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    Tacos El Tio

    4.6 (54 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Open 10:30 am - 10:50 pm

    Tacos El Tio Photos

    Business Info

    TACOS EL TIO ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - Tacos El Tio

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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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    1 year 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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    El Camino Real - Menu

    El Camino Real

    4.3(317 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $

    Picked up a togo burrito lunch special this afternoon! The meat (el pastor) was excellent,…read moreeverything was tasty, and the portions (especially for $10.99) were very generous. Walked in and was immediately greeted by staff (both the waiters and cooks)! I also love that the cooking set-up is open and right as you walk-in!! Definitely will be back soon

    I've been here a few times with my office mates. They are all very into Mexican. Living in South…read moreFlorida influenced me to learn much more about Latin foods which are much more diverse than Mexican. I've had a very hard time finding much Latin diversity here so far but for Mexican this is quite good. I've mostly gotten combo platters because I like the variety. I believe every combo platter should come with rice and beans. I can tell how authentic a place is by the beans and salsa quite often. So far I've liked the combo platters and the taco salad that I tried. Again, if I remember correctly, I had to pay extra to get beans on my taco salad. That would be one complaint I have. Beans should be a staple and come with everything unless the person doesn't want them. The service has been good. No complaints and it's been busy when we've eaten there usually during lunch hours. The decor and ambiance is pretty typical Mexican. Nothing fancy. The one thing I will note is I didn't see any Mexicans working there. Maybe someone in the kitchen I can't see so that's usually not a great sign. I know they've been around a long time. I'd probably go a smidge lower to 3.5 if I could just because I'm rather picky about Mexican and Latin food but I don't think it's fair to go down to 3 so I'm rounding up. The prices seem a bit high but everything is so expensive in 2026! They are probably pretty average for eating out and I'm sure it's costing them more just like all the rest of us have seen food prices sky rocket over the past year. I would certainly recommend them for a lunch bite and a nice Mexican American experience.

    Photos
    El Camino Real - Inside

    Inside

    El Camino Real - Pastor tacos with rice and beans

    Pastor tacos with rice and beans

    El Camino Real - Menu

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    Menu

    Campesino Mexican Grill & Cantina - This is the Enchiladas San Jose.

    Campesino Mexican Grill & Cantina

    4.1(93 reviews)
    5.7 mi
    $$

    Staff is efficient and always give us plenty to drink in the best way possible. This is must stop…read more along johnson drive. Even just a brief visit to the bar. Fun artwork and three legged wooden chair. Never would I ever thought. Get a good bang for your buck meal wise and wont be dissapointed with the taste of any meal to choose

    Once again my colleagues and myself were bamboozled into coming back to this place for a work…read moredinner. Unfortunately, the person who usually organizes these types of events loves Campesino. NOTHING has changed. Despite her calling the same day to ensure our reservation for 12 people was confirmed, they still acted confused when a large group showed up. They had no idea we were coming and had to hustle a few tables together once we arrived. The service is still slow. The food and salsa are still bland. I didn't even get to enjoy one of their margaritas (the only item really worth ordering), as I had to go to work following dinner. My vegetarian combo (burrito and chile relleno with beans and rice) were as plain as I-70 in western Kansas. I think the food was even more uninspired than my last visit. It took forever to order, forever to get our food, and then some items came out late or required prompting to procure. I just don't understand why people love this place. I think they just get drunk on the margs and *think* the food is good. Do not come here if you enjoy anything but bland food.

    Photos
    Campesino Mexican Grill & Cantina - Bar Area

    Bar Area

    Campesino Mexican Grill & Cantina - Complimentary Chips and Mild Salsa

    Complimentary Chips and Mild Salsa

    Campesino Mexican Grill & Cantina - Restaurant Exterior

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    Restaurant Exterior

    Taco Naco Kc - Fish tacos, chicken al pastor, and brisket barbacoa. A plate of dreams!

    Taco Naco Kc

    4.3(125 reviews)
    4.4 miWestport
    $$

    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.

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    Taco Naco Kc
    Taco Naco Kc - Brisket quesabirria ramen

    Brisket quesabirria ramen

    Taco Naco Kc - 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 - Crab Legs

    Taha Mexican Kitchen

    3.9(138 reviews)
    4.9 miCountry Club Plaza, West Plaza

    We visited Taha late afternoon on a holiday weekend. Service was great - immediate seating and our…read moreserver was very attentive. They weren't very busy, but I definitely didn't have any of the issues noted in other reviews. Our table had several different cocktails, including the margarita "mocktail", and all were very good. We had the guacamole appetizer which was good but the portion was far too small to warrant a $14 price tag. Dinner was a variety - bacon-wrapped shrimp, halibut, ribeye tacos and octopus. Flavors were different than we are used to but the food was very good all around and everyone was happy with their choice. Overall, a very pleasant dining experience - we would go back in a heartbeat.

    Pescatarian Verdict: #stlouispescatarianapproved…read more Tex Mex spot loading.... The restaurant describes its food as Central Mexican cuisine interpreted through a Midwestern lens, and its menu goes considerably beyond standard tacos and enchiladas. They make their own blue corn tortillas chips and they use house made salsas and sauces. You know the chips you eat too much of to start your Mexican meal? Well they serve theirs with three different sauces. And this is a particularly good one for a pescatarian because seafood isn't an afterthought. The restaurant has dishes such as branzino, scallops, octopus and other seafood preparations. The atmosphere is stylish enough for a business lunch or date. The napkins were this burlap material that I absolutely loved. A very solid Mexican spot near the plaza.

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    Taha Mexican Kitchen
    Taha Mexican Kitchen - Chips and salsa

    Chips and salsa

    Taha Mexican Kitchen - LA CHISMOSA

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    LA CHISMOSA

    Tacos El Tio - mexican - Updated September 2026

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