BEST TACOS IN DESMOINES
My Personal Mount Rushmore
Des Moines Tacos
Tacos are arguably one of the most versatile foods ever created. All you need is a folded tortilla filled with a combination of meats, cheeses, vegetables, salsa, or just about anything you can dream up. They’re perfect for on-the-go meals or as part of a sit-down dining experience. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, tacos are always a good idea. In Des Moines, you’ll find them at Mexican restaurants, BBQ joints, breakfast spots, Cajun eateries, seafood restaurants, and even vegan cafes.
Tacos truly know no boundaries.
This makes narrowing down my top picks to just four an almost impossible task—but I gave it my best shot. Tacos are simply too important not to celebrate. Keep in mind, this list will evolve as I continue exploring Des Moines’ vibrant taco scene. If your favorite isn’t included yet, let me know—it’s likely already on my to-try list.
Without further ado, here’s my Mount Rushmore of Des Moines tacos (with honorable mentions).
1. Coa Cantina
2. Bar Nico
3. Flame Cantina
4. Maria's Mexican Food
5. Tasty Taco
Shrimp Taco at Sauced by Alfaro
Some tacos can’t be fully described—they simply need to be experienced. The Shrimp Taco at Sauced by Alfaro is one of them.
Michelle Alfaro’s dedication to homemade perfection shines in every bite. Each shrimp is meticulously hand-breaded, and the puffy shells are crafted fresh daily. The shell itself is a marvel—deep-fried to golden perfection without a hint of greasiness. It delivers a satisfying crunch while maintaining an unexpected yet delightful chewiness, a textural masterpiece.
The shrimp are plump and generously sized, offering a mild, natural sweetness complemented perfectly by their crunchy batter. Topping it all off is a creamy, tangy bang bang sauce that brings just the right balance of sweet and heat.
Any taco from Mexitli Restaurant could’ve been featured on this list; in my opinion, there’s no better Mexican food in Omaha.
It all starts with the base tortilla, which is a bit surprising visually upon first visit. Mexitli blends beets with corn to create a bright red tortilla that is not only beautiful, but also has a mild sweetness and a slight nuttiness, and each one perfectly chewy.
The Chicarron version of this taco stands out because the pork is so tender and succulent. While Americans view chicarrones as fried pork skin, Mexitli’s version is much different. Cooked down in a vibrant red sauce, this swine brings a pleasant amount of warming heat.