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    Tacos El Tio

    4.6 (54 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Closed Closed

    Tacos El Tio Photos

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    TACOS EL TIO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

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    Jennifer C.

    My favorite place in Kansas City to get authentic tacos!! It is a cash-only spot, so keep that in mind when you visit. My favorite thing to order is their asada tacos and a side of rice. They are delicious and their tortillas are amazing! I am not sure if the tortillas are made in-house, but they are the reason I rank this place so high on my list. With your taco order, you get a plate of grilled onions, cucumbers, and grilled jalapeños. I love adding grilled onions to my tacos - the perfect crunch! Their house salsas range from mild to extra hot. There are bottles of salsa on the table, so I was able to try them all. My husband loved that he was able to sample each one without needing to ask for more. Our favorite was the red salsa - it is spicy! Overall, If you're ever looking for an authentic taco spot in KCK - this is the place to visit!

    My new favorite taco joint. The meat is so flavorful. I wish the tacos were just a little cheaper but to be fair they are about the same as other places. You also get cucumbers and grilled onions. The tacos are probably my new #1 or maybe #2.

    three tacoss on a plate
    Carly C.

    If you're looking for a good authentic taco, this is the place to be! The pastor tacos are the best, and the asada are a great runner up! I introduced my best friend to this spot a few years ago, so we always make our way over to KCK when she is in town to sit in and have a nice dinning experience. Staff is always quick and friendly. --Cash only! Bring extra, you'll want more than you think.... I once dug to the bottom of my purse in search of coins to pay for one more pastor taco. Yes, it's that good.

    a plate of tacos and a drink
    Ralphie S.

    I wanted to celebrate National Taco Day at a place I had not yet visited, so I looked at my bookmarks and headed to Tacos El Tio. I made a terrible mistake by only having $10 on me, since I discovered they do not accept cards upon my arrival. To ensure that I had enough for tax and a generous Covid era tip, I only ordered 3 Pastor tacos at $1.90 each. That was actually plenty, since they do not skimp on the meat. I had enough spillage to construct at least 2 more tacos. The pastor was not sliced off a rotisserie but was amazing none the less. Plentifully juicy and oozing with that grilled and marinated seasoning to tickle the taste buds on first bite. Plenty of Cilantro as expected but finely chopped red onions made such a better garnishment than the white onions that accompany 95% of street tacos. Tacos El Tio is now on my short list for KC's best tacos.

    Carne asada and pollo tacos
    Faria M.

    I'd say I'm obsessed with street tacos ( and obsessed may be an understatement). So always on the hunt for a good, authentic taco spot. Tried tacos el tio for lunch a few days ago. Their menu is small with staples you'd expect (street tacos, burritos, quesadillas etc). The tacos are fairly cheap (around $2 per taco) and come with authentic toppings (onion, cilantro) and options for different salsas). I really enjoy their salsa verde and red hot salsa. They use four different meat for most of the tacos (even the chicken) which I thought was interesting. Very good flavors and thoroughly tasty. Wanted to try their menudo soup but it's only on the menu during the weekends.

    Food menu
    Jasmine R.

    Favorite place for Taco Tuesday or any day of the week. They have the best authentic street tacos. Meat is flavorful and juicy and taste so good!! They also stuff the tacos with lots meat. So much meat you could take the excess and make another taco. Restaurant sits on the corner and there's only off street parking available. Make sure you bring cash and they don't accept card. This place is worth the trip to KCK!!

    Julian M.

    Yeah. It's my favorite so what? Yeah. This place serves the best, FRESH authentic tacos here in Kansas City so what? Yeah, occasionally I want to eat 10 tacos from here.. So what? This place is THE WHOLE IN THE WALL. Yes, yes that does mean that it's the BOMB DOT COM ladies and gentlemen. To go? Dine-in? Pssh. Either one works. I usually take mine to go, because this establishment is always packed with customers. Today, it was a bit different I went earlier and sat and ate. For a restraunt who's speciality on Tuesdays in Tacos the service was superb. So yeah, I think you should go. No, don't try and compare this to anywhere else. For authentic tacos, most places you'll see around KC cook their meat and let it sit and sit and sit until it's time to be served. Doesn't make it bad but don't fast food restraunts do the same? Wait 4-5 minutes after ordering to get FRESH. My opinion? My fact.

    Chorizo and Carnitas Tacos
    Valerie M.

    Like the other reviews say-don't let the exterior dissuade you. The Food is fresh-and DELICIOUS.

    Asada taco done right
    Tyler F.

    This is close to if not my favorite taco in the city. Meat is juicy & never dry. Hot sauce is perfect. Check out the pic, they include grilled green onion on the tacos. Served with grilled onions & chiles.

    Menudo (served only on Saturday or Sunday)
    Matt C.

    Another hole in the wall in KCK, this place doesn't look like much from the outside, but most of the best Mexican restaurants in this area are the same way. Tacos El Tio has around 15 tables inside, not the prettiest place inside, but the food makes up for everything. Similar to other Mexican restaurants in this area, the kitchen is open and everything can be seen cooking as you walk in. If you question freshness or quality, you can see them prepping everything, no behind the scenes here. Inside there are a few TVs that were playing Hispanic music videos, with a consistent flow of people coming and going to get food. They have a one page menu, with pictures of almost everything they make, and names of all items in English and Spanish. Staff there is very friendly and helpful in case you want further explanation on any items. They do have some daily specials, as well Menudo, which is only served on Saturday and Sunday. I had to try the tacos, which they offer 10 variety of meats to choose from. Tacos are served on 2 small tortillas, topped with onion and cilantro, and a side of lime wedges. They bring you out a small plate of cucumbers, sauteed onions, and a grilled jalapeno, as adds on you can put on whatever you order. They don't keep you limited on sauces either, bringing 4 homemade varieties to choose from. Definitively recommend trying a few tacos if you go! I also got a small bowl of Menudo, as this seems to be a popular dish in the area, that is only available on the weekends. They serve theirs with a side of bread or tortillas for dipping, and would recommend the bread as it is their torta bread that is grilled on one side and tastes like a light honey garlic bread. The meat in Menudo is tripe, so if beware in case you don't like that. For those who haven't had it, it is the stomach of the cow, and can be somewhat chewy. The taste of tripe isn't much, but texture of this is very different from beef, pork, or chicken. Lastly we got the nachos, which looked like regular nachos when they came out, but the chips they use are fantastic! Not sure if they make them in house or buy elsewhere, but they tasted very fresh and homemade. A few things to note, they take CASH ONLY. So be be prepared as there is not ATM. While you don't see prices on the menu, they have boards hanging over the kitchen showing prices, but all the food is very affordable. There is no parking lot, everything is street parking. So many incredible Mexican restaurants in this area to get authentic food, this one is definitely worth the stop!

    Scott T.

    I've been on a two-year mission to try every Mexican eatery on Kansas and Minnesota Avenues in KCK, Independence Ave. in KCMO and a few other select locations, usually within close distance of these locations which seem to be three epicenters for this kind of cuisine. Interesting that the old area under the I-35 bridge on Southwest Blvd. doesn't even make my list, though there are a few decent choices there. The best of the best though, they're located in other areas of town, and it's not even close. I'm always with the same friend, always on the hunt for what we think are the best. And until this past Thursday that "best of" went by another name for a couple of years. And then Friday rolled around and we entered Tacos El Tio. Move over, old favorite haunt. You got seriously bested by what's going on here. No, it wasn't even close. It wasn't one opinion, it was two. We both looked up from our plates and said, "this, this is why we do this. Where has this place been?" Preceded by a large plate of sliced radishes, grilled onions, sliced cucumbers, a grilled jalapeno and a lime or two, out rolled four tacos apiece. The tripas, crisped to perfection and just bursting with that barnyardy goodness only they can deliver. The campechano a savory mix of deliciousness, and then the carnitas. The goddamn carnitas--single, utter perfection. Clearly prepared by hands that sold their soul to the devil in return. The single best taco bite in Kansas or Missouri, for us both. The heavens parted, Mexican grandmothers gazed down from above with smiles on their faces. And then we did what we'd never done before. We each ordered another taco to the delight of the lady waiting on us. Just the right mix of fresh white onion, cilantro and juicy lime, seasoned to perfection. Look, I've always thought tacos were like BBQ. It's as good as the person preparing it that day. Once in awhile the game is raised. I can't say your experience will be the same, and I can't say this will be my experience again, but Friday, May 26, the best tacos in Kansas City were consumed by two gringos on 10th Street in KCK. By damn but I'm going to be finding out if we can replicate the experience with those carnitas tacos. Soon. Oh, and when the local law enforcement walks in, then you KNOW how good it is. Anywhere the police or sheriff dine, you know it's the best.

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    10 months ago

    Amazing would definitely recommend this pplace if you want tacos of course what else is there to say

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    6 years ago

    Visited from San Diego, have always been disappointed by Mexican food outside of KC. This place did not disappoint - very great quality.

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    Don Antonio's Carnicería Y Taqueria

    Don Antonio's Carnicería Y Taqueria

    4.5
    (173 reviews)
    6.3 mi
    $

    Don Antonios is one of the best street taco joints/carniceria/tortilleria in Kansas City,…read moreKansas...I might as well say in the KC Metro! I've eaten there for years, but one of my recent stops made me realize it's more than just the food. Please read on.... An immigrant showed me friendship in food, even though I was a stranger. The place was packed and the only open table was where the workers sit. I was by myself, but one of the restaurant workers came up with her lunch and gestured to me if she could sit at the table. I smiled and said "Si." I noticed she was eating birria tacos with consomme and it looked delicious. She saw me and laughed, said something in Spanish which I think translated into "Would you like some birria and consomme?" I nodded yes and she went back to the kitchen and returned with a small container. You can tell from the video the broth was rich, the birria was tender and fatty (but in the best way)! I tried to convey to her it was great and thank you. She asked me something in Spanish and I could only respond in a gringo "Que'?" I finally used Google Translate and she was asking if I worked nearby. I was dressed in my blue collar clothes! I used the App to tell her I drove in from my part of town and she smiled and laughed. I think she understood how much I loved eating at Don Antonios, because I would drive at least 25 minutes to eat there. If she only knew I'm there every week! This experience reinforced what I already knew. Immigrants are kind and caring people. Just like my grandparents when they arrived in America before WWII. I also know what my family and I have experienced when you don't look like the majority.... Just my two cents and a tip of the hat to an immigrant who showed me friendship in food, even though I was a stranger.

    Another one of Wyandotte County's exquisite taquerias…read more Grocery items and a meat counter are available, but I was here for tacos. You order at the end of the counter and then follow the line of diners to the cash register to pay. Most were taking their orders to go, but there is a small section of tables if you want to dine in.

    Photos
    They have the meats
    They have the meats
    1/2 doz Tamales
    1/2 doz Tamales
    Tamales 1/2 dozen

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    Tamales 1/2 dozen
    Taco Naco Kc

    Taco Naco Kc

    4.2
    (122 reviews)
    4.4 mi
    $$

    Delicious! We tried the nachos and the tacos (and the…read moremargaritas) The nachos had tons of toppings and my day, even brought part of it home to reheat in the air fryer. It was a good midnight snack. I got the Barbacoa taco and shrimp taco. Both had tons of flavor, and two was plenty for dinner. The margaritas were excellent! Since you order at the counter, we didn't have a ton of experience with the staff, but everyone seemed friendly and the shop is well maintained We did eat inside, and there were definitely people outside, taking advantage of the patio

    If you're wondering why I have it 4 stars, it's because of the Westport parking options. For us…read morethis day wasn't too bad as we were able to grab a spot across the street (which my the eat is for other stores/shops.) Absolutely loved the style of the restsurant and the roominess. It gave an option for dining with a group of people or simply dining alone. We arrived around 1pm on a week day, so just after the lunch rush which was perfect. The food was made fresh, I've always wanted to try the barria taco but no one seems to offer anything but a beef option. And finally, I found a chicken one. It was Delish !! Now I couldn't dip in the au just because it was beef but I appreciate having the option. The Mexican rice was light and flavorful. The queso was good however it stiffened up pretty quickly, just in case you feel the anxiety of choosing between. Your appetizer and the main costs course. Over all, a great experience for a late afternoon lunch. Check out it when your craving tacos, I don't think you'll be disappointment.

    Photos
    A great place to enjoy with friends and family at all hours of the day and night
    A great place to enjoy with friends and family at all hours of the day and night
    Brisket quesabirria ramen
    Brisket quesabirria ramen
    Esquite street corn with a creamy and savory twist

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    Esquite street corn with a creamy and savory twist
    Taha Mexican Kitchen

    Taha Mexican Kitchen

    3.9
    (131 reviews)
    4.9 mi

    We really liked TAHA with a couple of exceptions. The chips…read moreand sauces were exceptional. Flavorful sauces presented beautifully with fresh chips to start definitely hit the spot. The service was pretty slow for a lazy Sunday afternoon where the restaurant wasn't very busy however the kitchen cranked our order out quickly. We ordered fish ceviche which was awesome, and the cauliflower appetizer which was not. Not at all. Taha was a pricey restaurant, so the service and all the food really should be great. We will try again in the future when perhaps, they work out some of the kinks.

    WOW.. just wow... this was our first time at Taha and it was absolutely amazing. We sat outside and…read morehad the sweetest waitress who was attentive and very knowledgeable of the menu. We wanted to try lots of different things- so here is what we got: - Ceviche- 20000/10... we moved here from San Diego and this was better than any west coast ceviche we've had. They make a homemade "black sauce" that is to DIE for. It is served cold and they are generous with the meat portions. We got the trio (fish shrimp and octopus). - oysters- delicious - oyster Rockefeller- very good but Extremely cheesy. I like that with this type of oysters, but might be too much cheese for some. Amazing flavor. - queso- SO SO good. - ribeye tacos- thin sliced ribeye that was incredibly tender. Amazing flavors, some of the best tacos we've ever had - octopus tacos- UNREAL. Tender, not chewy, delicious sauces and toppings, 10/10 Our meal was $177- not the cheapest but the food, ambiance and service made it worth every penny. Overall we had an amazing experience and will absolutely be going back. Thank you to the staff and chefs!

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    Taha Mexican Kitchen
    Lamb barbacoa tacos, watermelon margarita
    Lamb barbacoa tacos, watermelon margarita
    LA CHISMOSA

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    LA CHISMOSA
    El Patron Cocina & Bar

    El Patron Cocina & Bar

    3.8
    (540 reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$

    Our kids introduced us to El Patron a few years ago, and it has become a favorite. It's not the…read morefanciest spot, and service on busy nights can be chaotic (you might need to flag down a server) but we see the hustle as part of its charm. The space has two levels and a patio. Parking in their small lot or on the street can be tricky, but it's worth the effort. We love their mix of authentic Mexican dishes and classic favorites. Portions are huge (expect leftovers), and the Fajitas Del Mar are fantastic. We highly recommend it!

    It was a busy night at El Patron, but the service was fast and efficient -- the line moved quickly,…read moreand the staff kept everything running smoothly. The margaritas were spot-on, the guacamole was fresh and delicious, and the food was absolutely amazing! I made a smart choice by ordering just an empanada, knowing I'd be filling up on chips and guac -- and it turned out to be the perfect plan. You can tell the food is made with care and love; it really comes through in every bite. I especially appreciate all the pescatarian and vegetarian options -- something you definitely won't find at the restaurant across the street. Dining at El Patron is always a treat, and I look forward to every opportunity I get to eat there. I can't wait to go back and try even more of their incredible dishes!

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Tamales, beans, rice, Pico, queso sauce
    Tamales, beans, rice, Pico, queso sauce
    Happiness is my wife, a patio, and a marg.

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    Happiness is my wife, a patio, and a marg.

    Tacos El Tio - mexican - Updated July 2026

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