preferred tacos with hard shell, but the only option you have is a tortilla.
(4)Samantha H.
Really great vegetarian options and plenty of food for the price! The taco sauces on the table are excellent--love coming here! Just wish they had outdoor seating like the St. Pete location!
(4)Addiel A.
Love Taco Bus. It has delicious Mexican food. Most people around Tampa like to go to Taco Bus after leaving the club because they serve big hot quantity's of their food plus it's open at very convenient times. If you like Latin or Mexican food I recommend it.
(5)Justin B.
I've visited Mexico four times, and am going to climb out on the furthest limb to say: Taco Bus is more "authentic" than most of the meals I ate IN the actual country. I know, right? That doesn't even make sense, but I'm not kidding. It's the real deal. Your TB experience will start with a missed right turn, realizing you just passed a brightly painted bus and then making a U-turn. You will pull in, create your own parking space and walk uncertainly towards multiple large vehicles. Here you will choose whether you want to sit indoors (boring) and be waited on, or walk up to the bus (mhmmm) to place your order and sit outside. When you sit outside you will be underneath a hut-like porch with loud salsa music playing, sitting on what another yelper describes as: "a wobbly tree-post they call a table".....and it's awesome. If you want to feel like you've left Tampa (or 'Murica) for a moment, this is for you! Start with the guacamole and ask for an extra lime to squeeze over it. The small is enough for two, but you won't find me sharing any. The portions are pretty big, but I would recommend you steer clear of ordering the burrito regardless of how hungry you may be. Get two, three....seven taco's instead. There are so many great filling options that you will want to try more than one thing. Taco's let you do that. Make sure to try the "filling of the day", the shredded beef is killer, and remember: If you can't pronounce it you probably want it. Amazing, fresh Mexican food. Atmosphere that transports you to another country. 24 hour taco access. ¡Fiesta!
(5)R G.
Its kitchey, creative, local, well-priced and Good. Ride the Taco Bus!
(5)Melanie B.
Great late night spot in somewhat questionable neighborhood. Went there on random Tuesday night and 5 cops flew past us with lights and all and saw an amazon transvestite prostituting. But the tacos and tortas are awesome and the other stuff is just the entertainment. Totally worth the haul at 1 a.m. from South Tampa
(5)Michael E.
We didn't care for it, missed options like hard shells and a choice in hamburger taco type meat. It wasn't what we go for normally.
(1)GuruRas K.
I'm a Butternut squash & Hibiscus tea fan! The Hillsborough Ave location is the best!
(4)Anthony H.
Always fresh, fresh every day. Straight from the farm. Delicious food every time. Great place to munch.
(4)Thom J.
Best burrito in Tampa.
(5)Jack S.
Everything you heard about the tacos is right on. They are awesome. I especially like the Pibil and Barbacoa fillings. Chicharron was not crunchy as I had assumed and a bit too much lime for my taste. Although they do great tacos I would not recommend the desserts; their turn over must not be very good. The first flan I was given had a huge mold spot on it. The tres leches was a bit dry. Overall, great experience, great food, just skip the dessert. Oh, and you can BYOB including beer, etc. Very cool.
(4)Rob B.
The taco bus is a diamond in the rough. The building/bus doesn't look like much but the food is great. Sitting in the area between the bus and building eating our tacos while feeling the gentle breeze took us to another place in time. I enjoyed my Barbacoa & Cochinita Pibil tacos which had been slow cooked to perfection and topped with the right amount of onions and cilantro, add a squeeze of lime and some salsa verde to make it hit the spot.
(4)KrisTina M.
it don't get better than this when it comes to mexican around here... love the decor, although not surprisingly it's usually packed. service sometimes lags, but it's hard to care once the food gets to you. am glad they opened one closer - downtown - but haven't tried it yet. that's definitely on the agenda this week...
(4)Suzy V.
Taco bus! My best friend that's up in college in Tampa took me here to try this place out and I loved it. Good authntic Mexican food and they serve it and cook it from an old painted school bus. Dopeeeeeeee
(4)christina r.
Amazing Mexican food .. Almost as good as my mothers :) try the horchata next time you go it's amazing ! Weekends are a great time to go that's when the tamales and menudo are available. Best in Tampa for sure!
(5)Denise V.
Like any other restaurant, some items are a hit while others are a miss. I've had better Mexican rice and refried beans. Definitely give the shrimp taco a try!
(4)Michelle C.
I've only been to Taco Bus once, but seriously been telling friends about this place ever since I've been. I had a really good experience here. It was not what I was expecting at all. I really liked the atmosphere and the decorations. The food was also very authentic and delicious too. The location is a bit of a drive, but it's well worth it. An even bigger plus? It's open 24/7... perfect for late night munchies.
(5)David G.
Excellent food - but that's it. Smell from the dumpster reeks - needs to be contained as it emanates across the parking lot.
(5)Lori C.
Ok it looks bad as far as the establishment. The food though incredible!!! The veggies are fresh and I am not sure what the do to there onions but FABULOUS!!!! I being a big meat eater could have eaten about 5 pounds of there veggies! The Guacamole also fresh was very tasty! Can't wait to eat there again!
(5)Sam H.
The absolute best place to eat late night. The food is good and the patrons are a great mix of people.
(5)Rob F.
Best i've had in Tampa so far. Tastes like nothing you've had from chain/corporate locations. Real novelty to it. Better for a casual lunch then a quiet dinner. Coke in glass bottles goes good with pork or beef.
(5)Elliot S.
Excellent eats!!! I really don't understand the issue that some people have (other reviewers) with the authenticity of this place. The food is good. Don't want to call it Mexican? call it whatever you want, it's still very good eats.
(4)James K.
I have to eat here atleast twice a week. Its like im addicted to it like a crackhead on drugs. Taco's are all I need from here, but that doesnt mean the rest of the food on their menu isnt good. Im just biased to tacos. So eat here for mexican food.
(3)Cecilia F.
This place is great! Don't expect much! It is called the taco bus for a reason, but the food is great! I have missed tacos ever since I moved here from Texas.
(4)Livia A.
Authentic, delicious tacos. If it weren't so far away I'd go there way more often. :)
(3)Miguel S.
If you want authentic mexican burrito, then this is the place. I've yet to try a burrito that beats taco bus. Awesome set up
(5)Kate W.
Went there for the first time today after hearing about it for months from friends. Have to say I was impressed. Fish tacos were great. Chicken tacos were solid. Chips + salsa weren't my favorite, but that's because I personally prefer pico de gallo/chunky salsa to the more liquid/hot sauce variety. The atmosphere reminded me of the little taco shops I've been to in San Diego.
(5)Bj O.
After reading rave reviews, and waiting in a line for nearly 40 minutes to order, I expected a LOT better. The Burrito was just OK, the rice and beans served with it were awful, and the seating area and tables had a dirty look and feel. IMHO, Chipotle Mexican Grill is much better (and cleaner). Frankly, I have no idea why so many people seem to be in love with this place.
(2)Michael R.
This joint was a staple of my diet when I lived a few blocks away. I always got their huge steak burritos on days when I recovered from boozing the night before. There is no sour cream to be found and the food is a bit heavy on the cilantro, but I like it that way. Some folks may prefer Ybor places like Mema's but their prices are higher and you don't get as much food for your dollar. With most food places being so sterile these days the "Taco Bus" is a great reminder that independent neighborhood food is a live and well.
(4)Samantha M.
My boyfriend and I have been wanting to try the Taco Bus for awhile and decided to make the journey and head over there this evening. The food did not disappoint, I had the Quesadilla with Carne Asada and my bf had a burrito with carne asada, the quesadilla was like nothing I had ever had before! cilantro, onions,garlic, tomato, cheese and of course the meat! YUM! The people that compare it to the dollar menu at Taco Bell don't know what the heck they are talking about! Our favorite Mexican place was Poblanos in Clearwater which happens to be about 2 minutes drive from where we live.... now though.... I think we will be making the 30 minute journey to Tampa quite often. Give it a try, opened 24 hours a day 7 days a week, the people are friendly, the food is plentiful... you wont be disappointed.
(5)Lisa O.
Once you go to the bus you never go back...nuff said.
(5)adam h.
I have never eaten a fish taco before so I decided to try one out here and was very happy with my order. The food is very good and the staff are very nice. I try to go here every time im in Tampa.
(4)Alex T.
Best Taco in all of Tampa. It's a little hole in the wall but, that's usually where you'll find the best food. The taco bus is by far the best tacos in Tampa.
(4)Charles C.
good spot for late night tacos! good prices and the burritos are good!
(4)Amy V.
Home of the 24 hour taco, Diners Drive-Ins and Dives, and stickin' good Mexican food. From vegans to meat eaters, Taco Bus will fill that void at all hours for a great price. I laugh every time I read their slogan: "broken English, spoken perfectly" - it's perfectly true and absolutely ok. Located on Hillsborough Ave., just east of 275. You'll want to get over to the right quickly if you're coming off of 275 S. Make it fast. - Chips and Guac: the small order is perfect for two people who love guac. Fresh and accompanied with fried corn tortillas for dipping. Topped with fresh cilantro. Please and thank you. - Steak tacos: each taco comes with two tortillas, so you can take the time to divide your portions or just stuff your face at once, much easier. I tell myself that eating two tacos is really like eating four, but who's counting. There's something for everyone here and it's a Tampa staple.
(5)Day W.
I wouldn't go out of my way for this place. I have not been to the one in Tampa but I had better at Red Mesa Cantina in downtown St. Pete. Yes, one place's prices are higher than the other but the prices are justified.
(3)Tom W.
It's good - but it used to be better. I'm concerned that they might be getting too big for their britches. This used to be the spot, and now I find myself going elsewhere for similar food. Not saying it's bad, and if you haven't been, you should go experience it & make your own decisions. I'm just a little disappointed in the direction it seems to be heading.
(3)Mark L.
I've been to the bus many times now, usually going late night. I don't quite understand what is so hard about "no cilantro" but apparently it's impossible to make a burrito without it. It's an ok restaurant in a bad part of town that's open late nights. Honestly, I probably would've preferred McDonalds.
(2)Nate L.
I LOVE taco bus!!! I have never had a problem with them at all! my favorite location is on Hillsborough Ave next to 275. Great for fast delicious Mexican food!
(5)Nick C.
After a late night celebration we asked our party bus driver ( in our best sober voices) to take us somewhere for a late night bite to eat. To the Taco Bus we went! None of us being from Tampa we had no idea what we were in for. Pulling up it looks like a little whole in the wall but what is inside is amazing! Probably some of the best tacos I have ever had. Very simple and short menu. Makes for a great lunch or late night eat. Not truly authentic but not that tex mex crap thats every where else either. Its great!
(5)Jeanette A.
Love coming here ! Great authentic Mexican food made in a bus, open until very very late about 4am so it's an ideal spot to come after a night out. Service is quick, you can eat outside or inside. So far I haven't had anything on the menu that I didn't like.
(5)Denise H.
The service was scketchy, they got my order wrong twice. I was not sure if they cared if I was there. The food was good an authentic.
(3)Trevor H.
Okay, not sure what I was thinking when I rated this place with just three stars?! My third time back, I came with my family. We ordered a bunch of food. Chicken tacos, Veggie tacos, Carne Asada burrito, and Watermelon Agua Frescas! I did not get a chance to try the tacos because thats what my family ordered, but I ordered the burrito. I feel like they stepped uo their game with the burrito. I liked the cabbage that was in there rather than wilting lettuce. And the hot sauces, YUM! I love spicy and their green (well more of a dark dark green) sauce was delicioso. But what I really enjoyed was the watermelon agua frescas. They came in a huge jumbo size cup for just $2.50. My grandmother loved it, though we definitely split one of the cups with her since it was so large. Definitely hit up taco bus if you are craving some good Mexican. For tacos and burritos, Taco Bus is where it's at!
(5)Elizabeth D.
This time we did take-out from the bus itself. We arrived during the lunch rush and thus there was a decent lengthed wait. Once we got back to the office to eat, I was totally blown away. This food was WORTH. THE. WAIT. Side note: I skipped the calorie laiden horchata and opted for hibiscus flower lemonade. Hrmmm, I think I should stay away from their drinks. This was thick and sweet yet tart but I could tell there were tons of calories in each sip. And again it came in a giant cup. Now, back to the food. I ordered one shrimp taco and one fish taco, both on a flour tortilla, both with guacamole on top. One bit into my shrimp taco and I knew it was going to be the best lunch I'd had in ages. Not that my lunches have been unsatisfactory, but this just took lunch to a whole new level. I loved my shrimp taco so much that I feared my fish taco would make me sad. I was wrong. My fish taco was equally as awesome. Now I have the dilemma of never wanting to try something new at Taco Bus. I truly believe that I've found that go-to meal. Man, they sure know how to dress a taco. They may serve them out of a bus, but they put out beautiful tacos dressed to the nines. I enjoyed every bite. These tacos appeal to the masses. Their parking lot is always full. And although it's a dirt lot, people with all kinds of cars (Lexus, Lotus, Infinit, Mercedes, etc.) will find a spot just to indulge in quality Mexican food. If you're on the fence about trying this place, just jump over to the other side. No drug lords in this Mexican foodie heaven, just a fiesta with amazing tacos.
(5)Deb C.
Had 6 tacos - to try each of the 2 types of chix, pork and beef!!! The shredded beef, carnitas and grilled chicken - AWESOME! The others were good, just not as good. Come here for quick food anytime of day!
(4)Romel C.
Awesome just plain awesome. The burritos are good and large portions. I usually get the barbacoa or carne asada burrito or the burrito prenado, which comes with rice in the burrito. The reg burrito noes not have rice. The tortas are good, my wife always gets the barbacoa torta. The tamales are awesome also. We even tried the vegan and breakfast burritos and we're not disappointed. The horchata and hibiscus drinks are good. The hibiscus was a little too sweet but maybe just my preference. I always go whenever back in Tampa. I love their sauces, I smother my burritos with it. I prefer the spicier one but both are good. Pros: open 24 hrs, good variety, you can dine indoors, outside or on your car. Good prices, large portions, friendly staff. Cons: you might miss it if you are not looking for it, tamales only on weekends.
(5)Gabriel S.
Owney BottomLine: Tamales, Enchiladas and Menudo! Oh My! Tasty Mexican even in Florida. Good job, Mexicans! The first time I went there I wasnt that impressed. I had a burrito and it was pretty boring. Nothing spectacular, but a decent spot to go for lunch. But one Sunday I decided to tryout the Menudo and other Sunday specials and I was not disappointed. This experience shot my rating way up...in all kinds of ways. My girlfriend got the Tamales and enchiladas and we loved them. The tamales with plenty of pork and the enchiladas with flavorful mole and cheese. It was pretty awesome. My menudo, served with all the appropriate spices and tortillas was really fantastic. I've eaten this stuff my whole life, so I think I know what good menudo tastes like and this was good stuff. Go on Sunday's when they are doing special things. Other days, expect a good meal, but nothing to wrote home about. Oh yeah, the horchata was pretty good too. Service was pleasant. Indoor seating available. Nice/clean atmosphere.
(4)Gruvy G.
Great Tacos but not at a Great price! Another one of those "cost too much" Tampa spots. I think I paid $15 for 3 Taco's. :( A Far cry from taco bell!
(3)Geoffrey L.
The food is amazing, menu is varied, if you see the watermellon water, commit to it. The wait can sometimes be a bit much, but oh so tasty.
(4)Garrett T.
Great place for a quick meal that is authentic spanish food. I always get the chicken tocos and never have a complaint. There speedy and great! plus the bus is bright yellow you cant miss it. Also open late for all those who are craving late night munchies.
(4)Johnny H.
While on vacation in Tampa, we went here based entirely on the Yelp reviews. We're glad we did; this place was great. I had three tacos; fish, carnitas, and barbacoa. All were great - lots of flavor and piled high with meat/fish. My wife's tacos were equally great -- she had shrimp, butternut squash, and the vegetarian "steak." The green "hot" sauce was extremely tasty, but not exactly "hot." The Horchata was fantastic -- maybe the best I've had. The large was huge, definitely worth the price. But that's true for all the food here -- the prices were great. The one disappointment was that they didn't have lengua (tongue), my favorite type of taco. It was on the menu but I don't think they still serve it.
(5)Duane T.
stopped by on a rainy monday to hear what the fuss is about. it wasn't busy, i had a burrito with carnitas. super good. nice outside dining area covered for the rain. i'd go again if i was in the area but this is a long haul from pasco county
(4)Cory C.
really great tacos, good quick service and I like the open atmosphere, neighborhood is a little rough with vagrants but the restaurant is good
(4)Alisson B.
I wasn't impressed by the food or service. I thought the food was ok. I had a carnitas (pork) burrito with beans and rice. I was by far not the best burrito I've ever had. I much prefer Tijuana Flats for this kind of food. Completely average service. I won't come here again.
(3)Prits K.
This place excellent fr vegetarians.. very friendly staff.. I liked the woody sitting arrangement with nice mexican songs.. they even reduce the listed price of dish if u dnt want meat unlike others which charge the plate equally fr veg and with meat.. will definetly visit this place again..
(5)Manuel G.
I live in Miami , but recently had to travel to Tampa, and all my friends rave about this place. We'll its better than advertised . Chef Rene is amazing , with a perfect balance of service , with serious quality . The burritos are huge , Quesadilla steak is really good but if u really wanna flip your wig, try the Horchata ,understand I've had a lot of Horchata in my day but, Taco bus takes the prize , plus there never close. Que viva Mexico !!!
(4)Daniel J.
Just had the beef taco. I give 3 stars due to the fact that they didn't have ground beef hard shell tacos, which I really had a taste for at 1 am. The closest of what they had was a soft shell taco with sliced steak. Which was ok but my expectations were on a ground beef taco with cheese and shredded lettuce. The flavor of the beef wasnt anything memorable. I may go there again later in the future but will try something different.
(3)Buzz T.
Muy bueno food, and there's really nothing else to say. You want a treat from Tampa? Look no further. It's so hard for restaurants to differentiate themselves from the competition. So many places open up and don't last. Taco Bus is growing like a grape vine throughout Hillsborough county. And they're doing it on great food alone. A little atmosphere never hurt either. Food trucks are growing in popularity whether for novelty, convenience, or pragmatism but it doesn't really matter when you're food is this fresh, fast, and delicious. Sure it doesn't hurt that national TV shows have visited the restaurant, but if they weren't good food they'd fail not grow. If you want authentic Mexican food cooked fresh, go to any of the Taco Bus locations. They're a true jewel of the area.
(5)Shannon M.
Everything is fresh and delicious! Authentic, tasty, big portions! Everything about this place screams amazing, and they make everything out of a bus! I get the Chicken Burrito Meal all the way and it is enough to feed 2 people, you get rice and beans with it as well. Everyone that has gone there has said everything is great. I need to branch out and try more! They cool thing other then them cooking in a bus, is that they do have a few tables outside, but they also have an inside to eat in. This place is always slamming, you can tell is legit just by the food smells and everyone lined up.
(5)Ryan N.
This review is based on my experience during lunch: Atmosphere: 2/5 It was hot and you wait outside on the asphalt next to the bus. There is a funky smell right outside the bus that makes you second guess ordering food. There's a small outdoor seating area but it was too hot to eat outside. Food: 4/5 Good authentic Mexican style tacos and burritos (not Tex-Mex). The sauces included with the entree had a good heat and flavor. Value: 4/5 Not too bad for lunch but a little high for what it is. Overall, I would recommend someone to order online and get it to go for lunch but not to eat outside.
(4)Nicole Leigh S.
This restaurant, literally a transformed bus, is without a doubt one of my favorite food stops in town. They boast a very veggie/vegan friendly menu (with typical meat replacements) that includes things like butternut squash filling (or, you know, tostada topping?!). Great lunch, dinner and daily specials are also a selling point. But the topper? I mean, the real here's-why-I-keep-coming-back deal sealer? THE GREEN SAUCE! Guys. There are no words for me to share with you the epic (possibly crack infused?) addictive flavor this is. I used to say Sriracha was my favorite hot sauce, and when it comes to Asian foods that may be true, but on the whole? The Taco Bus green sauce. It's like the nectar of the gods. It's as if angels cried and these are their celestial tears- ready for us to devour and pleasure our tas- okay, I'm going a bit far, but I think you get the picture. This place has been in business for ages (pretty sure my mom used to come here when she was in college). They have recently started expanding to include a location in downtown Tampa, St. Pete and are close to opening a non-bus location on Fletcher. But I'll be honest when I say the original is best and will always most favoritest! I encourage, nay, demand all Tampa goers, visitors and natives alike!, to visit and report back with your findings. Do it!!
(5)Cathie D.
Been here (and to the other locations) multiple times. Stopped here for lunch today and had a chicken burrito. It was really good!! I love sitting outside by the bus listening to the music. My only complaint is that it's a little pricey for the type of food you are getting. Will be back for sure though!
(5)Donny P.
Everything looked good at the start. Ordering was straightforward. Just follow the steps on the menu. Glad to see vegan options on the menu, and asked for vegan meat substitute and double checked that the fillings in the burrito pregñada were vegan. Sat down and got my food. Took one bite and noticed cheese in my burrito. Brought it to their attention and was told that since I didn't pay for vegan cheese, they gave me regular cheese. Don't really understand that rationale!!! If I asked for "vegan" meat, why would I want cheese!! Turned me off. Got my new one ate it and left!! Will be a long time before I come here again. Suggest that they teach their order takers what vegan is and what that means!!
(2)Kim O.
Love taco bus. This is authentic Mexican food. I always get the fish tacos. Get them with everything on them and you'll have the best fish taco in Tampa for sure. My husband always gets the torta or taco de lengua and he says it is the best. The horchata is amazing as well. The staff and setting are both quirky in a good way. Highly recommended
(5)Shelle B.
Great, FRESH food, reasonably prices. Funky place, good for a quick bite.
(4)Mitchell M.
excellent food and service. The horchata is delicious. Tacos are great but I wouldn't waste money on the chips and dip. nothing special about those. Try the chipotle chicken tacos and the pork
(5)Scott S.
An OK place for OK food. I've had better Mexican food and a lot better tacos elsewhere.
(2)K S.
Went here on recommendation from a friend. Can't make up my mind if I like it or not. We were there around 10 pm and I wouldn't say the staff was rude, but they're not exactly super helpful either. It was kind of intimidating, but maybe that's just me. Anyway, I got a burrito with the vegan steak strips, chido style, and chips and guacamole. No drink. Paid about $15, which is a bit on the hefty side for me. So, the good: the portion sizes are also hefty. One burrito would definitely be enough for two people. The eh (not bad, per se): the layout of this place was kind of confusing for me. Maybe I'm just dumb. The food was okay. I am used to meat analogues and I just want feeling the "steak". There was a lot of it, so I guess that's good, in terms of bang for your buck, but I just didn't like them - the texture, the flavor, there's something I can't quite out my finger on. The guacamole was fresh, but was missing some garlic and lime juice. All in all, I'd probably come here again if I got the chance, but I can make a burrito and guacamole for much less than $15. This would be a good spot for your post-drinking meal.
(3)Anne B.
I LOVE Taco Bus! Food is really, really good! Service is fast and friendly. Prices are very reasonable. I have recommended this place on other sites. When you see many others of Latino descent eating here, you know it's authentic!
(5)Lin C.
Ate at this at a food truck rally. It was horrible! We had so many trucks to choose from and were so sorry we chose this one. Our friends all had great foods from other trucks. Bummer.
(1)David V.
Oh, yeah! If you are looking for GREAT Mexican food you would probably pay ANYTHING for, if the surroundings were a little plusher, stop by the Taco Bus. I've ordered from several categories on the menu and have never been disappointed. Fresh, Fast, Fun, and the price is right.
(5)Cassandra S.
Amazing food! Love the story of how this place started (small and independent). Best "food truck" in Tampa. Prices have gone up a bit since they opened years ago, but the food's so awesome they can get away with it.
(4)Rachel R.
Love love love. Not really sure what to say, except I take everyone here that comes to visit me from California. Being from Southern Cali, I love me some good Mexican food & this place is the real deal. Love their tamales (only available on the weekends, although I have read they are no longer serving them- say it's not true!!!) and love their platas! Amazing. Salsa is good & burns like it is supposed to, rice is good, meat is great. It has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives- they now have three locations & the one on Hillsborough is 24 hours, which is great! Check it out!
(5)amy m.
I'm not even a big fan of tacos. But holy moley, I love Taco Bus. I've ordered many different things from the menu and each time it has been delicious.
(5)Aaron L.
A staple in Tampa for food! This is the location that started it all. Don't come here for swanky, sparkling, restaurant experience...come here for THE BUS! I'm a fan of the Cochinita Pibil filling (it's an ancient Mayan recipe) but I haven't had a combination that wasn't mind blowing. The sides of beans and rice are your average Mexican deal, but you don't come here for that.
(5)Natalie Y.
I love, love, love this place! It really is the only place in Tampa that has somewhat authentic Mexican food. Now, it is in a less safe area than other parts of Tampa, so of you're not comfortable with that, you might not want to go to this location. As for the staff, they are fine. This isn't a 5 star, high end restaurant. You wait in line and order at an actual food truck. Once you pay, they give you a number card and from there you can sit outside or go in the little buliding next door to sit. Someone does bring you your food. They have a variety of selections. My favorite is the burrito. With each item, you can make it to what you like. Plus, it's all non spicy, so for heartburn people, the food is fine for you. This is one of my favorite Tampa local food places. I highly recommend to eat here.
(5)Nick G.
The place to go for tacos in Tampa. This place is so legit, and being open 24/7 blows my mind, but it is so appreciated at 1:30 in the morning. I would personally advise against the burritos though. They tend to be overly bread-y and the ingredients are not well dispersed. Definitely go for a fully loaded taco. So fresh. So delicious.
(5)Kassandra G.
Now I can say, since I went out with a friend from Plant City who is mexican to another taco spot, I haven't been back to taco bus as much because she did tell me it was not authentic. :( Broke my heart a little beacause I had been going here for years at all times of the day and loved it! But it was a bit crushing when told all these years I had been lied to and their food was not the most authentic that can be found in the area. Yet, I still return because Taco Bus has always been good to me. It certainly isn't the least expensive taco cart I've been to, it isn't unaffordable either. Their fish taco's probably have been the best I've had and the horchata, not the best, but alwasy satisfactory. If you know spanish, the service is great, if not however I have been informed that it can be a bit cut and dry but most people dont mind for the quick lunch taco or late night dining. Always fun, good with friends and ethnic fare to satisy a craving.
(4)Min C.
Interesting setup with delicious food that won't kill your wallet! The Butternut Squash Centro wasn't as big a hit with the group, but the Cochinita Pibil was delicious! $15 fed 3 hungry people with a bad case of the munchies and was a fun place to visit late at night. There's a bit of line, but definitely worth the wait!
(4)Jay M.
I'm a fan of restaurants that put all of their resources into the quality of the food, and aren't all that concerned about the dining environment. All I can say is ... don't miss this bus! You order from under an awning, looking up at the windows of the bus, and there are some wooden high-boy-style tables in front of the bus. They give you a number and bring you your food. I enjoyed a Burrito Prenado with the cochinita pibil filling (AMAZING seasoned pork) and it was beyond tender and delicious. The guac and chips even rival what the boys at Burrito Brothers in Gainesville dish out. It's not a SMOOTH guac like "the brothers" do it, but chock-full of onions, veggies and spices, served with corn tortilla chips. If it's just you and a friend, get a small ... and be warned, burritos don't come with chips ... so you'd do well to order this appetizer. Their beverages also are not to be missed. I tried a Hibiscus Flower Lemonade, and 36 hours later at home, I still have some of it (interestingly, I didn't pick up any scent of lemon here, but if you're into SWEET hibiscus juice, you'll be a fan of this). My girlfriend got an Agua de Sandia (watermelon), which was not as sweet but very much a watermelon-flavored juice. Our check came to $20 ... a bargain for what we got. And don't worry about limitations on this bus ... they take credit cards. Bathrooms are in a real building, too (never trust a bathroom on a bus!). It's not a matter of "if" but "when" we'll be back. We need one of these in Jacksonville! Did I mention this location is 24/7? There are locations in downtown Tampa and St. Pete, too.
(5)Acelyn B.
I have FINALLY jumped on the Taco Bus bandwagon! And the only way to describe it is by using all the food descriptive words a good friend of mine, Mark A, loves uttering: divine. delightful. heavenly. mouth-watering. superb. serviceable. :)
(5)Michael C.
The food is always the same quality night and day. I love the fact that I can: the order and then come pick it up. There is always a line so I love being able to grab the food inside two minutes and go. Burrito prenada, (I think the spelling is right), is down right amazing! A little taste of Tijuana!
(5)Lance W.
Before moving to Tampa this was on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives so we wanted to try. Now that we reside in Seminole Heights we're here once a week. Favorites are the barbacoa beef tostadas, beef tongue tacos and fish tacos. Being from SoCal, this is the best it gets here for Mexican and that's not saying much. Best to get the food to go as it's not that clean of a spot.
(4)Lauren C.
My cousin lived in Tampa, and this was part of the hilight of visiting her. She just moved, and while I'll miss her, I'm really going to miss visiting taco bus. I've been here a few times over, and i've developed a strong love affair with the seitan torta. I love love love that they have options of veggie protein. I bought a shirt to-go, and i think i may have been one of the only people to buy a shirt in a while. I literally had 2 entrees- 1 for lunch the next day, and was so so happy. If you have the opportunity to try taco bus, you really best take advantage of this. It's a game changer.
(5)Jennifer M.
All I can say is wow! Great authentic Mexican food! This place was suggested by a guy sitting next to my friend and I at a concert. Being that neither of us is from the Tampa area, we were talking about how we had missed dinner and would probably not be able to find anything but fast food or gas station food at such a late hour, following the show. This is when the nice guy sitting next to me chimed in and told us about Taco Bus. We yelped it and immediately headed over. Just as described, Taco Bus is an actual bus converted into a little Mexican restaurant. It's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and people line up one after the other just for a late night snack. The menu offers a great variety of Mexican food at very inexpensive prices. I ordered a few tacos and my friend ordered a burrito. We were both impressed at how delicious the food was! If I lived in Tampa, this would definitely be one of my hot spots!
(5)Jennifer M.
Went on a Saturday and it was fine. I am not a huge fan of Mexican food, but this seemed pretty standard bland fare. Everything was cooked well, and the service was good, I just thought it was ok. Certainly a step above chain restaurant offerings, but I really don't get the hype. It might just be my palate.
(3)Jodi S.
The food was good but if you are going to advertise and promote Vegan choices you have to make sure cross contamination doesn't occur. I am allergic to dairy and ordered Vegan tacos and my skin is itching, red and painful. I know better than to go some place that doesn't promote Vegan and think I won't get some dairy in my food but don't call it Vegan if it isn't. You are putting people's health at risk.
(2)Benjamin M.
The Taco Bus is one of the reasons I continue living in Southeast Seminole Heights. Yes, my house has been burglarized--and yes, there are some super shady people walking the streets all the time... but I am willing to endure crime as long as I have good cheap Mexican food. Taco Bus, I love you. I'm glad we're neighbors. The Taco Bus is now open 24/7--hello, breakfast burritos! And a word to the out-of-towner: even though it's open 24/7, visiting the Bus at 3am is not the safest idea... unless you have a motorcade of armored Suburbans driven by Blackwater-contracted bodyguards ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bl… ). My favorite Bus order is the burrito with barbacoa. I don't usually order the full meal (rice and beans) because the burrito is plenty big enough to fill me up. The green salsa on the tables--excelente. I go to the Taco Bus way too often, but I rationalize it by remembering that life is short. Yeah, I occasionally feel that I'm risking my life (and health) by eating at the Bus, but--man!--it's so worth it. p.s. if, by chance, you're an out-of-towner who actually has a fleet of Suburbans with a private security force, please give me a call when you visit the Taco Bus! I'd love to meet you.
(5)Greg J.
Waaaayyy over priced for street food. $9 for two tacos, beans and rice is insulting. Consistently disappointing. Don't understand why a burrito takes so long to make. The meat is low grade dog food. (chewy, fatty) 24/7 loud as hell shitty music. I will never understand the hype except that most people who eat here are so drunk they don't give a shit what they eat.
(1)Brett N.
Why 4 stars? Because it's not just a novelty, it's REALLY good Mexican food. --- --- --- Taco Bus was cool before eating off of a vehicle was trendy. Now it's playing the Godfather role. My personal recommendation is to go with no onions or easy onions on whatever you get, because they pile them on and they are intense. Getting rid of the onion after taste is a lot like getting rid of a hangover - you can lessen the pain throughout the day, but it truly never goes away until after you sleep. You can't go wrong with Tacos, Burritos or Quesadillas. I'm a steak guy, so I don't know about the other kinds of meat, but the steak is solid. The rice and beans are very good, something us Texans are picky about. The Horchata is a really interesting and tasty drink as well. You aren't going to eat here and say it's the best mexican food you've ever had in your life...but it's open 24 hours and they cook the food on an actual bus. It is definitely something every Tampa area resident should try once.
(4)Jennifer P.
Taco bus is the one restaurant I have been to the most since I moved to Tampa 4 years ago. Coming from Los Angeles, this is about as good as it's going to get in terms of Mexican food in Tampa - and hey it's pretty close! I have been to the taco trucks/restaurants on Hillsborough in Tampa, St Petersburg, and also the one up near USF Tampa (used to be Taqueria Monterey). I find the original on Hillsborough to taste the best (they put the most meat and yummy goodness in the tacos and burritos). At Taco Bus it is all about carne asada. Carne asada burritos. Carne asada tacos. Carne asada quesadilla. More carne asada please. I have had a few of the other fillings (e.g., fish, cochinita pibil), which have ranged from okay to good. But I always think the same thing: "Damn, I should have just gotten the carne asada". Their spicy green sauce and salsa-like red sauce are great extras to smother over all your food. Their beans are good, and their rice is OK (it is pretty dry) - but again if you put the green and red sauce on them, they turn from good/ok to AWESOME! The horchata here is fantastic too - although NOT fantastic for your waist line. This is a great place to satisfy any Mexican cravings you might have at all times (the Hillsborough location is open 24/7)!!
(5)Ken D.
i like the bus. i do not dislike the bus. i live close so i eat there quite often. the food has zero consistency so you have to be real specific. i saw a woman open a bag of cheese with her mouth and not scissors once and theres always a wait so i would rather just order ahead. i think the food is fantastic when im piss myself drunk. if im sober its just ok:)
(3)Simone J.
I love this place. Its a nice casual quick tasty meal. I am vegetarian so I like the butternut squash burrito and the rajas con queso are our favorites. We usual split the two. If you've never been I'd suggest it. Its worth a trip :)
(5)Danielle W.
Was in the area and had to check out the infamous taco bus. There's ample parking and after ordering, if you choose to stay, there's actually indoor and outdoor seating. We ordered the and the quesadilla with barbacoa and the torta with carne asada. The meat was very very good and the food came out very fast I can't wait until I'm back in the area to try out more of their menu,
(4)Tracy B.
I REALLY wanted to like this place, really I did. Unfortunately, I was very dissapointed by it. The Horchata was the only thing that saved the day and helped knock up the rating to 3 stars. So I went to the Taco Bus with my husband and sister. As we were waiting in line on this 90 degree day, a waitress came up to us and said if we were dining there, we could come with her and sit. For a split second I thought, no I want to feel like I'm at a food truck and order at the window. Then that split second was over and I thought, It's freaking hot as hell today...lead the way! She took us to this small building next to the truck, which felt airconditioned. She then gave us menus and said she'd take our order when ready. We started with a small guacamole. It came on a plate with about 10 chips and 3 tbsp of guac. Not what I was expecting, but taste wise it was very good. Really smooth and the onions, cilantro and tomatoes brought it up a notch. We then got our drinks. My husband and I got Horchata and my sister got the Watermelon water. For $2.50, it's a great deal. The drinks were huge. The watermelon water was very good and refreshing. The Horchata......life altering. This was the first time I ever had it and I'm officially hooked. It's made with rice, condensed milk, almonds, vanilla and cinnamon. It's like drinking a cold, smooth rice pudding. Holy moly it was so good. I really thought this was a good start to our meal, but then our food came and it just kind of went south from there. The food looks impressive at first glance. The taco I ordered was full of beautiful colors...just not beautiful taste. I got a shrimp taco because a friend of mine recommended it. He said the seasoning on the shrimp was outstanding and I had to try it. Well, my shrimp had absolutely no flavor. There was no seasoning whatsoever. They were perfectly pink, bland shrimp. The taco was also dry as could be. It came with all the veggies and cheese. I tried adding some of the red sauce that's on the table, but it still was hard to get down. If it wasn't a $3 taco plus extra for the shrimp, I wouldn't have cared as much. That's not cheap for a tiny taco. I also ordered a Torta because that's one of the things they're known for. The sandwich consisted of freshly baked bread, refried beans, mayo, jalapenos, cheese and I opted for the Cochinita Pibil (pork). The sandwich was all bread. The first few bites were okay, but after awhile I realized that I could hardly taste anything but bread. I decided to dissect it to see if maybe I could taste all the different flavors and components in this bread sandwich. When I did, i then realized just like the taco everything on the inside was pretty bland. The pork had hardly any flavor and was dry. So with my sad face, my sister let me have some of her quesadilla. It was actually pretty good. Probably because it was packed full of melted cheese. I'm a sucker for cheese! My husband got a burrito prenado with pork. It was a decent a size stuffed with a bunch of rice, beans, cheese, and veggies. He said it was good, but missing something. So to sum up this visit at the Taco Bus -- the food was really bland, dry and just missing something. The Horchata changed my life, so I guess in a way I'm glad I went to the Taco Bus. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll ever be back.
(3)John W.
I was not impressed with this place. It's a little better than Taco Bell but not better than a decent Mexican restaurant in Tampa. Compared to miguels tacos they're not very good at all.
(2)JohnnyAY Q.
Had given them a GREAT review on Urban Spn, but after two recent disappointments, have revised my review there and adding one here. UPDATED: Been disappointed the last 2 times... tonight may be the straw that broke the camels back. First off, Website is a MESS... could NOT order online, had to call... then, the Menu on a PC / Full site, had HIGHER prices than those on my "mobile" device... Taco Bus employee's reply when I informed them... "Oh... higher prices are correct" (no getting a Mgr, or honoring lower prices I showed on my phone. Food LOOKS great, tastes ok, but PRICEY for Mexican... also DO NOT try the "yummy looking" dessert empanadas... the "Fresh Strawberry" had a SAD thick, tasteless jelly inside a baked, doughy empanada... NO FLAVOR, or crunch... Sad & Disappointing! Not sure I'm going back...???
(3)Joey M.
Taco bus has gotten too popular. When they first started with the bus on Hillsborough Ave. They were very impressive and one of my favorites. Over the years I have eaten there when ever I was in the area. Went there two weeks ago and the portions were cut in half or less. the service has always sucked, but was forgiven due to the food. Now the food is no longer impressive, over priced and yes, the service still sucks. Seems like the Taco Bus is out of gas. Senor Tequila's on Dale Mabry Hwy is a much better place to get Mexican food, and the portions are awesome.
(1)Bibi A.
pretty good. the horchata is good. shrimp tacos are my fav. They are also open late which is a plus
(4)Carlos H.
Came here the other night after visiting Pinchasers. El Taconazo is open until 4am so when you get that late night taco or Mexican food craving you can come here for a bite to eat. I tried their taco with beef and it was amazing, the best taco I have had in Florida hands down! I devoured it...reminds me of back when I lived in California and had good tacos all the time, it was a good contender. I also had their tostada with chicken, which was delicious as well, the refried beans had a noticeably higher quality than the refried beans you tend to find at Mexican restaurants throughout Tampa Bay. They put tons of stuff on top and it was great! My friend also ordered a burrito and gave me a piece of it, it was good but not as good as the tacos and tostada, so I say go with those if it is your first time. They also have my favorite drink Horchata and for ~$2.50 I had a big cup full of the drink that I rarely get to have nowadays. There is another Mexican place in Tampa that has it, but it doesn't compare at all. I'm glad that I finally got to try this place, it deserves 5 stars for taste and for being a lifesaver to a city that just doesn't have enough quality Mexican food. Many futures trips back to come.
(5)Asma A.
So ive eaten there about 3 times in the past month. I tried the burrito pernada with shrimp, and it wasnt that great... but i still wanted to give this place another shot. Initially, i really wanted to try the vegan steak strips, but they didnt have them that day. After that first time, I did not really want to go back there, since the first impression was not that great. However, something made me go back there and this time they had the vegan steak strips!!
(4)Cece C.
Fast, delicious and good prices. What more could you ask for. Had the chicken quesadilla which was very filling and perfect for a quick lunch.
(4)Inga L.
The waiter didn't speak too much English so our order got really messed up... We had burritos with no toppings on it.. Steak burrito basically had only steak in it.. wtf And the meat was chewy and faty ..Bad experience for the first time... Maybe will give it another try when in the area...
(2)Luisella M.
The first couple of times I went I played it safe and got plain ole tacos and wasn't very excited to return. I live really close to them and returned with my younger sis. She recommended the tofu veggie burrito and now that's the boy thing I get at Taco Bus. I want to be clear, I am not a tofu eater. This is actually the only place I eat tofu. Ever.
(4)Heather S.
#glutenfree Loved this place. The tacos were fantastic and there were lots of gluten-free options! I had the cochinita pibil and it was tremendous. I got two of those tacos, but I should've gotten four! It's not some fancy joint but the food is delicious. This was definitely a pleasant surprise.
(4)Michelle R.
Love their food! Especially their sauces so spicy and delicious.
(5)Jason R.
Everyone else already covered it.. damn good taco's and open 24 hours. Any place you go to, that's got a dusty dirty parking lot, the kind that has grease and all manor of odd smelly stuff thrown about on it... packed with cars, teens, hipsters, old folks, young folks, singles, doubles, triples, gay's, straights, bi's... you name it.. it's either going to be damn good food, or some kinda rave with load music. In this case, it's damn good food... though, at night, I could see this turning into a rave.
(5)Mac M.
It's good, a little expensive a small taco $3 Good service. Yelp said my review was too short so I'm adding some words. We'll try this place again.
(3)John D.
Try the shredded chicken tacos... They are delicious. This is very authentic and simple mexican place; we are very happy.
(4)Caroline G.
Cant go wrong with The Taco Bus!!! Everything is always 100% perfect and quick. No frills but sooo delicious.
(4)Dave W.
OK. It's a bus. It's in a dusty parking lot. If you are expecting AC and a spic-and-span environment, look elsewhere. That leaves more for the rest of us! However, the food is solid. They don't appear to make their own tortillas but the hot sauce is a winner, the cochinita pibil is out of this world, and the unique butternut squash tostada is a crispy, tasty treat!
(4)Jamie E.
Being a Mexican food lover, this place is as authentic as it gets in the Tampa bay area. This place is very busy, so sometimes service is slow but the food is well worth the wait. Also, they are open 24/7!
(5)Jessi T.
Naturally, any review you get will be biased. I'm going to start off by saying I'm biased because I love dive restaurants/eateries and this place is definitely a dive. I mean, they serve you food out of a bus that is stapled to a building. Okay, maybe it's not literally stapled but it looks like they parked a bus next to an abandoned building and started serving food out of the bus and set up tables in the abandoned building. So basically, this is a dive. Anyhooooo, this place is delicious. The food is authentic and fresh and the service is friendly! I loved all the workers that I interacted with... everyone was nice and accommodating and they try to expedite things as well as they can. The food was good! I ate my delicious tacos and tamale... so good. And the prices are awesome! Definitely a deal for all the food you get. So all-in-all, a great place! Definitely try this bus of deliciousness. And two other bonuses are it's open 24/7 AND there's a clean bathroom! Boo-yah!
(5)Nanci C.
So I am way late to the game in eating at Taco Bus but I finally made it there since we were out that way. I've heard so many good things about it, I was hoping that I loved it as much as everyone else does. The verdict? YES!!!! Oh. My. Goodness. I texted my friend Steph before hand to ask what I should order since she's been many times. One of the things she suggested was the Butternut Squash Tostada and that's what I ordered. It was filling, delicious, and I loved the flavors. I could have cilantro on anything so the fresh cilantro was a huge hit. So good. Hubby had chicken tacos which I tasted and they were amazing. i also tried the chips and guacamole. Rarely do I like guacamole anywhere as I am spoiled by my mom's most excellent guacamole but this was a close second. Very fresh. Love the atmosphere, it was a perfect day outside with a nice breeze to sit under the covered area. I will definitely go back!
(5)Ron D.
Eaten at the new location on Falkenburg Road three times. I am not impressed at all. The third time was not a charm!
(1)Colleen B.
Yep, it's a winner! HUGE thank you to Collin S for introducing me. FABULOUS drunk grub. It's a little confusing as it's a taco bus attached to a building lol. You order outside and can get it to go, eat outside or inside. I went with the quesadilla with pulled pork. It was delicious and I think I engulfed it within 5 minutes. I wish I had gotten two. The lack of cheese was disappointing but the amount of flavor made up for it. So fresh and tons of cilantro for the win! mmmmmm I will have to stop here more often when in Tampa!
(4)Layla C.
If I lived in Tampa, I'd weigh 400 pounds, all because of this bus o' tacos. 24 hours. A stoner's paradise. Everything I had was great. The salsas cannot be missed either, especially the salsa verde. When my boyfriend forgot he had the massive bottles in his carry on and they were taken away when we went to fly home, I nearly shed a tear. That good.
(5)Danesh J.
Okay, I think I solved the oily problem: Tostada. It's like an open faced crunchy taco. It's small, but fresh and lite. Meat (carne asada) is fatty. Side note: Restrooms are surprisingly very clean. For the shy people, there is a window in there, however, not sure what others can see from outside.
(3)Vince G.
Cool place that is very unique and worth checking out with friends. If your a Mexican food purist like I consider myself, then you might not be impressed with the taste or quality, but by Florida standards it's still pretty bueno.
(4)Gigi S.
I love their tongue burritos, it's just too bad that I have nothing to compare em too, because folks don't eat too much tongue around these parts, but they don't seem to have any problem with the rest of the cow....strange...
(3)Gerald M.
I have been hearing about this place since moving to Tampa from Houston. From what I understand, it started off as an actual taco bus. Then business got so good they opened a restaurant. This place is a dive and kinda smells funny. The food is still cooked on the bus...then carried in to your table. My partner had a tamale and spanish rice. I had a chicken burrito. I used to believe everything was bigger in Texas until I saw his tamale...it was HUGE! The food was ok to me but nothing special. However, all the locals seemed to love it. I think am just still morning the loss of my good ole Houston Tex-Mex.
(3)Ben O.
I wish the Taco Bus made regular stops in Atlanta, because it's just too far for a lunch run. We came here to satisfy our curiosity and our stomachs, and succeeded on both counts. Aguas frescas don't come with a refill, but they're so huge that you're not likely to need one. Same goes for the food: it's hard to walk away hungry unless you came here dead-ass broke. Note for wheelchair users: there's a ramp leading into a restaurant building, so once you've gotten through the bumpy parking lot, you don't have to slog through gravel to their outdoor tables.
(5)Arthur A.
The fish torta (sandwich) was amazing. Carne asada burrito was very good as well. Loved the tortilla --- when you go to a Chipotle, you feel the tortilla is just the equipment to hold the fillings. The tortilla here was fresh and had a subtle flavor all its own that complimented the steak.
(4)Ana K.
They have tempeh. Enough said :)
(5)Mr N.
Don't just get the super tasty tacos, try the tamales too...
(4)Sherri R.
One thing we Texans know is Mexican food. I have finally found someplace that does Mexican food well! I am even more grateful to see that Taco Bus is opening a location in Brandon! Don't come looking for ambience as this is rugged casual with a few tables inside and out. You can get waiter service inside, but it is going to get the job done versus wow you. The staff is friendly and casual. First, you select how you want your food....taco, burrito, quesadilla, tostada, etc. Then you pick your meat. There are a variety of meats as well as vegetarian choices. I had the pollo verde and it was both juicy and flavorful. Last, you pick your veggies...cabbage (no lettuce), cilantro, tomatoes and onions. They tend to pile on the onions, so I had them hold them. I had the taco meal that came with beans and rice. The rice reminded me of my mother-in-law's homemade rice....very good and authentic. The beans are retried. I really liked the mixed with the rice and topped with the salsa verde. The salsa verde is worthy of mention. It has good flavor and a nice bit of heat. Here in Tampa most of the salsa is bland or reminds me of tomato sauce. Not the salsa verde! Truly worth taking some home! The guacamole is also well done. Nice flavor and creamy. This is worth the trip! Best Mexican food in Tampa!
(4)Rose S.
How gross that they do not make good food with meat like they use to. Yet another vegan restaurant. I might have to start hunting for my own meat. Lol.
(1)Mike S.
Not exactly in my West Tampa flight path of eating, but Taco Bus has become a mandatory stop for any local foodie. And it is very good, with a good selection of tacos and other fast-food-like Mexican offerings. It stays busy and that sometimes leads to some confusion on where to stand/sit, and how to get the attention of a server and then some long waits for food. The offerings are well-prepared with some variations not usually found at taco joints. An added charm is that they are open after the bars close, which may explain some of the earlier reviews. As a more "seasoned" diner, I am unlikely to be out after 9pm, and many bars are just cranking up then. But what place wants a rep of tasting good to drunks?
(3)Tracy H.
Great Food. The kids loved it. Great place to bring your out of town guest to give them a taste of Tampa.
(4)Nat W.
Ok so I love the fact they open 24/7 and it is so great because I work late night and after work I can go with my co-workers. Love the atomasphere too everyone is happy and chatting and all. Even if the line is long, the food relatively comes out quickly. It is kind of pain to park there when there are alot of people though. The food itself....I just don't see where all the hypes are coming from. Yes the food is not bad but not that great. To me it is just a mediocre Mexican food. It is still one of few options for me to get food from late night and probablly the only place to get Mexican dish anytime except Tacobell. *Featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives
(3)Jason H.
I like the downtown location because it's a bit cleaner and usually less busy. That's no knock on this location - it's the original and you have to come here at least once. Be prepared for it to be busy, though.
(4)Kimberly M.
This is one of my favorite places in Tampa to grab a quick bite to eat. The Taco Bus serves up consistently tasty Mexican dishes, at very low prices, and the staff is always very friendly. The outdoor seating area is surprisingly nice considering the restaurant's location on such a busy road. And, best of all, the bus is open late so you can get your fix into the wee hours of the morning ;) Some of my favorites are: - Una Torta con Rajas con Queso- A mexican sandwich filled with a creamy sauce with corn, peppers, chunks of cheese, and other yumminess on a toasted bun. The jalapeno peppers give this one a little bit of a kick. - The Papos Platos- A huge serving of rice, bordered by tortilla chips, and covered in your choice of meat. My favorite is the chipolte chicken served only on Fridays. This one is big enough for two people. - The fish tacos are also excellent with just the right amount of creamy sauce to moisten the lightly friend fish. The hibiscus tea and horchata make great accompaniments to any meal. I definitely recommend checking out Taco Bus!
(4)Rebecca C.
I am feeling generous, Taco Bus probably deserves 4.5 stars but I'll round up. The reason being they are the best vegetarian friendly place I've found ever (besides Taco Bell - yep you can get anything on their menu vegetarian). Taco Bus was referred to me by a Yelper from the area and so glad she did. It actually has a cute school bus outside for take-out and to set the decor, I guess. And it seems like more Taco Buses will be popping up in Florida. Very popular place, especially on a weekend. You have to grab your own seats and pray that one of their very busy servers will find you. I'd recommend grabbing a menu or taking a look at the take-out Bus menu in advance so you know what you want. The ordering process is a bit slow. Vegetarian food: Saturday and Sunday Veggie Tamales - out of this world good, I thought my days of tamales were over forever. This one has the same flavor, sauce, and everything, minus the meat - which is nicely replaced with corn and peas. :) Seitan or Fake Steak Tacos - looks like bits of mushrooms and I didn't really like it myself, but hubby scarfed it down. Seafood food: Fish Tacos & Shrimp burrito - very tasty too. Huge in portions, we ordered enough food for the week and ended up taking most of it home. Some items come with sides of beans and rice, which were also well spiced and flavored so well. I was really impressed. Others had gripes about the service, so go warned. And the location isn't restaraunt quality and its not the prettiest o look at, but the food is so worth it. Even more so if you don't eat meat.
(5)Cathy L.
I feel very anti-Tampa by saying this but I REALLY don't get what all the hype is about. I think this place is gross and the food is terrrible. To be fair, I'm a burrito person but I hear that their tacos are off-the-chain. thumbs down-ski's :(
(1)Luis A.
I've waited a while to post this one. I have been to the Taco Bus 3 times in one month and I have to say it is everything that it promises and more. I won't get into what I've had because you cannot go wrong with anything you order and that includes their juices mmmyummy! I've come in with my family as I'd gotten take out for my beautiful wife and she absolutely loved it! When we came in we even tried their Fish Tacos a first for me! I was not disappointed! We had a great time my daughters ate and loved it as well. Their staff is great and put out some of the best Mexican food I've had. This is definitively a place to mark in your book if you're ever in the area 'Nuff Said! *Brett "Jungle Kat" N requested more on what I've tried so here goes: The first time I drove in I tried the Burrito with Carne Asada, their sauces are terrific. Since I couldn't decide which one I like the best it was a dip of green, then a dip of red! The second trip, I tried the Burrito Preñado with Cochinita Pibil, again a dip of green, a dip of red and yum, brought one over for the wife and voila a perfect date night! The third trip was on a rainy morning and being in the area I thought, "Breakfast would be perfect right now!" A breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, chorizo, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and cheese, oh and sour cream! I don't like pineapple, I tried their pineapple juice and have to retract the previous mentioned dislike and proclaim YUM! And there was a fourth trip, on the following month, with the family and we had two Burritos with Carne Asada, and two fish tacos. My daughters shared a chiken quesadilla which I also tried! I again have to express how good the food is, and a big thank you to Brett for encouraging me to write more!
(5)carla c.
TACO BUS!!! Best food I had in Tampa! Open late! Their squash dip was to die for! And of course the Horchata is delish and they serve it in a cup the size of your head! YUM
(4)Eve C.
The only reason Taco Bus doesn't get 5 stars is because it's a 4+ hour drive or 1-hour flight from the 305. But no matter, since I've been finding myself in the Tampa area quite a bit these days. Two visits to Tampa in 8 days equals 3 visits to the Taco Bus! I just can't get enough of this place!!! On my first 2 visits, I stuck with the fish taco platter with rice and beans. On my most recent visit, I opted for the burrito stuffed with cochinita pibil. Both are great options! The fish tacos are the perfect amount of fish, crunchy cabbage, crema, and tortilla. Add a squeeze of lime and a little of the green salsa, and it may damn well be the perfect fish taco! The burritos are huge, and stuffed to the gills with your choice of filling. Now let's get to the true star of the show - the beans! I don't know what exactly it is about Taco Bus's beans, but they are out-of-this-world amazing! I've dreamed about these beans repeatedly since my first Taco Bus experience. Definitely a must-order for any visit to the Taco Bus!! And don't forget to quench your thirst with some aqua de piña, which is easily big enough for 2 people to share. Parking is plentiful, as is seating, both indoors and out. Prices are very reasonable, and they do take credit cards. And don't miss washing your hands in the fully-functioning sink fashioned to the front of the bus! Taco Bus, please expand to the Miami area! We would love to have you!!
(4)Michelle W.
I'm about ready to start a petition to bring the Taco Bus to MIA. On a recent trip to Tampa my friend and I hit this place for back to back meals... we are greatly deprived of good Mexican food in Miami.... I now know I need to drive clear across the state to Tampa to get some. The goods: -real Mexican cheese -awesome refried beans -great tortillas -the green salsa on the table (actually pretty good if you mix the red & green together) -pineapple water drink (massive cup of sweet deliciousness, you must get it) -delicious fish tacos -they have a working sink attached to front of said bus -large burritos -cheap as hell -quick service Not 5 stars: -the rice, I don't dig the frozen-esk peas and carrots in my rice -tamale, good but had above frozen-esk veggies in it as well -missed breakfast, I wish they served it until later I heart Taco Bus. I will visit you every time I come to Tampa. I need you in Miami. Please send one of the extra buses our way. You will be Loved. P.S. - Taco Bus is more than just a bus, it's pretty much its own neighborhood. Seriously, it has a few buses and buildings... I imagine at one point it was really JUST a bus?
(4)Danielle G.
The food is always amazing but they lack great staff. The staff is just OK. They aren't rude but also not friendly. It took forever to get my order but was correct when I received it. I did watch the staff members chatting and restocking, not so much with the cooking. Granted, the staff I could see may not have been responsible for my food directly but it does look bad to a hungry customer.
(3)Selina K.
I've eaten here several times, and the flavor of the refried beans is hit or miss. The chicken and beef are seasoned well and taste authentic. Probably your best choice in town for a midnight snack.
(4)Leslie F.
If you haven't been to the Taco Bus, you are not a true Tampa resident. There are no excuses. This dive as earned Tampa quite the reputation for Mexican street fare-it has been featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, Man vs. Food and will soon be on No Reservations. Their food is simple but top notch in flavor quality. They put serious love into all of their mouth-watering marinated meats that they so generously stuff into your choice of taco, burrito, tostada or tortas. Their guacamole and homemade salsas are outstanding too...all with mucho flavor and super fresh. Out of this world Mexican street food. My favorite? Taco filled with Conchinita Pibil- shredded Pork marinated in Achiote and bitter orange, then wrapped in banana leaves and slow roasted in a smoker...this glorious meat is based on a 5,000 year old Mayan recipe. SO tender, moist and melt in your mouth delicious!
(5)Gee K.
24/7 Mexican goodness. The BEST authentic Mexican food in Tampa! Love the barbacoa meat, especially with lots of spicy green sauce. The tamales are amazing too, but only available on the weekends. And the pineapple water is pure love! So refreshing and sweet. I could drink it all day. And all that deliciousness is made and served from a bus. Taco Bus FTW!
(5)Kelsey L.
Can one not love the taco bus? My coworkers and friends are avid fans of The Taco Bus (which is quite literally a bus, with a restaurant attached). The service here is friendly and quick, which is great when you're swinging by for a lunch break, or stopping in for a late night snack. If you're extra hungry, go for the Burrito Prenado, which is my favorite. It's an X-large flour tortilla stuffed with your choice of filling, Mexican rice, refried beans, taco veggies and cheese. You'll be full for the rest of the day, but not in that over stuffed way, in that "I just ate a great, healthy meal" way. I like to fill it with Cochinita Pibil, wich is a shredded marinated pork that tastes like something your mom made (in a good way). I also enjoy getting a small side of the Butternut Squash Centro, which is homemade tortilla chips topped with a healthy serving of butternut squash, sweet red peppers, tomatoes, and onions. To ruin my health streak, I go for the Pineapple water, which tastes exactly like the name, but is very sweet. I've also tried the Hibiscus Flower Lemonade, but that's like diabetes in a cup if you're not a sugar fan.
(4)Eva P.
A few new friends I've made here in Dallas had suggested this place when I told them I was visiting Tampa. They both had lived in Tampa at one point or another so I figured that I should try it out. And plus, their mouths were drooling when I asked them where to eat and it was featured on DDD's. I got a Puerco asado burrito, carne asda taco, chicarron en salsa verde taco and a hibiscus lemonade. And so full of flavor! I went around 11PM and the line was still long but worth the wait. What I loved about the Taco Bus though was that they had vegetarian and VEGAN options!! LOVE IT!!! I would have gotten the vegan burrito but I just couldn't pass up some of the different types of meat they had there. They had a lot of options and items on their menu for vegetarians and vegans a like. So, you can please the best of all foodie worlds! NOTE: They have their own parking lot area and they are on a busy street but close off the freeway.
(5)Mina K.
Best burritos in the East coast of the U.S.A.
(5)T L.
So very disappointed. Food was bland and blah. Ordered 2 taco combination plate with fish taco and conchinta pibil. I expected a lot more flavor as I had a similar dish in Mexico prepared the traditional manner. The beans and rice were also disappointing; the beans pasty and no flavor. The rice looked nice with corn and peas, but nearly tasteless. Two small pieces of fried fish on the fish taco. Not a good value and don't understand the hype. The guacamole was excellent and I was prepared for the meal to be just as good. Won't go back as there are a lot of other excellent places to eat that I enjoy
(2)Jeremy A.
Got a chance to stop at the Taco Bus to try and find some legit Mexican while in Tampa. Taco bus was our desitnation and this place is hilarious, open 24 hours and blasts music so loud I had to shout to order. The tacos were ok, I had the shrimp and carne asada ones. I wasnt too pleased with the ceviche here, it was mainly some vegetables with bits of shrimp in ketchup. Stick to the tacos and the specials and you will do fine. Also, try to refrain from visiting here late at night unless you're with some friends. its not in the best neighborhood.
(3)Sarah B.
Good place, best tacos in town!
(4)Tim F.
I never expected to like a taco made with tongue, but if you want to try something that is not your traditional taco, (and very easy on the wallet) this is the place. Sure they have your traditional beef taco etc,, but why not try to be a bit adventurous or take a middle of the road approach, like I did, going a bit beyond your comfort zone and have a fall back position. In my case, it was a delicious chipotle chicken burrito, to my tongue taco. As it turns out, the fall back was not necessary as the tongue taco was absolutely delicious. Further, the burrito was awesome and huge. Added a side car of refried beans, which was enough to feed two to three people, which was also spot on. Make sure to try the tomatillo green sauce. OMG, this stuff has a good kick and is addictive as hell. If it wasn't for the fact that I did only had carry on luggage, I would have been half tempted to Bogart a bottle of the stuff and take it home with me, it is that good. Looking forward to my next trip to Taco Bus, when I am back in Tampa!
(4)Ana R.
We had a nice pre-Valentine's Day dinner at the TACO BUS. My favorite was the steak taco. Guacamole was good. Beans were good. My husband loved the Horchata, it's like a cinnamon milk. I had the Hibiscus Lemonade also known as Jamaica. I definitely want to go back before we leave Tampa this trip to try some more menu items and I want to repeat the steak taco without the cabbage.
(4)John P.
I've been to a lot of taco trucks in new york so i was very excited to try one in tampa. After a night out drinking we headed here around 1AM on a Saturday night. There were about 8 people in line, but the line went very quickly. We ordered 2 chicken, 2 pork, and 2 beef tacos. With the tacos being slightly more expensive than the trucks in New York I was hoping for some great tacos, especially considering that I was in Florida. I was extremely disappointed with this meal. My girlfriend and I had the same comment after each taco we ate, the meat is very dry and a little bland. I guess it's still a good late night spot if you want to avoid fast food, but wouldn't go out of my way for it.
(2)Shannon D.
I used to live right around the corner from here. Really good food, open all the time, great for late night cravings etc. When I first saw the name I laughed, but Taco Bus is no joke. I have driven down to Tampa from Orlando to eat here. My favorites are the shrimp ceviche, barbacoa tacos, and pineapple water! Truly delicious. Love the sink on the front of the "bus" for washing sticky hands, and the option of dining inside. If you haven't gone, go!
(5)Msabu N.
The food is amazing!!!! I got Rahas con Queso taco, the Vegetarian taco and the Butternut Squash taco. Who'd of thunk butternut squash in a taco, but it was my fav. My husband got the Shredded Beef Burrito. We are still saying "Man, that food was good" days later. We got there around 12:30. There was hardly a parking space left. It's just an open dirt area under trees so be careful backing out, the car behind me was pretty close and I nearly hit it. We had to wait a bit, but considering how busy they were it wasn't bad. They were working as hard and as fast as they possibly could.
(5)David B.
Great place to stop on the way home after a long night
(5)Andrew D.
I went here on the recommendation of a friend one rainy night late in August. They insisted that this would be authentic Mexican - a commodity sometimes strangely difficult to find in Florida. The food was as advertised, and it was delicious. I will gladly return when next I find myself in Tampa. The restaurant itself is a series of food trucks that have been made stationary, and then had a little bit of extra covered seating built up around them. As a result, the place looks a bit dive-y and primitive. The rain did blow around the patio, encouraging us to sit inside. The indoors were a little raucous with a college crowd and no sound-insulating tiles, but again - the food was absolutely worthwhile. They offer at least two different types of hot sauce at the table, including a red and a green - and they were acceptably spicy to my Texas palette. Waitstaff is fully bilingual, helpful, and patient with the obnoxious college kids.
(4)J L.
I don't get it. Perhaps I'm an odd ball but this Mexican food is not to my liking. It all has a funny taste I can't get used to. Senior Tequila's in Carrollwood, though new and in a strip mall (which can seem very cliche) is a million times better than Taco Bus. Real Mexican food and most importantly, large portions. Taco Bus has become too big for their britches the past few years and while steadily increasing prices, have reduced portion size significantly. You spend a ton of money and leave hungry. That's my experience. And I'm a 100 lb. woman.
(2)Jimmy B.
Hands down, my favorite Mexican restaurant that I have ever eaten at. I have been going to El Taconazo -- better known these days as simply, The Taco Bus -- for about five years now. I've never had a bad meal there, not once. Is there any better Mexican eatery in Tampa? You can bet your ass that there is not. Everything tastes better at The Taco Bus. Tacos, Burritos, Tortas -- they all taste like God's semen. They have the best Mexican rice I have ever eaten. They have the best Barbacoa (shredded stewed beef) that I have ever eaten. I recommend getting both of these things when you go. Also, their Lengua (cow tongue) is surprisingly delicious. I was a little timid about trying it for a long time, but I felt adventurous one day and damn it's actually really good! For a special treat, order yourself an Horchata (or-chot-uh). It is basically a sweet beverage made with rice and cinnamon. It is very good. Sure, there are places like Miguel's, Estella's, and the East Brandon / Valrico gem, Sabor a Mexico. They don't have the same flair, the same selection, and definitely not the same ambiance that the Taco Bus has. I feel like I'm eating in Mexico when I'm at The Taco Bus, and damnit -- I like that about it. Now that they're open 24 hours a day, I can eat there whenever I want, and I will, because I'm a fatty.
(5)TheDesiFoodlover S.
Love this place... for late night cravings! Also very vegetarian friendly!
(4)Ashton B.
The original and best location. There are some downfalls however. There are some dumpsters that you encounter in the dirt parking area that are not the most pleasant but luckily are not with in sniffing range from the inside of the indoor eating area. The service is quick and being open 24 hours maks it a nice stop for an anytime meal. Known for their burritos you can not go wrong with any of their burritos. Their fried fish tacos are also some of the best you will find in Tampa. Very moderately pricing and if you plan on visiting a Taco Bus I would always recommend this on above the others, there's just something about it and it's original flare. Do yourself a favor as well and order a horchata; a nice rice milk drink. Last but not least a tip for frequent goers would be to call in your order, saves you so much time.
(4)Blake T.
This is a great place to get Mexican food. I have taken several families members who reside out of town, and their experiences are always positive. I especially like the autheticity of their dishes and the portion sizes. the only drawback is the lack of seating, but if you get there early on the weekends, you should not have an issue.
(4)Jen W.
This is hands down my favorite place to eat Mexican food. Hands down the Cochinita Pibil plata is the best thing ever. The meat is so moist and delicious and the toppings are fresh. Also the butternut squash tostada is amazing. The only downside is that they don't make their own tortillas. That would make this place epic. Whenever I have people come into town to visit I always take them to Taco Bus. Not one person has been disappointed. It's also great food after a night out.
(4)Jimbo M.
Please don't use that horrible cleaner that you mop the floor in the dining area. It makes the room smell like a toilet. It puts me off my food.
(2)Peter K.
I was on vacation out in Florida and wasn't really planning on heading to Tampa but had some time to head out there before the Orlando Magic/Knicks game that night. I came to Taco Bus on a recommendation from a friend and I'm so glad I did. The setup and the buses were great and the hilarious 'Broken English Perfectly Spoken" sign has to be one of the most memorable ever. Speaking of memorable, I don't think I'll find anything vegan that I like more than the steak strips here. Aside from a slight difference in texture, I could have sworn that I was eating actual steak (like Amy playing virtual virtual skeeball). Also got the rice pudding recommended by my friend and it was so good. So good that Lisa W., the hater of rice pudding, actually loved it! So my recommendation for anyone that's remotely near a taco bus location, be sure to check it out!
(5)Katie C.
Yum! I've only been to the Taco Bus once, but it was overall a positive experience! The good: the food taste fresh. Your meal is hot; it definitely isn't going to be sitting under a warming light. The ingredients are interesting. I love the salsa verde; very spicy! Being able to order a la carte was nice: my husband and I were each able to order a bunch of different things to try. The bad: the area...I felt a little sketchy. The parking was horrible...there are barely any spaces, and we had to drive around the block a few times before we were able to snag one. Although they do have air conditioned indoor seating now, it definitely is hot to be standing outside the bus to order in the Florida summer sun (but hey, it's worth it in the end). I wouldn't make a special trip all the way out to the Taco Bus again, but if I'm ever in the area, you bet I'll stop by again!
(4)Callan W.
The taco bus is definitely worth a visit. As Philadelphians, we are used to waiting in lines at outside eateries (hello Pat's and Geno's). Much like those two, the taco bus is open 24 hours a day. I can imagine how this would be a perfect greasy treat after a night of drinking. In Philly, Geno's ruffled some feathers with their sign, "This is America, speak English when ordering". Perhaps in reference to that, the taco bus has proudly painted on the side of the bus, "Broken English Perfectly Spoken". Awesomeness. The taco bus has takeout or tables. We opted for the tables. The boy got the carne asada taco platter and I ordered the carne asada burrito platter, which means both were accompanied with beans and rice. I also ordered the hibiscus lemonade, a first for me. It was different but tasty. The meat in the burritos was ok and a hearty helping. Fresh cilantro and ingredients inside. Towards the bottom, it got a bit greasy so I ended up not eating the last few bites. Both burrito and tacos came with a lime, but when squeezed, there was no juice...so sad as I love lime on my mexican food. On the tables, there is both salsa verde and roja. The roja was the fav out of the two and a perfect addition to the burrito. What made the meal and earned the fourth star was the rice and beans, which were somehow more flavorful than the burrito itself. The staff is super helpful and the wait wasn't too bad. I will definitely make another visit if back in Tampa anytime soon.
(4)Yvonne C.
Omg butternut squash burrito!!!!! It's AMAZING!!!! I've had the beef and chicken in various tacos and burritos but it seems like the vegetarian options rock here!! Service is slow if you eat at the location. I wouldn't recommend dining in unless you have an hour or so. Other than that, food is consistently great!
(4)Kyle C.
This place is so good. I love that it used to be a food truck that broke down, so they just built a restaurant around it. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because it's a little bit expensive. It's not outrageous, but if you don't order the right thing, you can spend $8 and leave hungry. I always get the burrito. It's not just fantastic, but it's probably the best deal. I also get the pollo verde with it. The verde sauce is pretty spicy most of the time, but isn't consistent with its spice. I'm totally fine with that, mostly because I know there is some element of freshness & made from scratch happening with the sauce. Service used to be terrible, take forever to get your food, but it seems to have improved quite a bit. Food came out real fast & efficient. If you are in Tampa & want a solid, authentic tasting lunch, come here.
(4)Mary J.
Wish this was still a road-worthy bus and that its route brought it by my house at least once a week. But alas the bus is permanently parked and, apparently, permanently busy which is amazing since it is open 24/7. Lucky St. Pete gets its own Taco Bus in early 2011 AND it will serve beer and wine, which the Tampa bus does not. I finally visited the Hillsborough Ave. site late afternoon on a Saturday thinking/wishing/hoping there'd be no line. Wrong but the wait was worth it. Great fresh flavors, hefty but not too huge portion and the green salsa is fantastic. Price is right and the wait for takeout wasn't that bad (Note to self: Eat in or call in order next time). First trip but won't be my last. Would love to see what sort of crowd stops by after midnight but before daybreak!
(4)Ricardo W.
Very good tacos
(5)Tampa C.
Taco Bus is a solid choice when considering Mexican food in south tampa. It's a notch above the corporate competitors (think Chipotle and Moe's), but not by much, particularly in light of the prices. For two people, you can easily spend $30 on what amounts to a few tacos each and one beer. Again, the quality of the tortilla's and meats are good, but only marginally better than the competition.
(3)Dahoniel P.
What isn't awesome about Taco Bus? Not only is it in my backyard, convenient to me in Seminole heights, but it is also open for service all day and night. Where the broken english is spoken fluently, and the music never stops, this is definitely my kind of location for late night eats. Taco Bus has definitely become a local legend in this area of Tampa and nothing but great things can be said about them. They are truly a great establishment that always delivers and never fails. I will continue to come back to Taco Bus and recommend anyone around to try it out for the great food it has to offer at any given time of the day or night.
(5)Ferdinand M.
Along with a group of friends and family, I ventured into the original Taco Bus on Hillsborough Avenue, last weekend. I had seen this place on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives -- and thought I needed to try it out. Taco Bus did not disappoint. The service was excellent, the food was tasty, and the prices were reasonable. At Taco Bus, you choose how you want your food (taco, burrito, tostada, plate, etc), then you choose the meat/filling you want. Saturday and Sunday they offer "carnitas" -- a seasoned and shredded pork. So for me, I chose the "Papos Plato" with the carnitas. The Papos Plato serves your filling over a bed of Mexican rice, taco veggies, and cheese. Crispy tostada chips complete the presentation. The portion didn't seem that large, but it actually was filling. The green chile sauce on the table spiced it up just right -- that sauce is awesome. Prior to our entrees, we had some chips and guacamole. I have never been a fan of guacamole in the past -- maybe I didn't realize what I was missing. At Taco Bus, with the chips, I absolutely loved it. I mentioned before that the service was excellent, but it bears mentioning again. We were taken care of by numerous servers who were never far away and were always very courteous. Interesting to note is that Taco Bus is open 24/7. There really is a bus outside -- and it was busy serving take out customers. Oh yeah... and the bill for 8 of us was $110. Not bad considering we had appetizers, meals and desert. This is a neat place. Happy exploring! Regards, Ferdinand Magellan
(4)Russy I.
This place was just, okay for me. I had a gig at the University of South Florida, and this was my first stop after my friend picked me up from the air port. A couple of our friends were from that area, and they said you have to try it! I love mexican food, and this was far from what I know from California mexican food. I know you can't compare apples to oranges, but when you already have a taste developed for certain things, you just gravitate to what you know and what you learned to love. I'm not use to having cabbage in my carne asada burritos, and I think it was that, that threw me off. The meat was bland, and could've used a bit more lime or some kind of brightening agent to bring out the meat. There were two types of salsa: Green & Red...The green one was EXTREMELY hot, like burn you lips hot. I can handle heat, but this one was pretty spicy. The red sauce, pretty much tasted like watered down ketchup w/out the sweetness of ketchup. The atmosphere on the other hand was pretty cool. I liked the sink on the bus, and how it had that authentic "hole in the wall" feel that you just love. Definitely a place where you could kick it w/ your friends and just hangout. Overall, I hope to come back to Florida again and try this place out again. I give it more of a 3.5, than a 3, but it's definitely not worthy of 4 stars.
(3)Katie D.
The food is good, but not as good as it used to be, and the prices have gone up. Also, it is pretty well-known that after you eat here you will go into the infamous "Taco Bus coma" and feel like complete crap for a couple of days. Probably due to the high levels of sodium in the food. However, if you are looking for a place that is open 24 hours and has vegan/vegetarian options, this is the spot.
(3)Jenna C.
The first time I was brought here my thought was, "you have got to be freaking kidding me." But I gave it a chance and thank GOD! Because wow is their food amazing. I'm from California and finding good Mexican that was like what I was used to was hard but now that I live back in Cali I can't find anything that measures up to this place! I dream of their amazing pork tacos!!
(5)Josh M.
The way to go at 3:30 am. Nothing better then the Cochinita Pibil Burrito late at night. Plus while you are waiting you get to dance to some Mexican music. If you are thirsty and love iced tea, they have the largest iced tea that you can find to go with your jalapenos based sauces and large delicious burrito
(4)Frank G.
Loved it; the culinary highlight of our week in Tampa. We knew it was going to be good when we saw the sheriff's car in the parking lot -- the cops always know the good places to go. We started off with fresh guacamole, which was fantastic. Nice, ripe avocado with just the right amount of tomato and onions to liven it up. Of course, the tacos were the star of the show, and they most certainly did not disappoint. I found the lengua (beef tongue) to be pretty good, but the "cochinita pibil" (slow roasted marinated pork) was out-of-this-world delicious. I've never had anything like it before, but I am confident that I could eat an infinite number of tacos filled with this stuff. Wow. As an added bonus, they have Mexican Coca-Cola, made with real cane sugar, available in glass bottles. It's not the bucket-o-drink that you get with their fountain beverages, but it's totally worth it.
(5)Annie F.
Two words. Taco Bus. I've heard about it but I hadn't ever been there. Well, no better time than now to try it out! I'm on my way to go see Muse in Tampa and I'm in need of some good food. There are quite a few locations in the area but I decided to go to the one in Tampa. Located on Hillsborough, near 275 it's in an easily accessible location. There was ample parking. To be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of food trucks. Often times, I find that it's too greasy but I know it isn't always the case. I see the bright yellow bus with the menu in front. Oh man! The choices, I'm getting pretty excited. I'm here at the Taco Bus, so I'm definitely going to get some tacos. They also have burritos, quesadillas, ceviche, desserts and other items. Ok, step 1. Taco. Next, the protein. Man, I want it all! A server comes by and informs me that there's a seating area available. Awesome, I can sit down and figure this out. I looked around and there's an "outdoor" seating area and also an indoor seating area. I really like this, getting food truck food and having actual places to sit. I'm looking for any unique items on the menu. The beef tongue is jumping out at me. I'm definitely going to have to get that. The do have a 2 taco deal for $8.99 which includes 2 tacos, rice and refried beans. Personally, I'd rather forego the rice and beans for another taco, so I'm going to get three tacos instead. I'm in the mood to get some different meats rather than the traditional carne asada. Ok, I think I'm finally done. 1. Fish taco 2. Beef tongue taco 3.Cochinita Pibil taco. I really liked all the colors going on. Fresh flavor, some pickled veggies, I'm digging it. The tacos were a double-ply of the corn tortilla but it worked out since it had so many toppings. I didn't eat all of the tortillas (I find it a bit much at times) but I was glad to have it though. The fish taco was fried, white cream sauce was a bit reminiscent of mayo. (Which I'm not the biggest fan of.) Next up, the beef tongue. I'm trying to think of how beef tongue "should" taste. Not.. quite sure. I remember the last time I was adventurous with a taco, I wasn't too pleased since it was pork rind taco. It was nothing what I had imagined. This time, I figured it would be meaty-like. I didn't think I was ever going to say this statement but..."That is some good beef tongue there!" I was truly surprised. Beef tongue? Who knew what delicious it entailed? Wow. Last but not least, I had the cochinita pibil taco. The menu describes it as "Shredded Pork marinated in Achiote and bitter orange, then wrapped in banana leaves and slow roasted in a smoker (BASED ON A 5,000 YEAR OLD MAYAN RECIPE!)" It's definitely not spicy but flavorful. I could taste the bitter orange. All in all, everything was great. My friend ordered the 2 taco deal with carne asada, rice and beans. For the vegetarians out there, you'll be glad to know the rice and beans are vegetarian friendly. The rice was "okay" for me. It had corn, carrots, and peas in it. Both the rice and beans were fluffy. The menu also had some seasonal drinks and also horchata. Horchata is a sweet drink made from rice, condensed milk, vanilla and cinnamon. It was very sweet, a little too sweet for my tastebuds. (Although I must say, this drink is really good with some Crown Royal.) Three tacos in and I'm done. Everything looked great and I can't wait to try more. They have plenty of vegetarian options that actually sounded delicious. This location is open 24/7, which gives Taco Bus even more cool points. I'm a night owl and it'd be great to have something else to eat aside from the typical Denny's. I'm sold on this place and I'll definitely swing on by here next time I'm in Tampa.
(4)Ron S.
got a pollo verde burrito the other day. was excellent. only reason for 3 stars is the prices have gone up since last time i was there. for the price of a burrito, you should at least get chips if not rice and beans. thats my only complaint. otherwise service and food were excellent.
(3)Tara S.
I have a serious love affair with their fish tacos and the butternut squash centro. Both are delicious, and the butternut squash is unlike anything else I've ever had. There's a reason why the line is always so long (be smart, call ahead). Living close to TB is dangerous for me because I always want to go. The only thing on the menu that was a real disappointment were the tamales (There is a special place in my heart for a good tamale). They were too dry and needed a ton of hot sauce.
(4)Megan B.
Went here because of the awesome Yelp reviews, I was kind of disapointed. I had the chicken tacos, the chicken was cooked fine, but the taco was just dry with a thick corn tortilla. I had to drown it in sauce. If I'm in the area, I might come back to try something else, but I wasn't impressed. They give you a huuuge drink cup, so that was good. :)
(3)Casey J.
This review is for the Seminole Heights location.... Tacos... from a bus? How could you go wrong? The food -- all of it -- is delicious, despite actually being prepared on a bus. You can't go wrong, no matter what you order. The atmosphere is low-brow. I would describe this location as a "dive". But they have the best tacos in the world. If you want something a little more substantial, then order the burrito prenado. Their tamales, though greasy, are terrific. The sign out front that says: "Broken English Perfectly Spoken" is true, but it's part of the charm. You can't beat the price.
(4)Jane E.
I went there again and... loved it!!! Food was great. I, also, ordered their butternut squash burrito - I like the bold attempt into the culinary art, but I, personally, thought it was on the 'meh' side of food. Eitherway, the place is hip, fun and just a blast.
(4)Shelley P.
Worth a stop. Be warned... Lines can get long outside at peak times like lunch and dinner. Again, well worth the wait.
(5)Adam C.
I heard alot about it and I feel like people just give it good reviews because it's trendy. I am a firm believer that when your dealing with food the atmosphere needs to be 100 percent clean. The order takers and employees smelled so badly, you could smell the toilet from time to time if the wind blew it your way. So this is the set up I am awaiting food in! Next, The presentation of the taco's was good, then the meat tasted strange. The limes I got in mine might have come out of the wrong container because they were already squeezed. Seemed like everything was pre cooked and unrefrigerated. I really don't have anything good to say about this place. If this is how the cook in Cali then send them back. I feel like that is the only leg they have to stand on. I have been to cali and taco bus is very poor by comparison.
(2)Yves A.
I am sure that most will agree that not every Mexican dish is an authentic Mexican dish. Moreover, most would probably agree that some acclaimed Mexican dishes are prepared with counterfeit ingredients. Suffice it to say that prior moving to Florida in 2000 I was completely oblivious and content with eating artificial Mexican food none the wiser having never tasted genuine Mexican food. My taste buds were never the same after December of 2000. I accepted my first position in Florida, Plant City to be exact. Unbeknownst to me at the time Florida, Plant City in particular has quite an extensive Mexican community. I had the esteemed privilege meeting the acquaintance of some of the friendliest, hardest working, and culinarily adept Latin Americans to date. Latin Americans (namely Mexicans) are notorious for producing some of the simplest but most extraordinary edibles I've tasted yet. I have been in hot have been pursuit of the closest thing to an authentic home cooked Mexican meal since having moved on from the position I held in Plant City. The American based pseudo Mexican restaurant franchise Taco Bell owes its longstanding fame to copying an original several times over. A copy after all is just a copy. I am by no means an authority on Mexican cuisine but I can say this, aint nothing like the real thing baby (ebonically speaking of course). On occasion I've tried legitimate Mexican restaurants like Vallartas in Land o Lakes which my stomach thoroughly enjoyed, nevertheless, from time to time I still found myself craving for the hand crafted Mexican table fare of Plant City. I had passed Taco Bus on Hillsborough Ave on many occasions admittedly with a name like Taco Bus I was cautiously apprehensive wanting to spare my stomach of any punishment resulting from bad food choices. One late summer evening I could no longer ignore my yearning for Mexican dining and overcame my reluctance. Taco Bus came to mind perhaps because it was within the shortest driving distance. Thankfully I decided to follow my gut literally. I haven't been the same since my first ride on the Taco Bus. The name Taco Bus does little justice to the quality and taste of the food. Furthermore, the appeal of the outdoor eating area does even less; however, one bite renders the less than appealing appearances insignificant. The service is both competent and efficient. As an added bonus this location is dispensing deliciousness 24 hours a day. In all fairness I have never dined in at this location in favor of take-out but, then again what does that matter? The food is simply scrumptious! My favorite menu item is of course the fish taco followed by the vegan steak strip burrito. The fish tacos consist of Beer battered Swai fish with white cream sauce and Chile de Arbol on the side. Additionally there is a healthy serving of cabbage, cilantro, tomatoes, etc. Sorry, listing the ingredients is the best I can do you will have to taste it for yourself. I will forego describing the vegan steak strip burrito in an effort to minimize my salivating and growing hunger pangs. In short, if you want great tasting Mexican food one ride on the Taco Bus is sure to satisfy your appetite.
(4)Tonja W.
Not the best I've ever been to but pretty good for a cheap taco. The burrito is overpriced for what you get though and forget conventional salsa.
(4)Sunshine M.
Love the food but it isn't always consistent.
(4)Mark H.
Went to visit friends in Tampa this weekend. I love the Tampa area. My friends suggested that we get a quick bite to eat at the "Taco Bus". What a surprise!!! It is a bus of some sort. But what's crazy is the food is great. We shared fish tacos,vegan taco plate and a veggie cheese quesadilla...delicious...
(4)Kirsten H.
Love this place, and my favorite location is the one off Fletcher because it's so nice inside compared to the others. Best fish tacos... they'd get 5 stars if they made their own tortillas. However, excellent grub, love their sauce and fresh toppings, and their weird cilantro drink. Get the fish or shrimp tacos. Mmmm.
(4)Rossi H.
I don't get it. I just don't get it. The hype, the publicity machine, the beliefs that this is where tacos meet heaven's gate. ^You like that San Diego ref. You do. The tacos were alright. I had 3 different ones sober. And just thought, meh.. On the carne style one. The other two- Mayan pork and chicken, I would never order again. So, I tried the taco bus again. This time after hours. Blitzed and waiting in a line for thirty minutes. I knew it was going to be good. It wasn't. Even tanked, I couldn't fall in love. Service and staff are super cool. The place has an epic atmosphere. The food... Meh, I've experienced better.
(3)David Y.
I like that they have plenty of different options for their foods than just meat. The veggie, soy, seafood and meat options are plentiful. Taco Bus is not a place to go for authentic or traditional Mexican food. They're definitely more Tex-Mex but they do a pretty good job here. I got their dinner special and on Thursday it was bistec ranchero tacos. For a dinner ($8) it comes with two tacos, rice and beans. The steak in the tacos had way too much gristle for me to really enjoy them. The tacos were filled up plenty of onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and even potatoes. The beans and rice were pretty good too. The service was fast and friendly. The decor is basic but nice. I thought it was a decent place to go especially since they do run 24/7 but it wouldn't be my first choice for Mexican.
(3)Mariana R.
Delicious Mexican food!!... The service is very fast, and the prices are the best!... It is a great place to go on a Sunday evening, after a beach day!! It is a good idea to pick up the food...
(4)Nish A.
Everytime I'm in Tampa, I HAVE to eat at Taco Bus....you cannot miss this bus! We used to drive from Orlando, just to eat here! It's been 6 months since I ate there and I feel horrible! We need a bus in Boston!
(5)Pamela D.
Yep. Still smells like poop here. But when you're drunk at 3:00am, do you have a right to complain? The food is, as always, passable. Hot food accompanied by the stench of hot poop? Whatever. Better than McDonald's.
(3)Katie P.
Came here thanks to food network and thanks to I live in CA and I wanted tacos amazing !!!!
(5)Michael C.
Just wanted to update - I'm still downing Cochinita Pibil Burritos, but the most surprising and must have is the weekend only Tamales: the corn meal is sweet and cakey; the meat is tender and flavorful; but the best part is when you get that perfect bite with the right amount of corn and meat and it just all melts in your mouth.
(5)Yvonne B.
I was completely skeptical about trying Taco Bus and I feel like I was the last person in Tampa to eat here, but when I finally did...oh my goodness! I have a rather plain palette when it comes to spice and what not, so it's not that kind of stuff that makes or breaks a place for me. It's the fact that I ordered a quesadilla with only chicken and cheese and it still tasted like the most flavorful thing in the world. The portion size was large (for me at least) and I loved the outside seating. I have eaten a couple more times, mostly because Mema's closed, but I have not been disappointed. However, I know that I am a bit pigeon-holed because I hate soft tacos and burritos - so basically I have to stick to quesadillas! But I am certainly not complaining!
(4)Butch C.
Solid,consistent performer ,the Cadillac of food trucks ,nice vegetarian offerings .
(4)Merrilyn J.
After visiting the Taco Bus for the first time last weekend, my only regret is that I lived 10 years in the Tampa area before finding it. As a transplanted Californian, my search for good (i.e., real) Mexican food in this area has been a mostly frustrating endeavor. There are some OK places, but this, my friends, is the real deal! The flavors are incredible and authentic, without the layers of cheese that cover most other supposedly Mexican food served at other places I've tried. I had the vegan tamales (only served on weekends), with an appetizer of guacamole and a plate of rice. I also ordered a watermelon agua fresca (which is a seasonal offering). The tamale was generously sized. I was happy to take home the leftovers, which reheated quite nicely! The guac was incredible. I only wished the serving was bigger. And the agua fresca was the perfect accompaniment on a hot May afternoon. They do use quite a bit of cilantro in their preparation, which is fantastic for me, since I love it, but I know that cilantro is a love-it-or-hate-it thing, so just be aware of that when ordering.
(5)Paul C.
I have very few words for this one. I think everyone should experience the Taco Bus at least once in their lives. Take a trip down the Hillsborough and right between a broken down building and an auto place is a small piece of taco heaven. Cheap prices, big portions of delicious chicken/pulled pork/ beef, and amazing side dishes make this a must go spot if your a Tampa native or just visiting. The tortillas are warm, beans are hot, and the salsa at the tables is extra spicy. Try the flower lemonade, its extra sour but deliciously tangy all the same. 5 out of 5.
(5)Dana U.
This place is officially 5 stars. The plate of food I had in front of me at 11:30 pm on a Sunday night was one of the best plates of food I've had in Tampa. It may not be the healthiest place to eat, but its open 24 hours and the food is consistently good. Some of the best authentic mexican tacos you can get out of mexico.
(5)Bob K.
Love the food and drink at Taco Bus (horchata is amazingly good) but why is the service so sloooooow. Even ordering online does not help as I ordered online for pickup in 30 minutes, and when I arrived 30 minutes after ordering, they only just then started making my order.
(3)Christine Y.
Think of the Taco Bus like the ending of 2001: A Space Odyssey. It's a Star Child. And if you don't get it, you don't get it. You probably enjoy life more if you get it. P.S. I'm kind of sad now that they opened an actual building portion! My recommendation: order at THE BUS, eat outside anyway.
(4)Anh D.
I get fish tacos from any menu that has them, and these are the best fish tacos I've ever had! My three dining companions enjoyed their various tacos as well - shrimp, chicken in green chili sauce, and barbacoa among them. Two of the four orders were wrong initially, even though it was read back to us before we paid; but since that was quickly remedied, no harm done. I guess it's a good thing they're over 100 miles from where we live or else I'd come visit every other day. Will definitely be back next time we're here on vacation.
(5)Kelleigh M.
I love their tacos but honestly that's it. I'm not a fan of their quesadilla but their tacos are worth the drive.
(5)Nicole B.
Discussing! Over rated! My husband and I stopped here on a trip to Florida, because of all of the Yelp reviews. Not sure what is going on but, this place is ridiculously bad. Maybe it's because we are from California and we know what good Mexican food is supposed to taste like, I'm not sure? What ever you do don't waste your time.
(1)Diana C.
I still do visit the Taco Bus but miss when their prices where FAIR and CHEAP back in the day before they switched owners. I am Mexican and find them to be a rip off now. Charging over $2.50 for a taco is damn ridiculous. Lol. Let me give the good reviews. The Horchata is amazing. For food, the only thing I order NOW is their Carne Asada Torta. I request for the bread to be toasted (because that's how it should be) and jalapenos. At times, this can be difficult for them to get right. The smell in their area can be disturbing at times, but for being open 24/7, I give them kudos since Tampa lacks having restaurants open past 10 PM.
(3)Jenny L.
I have heard so many good things about Taco Bus, so I figured it deserved a real chance. I believe it deserves 2.5 stars. It some where between "meh, I've experienced better and A-OK". It's your basic "Mexican-Americanized" flavorless food factory. Nothing special or out of this world. Standard burritos, quesadillas, meat-refried beans-rice combinations. All mildly seasoned for "gringo" pallet's. I am not dissing Taco Bus, I will probably go back. You have to accept this place for what it is. If you're looking for a standard inexpensive taco joint, this is your place! I gave it 3 stars because I like the atmosphere. It's cool little spot to hang out. With 3 locations they're easy to find. No frills Americanized bland food. Not bad, not great. It is what it is. And the search continues for our go to burrito spot, besides Chipotle (of course)...
(3)Kiki T.
Go to the Taco Bus and eat everything!!! I can itemize everything that everyone in my party had but it doesn't matter- you're going to enjoy what you order. The ambience was great, exactly what this sort of thing should offer! The staff is courteous and actually seems to care about their customers, even at 3 in the morning. On our recent trip to Tampa/ St Pete we went to all 3 Taco Bus locations within 24 hours and enjoyed every one of them!! To be fair, we didn't eat at the downtown location, we just stopped in to buy a couple of bottles of their salsa verde- delicious!!! Please drive the Tampa Taco Bus to Georgia so I can eat there regularly.
(5)Jeremy B.
My friends and I all had taco bus. we had the carnitas burrito and tacos and everything was excellent.
(5)Dwanna W.
Love this place!! great taco's I enjoy going back as often as possible. It has close to authentic as it gets. Enjoy!!! Enjoy!! Enjoy!!! The only thing missing would be some good chips to go with that great Salsa they make. An added bonus would be great cheese dip.
(5)Jake C.
This review is long overdo, especially since I haven't lived within driving distance in almost 7 months. Taco bus, is by far, the best place in the bay area for tacos. I mean, it's right in the name. If you've never been, it's exactly as the name implies. Tacos, from a bus. The seating is plentiful, both indoor and out. The location of the Tampa restaurant may be a little daunting as it sits in a less than savory neighborhood, but if you brave the locale you're in for a treat. Traditional street food, cooked with love. There's a number of daily specials, among other non-taco fare. Really, though, what you want are the tacos. Pretty standard combinations, pork, beef, etc. topped with crunchy veg and some homemade salsa. I'd suggest the corn tortillas, as the flour ones just don't do it justice. What I'm about to suggest is going to sound less than appetizing, so I'll use the Spanish word. Lengua. Don't ask questions, just get one. The meat is tender and bursting with flavor. You'd never believe you were eating beef tongue (Oops! Forget I used that word). Seriously, though, I had never eaten tongue prior to my first time at Taco Bus. It became a staple after my first taste. Don't expect phenomenal service, it's a food truck. These guys churn out delicious tacos and do it well. If you're in the Tampa (and now St.Pete) area, this is a must stop location.
(4)Heather H.
I don't want to admit how many midnight trips to the Taco Bus I've taken... yeah, it's that good. Everything is fresh and delicious. I'm obsessed with the Mayan recipe tacos, they're perfection! Try the horchata, it's like a liquid cinnamon bun!
(5)Chels C.
Great, authentic dishes. Try the Saturday special -menudo. Great friendly fast service staff.
(5)Joel R.
I was informed about Taco Bus from a local. There's likely no other way I would have stumbled upon it except via yelp, but then I would have located it on the map and gone 'well I've got no reason to go over that way' Well, I'm glad I headed over. No trip to Tampa is complete without a stop off at the Taco Bus. They make it so easy being open 24 hours too. Love the Barbacoa, the salsas, fresh guac, and the novelty of ordering and having your food cooked on the bus never seems to get old. Also never getting old is the "Broken English Perfectly Spoken" sign. If your visiting Tampa, and you want to feel like a local, you have to pay this place a visit. If you local and you don't know about this place, you better learn fast. Also, watch out for that Red Light Camera at Hillsboro and Nebraska, just west of I-275. It got me crossing through on the red at 0.0-0.1 seconds past the red for a $158 ticket, but won that back in court.
(5)RE A.
This food is so delicious and the service is fun walking up to the bus window to order just makes it an original experience. They even put their own truck on the street now so you might find them anywhere. A Tampa experience that everyone must have
(4)Collin S.
I don't know if this is a review or an homage to greatness. One of the few advantages of living in Tampa Palms is I can force/guilt/attempt-to-grab-the-wheel-from-the-Âshotgun-seat my designated driver to stop at this legendary location on my way back from South Tampa. And oh what glory this somewhat sketchy neighborhoods begets. I always get the steak burrito with extra rice and cheese, so I expect this review to be read at my prematurely young funeral. Healthy it is not, but a better burrito you will never ever consume. The steak is plentiful, and I'm not sure if they marinate it in liquid joy provided by the cherubin and seraphin above us, or just the tears of Yankees and Mets fans, but it is utterly sublime. And yes, I've lived on the west coast so all you Cali people that claim ordering a burrito in English is a recipe for failure... well normally I'd agree with you but this time you're just wrong. Taco Bus is freakin' outstanding. And do NOT forget the glory that is a Mexican Coke, which they serve here 24 hours a day. No high fructose corn syrup, but an actual Coca-Cola made with real cane sugar and served in a glass bottle. I always drink Diet or Zero, but even I am forced to submit to the whims of Big Sugar on this one. Sometimes throwbacks and retro is far superior, and the three best examples of this are Dr J.'s afro, the red, white, and blue ABA basketball, and Coke with real sugar. The service stinks, and you will wait too long for your food. And if you get there between 2:30am and 3:30 am, you will wait in line because the bars just closed and Taco Bus is Tampa's official hangover cure (along side a Greenwise breakfast buffet in the morning). But the crappy music combined with the exciting fear of wondering if that's a muffler or a gunshot going off in the background means you're about to be treated to some amazing food truck awesome. Ride or die, Tampa. And get on the Bus.
(5)Blake M.
Some of the various locations have consistency issues, but overall Taco Bus is great. It's pretty much the only place in Tampa for authentic Mexican food. Great selection of vegetarian/vegan options. The butternut squash and tempeh are my favorites. The pineapple agua fresca is also insanely delicious.
(4)Steve W.
I'm almost tempted to dock a star from my review, because I fear I will never eat another burrito as good as the one I had from here. I've never had marinated tofu as good as that before. Burrito was nice and huge, mixed well, and every ingredient was top notch. WHEN you go here, also get a cup of the pineapple water. I'm not even a huge pineapple guy but it was the most delicious and refreshing beverage possible. I think it was $2.50 for a huge cup of it.
(5)Carmen H.
I hate to go against the grain and not give the Taco Bus 4 or 5 stars, but it was just average to me. Sorry...I'm from TX so I'm extremely bias and pickey when it comes to Tex-Mex and especially tacos from joints like this. My husband ordered the carne asada tacos, he ordered it like a "street" taco with only onions and cilantro with a squirt of lime juice. Compared to TX it was just average. I ordered the fish tacos with everything, not bad, but I've had much better for cheaper back in TX. I really like the "bus" atmosphere and the customer service no complaints there. So I guess overall it is an excellent taco joint for Tampa, but they would not be the rave in TX. Again...sorry...
(3)Mira L.
A great place to eat !
(5)C H.
Another fantastic Taco Bus experience! I pretty much get the same thing every time - Tofu Burrito Prenado. It never disappoints! One of my favorite things is the green sauce!! I've never had a better salsa, perfectly spicy every time. This is one of the best places for vegans and vegetarians in Tampa. Several topping options including tofu, tempeh, vegan steak strips, and squash. So thankful there are multiple locations now, b/c it helps me get my fix no matter where in town I am :)
(5)Emily K.
If I were to utter the words "Taco Bus" in a conversation with my friends, a mop better be ready to sop up the amount of drool pooling on the floor. Not a day goes by when I don't crave a Taco Bus burrito made with "Cochinita Pibil--Pork marinated in achiote and bitter orange then wrapped in banana leaves and slow roasted in a smoker. Based on a 5000 year old Mayan recipe." It doesn't get much more authentic than that. The burritos are ENORMOUS and they never disappoint. At first glance, I always think "woah, there is no way I can eat all of this." About five minutes later I've wolfed down the entire thing, unable to stop desperately consuming the deliciousness. The scarfing pauses only to douse my next bite in the mysterious green sauce located on all the tables; there is no chance that burrito will survive for lunch tomorrow. My husband, however, hates the place. He has a weak stomach and even the smell of Mexican food seems to twist his insides like a roller coaster. My only complaint is that I must find other companions to accompany me to Taco Bus, but because of the incredible flavors I've never had a problem tracking down a friend or two to grab that two-in-the-morning, gotta-have-Taco-Bus burrito.
(4)Courtney T.
A must visit when in town. The food is authentic Mexican. Everything has always been amazing. The portions are great for the price!
(4)Flaco U.
No big deal, if it is 4am and in your way home drunk this is a must place to stop, otherwise not worth driving out of your way for a taco at the Bus, many other places in Tampa are just as good or better during normal working hours. Just for laugh checked the Formal attire required but only if you just got out of the after hours Club
(2)Joel G.
If your looking for fine dining this is not it but if your looking for great mexican food at any time of the day this is it! I have been here at least 50 times and ordered most of the meat choices over 3 years and was never once disappointed. The dinner platter is awesome and I am not normally a refried beans guy but these are amazing. Daily specials usually very good and the burritos are Ginormous you don't leave the bus still hungry.
(5)Cindy V.
i hate that Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives featured the Bus on their show. i mean they definitely deserve the exposure but it's created a crowd of visitors that i'd rather not compete with for seating and a line i most definitely don't want to wait in. but my love for fresh, flavorful mexican food keeps me coming back for more. we made the short little pilgrimage over there this past weekend for lunch (after passing a few nights prior because the dinner line was ridiculous) and we left with full, happy tummies and a slew of leftovers. the portion sizes are large, to say the least, and the bill is small. the weekend lunch crowd isn't bad, so the line isn't bad and seating is plentiful.
(4)Shannon P.
Let me start off by saying that their food, depending on what you get, is pretty amazing. I loved it there until our third time ordering online. We ordered 50 minutes before the scheduled pickup time, because we had to run an errand on the way there, but despite having 50 minutes to receive and make our food, we get to the front of the line only to get a blank stare in response. So the cashier asked us what we ordered, and I could only give him the basics, considering it had been an hour since we placed our order. So the guy actually looks up our order (surprise! it's still in their computer) and gets to making our food. So we sat there for 40 minutes, waiting after 2 or 3 orders behind us got their food, and finally we went to the back door and asked the first person who would make eye contact if they gave refunds for online orders. She responded by asking us the name for the order, and then picked up a bag next to the door that had been sitting there for who knows how long. And then we get the food home, and half of our stuff wasn't even made properly (we were missing meats and sour cream that we even paid extra for). So in short: they ignored their online order, didn't bother telling us when our food WAS ready, AND messed up our order to a minor degree, all without muttering so much as an apology. If we had went to Chipotle, they would have known our names when we came through the door, they would have given us free drinks if our food wasn't ready, we'd have a a lovely air conditioned place to sit, and they would have brought us our food without us having to ask for it.... again. Screw Taco Bus. The food isn't worth that crappy treatment to their customers.
(2)Max G.
I love the food here and their Latin American inspired drinks are great. I love the place. The eating area isn't really ideal but they keep it impeccably clean and that speaks volumes. I went here with some friends a while back and the customer service is great. The people are really sweet and genuine. I will go back as soon as I can muster up the hunger to do so. I recommend the place highly.
(5)Lilian O.
I have to admit. I'm a food truck snob and love to seek them out whenever I can. Even though coming from Austin, a city that easily has over 100 food trucks/trailers/buses and trailer parks of them with excellent taco trucks, I have to give credit when it is due. The Taco Bus is open 24/7 and even then still always seems to have a line. My fiancee and I were in Tampa only a few days before and after our cruise but found ourselves eating here twice on our short trip. You gotta love a place that can poke fun at itself with the sign "Broken English spoken here." The numerous options on the menu for both vegetarians and meat-eaters is impressive. Food highlights included the vegan steak tacos, tofu fajitas, butternut squash tostada, and the massive horchata that can easily quench the thirst of two people. Unless you enjoy the bitter, sour taste of hibiscus, avoid the hibiscus lemonade. We ended up dumping that out.
(5)Megan D.
Everything tastes so fresh! I had the fish taco lunch deal, and my boyfriend and his daughter had the asado tacos...mine were amazing and they had nothing but good things to say about theirs. The people were super attentive and polite - great service. Will definitely come back when we're in the area!
(4)Jim B.
So, I lived 3 blocks north of this place when it opened up in 2003 or so - In those days it was called El Taconazo, had weird hours and the cheese quesadilla was a buck, with meat 2.50. I went to grad school and left this homely little food joint behind and now? Well... yeah, times have changed and this place is now officially The Taco Bus - and an institution in the hood... and they take Visa. New owners, a second location and a larger staff... change is good up to a point. So, Friday night 10:30 I get a wild hair and drive up from Palma Ceia for the barbacoa quesadilla... and an epic line of hipsters confronts me. Sheesh. Glad they're busy and all but damn. 35+ minutes to order and get my noms before I could retire to SOK and nosh. Food: Still just as damned good as ever. Portions: Fatter meat than before I left - kudos for that. Ate some that night, and the rest the next day. Was it worth 4.99? Hells to the yeah. Service speed... well, yeah. Its not fast food by a long stretch. My only real quibble: The cilantro was lacking and the veggies all clumped together on one side. Assembly of the stuffing is critical to a great quesadilla, and the assembly seems to have taken a hit. I'll just assume it was because they were so slammed. Gotta figure out when its less busy for my next visit. Its still 5 stars since there is nothing else like it, anywhere - and its cheap and damned good food. OH: No clue how they evade the City's noise ordinance.
(5)Paul S.
If you like mexican food, you'll enjoy taco bus. Ate here about 3 months ago for lunch with some collegaues and it was very busy but we got out just in time to return to work. I had the soft taco with beef with all the fixings and It bought me back to Mexico right away. I've traveled alot and the food is prepared just like it would be in a Mexican Cantina. Great place for lunch, looks shady at night due to the neighborhood but if you go in a group you'll feel better.
(4)Rich D.
Taco Bus is a solid choice for your search for authentic taqueria flavors in Tampa. There are several places I prefer over it, but I still try to stop by every time I'm in the neighborhood. I live in Pinellas, but if I lived nearby, I'm sure I would eat there regularly. I've only had the tacos, but I really should expand from that on my future visits. As for atmosphere, the simple outside dining is simple, but cool in a funky way. It's often refreshing during the cooler months, but can be pretty oppressive during the summer. But heck, if you're like me, you're likely eating here after midnight so it may be irrelevant. My favorite tacos there are the Puerco Asado and the Cochinita Pibil. The last time I was there they were out of fish tacos which was a bummer as they are quite good. I've also managed to never get to Taco Bus for their Monday special, the Chilorio - pulled pork in a mild ancho pepper sauce - it's a traditional dish from Sinaloa, Mexico. Sounds like a reason for a reason for a late night road trip across the bay! Also big bonus points for Mexican sodas (including Coke) and being open 24/7! Atmosphere: 3 (simple, but cool in a funky way) Service: 4 Food: 4 Value: 4
(4)Wendy C.
3-star for food. Solidly good Mexican style taco, corn tortilla is fresh and moist, meats get mixed reviews (lengua is moist and tasty good; conchinita pibil while smoky and flavourful is a bit too sauc-y for me; Carne Asada was really dry). Since this is a 24/7 joint, I can easily see the food getting 4 or 5 stars when someone is hungry and drunk. 5-star for a nice experience and wonderfully friendly staff. Not sure how I'd rank it value-wise. I've been to taco joints just as good or better, for less, in other parts of US (sorry, the real taco experience is sadly missing in Canada), but most other places aren't open 24/7 so does Taco Bus get extra merit for being accessible? Overall, 3.5 stars and I'd definitely stop by again if I am in the area.
(4)R K.
Tasty, cheap, quick, good portions, lots of vegetarian options and open round the clock.. What else can I ask for? LOVED the food.. Almost the best mexican food I have had.. If only it was available in Massachusetts!
(5)Katy M.
My girlfriends and I had a girl's weekend in Tampa. We went on a Tampa Ghost Tour which met by the Taco Bus. We decided after the tour we would try the Taco Bus since it is different from anything we have at home. I got the chicken taco. You get a lot of cheese, extra charge. The chicken had a wonderful flavor. It came with cilantro and lime. These two items made the taste even better. I highly recommend stopping and checking this place out.
(4)Luke T.
This place is so flipping fantastic. I ate here twice in one day recently while visiting Tampa. A friend who had been there recommended it as a great place to get vegan and vegetarian burritos, tacos, etc. Boy, was he right. This place is cheap as the Dickens, for one. I got a fish taco, a veggie taco, a butternut squash tostado and a bottled mango juice for under $10. Considering how mouthwatering everything was, you just can't beat that. Oh yeah, it's also a bus. The Taco Bus. You can walk right up and order from the bus until 4am Thur-Fri, and slightly earlier on other days. There is some funky outdoor seating with a neat, thatched-wood covering. The seats aren't the most comfortable, but they are cool looking. They have Frankenstein bolts for your feet in their necks. Hah! Nice touch! Yeah, if you want a more traditional dining experience, it is attached to an actual sit-in restaurant that I believe offers the same menu. I wouldn't know though, I'm eating out the Bus when that's an option! Also, there is a ton of parking. A ton. So much I would hate to see what the line looks like when they actually need the extended lot.
(5)Alexandra P.
Edited and bumped them from 5 to 3 stars for changing the menu. Why on earth would they get rid of tamales?? They were the only place in town that made vegan tamales and they were SO good! It seems they changed the menu in order to open more locations and they now have the mentality of "just get them in and get them out". The vegan steak strips are good but they charge an additional $1 for them. We used to eat here every week and now it's once every few months. Sad.
(3)Saravanakumar G.
I am from Chicago and this was recommended by my colleagues. This place is really cool and the chicken burrito was fresh. The green hot sauce was very good. This is definitely good Mexican joint, but I have had better Mexican in Chicago.
(3)Rob M.
WARNING. If you try this place one time you will be up at night wanting to go back. I live over in Brandon and CAN'T WAIT for the Brandon location. I have only had Torta's but that is enough to be a fan. Delicious!!!!
(5)Laura J.
Best fish tacos I've ever had. Probably the best cheap eats in Tampa. Order a horchata or agua fresca; you won't regret it. The people rating this place ones and twos are misguided contrarians.
(5)Courtney G.
Don't think this place needs an introduction. Best Mexican, local legend, 24/7, cheap, and even pretty healthy. Colorful atmosphere with outside and inside seating. Not even that old but already an institution; give it a go.
(5)Melissa M.
I had the chicken burrito along with the guac and chips. So so good! Tons of flavors!!!
(5)Todd W.
good stuff! well worth waiting in the crowded line out in the sun--there's a reason there's a line! we had the fish tacos and barbacoa--served fast. so so good and the best retried beans I've ever had in my life. great atmosphere...sitting outside the bus on a gravel floor while the tejano blared. this is Not just "after-the-bar" fare! mmmmm
(5)Zachary O.
Required eating for anyone in Tampa or St. Petersburg. Possibly the best Mexican in town. Don't like Mexican? Too bad, you should. Skittish about your food being made in a bus? Learn to appreciate something other than prepackaged chains. Scared about the "bad neighborhood and people who don't speak your english? The Klan is always accepting new members. Everything I have eaten is phenomenal. Breakfast as are cheap as that McDonalds garbage burrito, and 100x better. I don't love fish, but have heard nothing but good reviews of their shrimp and fish. Their various aguas frescas are sweet, fresh, and as good as any juice you can get anywhere else. the rice and beans are not just sides, they could each easily be a meal by themselves. i like the barbacoa burrito with like 8 oz. of salsa verde, but its all good. go now.
(5)Anish Z.
A distintive place in tampa used to be a mobile bus but now it's permanently parked wish it were on howard instead the drive to hillsborough is a bit too far. fresh food good service. this is not chipotle and you'll be happy you came
(4)Shades Of Soul E.
Ok....this is my FIRST food review on Yelp. Look for more insightful critiques down the road. Ok, so I spend a lot of time down in the Tampa/St. Pete area (my 2nd home), and everytime I am in town, The TACO BUS is a MUST (Both Locations). The concept is a converted School Bus that doubles as a Kitchen. Unpretentious in it's presentation, the focus here is definitely on the food. I recall when I first "discovered" the TACO BUS back in 2010. I ordered The Fish Taco....quickly gulped it down and immediately called one of my friends in DC and stated that it was "one of the best things I ever put in my mouth!" So tasty. The Fish was perfectly battered and fried (not too much seasoning). Would have prefered a bit more FISH on the Taco's.....but that may just be the greed in me. :-) The Salsa and fresh cilantro really make this delicacy stand out. The prices are "reasonable" for what you get (given the Tampa/St. Pete market) and the portions are fair. My only gripe (albiet a slight one) is that they could be a little bit more creative with their side dishes....but then again, this place is a traditional Mexican spot, so tradition is what you get, I suppose. I HIGHLY recommend a stop at the Taco Bus!
(4)Rebecca R.
Apart from the wait, there isn't really much bad to say about Taco Bus. The convenience of its open hours is really attractive, especially with a fiance who works evenings. I'm pretty obsessed with their veggie steak strip quesadilla. Add a little of the red salsa, and you're good to go.
(4)Ray C.
I have heard so many positive things about this restaurant. So I decided to go there with a friend during lunch. I had a horrible experience with my chicken burrito and it was SO MUCH greasy all over the plates and the greasy was also dropping into my collars. My friend had her burrito and she was NOT satisified as well. It tasted so fatty and gross! We felt that they cooked them so fast and did not care about the qualities of their food. They appeared to be rush to make them away! I wouldn't recommend anyone try this place!
(1)Erin C.
Oh taco bus. My mouth loves you but my intestines....not so much. My general experience has been that Mexican food does not cause gastric distress. Taco bus turned that theory on its fool head. I ordered the poblano burrito, got something about the size of my head (only finished half of it and pulled it out of the fridge for dinner later) and the next day was cramping so bad that I broke out in a sweat, had the shakes and strongly considered calling in sick. Brave or stupid I went back a few days later and had the butternut squash tostada. It, like the burrito of a few days before, was super tasty but that evening I wanted to die again. I'd had less food, so I felt better faster, but holy moly, never again. Another vegetarian friend just as bad as I did after eating there. We theorized that perhaps they have beef fat in the refried beans or something. Just something to watch out for if you're a vegan or vegetarian. The atmosphere is great, the outdoor eating is fun. The food and the fancy fruit waters taste SO good but it just wasn't worth it later.
(2)K T.
Taco Bus is the shit. I love it. Crave it. The fish tacos are amazing, as is the ceviche. I will find a reason to fly back down to Tampa very, very soon. Just to eat at the bus again..oh yeah, and to visit my son at USF!
(5)enrique b.
A Seminole Height tradition is now reaching out to conquer the rest of the bay with their St Pete location. I really think 'El Taconazo' has gotten even better since new ownership took over a couple years ago. I just hope that their expansion plans don't take away from what has made them successful. Well cooked, traditional, unpretentious, cheap, delicious Mexican food in a casual 24-hour setting. What else can one ask for? If you go on a weekend night, it's really a sight. The small bus crammed with half a dozen people working at a maniacal pace; a very eclectic set of characters forming a long but fast moving line, waiting to place their order while trying to decide between the 'cochinillo' or the 'lengua' or the 'fish tacos'...; the expediter yelling out the latest lucky number over loud hispanic music blasting through the speakers; the crowd of hungry faces gathering around the bus hoping their number will called next...
(5)Paul P.
I love the bus. Great food and cheap. I drive by the future location in Brandon and wait with anticipation. Long live the bus..
(5)Thomas W.
When I spent much of last May in London this was the food I craved! Simple tacos with fresh ingredients. The Mexican rice here is awsome!! It amazes me how often I have bad rice in restaurants especially Mexican rice. The key is it is made fresh, and the taco shells are rolled individually in a little oil. The only negative is it takes quite a while for the food to come. This place serves breakfast and is open 24/7. That's okay because the ultra-cool Latino atmosphere is lots of fun--you really do not even know you are in the United States--maybe that is why the rice is so good. You even get Coca-Cola in a glass bottle with real sugar--what more can you ask for!!! Hoya Saxa!
(4)Lance S.
Great food, but I waited 40 minutes for my food in May in Florida at 1pm in the afternoon. I think they need an additional bus. That poor bus was packed with people but it was taking forever to fill orders. I would give the Food 4 stars, Service 1 star.
(2)Thomas C K.
Funky place - cool surroundings - food is delectable and tasty. Lived in Mexico and know something about their food - this one is keeper. Great service, friendly people. 8-15-09 Have been back several times and can recommend this place.
(4)Kris V.
Fantastic find in the Tampa area. Real Mexican style tacos - not to be confused with those Tex-Mex disappointments you find at most boring 'Mexican' joints nowadays. You order and get your food from the taco bus but there is plenty of outdoor (covered) seating, as well as indoor tables. Food is relatively inexpensive and quick. Add the deliciousness part and you're in taco heaven.
(4)Nathan B.
I wish there was a sixth star. When I lived in Chicago, just knowing the place was Mexican and the employees speak spanish wasn't enough to prove it was a real Mexican place and not some questionable Tex/Mex joint. You have to go deeper. The best indicator I've found that a Mexican restaurant was authentic was if Telemundo or Univision was playing on a TV somewhere. That indicator doesn't work so well in Tampa so I have to fall back on the second indicator: do they have horchata at the ready. (Note, lengua can also be used as an indicator.) Well, the Taco Bus is the closest I found to a fun, authentic Mexican place. No Telemundo (that I know of), but the horchata is free flowing and they have lengua on the menu. The bus is a gag, but it totally works for me. It is pretty unique. I have never had a bad time, or bad food at the Taco Bus. If you haven't been - go.
(5)Andrew M.
Tacos bus does indeed live up to its name. However, please note that it is not "Burrito Bus", and I can't recommend it for anything other than its tacos and agua fresca. Not to badmouth Tampa, but this is also 4 stars relative to what's available. La Vallarta, way out near Hillsborough county line, was practically a fancy Taco Bell. If this place was anywhere in the Southwest, it would get 3 stars.
(4)Priscilla S.
The first time I tried Taco Bus was with my friends. It was really late at night....or morning, I can't remember. But I remembered it being very good. I ordered a chicken taco with everything on it. They have me half of a lime, which was awesome because I love lime on my tacos. Lately, I would crave Taco Bus. It's changed a little. The guy from Food Network TV Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives made his way there. Since then, it's gotten busier. But I noticed they cut down on the size of limes and the fillings. But I still love it there. Their Hochata is huge and really good. It's different from authentic Mexican hochata because they add milk, and normally it's mainly rice water, cinnamon, and sugar. I'll keep coming to Taco Bus for my Mexican taco fix.
(4)Nunya B.
I went here today on a Yelp-hunch...and very glad that I did. The last time I had lengua and barbacoa tacos was a couple months ago at a spot in Missouri called Muy Bueno a couple months ago. These tacos are pretty much on par with what I'm accustomed to. Very flavorful and gets you FULL. No disappointments. Hit it up ANYTIME, as it is a 24 hour spot. I will be going back. Oh, you can order online too. This place is popular, so be prepared to wait in line. Luckily, I only had to wait 5 minutes and another 5 to get my order with the horchata. Highly recommended!
(5)Lewis B.
Fun place to eat. The food is great, but the atmosphere is cool, I think that's what's great about it. I'm a vegan, and there's a ton of options for me. Used to eat meat about 2 years ago and I think the meaty stuff is good too. Fairly inexpensive.
(5)Jairo A.
I'm new to Tampa and I just went to Taco Bus and I was there at the window for about 5mins, there was a guy at the window chatting with another 2 coworkers and told me to wait a min. So I waited, waited, never got attended, started walking away and they never said anything and left. And I was the only customer there. Such a horrible customer service. So I dont know how their tacos taste!! Hahaha....awful!
(1)Thad P.
Taco Bus gave me the boogee. Had been there a few times before and it was great. the sauces are excellent. Service is slow at best but the food made up for it. This time I thought my burrito tasted like the meat was old and I did not enjoy it at all.... Later that night I enjoyed it even less. It turned into one of those sleepless nights, up and down, in and out of bed, running to the bathroom,,,,, flowing heavy to say the least. I never really felt comfortable about the food handling standards of the Taco Bus,,,, but usually have a cast iron stomach and no fear. Obviously either my stomach is deteriorating (very likely) or Taco Bus has the kind of staff that that is too stupid or too slack to rotate their product. Either way if I were you I would sniff that thing before you put it in your mouth!!!!
(1)Ryan K.
This place would probably be good even if you weren't drunk. Very fresh ingredients, decent service, open 24 hrs! You might even get checked out by a girl in a black skinny mini with...shoulder holes? Haaaaaamburger.
(4)JEWELe M.
Beep BEEP! Get on the Taco Bus!!! You won't be sorry with ordering their Meal Deal:Carne Asada + Puerco Asado Tacos With Rice + Beans and the Agua Fresca de Sandia (watermelon) to drink! Love this place! All aboard? Beep BEEP!
(5)Maria C.
My kids & I love the Taco Bus! Guy Fieri from Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives visited this Mexican hole-in-the-wall so we followed him. What we found was a delicious choice of authentic Mexican cuisine set in a unique atmosphere. We drive across town for their Horchata & Beef Tongue tostada with sweet potatoes at least once a month. You've gotta check it out!
(4)Sarah K.
Soooo good. Everything is edible. Best horchata I have had. All the seafood is amazing. And they have aguas frescos!
(5)Felipe G.
Dear Taco Bus, I've been meaning to try you out for quite some time now. Please don't that take personally it's just that you're kind of located in a weird part of Tampa I would usually never visit. But today marked the day I finally had an excuse to cross the bridge from Pinellas to make this long overdue trek. I easily overlooked the general seediness of the area as I trusted in the many Yelps that lured me to you in the first place. There were untold yummy vegetarian taco treats awaiting me. Would they be as good as I had imagined? Yes! Absolutely! You lived up to all my expectations and even surpassed them in some unexpected ways. Thanks, giant salsa verde on the table. You were delicious and had just the right hint of spice and heat. You went so well with my food. What a welcome surprise to find a butternut squash taco, and what an even better surprise to find out how good it tasted in between the warm corn torillas sprinkled with a generous amount of cotija queso. Yum! Other veggie options like tofu and vegan steak in a taco, totally awesome and equally delicious. Why don't more places take your lead Taco Bus? I commend you. So often vegetarians are forgotten relegated to one poorly crafted option but you embrace multiple choices. Name me another place where carnivores and vegans can sit side by side one enjoying a beef tongue taco, the other living it up with some delightful soy! Well done. All of these wonderful things on a giant lunch special plate and all for only $7.50? Did I mention the beans and rice knocked my socks off? Well, they did! So all-in-all, a fantastic pilgrimage I must say. What else could I ask from you Taco Bus? Well, I come home to write up this review and low and behold you surprise me once again. The Taco Bus is coming to St. Pete! I just read on the Creative Loafing website that you just signed a lease for a space at 2320 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg, just blocks from Tropicana Field. Now I would like to take credit for this news. I mean really Taco Bus.. it can't be mere coincidence that my first visit from St Pete, and I hear you are moving closer to my home? It's cool... it can be our little secret, and I very much look forward to visiting you soon. Without the 45 minute trek out to Tampa I can promise we'll be seeing each other again soon. So remember sometime in the future when you visit bus numéro dos and scarf down a delicious taco or burrito, you can thank me for making it all possible. =-D
(5)Lauren V.
As a self-proclaimed Tex-Mex aficionado, Taco Bus is not that. It is, however, amazingly delicious. Coming from a hometown where trailer food runs rampant, Taco Bus makes me feel right at home. The concept rocks! Where the food is concerned, I don't see where you can go wrong. I had tacos (Carne Asada & Cochinita Pibil) and both were super fresh and tasty! One thing that I was pleasantly surprised to find there was agua fresca. The agua de piña was easily the best thing I consumed there...it's the little things. Food, atmosphere and surprisingly beverages are all on point here. Consider me a regular.
(5)A M.
Absolutely love this place!!! You order outside but have the option to eat outside or inside. Its cheap, fresh, authentic and delicious Definitely not to be confused with Taco bell or those tex-mex restaurants. I love the ambience more at night time with the latin music they play sometimes. I'm a huge fan of their tostadas with pork and carne asada and the horchata, which is a refreshing rice drink. I'm always sending my friends there.
(4)Akeem W.
So as my last post about this got deleted,I will post AGAIN with details on how this is horrible food. First off the food is dry and bland no flavor at all,I can make better burritos myself. Second they use the lowest grade of cow meat the parts of the cow that if you know ACTUALLY what it was you would not eat it,The beef honestly has no flavor its not even shredded like REAL mexican food. If you think this place is good you are SADLY mistaken it cannot compare to the Mexican food in San Diego(CA) or in Tijuana(Mexico)
(1)Alison L.
If you're looking for a downright delicious and cheap meal, go to the Taco Bus. You got a little money? Some time? A hungry belly? You like Mexican? Do it. They're open 24/7, so you should be good any time hunger strikes... although, as other reviewers have mentioned, this is kind of a scary area in Tampa so intrepid late-night munchers, be forewarned! You want to sit down? Go ahead, outside by the bus, or inside at the front, take your pick. You want it to go? They can do that too. Do you think of yourself as a carnivore? They got you covered. More on the vegetarian side? They got that, too. They even have vegan steak strips, though I haven't tried those yet. Everything I've tried on the menu so far has exceeded expectations. Carne asada, pollo, cochinita pibi, all are yummy and I want to try more! This is now the standard by which I judge other Mexican food, and sadly I have yet to find another restaurant equal to the Taco Bus. Some have come pretty close, but this is the tastiest to me so far. This is not a fancy restaurant (you might have been able to tell by the name), but this is some great food in a friendly place. Oh Taco Bus, I love you. You are the best Mexican food around! And so cheap! When will you open up your restaurant in St. Pete?!
(5)E N.
very good and authentic everything feel fresh ,i will enjoy there again for sure!!!!!
(5)Lai-Yee B.
As a New Yorker visiting Tampa for the first time, Thank You, Yelpers! El Taconazo was a wonderful find, and I'm glad I made my way over to it when I was briefly in town, if only for the experience. Never before have I had such an enormous burrito, and one filled with mostly meat and fillers that complemented the filling instead of, well, filling it up in place of meat. Oh, the flavors - I cannot forget those wonderful flavors. It looks like I hit it on a great day. The fresh drinks they had were also delish compliments to the food - light and flavorful, they helped digest some of the heavier foods. The only weird thing was that I think a small slice of ham or tongue or something fell into my ceviche. I picked around it. Let's hope it wasn't anything else, eh? Also, it was wonderful to sit outside with all the fresh air blowing about, while leisurely eating and drinking. (Can you tell I was a freezer-burned NYer when I visited?)
(5)Joy K.
This place is about as good as it gets. When I visited Mexico, I didn't even eat this good. This is real food, cooked and served with love. Since the food was so fantastic, I was willing to overlook the shabby dining room, because it looks as though they're going to renovate and use the building next door as extra dining space before very long. It doesn't surprise me that the demand for their food has caused them to move to a 24/7 dining schedule. Absolutely fantastic, and an incredible value. They're located just east of Nebraska & Hillsborough, on the right-hand side.
(5)Jacqueline L.
I heard mucho praise about this place for months before finally trying it out. First off, their online ordering system really is crap. There is no point to it. It's pretty much just a wish list. You click on all the stuff you want, but they don't actually start making it until you get there. What is the point? Secondly, for what they are their options for toppings/add ons are severely lacking. I loves me some taco truck noms and was informed this was pretty much exactly that. No, it is not. Taco trucks charge less, have better quality and more options and toppings. The quality is pretty blah. I'm not into spicy foods, but I do appreciate some flavor, especially in Mexican food. Sadly, I've had more flavor in a taco from the dollar menu at Taco Bell vs an eight dollar bland burrito from this place. The last time we ordered from there, we tried out their online ordering option, filled out our order, submitted, and drove out to pick it up. We get there, go to the window to pick it up, several staff members rolled their eyes and sighed while stomping around like we were inconveniencing them to provide a service in exchange for currency. Er, sorry? We are polite, vocally appreciative folks, so not too sure where the attitude came from. I understand their hours are awesome, especially for folks to score some drunken munchies after a night out on the town, but this place is just not worth it. My search for great authentic Mexican food continues...
(2)Christina J.
Taco Bus is SO good! I loved that it's open late and the taste of their food is amazing. The reason I gave it 4 stars is the price-I think it's a little pricey but it is SO worth it!! I ordered a Torta with carne asada which was huge and delicious!! My hubby ordered 2 tacos and even though they were equally delicious, they were tiny! ($3 a taco) =( Our order was to go and it came to about $14...with no drinks. So, even though it was delicious and totally worth it, it was a tad bit too pricey for late night food so to speak. All in all, we will definitely go back there next night out!! I heard their flan is amazing and I wanna try it!
(4)John B.
I HEART TACO BUS! The Conchita pibil is my favorite!! And the Barbocoa is my second Fav. My husband always gets the lengua. It is the BEST Taco place in the Tampa area. I always bring people here when they visit from out of town.
(5)John Y.
I've been here several times. This place has OK to good Mexican food. Portion sizes are large. Prices are reasonable. It definitely has a working class/motorcycle/strip joint ambience to it - a lot of times folks with tattoos and piercings without all their front teeth will be whooping it up at the table next to you. If you are going to eat outside, I recommend going there during the cool, dry season between October 15th and April 15. In the middle of the summer, the flies can get really bad. One has to constantly shoo them away while trying to eat. Also in the summer, the food gets soggy due to the humidity. The times I was there, the service was slightly slow, but the staff is friendly.
(3)Blake C.
VEGAN STEAK STRIP BURRITO !!!! BEST GUACOMOLE!!!! and OPEN 24/7!!!
(5)M H.
Love this place. During my many travels and returning back to Tampa International Airport sometimes in the wee hours of the morning, this is the place I count on for late night grub. It's about a minute off I-275 Hillsborough Ave exit. Open 24/7. Order your food and pay at the bus. Take a seat in the outdoor patio or indoor diner and they'll bring your order to you. Clean dining area and clean restrooms. Fish tacos, fish tacos, fish tacos. That is all.
(4)Mike L.
Taco Bus looks just like you would expect it to. Originally there was a bus. It served tacos. Nowadays, it also has a building expansion added to it for seated dining. Came here on a Friday night for a bite before a night of drinking and general shenanigans. I had a burrito stuffed with conchinita pibil (seasoned pork), which would put any of the big burrito chains to shame. This thing was huge, flavorful, and a meal unto itself. Probably too much for a pre-drinking meal, but good god would it be amazing during the wee hours of the morning (open 24 hours!). Given, the part of town that the original Taco Bus is located isn't the ideal place you'd want to find yourself at 3-4am. Consider yourself warned. Also had a few sips of their hibiscus lemonade. Talk about pucker! Very sweet and very tart, it's enjoyable for those who want an instant sugar rush. Or need to be resuscitated. All in all, the Taco Bus is a great experience. If you're a Mexican food lover, give this place a spin. Enjoy!
(4)Tony Y.
The 2 Star is not a take away from the flavors. I give this 2 Star because I did not feel very good after my most recent meal, my digestive order has been chaotic for 2 days now. This usually means one thing, and one thing only: Food was not very fresh or clean. Taco Bus, please do a better job of managing the kitchen staff. As a restaurant, you are obligated to perform a good job and not accidentally sicken your patrons via bad prep, lack of attention to details, etc.
(2)Dave K.
I don't get the hype for this place. There is nothing wrong with Taco Bus, but it is what it is: A Taqueria. In other cities, these places are a dime a dozen (and cheaper). The food isn't bad. It's actually quite good though the carnitas were a little dry on our last visit. We'll probably go back, but do our best to avoid the crowds.
(3)Cari P.
Don't understand the hype from seeing the taco bus on food network. Honestly, the chicken had no taste or flavoring and looked disgusting. I took two bites and have it to my husband. The guacamole had onions for taste, that was it. Needless to say I won't be back. I'll stick to my favorite mexican restaurant Poblano's in Clearwater.
(1)Micah M.
Our favorite late night quick fix for tacos. Pretty much everything on the menu is good. The tempeh has a great preparation if you want something different. It's all good!!!
(4)Sachin R.
Open late nights (and 24 hrs on weekends). Great food, Great concept. My favorite item on the menu is Torta. It is a Sandwich with freshly prepared bread. Order with Pescado (Fish) or Tofu. Verde/Green sauce is hot and delicious!
(4)Eli N.
Overhyped. Maybe this use to be pretty good. I might have thought so too before experiencing authentic tacos. I went for two tacos carne asada and the difference of quality was so glaring I couldnt help but compare them to other local establishments. From the meat to the tortilla everything was 3rd rate. Meat was dry, veggies weren't fresh, shells seem prepackaged(maybe heated poorly?). On top of all that I'm on a tres leche hunt. The cashier tells me "he thinks" they're out. Can you find out? Or do you just work here? I can't even.
(2)MJ G.
This is NOT a Food Truck/Bus and should not be listed as one. As a tourist looking for food trucks, we were extremely disappointed to find that this is a stationary building NOT a food truck as it is listed in Yelp. The Tampa location was also in a bit of a run down, somewhat questionable part of the neighborhood.
(2)Candace A.
I've had some hit or miss experiences with taco bus with this location and downtown location. Even though this is kinda the Tampa staple I'm not #teamtacobus these days. But I haven't given up just yet. Decided to give it another shot. Order the burrito chile poblano with rice and beans combo. I was quite satisfied. This was definitely a hit. For 11$ it was a lot of food. So in conclusion I won't dismiss taco bus completely but it's not my first choice either
(3)Loren K.
I absolutely adore Taco Bus. Theres no thing else like it. Open late, gluten free options, friendly staff, always speedy. I orefer the tostadas to the tacos myself. They are so good!
(5)Melissa V.
I don't know what the hype is about this place but it was nothing for me to rave about. The portion seem big but the price was bigger. I got a taco salad of some sort and it was just okay. I wish it was more authentic because everything was so plain. Not to mention, their soda machine was down so I couldn't even get a drink that I paid for. I knew I wasn't going to like this place and I just wanted to try it out to say that my opinion is my own and that I've had it before. Not much going on here.
(1)Thomas R.
This is one of the places that I always have to go to whenever I'm in Tampa, and that I crave whenever I'm not. I like places that put their own twist on things and do so with great style, and that is certainly the case with Taco Bus. Everything here is bursting with flavor, surprisingly fresh and light for Mexican food. A lot of times when I'm finished eating Mexican I feel like I ate a brick, and I'm yet to feel like that after many visits to the bus. Taco Bus is different than any other Mexican place I've been to. Like who would think butternut squash would be good in a taco, well its freaking amazing! Even their salsa and queso are crafted extremely well with bold tastes and depth of flavor. At many places these things can be bland, just overlooked filler items. Taco Bus seems like they pay great attention to all their ingredients, and even things that seem simple turn out tasting unbelievably good. They have the best Tortas I've had anywhere! You won't be disappointed, no matter what you choose as a filling. The Grouper tacos are now my favorite fish taco! They are perfect in every single way, just like the red and green sauce you can put on everything. The Cochinita Pibil to me is like a way better version of Carnitas (who would of thought that was possible). It's super tender, shredded, perfectly seasoned, and smoked pork. That and the Grouper are my favorite things here for sure. Their corn tortillas are pretty impressive, not to thick, yet they hold together well and taste great. Trust me you will find something your gonna love here.
(5)Fiorella G.
This Taco bus is located so close to my job, I go a lot more often than I care to admit. As far as good quick food goes I feel like that little area of Tampa is lacking. When debating a quick lunch option or a to go item...Taco bus is the place. Most of the food is of really great quality, and it's open 24/7. It's a bit far from where I live which might be a good thing because if I had that readily available to me at all hours of the day I'd be there ALL the time. The menu is pretty customizable, you pick your favorite way...wether its a taco, burrito, salad, etc, the you pick your filling aka your meat or veggie, and then you pick your topping. I've liked most of their tacos, burritos and anything on a tortilla or inside it (it's always very fresh). What I haven't always loved have been the sides. The refried beans are a bit bland and the rice just isn't that great. Outside of the tacos and burritos I also enjoy the Ensalada de Casa. I really like the palm hearts they put on top, yummy :). Food is great, not amazing but for the price you can't really ask for more. What I really hate about this Taco Bus...the smell inside. They have really great seating areas outside. Picnic tables that I recommend you sit at and enjoy the Tampa weather and just the ambiance of the place. It's as if a food truck meets a small restaurant off the side of the road on a road trip through a latin american country. If you sit inside...in the part behind the truck they serve out of, be prepared for the smell of, well...bathroom.
(4)Paul P.
This is an interesting concept. The food is actually cooked inside a food truck but there is an actual brick and mortar building where you can sit inside and eat. The food is inexpensive and seemingly authentic. I say this not really knowing what an authentic taco is, but knowing the tacos I had at Taco Bus were different than most other places I've had them. I had chicken tacos and the tortillas were smaller and a different consistentcy than the norm. The chicken was actual small pieces of chicken, not shredded or ground. Over all really good! Also had chips and guacamole which were good but not great. Prices are very reasonable here. Service was good, some language barriers, but very attentive and cheerful service. The food was made and delivered quickly and we were in and out in plenty of time for a lunch during a work day. If you are heading east it is easy to miss this place so keep your eyes open!
(4)George W.
Will I return: yes Service good surprisingly adroit for very young folks. Impressive. Bad Flour Tortillas weak Red sauce lame, Salsa Roja is weak, vinegar. Good green suave: Salsa verde is pickled jalapeños. Sauce good but feel like more joy and love could go into it. Tv show in Spanish, this joints legit Bathrooms clean. Good but chile is the heart and soul still kinda weak.
(4)Brittany L.
It's pretty good and it's pretty cheap but I feel like it's gotten really Americanized. About 1 in 3 times we go, one of us gets not what we ordered. This past time I ordered carnitas and I got carne asada. It was good, but like...not carnitas. It also wasn't hot, and the cold tortilla and cheese did nothing to help this. I honestly should've ordered it to-go so I could've taken it home and microwaved it. I know their slogan is "broken English perfectly spoken" but I've only experienced mumbling American stoners who seriously don't give a shit. That's not the same. Me: "I can't hear you." Mumbling order-taker: "...mmmmhmmpph..." Me: "I still cannot hear what you are saying." [standing on tip-toe, thrusting my face and ears upwards to the window] Mumbling order-taker: [while looking away from me] "...mmmphmyphrrrmm..." [at same volume as other 2 exchanges] BUT for 2am it's pretty legit "drunk/desperate" food.
(3)Roger F.
It's not authentic, but it sure as hell is good. Taco bus is a Tampa mainstay, and pretty damn amazing. Formed from a food truck on Hillsborough Ave. that just seems to keep adding on additional dining space, and open near 24/7, Taco bus consistently offers a wide variety of choices, from tacos, to burritos, to even ceviche. I've eaten here quite a few times and have yet to strike out. If you're looking for some late-night grub, search no further. Grab some friends, get in line, and stare slack-jawed at the menu while you cobble something together. A solid choice.
(4)Tonia C.
I'm always a fan. Taco Bus never disappoints. As much as I hate to see how commercialized they have become, I'm glad the food quality remains the same. It is always great to be have more opportunities to frequent them since they have more locations now. I had not been to the original location in a few years and was very impressed with the upgrades. It definitely made me more confident it was cleaner than previously. The soda machine is a great addition because previously it was hit or miss if my drink came out with the food or not. As always I'm very happy with the vegetarian/vegan options. My favorite is beans and rice filling, but the vegan steak strips and butternut squash filling is always a nice alternative. I always prefer the red sauce over the green sauce. I have noticed lately the red sauce has been more potent, but I still love it! Also make sure you buy some sauce to take home. Taste great on everything. Or stop buy in the morning for a huge and delicious breakfast burrito.
(5)Anna-Marie W.
The Food Truck scene has exploded all across the United States with Tampa, Florida being no exception. Certain trucks are so popular and in such demand that the owners see an opportunity for a more permanent bricks and mortar location. Such is the case with the Taco Bus- what started as a small operation serving tacos out of a refurbished school bus is now five stores with a sixth slated to open soon in Sarasota. We visited the Hillsborough Avenue location in the Old Seminole Heights neighborhood of Tampa. Though it is a permanent location, you still order from a school bus with the kitchen in the back. First you order your style whether you prefer tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salad etc. Then choose your protein- chicken, steak or pick from a plethora of Vegetarian options from portabellas to vegan "steak strips" to butternut squash. I was so excited to find a place for an abundance of Vegetarian fare in Tampa, however, one thing I could not pass up was the Shrimp and Oyster Ceviche. Served with a side of fresh tortilla chips, I thought it was absolutely amazing. Lucky for me, Chad isn't much a shellfish lover so my Ceviche was all mine! Chad opted for the guacamole- it was tangy, spicy and served with the same tortilla chips as my ceviche. For entrees, Chad went for the Butternut Squash tacos topped with Pico de Gallo, shredded cabbage and crumbled fresco cheese. Accompanying his tacos was a side of Spanish rice and refried beans. I ordered the Rajas Con Queso Quesadilla- strips of poblano peppers with corn, salsa ranchera and a Mexican white cheese sauce grilled between two flour tortillas. The staff was friendly and helpful- even visiting our table with a few Taco Bus stickers. There is plenty of outdoor seating as well as a small building that houses another kitchen and some indoor tables and booths.
(4)Jahaira B.
Didnt like it. Had a portabella ranchero on a sandwhich. It was like a veggie chilli sandwhich. The beans and mushrooms made it taste earthy and bitter. Also had mango ceviche which was okay. The serving of ceviche was kinda small for $4.98. Sides like guac was small but was $1.00 so thats ok. The sour cream was a little packet for $1.00. Wouldnt return.
(1)Kimberly D.
Miles away from Taco Bell, Taco Bus offers AMAZING Tex-Mex food when you have the late-night munchies. And when you're done partying on weekends, Taco Bus is open 24-hours, to help refuel you from all your shenanigans. My suggestion is to call ahead your order, so it's ready for you to pick up when you arrive, because wait times at the Bus can get long when you're hungry. My go-to favorite is the fish tacos. The fish is lightly breaded and fried, and topped with a cool mix of veggies to fill your tortilla. I also love their tostadas, which is like an open-face hard taco that is smothered in beans, veggies, cheese, and your choice of protein. When I ordered the tostada, the worker told me that they changed the portion size, and she was not joking. The tostada was the size of my whole hand, from palm to fingertips! Be sure to add their salsa to your food, for a little extra zing. The red salsa has a mild flavor, not too spicy. The green verde sauce is very tart and spicy, but not too overpowering. Use with caution! You can add a drink and sides of rice and beans to any order for only $2.50. It's worth it for the drink, since they have unlimited refills. The rice and beans will fill you up, but I get pretty stuffed with their entrees alone. The price is a bit steeper than your average taco place, but I know the food is freshly prepared and tastes great, sober or drunk. I definitely recommend Taco Bus for fresh, fast-food Tex-Mex.
(4)Karen I.
I'll never eat at the Taco Bus again! I ordered a burrito at a concert at the amphitheatre last summer and when I bit into the second half, I found a BAND-AID!!! Beyond disgusting! When I returned it, they didn't believe me and tried to tell me they all wear gloves and there was no way it could have come from them. Ultimately, they gave me my money back, but it was a very bad experience. P.S. The first, Band-Aid free half was not that good either!
(1)Allie A.
THAT SAUCE! You know, the verde with the kick of jalapenos. It was exactly what I needed.... We came from Busch Gardens and unfortunately, were victims of a 9 pm deluge. I was soaked to the bone, and needed some nice spicy food to warm me back up. So we ventured to the Taco Bus with some Yeeps, and ordered a ton of apps, and took a seat outside. Love the set up, it's very cool how the bus is just parked there, with a restaurant and seating on both sides. The quac was fresh and full of flavor, the queso was gone in seconds, and the pico met the same fate. After we ran out of dips, that is when I found the verde sauce on the table, and put a little bit on a leftover chip for a little taste. Let's just say I ate the rest of the chips drenched in this stuff, and pretty much doused everything else with it as well. I ordered a two taco combo: carne asada and the carnitas. The carne asada was pretty solid... but the carnitas, wow. Juicy, melt in your mouth, run down your face fantastic. The sides were ok... but get those carrots out of the rice! (LOL, not the biggest cooked carrot fan.) Little bummed they didn't have beer, but it was probably for the best, as I had a few "yards" of beer earlier that night. And kicking ourselves because we didn't ask if we could buy the verde.
(4)Tiffany H.
My first stop at this taco bus location was after a night at Busch Gardens. We were hungry, it was late, and it was on the way home. It's pretty similar to the spread in St. Pete, but the main difference was their late shift people didn't suck. Seriously, everyone was nice, the food came out hot (and not greasy), and I didn't get shortchanged on the horchata. This location is miles above the one on the other side of the bay. And as usual, the pibil is where it's at. It's also a fun place to people watch and watch some craziness happen.
(4)Cecille R.
My husband and I were on our way into town for the weekend and were starving! I remembered hearing about this place from friends so I searched for the closest location on Yelp and mapped us to their front door! They weren't kidding! It's an actual bus which made it even more exciting to order from. There's a huge menu plastered next to the order windows so it took a few minutes for us to read through and decide what we wanted. It's your typical Americanized Mexican food so no surprises here. It's a sort of made to order menu where you pick item (burrito, tacos, tostada, etc) and pick the protein whether it be meat, seafood or vegetarian. They also have gluten free options. All items are dressed with pico de gallo and cabbage but additional items like guac, queso and sour cream are an additional charge. We ordered the "Choose 2" option for chips and dip and picked the guacamole and pico de gallo. Word of warning- they don't skimp! We could've easily just ordered one. So between the chips and multiple dips and the polle verde tostada(with sides) I ordered and the burrito that my husband had, I think we easily stretched out our waistbands! On the tables, they also have bottles of their salsa roja and salsa verde sauces! I tried and they were super spicy! But the option was great! Seating is outside and apparently inside as well but we didn't realize until after the fact. We found a little nook that was outdoors but shaded so that worked perfectly for us. This was a great intro to Tampa. Good, affordable and filling food!
(4)Malissa W.
My 1st visit because all the rave, and i guess its a little bland for me. I'm thinking Mexican where's the heat, i ordered 2 chicken tacos, like the corn shell but that was all.
(2)Tama H.
This restaurant used to be the best place in Tampa, now they have gone commercial and the portions are small, very inconsistent, my group eats there every Wednesday night, the price just keeps going up and the food just keeps going down.
(1)sean h.
Within the last couple of years . It has gone downhill . I notice when order carna Assad burrito. They are mixing grown beef in it (big no no). Service is very rushed .
(2)I B.
I always eat here while in Tampa. The food is GOOD, but sometimes you get crappy customer service.
(5)Sasha P.
I'm sorry to give 1 star but quite frankly, I was not impressed. To Taco Bus's misfortune, there is a taco truck in Michigan that long ago captured my heart. This may be the reason why I'm such a harsh critic when it comes to taco trucks. In any case, I stick to my one star rating and here's why. I had heard about Taco Bus when I first moved to Tampa and was extremely excited to try it out. The exterior looks cool. It's a fun concept to have the bus there. It's not a trashy place but not refined either. Doesn't bother me. What bothered me was that the place smelled like fart, literally, when my husband and I went for a bite to eat. I don't know if there was a gas leak that day but whatever it was, it was certainly a bad first impression. Nevertheless, I tried to shrug it off and continue on with my excitement at what was supposed to be the best taco truck in Tampa. I ordered a barbacoa burrito and in a nutshell, it was not good. It was not flavorful and the meat did not taste fresh. This was very bad news for me. Perhaps it was all the hype that raised my expectations too high. However, one thing is for certain: If there is a bad time to have an "off-your-game" day, it is most definitely the first time someone visits your establishment. I have not been back to Taco Bus since that first visit and I cringe whenever I think about it. Maybe one of the other locations has better fare but regardless of that possibility, I would not consider eating at Taco Bus again. And sadly, I would have to be tricked into eating their food. How you ask? Don't tell me it's from Taco Bus before I eat it.
(1)Brittany M.
Taco Bus just isn't what it used to be. I'm vegan and I make sure I specify this while I'm ordering. They have a vegan menu but 50 percent of the time they mess up vegan orders. They waste so much food because orders aren't correct! It's either a hit or miss.
(3)Anand A.
I go there often usually at late hours even everything is closed..It's the perfect midnight food..the torta Mexican sandwich is the best thing to get there.
(4)Camielle A.
I'll make any excuse to go to tampa just to visit taco bus. They accommodate to vegans and have awesome vegan steak strips that have great flavor. Taco Bus even offers daiya cheese which I'm not too big of a fan of but hey, it's a nice option! Visit Taco Bus, you won't be disappointed.
(5)jennifer C.
Not really sure what all the fuss is about. I mean it was ok and maybe I went in with too high of expectations, but I have had better tacos many other places. Worth another chance, but think people like it so much because it's open late and they are drunk, lol.
(3)Lauren C.
While figuring out where to order can be a bit tricky (why are there so many busses and buildings that say taco bus?), it is WORTH IT. I had the 2 taco meal ($5.99-- not bad). The butternut squash taco was really creamy and delicious. My second taco- the chipotle chicken was even better. Not only were the tacos pretty solid on their own-- the addition of the verde salsa takes them to another level. The atmosphere was really nice- salsa music under a canopy of vines and flowers.
(4)Blue A.
Well, damn. Maybe it's the fact I was coming off a month long taco promotion- so I'd been having some of the finest Mexican food in BPB - but Taco Bus really let me down. Don't get me wrong, at this time of the night, it's probably the best grub you're going to get...but in a land of frozen beef patties and even poorer taco options (18 year old Blue would be in shock this is how I refer to Taco Bell. That was my jam!) this is about as good as it gets for late night grubbing. I arrived with a fairly big group (we took up two picnic tables!) after a long night of riding roller coasters and walking through haunted houses. The place wasn't too busy. We all ordered...and took our seats. They bring you out the food. I got the Burrito Preñado (the pregnant burrito lol) a flour tortilla stuffed with Mexican rice, refried beans, taco veggies and cheese. I added carne asada to mine. The entire burrito was super bland...the rice was a little hard and tasteless and overall it just wasn't good. As hungry as I was, I didn't finish it. The Horchata however was some of the most dense, creamy, deliciousness I have ever tasted. Luckily my wife didn't finish hers so I filled up on my full cup and her half cup. The staff was another let down. They were texting (or playing angry birds) and not the friendliest of folks. The setup is pretty cool - they are actually school busses parked in a random lot (permanently) and have been modified into kitchens. There's a few seating areas (picnic tables) and that's about it. When we arrived it had just finished raining and all of the sauces had rain water all over them (along with a fairly big opening on the top, allowing water to get in). I didn't test it out to see how much rain water got in - but someone from our table was nice enough to go grab some sauces from the covered seating areas. Long story short - the horchata was the only thing that saved the day here.
(2)Stephanie G.
According to the Husband the Carnitas Burrito is the best burrito he has ever eaten. I throughly enjoy the chicken chipotle tacos! The chips and salsa are fantastic. LOVE that they serve "Mexican Coke". The indoor seating area is not so appetizing. I recommend ordering and eating outside!
(4)Mailoha A.
If you want Taco Bus, this is the location to go to. The Downtown location and the Fletcher location are no good. Even this location has lost some if it's touch as they have expanded. They no longer serve truly authentic Mexican tacos. Cabbage, heated tortilla and tomatoes on tacos? Not authentic.
(3)Elizabeth W.
I have been here so many times, i guess its about time I write a review. Located in the heart of Hillsborough Ave is this gem. They have taken a bus and made it their restaurant/ food truck feel. You walk up the the bus and place your order then wait for your food. This location has covered outdoor seating as well and some inside seating. The inside could use some updating but the amazing food over powers the decor. I ordered a Carne Asada buritto. IT WAS MASSIVE. I was so big, I had to have my fiancé eat half of it. It has tons of meat inside cooked to perfection! It came wide a side of rice and beans. The rice and beans are bad, but not the best that I've ever had. Their guac is really good!! Keep up the good work!!
(4)Kevin D.
Try everything on the menu. It is delicious.
(5)Neil P.
Best by far in mexican cuisine we've had everything on menu you will not be disappointed in anything you order. We drive about 70 miles just to eat there and Lowery Park Zoo is just down the road so you can make a day of it!
(5)Darcy G.
Omfg. Talk about amazing! How did I survive this long and not enjoy taco bus?!?!? I cat get enough. First we ordered the shredded pork quesadilla which was awesomeeeee! It was so tasty and delicious that I had to go back and order us some beef tacos. Now even as I type my lips are still a bit on fire, but all in good amazing fun. I will definitely be back to explore some more of their menu!
(5)Frankie C.
This place is open 24/7 and pretty good noting that. I found this place late night and it's located right off the highway, making it an ideal place to grab grub. The Taco Bus is actually really cute. You order your food at one bus and then pick up your food from another bus. They did run out of a few items, like their horchata. The menu is relatively large and has something for everyone. I got two tostadas, one carnitas and one carne asada, with a side of Mexican rice. The food was average at best. It wasn't as authentic as many of the other reviews rave about....So, check your expectations before you dine here.
(3)Jennifer S.
So it's 1am on a Friday night and we just spent the last few hours running around Busch Gardens for Hollow-O-Scream. Needless to say my friends and I were starving! I am not from the area but luckily others in the group knew where to get food and said we had to go to the Taco Bus. Its open all night and apparently they are very well known in Tampa. When you get there it is just that 2 large buses set up with wooden picnic tables out front and a regular seating area on the side. No frills kind of place. You walk up to the bus and order your food then pay. They give you a number and bring out your food rather quickly. I decided to try 2 tacos both the Cochinita Pibil on corn tortillas. It's shredded pork marinated in achiote and bitter orange, then wrapped in banana leaves and slow roasted in a smoker. It was okay, a little dry and needed some hot sauce. I finished them both because I was so hungry but there really wasn't any flavors that popped out for me. My friend got the chicken quesadillas and they were just ok not great. She didn't even eat half of it. Most of the group were satisfied others not so much. I would come back for sure to give it another shot, it was not a bad place and definitely a perfect late night spot to fill your belly with food.
(3)Thao N.
The atmosphere at this specific Taco Bus is not the same as you would find at the other ones. Not as hipster but just as delicious. Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, therefore, parking is pretty difficult. Side parking is your answer. The tacos are just as delicious as you would find at the other taco bus places. Go here if you're craving for some good home style tacos.
(3)Frank A.
Solid taco. Flavorful but kind of small portion for price. We just stopped to try it out, so maybe other options would have been better. I would come back.
(4)