The taco has come a long way in American dining. Nowadays there is much more out there than Taco Bell! You can probably find an authentic taqueria on man corners, dishing out tacos that taste just as good as they do in a Mexican marketplace. Still, there’s something nostalgic about those old-school, fast-food tacos in crunchy shells, loaded with ground beef and shredded cheese. That’s why when people think about tacos in Iowa, many of them still think of Tasty Tacos first. This small, local chain, with four locations in Des Moines, including a flagship store and outposts in Ankeny and Urbandale, celebrates the art of the traditional fast-food taco – but with a tasty twist that makes it authentically Iowa. Best of all, the prices are still shockingly low, so you’ll definitely want to get enough for the whole gang!

The distinctive façade of Tasty Tacos on East Grand Avenue is a neighborhood institution - and so are the tacos served inside!
Dave Adams/Google Local
The fast food decor inside feels right out of the 1970s, and that's the way they like it at this long-time Des Moines eatery.
Aaron Kite/Google Local
The specialty here is small, reasonably priced tacos, with puffy fried flour tacos as the signature item.
John Kennedy/Google Local
But if you want to go really old-school, get the crispy corn tacos, filled with ground beef, lettuce, and cheese. At just over $2 as of 2023, it's one of the best buys in Iowa. You can get a whole bag of them!
Anastasiya Borovytska/Google Local

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The restaurant also serves several other Mexican-food mainstays, including hearty plates of nachos.
James Kaufman/Google Local
The menu offers a unique blend of north and south, so you can get classic midwest appetizers with your tacos, including tater tots, chili fries, and even fried mushrooms.
Jazz Carson/Google Local
Whatever you get, make sure to try the restaurant's famous hot sauce, which comes in several levels of heat to accommodate the varying palates of the Midwest.
Tasty Tacos/Facebook
The fun doesn't stop until dessert. Make sure to try the famous Krispos: deep-fried tortilla chips dusted in cinnamon sugar.
OuttatownTony/Google Local

Have you eaten at Tasty Tacos in Des Moines or any of its other locations? Tell us about your visit, and let us know your favorite tacos in Iowa in the comments section. You can read up on the full menu at the official Tasty Tacos website and Facebook page. For another classic old-school restaurant in Iowa, pay a visit to this Iowa diner beloved by celebrities.

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Featured Addresses
Tasty Tacos, 1400 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316, USA