Craving a quick and delicious Mexican food fix? You’re in luck! The United States boasts a fantastic array of Mexican Fast Food Chains, each offering its own unique take on classic flavors and dishes. From iconic tacos and burritos to regional specialties and innovative creations, finding the perfect spot to satisfy your hunger can be an exciting culinary adventure.
With so many excellent Mexican fast food chains vying for your attention, deciding where to go can feel overwhelming. This guide is designed to simplify your choice, providing a detailed look at some of the best Mexican fast food chains across the country. We’ll explore their histories, highlight their signature dishes, and offer insights to help you order the most flavorful and satisfying meal possible. Get ready to discover your new favorite Mexican fast food destination!
1. Taco Bell
Taco Bell's iconic logo against a purple and pink sky
Taco Bell, arguably the most ubiquitous Mexican fast food chain, boasts nearly 8,000 locations across the United States and an expanding international presence. Its widespread popularity is undeniable, fueled by a menu of creative, craveable Tex-Mex inspired items. From the legendary Doritos Locos Tacos to a treasure trove of Taco Bell secret menu hacks, Taco Bell has cultivated a devoted following that borders on a cultural phenomenon.
Beyond the innovative tacos, Taco Bell’s menu is packed with fan favorites. The Crunchwrap Supreme remains a top choice, and their breakfast menu offers a range of morning delights. For dessert, the cinnamon twists are a simple yet satisfying sweet treat. Notably, Taco Bell is also recognized for its extensive vegetarian options, and many menu items can be easily customized to be vegan, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences.
2. Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle Mexican Grill stands out as a leading Mexican fast food chain, celebrated for its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared from scratch daily. This fast-casual pioneer has redefined the landscape of Mexican restaurant chains, setting a new standard for quality and authentic flavors in the fast food sector.
Chipotle’s customizable burrito bowls are a signature offering, allowing diners to build their perfect meal with a variety of fresh ingredients. While their renowned guacamole comes at an extra cost, many consider it a must-have addition. For those seeking to explore beyond the standard menu, the Chipotle secret menu offers a range of creative combinations and customizations favored by loyal customers.
3. Del Taco
Taco Bell's iconic logo against a purple and pink sky
Since its California debut in 1964, Del Taco has carved out a significant space in the Mexican fast food world, often considered a strong competitor to Taco Bell. This beloved chain has cultivated a dedicated fanbase who appreciate Del Taco’s unique approach to Tex-Mex cuisine.
While offering familiar favorites like tacos and burritos, Del Taco distinguishes itself with a legendary Del Taco secret menu. Intriguing options include the “Bun Taco,” a taco filling served on a hamburger bun, a unique fusion of taco and burger elements. Ordering your meal “bold” adds a special sauce and fries to your dish for an extra flavor kick. During the holiday season, Del Taco also offers tamales, a traditional Mexican dish.
4. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina
Originating in Dallas, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina has expanded to nearly 20 states, establishing itself as a reliable destination for casual Mexican dining. This chain offers a comforting menu of classic Tex-Mex dishes, elevated by a special mesquite seasoning that permeates many of their offerings.
On The Border is also recognized for its generous portion sizes, making it an ideal choice for those with hearty appetites. Be prepared to have leftovers when dining here, as the portions are often substantial. This chain is perfect for a relaxed and filling Mexican meal experience.
5. Torchy’s Tacos
Torchy’s Tacos began its journey as a food truck in Austin, Texas, and has since grown into a highly regarded Mexican fast food chain. This popular taqueria has expanded its reach across Texas and into other states, known for serving up delicious and inventive tacos throughout the day, including a much-loved selection of breakfast tacos.
For those seeking to enhance their Torchy’s experience, the Torchy’s secret menu unlocks a world of imaginative taco creations beyond their already extensive menu. This hidden menu adds another layer of excitement for taco enthusiasts.
6. Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s Southwest Grill is instantly recognizable for its enthusiastic “Welcome to Moe’s!” greeting, which is only surpassed by the enjoyment of their flavorful food. Since opening in Atlanta in 2000, Moe’s has experienced rapid growth, quickly becoming a leading Mexican fast food chain across the United States.
This chain is known for its welcoming atmosphere, complemented by complimentary chips and salsa upon arrival. Moe’s prioritizes fresh, high-quality ingredients in their Tex-Mex offerings. From their generously sized burritos to fully loaded quesadillas, Moe’s consistently satisfies customers seeking a delicious and fulfilling Mexican meal.
7. Café Rio Mexican Grill
A vibrant spread of Mexican dishes in takeout containers from Cafe Rio
Based in Utah, Café Rio Mexican Grill distinguishes itself with a focus on fresh, made-to-order Mexican cuisine. None of the food at Café Rio locations is pre-prepared, ensuring that every dish is made fresh upon ordering. Their extensive menu includes classic Mexican fare such as burritos, quesadillas, and fajitas. A standout item is their sweet pork barbacoa, a flavorful and tender meat option that is not commonly found at other Mexican fast food chains.
8. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop originated in Fort Worth, Texas, and has since expanded throughout Texas and the Southern United States. True to its name, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is best known for its tacos, particularly their shrimp and fish tacos, which are highly acclaimed.
Beyond tacos, Fuzzy’s offers a range of Tex-Mex staples including burritos, quesadillas, and nachos. They also provide numerous vegetarian options, making Fuzzy’s Taco Shop a solid choice for those seeking best vegetarian fast food with a Mexican flair.
9. Dank Burrito
Primarily located in Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina, Dank Burrito is a rising Mexican fast food chain gaining recognition for its fresh, flavorful burritos with a global and adventurous twist. Dank Burrito began as a food truck before establishing its first brick-and-mortar location in 2015.
Since then, Dank Burrito has been innovating Tex-Mex classics with creative menu items like the honey truffle Buffalo shrimp burrito and a soy ginger pork burrito. Despite the name emphasizing burritos, they also offer tacos, salads, and bowls, ensuring a diverse menu to cater to various preferences.
10. Baja Fresh
Baja Fresh is recognized as one of the healthiest fast food chains, a reputation built on their early adoption of farm-fresh ingredients and sustainably sourced meats. Since its inception in 1990, Baja Fresh has been committed to preparing all food to order, without using frozen or microwaved ingredients, from tacos to burrito bowls.
The restaurants feature a bright and festive atmosphere, ideal for a relaxed and casual dining experience. If you’re looking for fresh Mexican food in a convenient fast food setting, Baja Fresh is an excellent choice.
11. Qdoba Mexican Eats
A colorful assortment of Mexican dishes and beverages from Qdoba
Qdoba Mexican Eats has firmly established itself as a top Mexican fast food chain with locations in nearly every state. Qdoba allows customers to customize their own bowls, burritos, tacos, and salads with a wide selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients. A key differentiator for Qdoba is that they do not charge extra for guacamole or queso, a perk that sets them apart from many similar chains.
12. Taco John’s
Taco John’s is a Mexican fast food chain famous for its signature potato olés. These crispy, deep-fried potato rounds are treated like nachos, loaded with toppings such as meat, sour cream, cheese, and salsa.
Beyond their signature potatoes, Taco John’s offers a unique menu of Tex-Mex dishes, including stuffed grilled tacos that are not commonly found at other Mexican fast food chains. Originating in Wyoming, Taco John’s is a distinctive taco spot that is worth exploring for fans of Mexican cuisine seeking something different.
13. Taco Cabana
Taco Cabana, based in San Antonio, is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain known for its delicious and fresh Mexican food served in a fun and family-friendly environment. While rooted in Texas, Taco Cabana has expanded into Oklahoma, Kansas, and New Mexico. A defining characteristic of Taco Cabana is its extensive menu variety, offering tacos, burritos, bowls, and a wide range of breakfast items. They are also particularly known for their crispy and flavorful flautas, a must-try item.
14. El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco is a Mexican fast food chain celebrated for its signature fire-grilled chicken. Chicken is the sole meat offered on the menu, and it’s prepared in a variety of forms, from flavorful bowls to hearty burritos.
With nearly 500 locations nationwide, El Pollo Loco has made its mouthwatering grilled chicken a highly sought-after fast food option, particularly for those seeking a healthier alternative compared to typical fast food fare.
15. Chuy’s
A close-up of a cheesy enchilada dish from Chuy's Mexican Restaurant
Chuy’s, originating from Austin, Texas, embraces the “bigger in Texas” ethos, especially evident in their generously sized burritos. Since opening in 1982, Chuy’s has expanded to nearly 20 states across the country.
Chuy’s is renowned for its handmade tortillas, massive “Big As Yo’ Face” burritos, and other freshly prepared Tex-Mex classics. Their commitment to fresh, never-frozen ingredients brings Chuy’s imaginative menu to life, enhanced by an impressive array of homemade sauces that elevate the dining experience.
16. Bubbakoo’s Burritos
Bubbakoo’s Burritos, primarily located along the East Coast, is a Mexican fast food chain specializing in fresh, made-to-order burritos. This New Jersey-born chain has gained popularity nationwide for its customizable menu and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
While burritos are their claim to fame, Bubbakoo’s also offers a diverse menu including quesadillas, nachos, bowls, salads, and chicken wings. They also feature a notable selection of plant-based toppings, making Bubbakoo’s a popular choice for both vegetarian and vegan fast food seekers looking for classic Mexican flavors without animal products.
17. TacoTime
TacoTime, founded in Eugene, Oregon in 1960, is considered a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest taco scene. Initially created to serve hungry college students, TacoTime has grown to over 300 locations across the United States and Canada.
Tacos are the undeniable highlight at TacoTime, but their menu also includes noteworthy burritos and breakfast offerings, such as breakfast burritos and quesadillas, that should not be overlooked.
18. Pancheros Mexican Grill
Pancheros Mexican Grill focuses on the simple pleasure of a perfectly made, hot, handmade tortilla. This Mexican fast food chain utilizes freshly pressed tortillas as the foundation for their menu of classic Tex-Mex dishes.
The burrito is the star at this Midwestern fast-casual spot, featuring delicious fillings wrapped in their signature tortilla. Every element is designed for burrito perfection, enhanced by a variety of fresh salsas and toppings. For lighter options, their tacos and quesadillas are also made with the same fresh tortillas and are equally satisfying.
19. Rubio’s Coastal Grill
A tempting array of fish tacos and Mexican dishes from Rubio's Coastal Grill
Rubio’s Coastal Grill is widely credited with introducing Baja-style fish tacos to the United States and has become a significant player in the Mexican fast food scene. Primarily located on the West Coast, Rubio’s is a fish taco-centric institution with a strong emphasis on fresh, flavorful ingredients.
Fish tacos are the main attraction at Rubio’s, but they also offer burritos and bowls that can be filled with steak and chicken, alongside their signature fish and seafood options.
20. Uncle Julio’s Mexican Restaurant
Uncle Julio’s Mexican Restaurant distinguishes itself by offering refreshing, creative beverages and upscale touches like tableside guacamole preparation. This Dallas-born chain has expanded to 10 states, bringing its mesquite-grilled Tex-Mex cuisine to a wider audience. Enchiladas are a popular choice at Uncle Julio’s, and their freshly made margaritas are the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
21. Dos Toros Taqueria
For those craving Mexican food in New York City, Dos Toros Taqueria is a must-visit. This fast-casual Mexican fast food chain is a New York City staple, also expanding to Washington, D.C., and is known for its delicious tacos, burritos, and burrito bowls.
Dos Toros is a popular lunch destination, often praised as surpassing some of the more nationally recognized Mexican chains in quality. A unique touch at Dos Toros is the option to add crumbled tortilla chips as a topping to your bowl, providing a satisfying crunch.
22. Taco Bueno
Taco Bueno, another Texas-born Mexican fast food chain, prides itself on customizable options and freshly prepared ingredients. Mainly located in Texas, with additional locations in Oklahoma and Arkansas, Taco Bueno is a regional favorite in the Southern United States.
Taco Bueno excels at classic Tex-Mex dishes, but a standout item is The Muchaco. This unique offering replaces the traditional taco shell with warm and soft pita bread, creating a uniquely delicious and satisfying taco experience.
23. Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant
The inviting and upscale ambiance of Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant
With locations across the country, Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant is an authentic, family-friendly Mexican fast food chain offering fresh, flavorful food in a welcoming setting. Positioned as slightly more upscale than other chains on this list, Abuelo’s is ideal for a relaxed date night or family outing.
Signature margaritas at Abuelo’s are highly recommended, perfectly complementing their hearty enchiladas and sizzling fajitas. They also provide a good selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options, catering to a wide range of dietary needs.
Explore the Flavors of Mexico at Home
While dining out at Mexican fast food chains offers unmatched convenience, immersing yourself in the world of Mexican and Tex-Mex cooking can be incredibly rewarding. Taking a hands-on cooking class near you provides an excellent opportunity to learn culinary skills while preparing authentic dishes under the guidance of a professional chef. For a convenient at-home option, online cooking classes offer another fantastic way to enhance your cooking abilities from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ultimately, the United States offers an impressive selection of Mexican fast food chains, each with its own distinct character and menu. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick taco, a hearty burrito, or a flavorful regional specialty, you’re sure to find a top-notch Mexican fast food spot nearby to satisfy your cravings. Hopefully, this guide serves as a helpful starting point in your quest to discover your perfect Mexican fast food experience.
For more culinary explorations and dining guides, be sure to check out other resources and experiences available on Cozymeal.
