Cedar Rapids’s vibrant taco scene is a tapestry of flavors and traditions. From bustling food trucks serving up authentic street-style tacos to cozy taquerias offering innovative fusion creations, Cedar Rapids’s taco spots are a testament to the city’s love affair with this beloved dish. This guide highlights the top taco spots in the city.
In a nation crazy about tacos, every city boasts its champions. Cedar Rapids, a melting pot of flavors and traditions, is a prime example. From humble food trucks to bustling taquerías, the search for the city’s best tacos is also a journey through its neighborhoods and a glimpse into the soul of its vibrant community. Join us as we explore the delicious tortillas and perfectly seasoned meats of Cedar Rapids’s top taco spots
CaFé Tacuba
9.4/10 (92 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 319-249-1773
Mahi TacosExceptional ServiceFun Atmosphere
CaFé Tacuba is known for serving organic, delicious Mexican food with a variety of breakfast and lunch dishes. The mahi tacos are a standout item, with the guac salad, chips, and salsa also receiving high marks. The atmosphere is fun, with awesome paintings on the walls adding to the overall experience. The service is exceptional and guests often look forward to returning. The fresh and hot chips, plentiful salsa, and delicious queso are some of the highlights at CaFé Tacuba. The menu offers tasty options like chicken and ground beef tacos, as well as flavorful rice. The spot is a hidden gem in the Newbo area, and visitors are eager to explore more of the menu and drink options on their next visit.
Don Miguel Tienda Mexicana
9/10 (538 reviews)
| Directions | +1 319-396-2588
Authentic Mexican cuisineWide variety of Mexican productsFriendly and attentive staff
Don Miguel Tienda Mexicana is a hidden gem in Cedar Rapids. Not only does the grocery store offer a wide variety of authentic Mexican products, but the restaurant part is a must-try. The Chicharron en Chile Verde is a standout dish, complete with generous portions and flavorful spices. The Tacos de carne asada are also highly recommended, providing a delicious taste of traditional Mexican cuisine. The Mexican Coca Cola served with cane sugar is a refreshing beverage that pairs perfectly with the meal. Overall, the friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere make this a great spot for a casual date night or a quick bite to eat.
El Super Burrito & Lupita’s
9.2/10 (816 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 319-366-1181
Homemade Mexican foodAuthentic flavorsGreat service
El Super Burrito & Lupita’s is a hidden gem serving up the best homemade Mexican food in the area. Their sopes and gorditas are highly recommended, and the El Mariachi plate with adobada is a must-try. Customers rave about the authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and great service. The menu offers a variety of dishes, including tacos, burritos, and tasty desserts like Tres Leches and flan. The addition of alcoholic beverages and a bakery make this spot a go-to for delicious and satisfying meals.
Taco Gato
9.2/10 (76 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 319-200-8659
Unique fusion flavorsCreative menuExcellent cocktails
Taco Gato is a beloved Mexican restaurant with a unique and fun ambiance. Customers rave about the inventive and delicious menu, particularly enjoying dishes like fried okra and potato ole appetizers. The fusion of Japanese and Mexican/Soul food brings unexpected but delightful flavors to the table. The food is made with care and top-notch ingredients, though the prices reflect the quality. The cocktails are also a hit, making Taco Gato a must-try for those looking for a memorable dining experience.
Lacayo Restaurant
9.2/10 (463 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 319-200-2525
Homemade dishesWelcoming staffUnique cocktails
Lacayo Restaurant offers a unique culinary experience with a South American and Latin flair, featuring all in-house, homemade dishes. The staff is welcoming and attentive, making guests feel right at home. The menu is varied, with gluten-free options available, and the house-made cocktails are a must-try. The ambiance is laid-back and cool, perfect for enjoying dishes like the Spanish Gnocchi and seafood appetizers. Lacayo is a hidden gem that brings a taste of travel and authenticity right to your plate.
Rio Burritos
9.4/10 (202 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 319-981-5001
Generous portionsFlavor-packed birriaColorful decor
This taqueria specializes in birria, offering more than just tacos on the menu. The dishes are flavor-packed and the portions are generous. The decor inside the restaurant is colorful, tasteful, with some captivating murals. The music adds a nice touch to the ambiance, providing a variety often not found in other Mexican eateries. Whether dining in or grabbing food to go, Rio Burritos ensures a satisfying experience. The chips and salsa are a great start, with crispy chips and perfectly spiced salsa. The servers are attentive, with one even making sure the pineapple in my Burrito de al Pastor was well mixed in with the pork. Rio Burritos has undoubtedly earned its spot as a must-visit for Mexican cuisine enthusiasts.
Lucita’s Diner
9/10 (263 reviews)
| Directions | +1 319-200-2199
Outstanding serviceFlavorful menu itemsWarm and welcoming ambiance
Lucita’s Diner has quickly become a must-visit spot in town, and it’s easy to see why. The service here is top-notch, with attentive staff making sure your experience is nothing short of exceptional. The menu is full of delicious offerings, from the steak burrito to the spicy cheese balls that pack a flavorful punch. The warm and welcoming atmosphere adds to the overall dining experience, making it a place you’ll want to return to time and time again.
El Bajio Mexican Restaurant
9/10 (1343 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 319-366-1715
$1 tacosJumbo margaritasHidden menu treasures
Nestled in Cedar Rapids, El Bajio Mexican Restaurant is a gem worth discovering. Tacos are the star here, especially on Tuesdays when they are a steal at just $1 each. The menu also boasts hidden gems like the tamales and jumbo house margaritas, making each visit a flavorful delight. The cozy, family-friendly atmosphere adds to the experience, creating a perfect backdrop for a night filled with delicious Mexican fare and great service.
Mextizo
9.4/10 (84 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 319-200-3767
Unique TacosWarm ChipsAuthentic Cuisine
Mextizo in Cedar Rapids offers a unique and delicious culinary experience that sets it apart from typical Mexican restaurants in the area. The Tacos El Jorge, featuring a mix of steak, bacon, and ham with grilled peppers, topped with onions and cilantro, is a standout dish that is a must-try. The warm chips and fantastic salsa, along with dishes made from scratch, truly showcase the attention to detail and flavorful offerings at Mextizo. The authentic Mexican cuisine, generous portions, excellent service, and vibrant atmosphere make this restaurant a gem in Cedar Rapids.
El Dorado Bar & Grill
9.4/10 (52 reviews)
| Directions | +1 319-200-4358
Margarita flightsSpeedy serviceFlavorful dishes
El Dorado Bar & Grill is a hidden gem in downtown Cedar Rapids, offering an array of drink options and flavorful dishes. The margarita flights and towers are a unique touch, and the speedy service stands out – they even anticipated our need for more chips. The food is top-notch, with dishes like the quesabirria tacos bursting with flavor and generous portion sizes. The salsa and chicken fajitas are seasoned to perfection, and the beans are a must-try. The friendly and efficient service, coupled with the delicious food, make El Dorado Bar & Grill a must-visit spot in town.
El Viejo Mexican Restaurant 2
9.4/10 (160 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 319-200-4447
Flavorful foodAttentive serviceGenerous portions
The food at El Viejo Mexican Restaurant 2 is flavorful and the portions are generous, making it a worthwhile spot for Mexican cuisine enthusiasts. The service is attentive and the ambiance adds to the overall dining experience. The friendly staff and well-stocked bar create a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or family. The variety of dishes on the menu ensures that there is something for everyone, and the salsa provided adds a nice kick to the flavor profile. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, burritos, fajitas, or something else, El Viejo delivers a satisfying dining experience.
Gringo’s Cafe & Catering
9/10 (114 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 319-200-2777
Customer customizationDelicious foodOutstanding service
Gringo’s Cafe & Catering truly shines in their customer service and customization of meals. The staff goes above and beyond to accommodate guests, as evidenced by the catering services and even running food out to a customer in need. The delicious food, reasonable prices, and clean environment further highlight the positive experience at this hidden gem that definitely earns a strong recommendation.
La Casita Breakfast Cafe
9/10 (209 reviews)
Latin x American fusionStandout coffeeShabby chic ambiance
La Casita Breakfast Cafe offers a unique Latin x American breakfast fusion, blending American breakfast concepts with a Latin twist. The coffee is standout, complementing the phenomenal food. The design of the place is shabby chic, providing great photo opportunities. The service is attentive, with the staff even informing customers when certain dishes are unavailable. Despite the small size, there is ample seating, allowing for a communal dining experience that might lead to unexpected new friendships.