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Best Tacos in Iowa City, IA

Iowa City, IA, is such a cool place for taco lovers like me! There are so many amazing spots to grab a taco, and I can’t wait to share my favorites with you. I’ve tasted my way through the city, and I’m here to help you find the best tacos that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

So, what are the best tacos in Iowa City, IA? Well, let me tell you! The best tacos in Iowa City can be found at a bunch of awesome places, each with its own special twist. Whether you’re craving classic street tacos or something a little different, there’s definitely something for everyone here.

Get ready to dive into the delicious world of tacos in Iowa City! I’ll take you through my top picks, sharing all the tasty details and fun experiences I’ve had at each spot. You won’t want to miss it!

Top 10 Tacos in Iowa City, IA

  1. La Regia Taqueria
  2. Los Agaves Mexican Grill
  3. Estela’s Fresh Mex – Iowa City
  4. Mexico Lindo Grill & Cantina
  5. El Señor Cactus Authentic Mexican Cuisine
  6. Taco Loco
  7. The Taco Depot 4 Iowa City
  8. Coa Cantina
  9. El Paso Mexican Tienda Y Taqueria
  10. Carlos O’Kelly’s – Iowa City

1. La Regia Taqueria

La Regia Taqueria

436 Hwy 1 W, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
Phone: (319) 341-8226
Menu: www.laregiaia.com
Directions: Open on Map

La Regia Taqueria is one of my favorite taco spots in Iowa City! When I walked in, I felt super cozy right away. The place is small but so welcoming, and the people who work there are really nice. It’s just the kind of place where you know you’re going to get something tasty.

What makes La Regia special is how fresh everything is. I tried their al pastor tacos, and oh my goodness, they were amazing! The pork was so juicy and full of flavor, and the homemade salsa added just the right kick. I could eat those tacos every day!

And you have to try their horchata! It’s sweet and creamy, and it goes perfectly with the tacos. If you’re in Iowa City, you really need to check out La Regia Taqueria for some yummy tacos!

2. Los Agaves Mexican Grill

Los Agaves Mexican Grill

2208 N Dodge St, Iowa City, IA 52245, USA
Phone: (319) 519-2765
Menu: losagavesmexicangrill.net
Directions: Open on Map

Los Agaves Mexican Grill is such a fun place to eat in Iowa City! When I walked in, I was greeted by bright colors and a happy vibe that made me smile. The staff was super nice and made me feel right at home, which is always a plus when you’re hungry!

What I really love about Los Agaves is how they put a twist on classic dishes. I tried their shrimp tacos, and wow, they were amazing! The shrimp was cooked just right and had so much flavor. Plus, the fresh toppings added a nice crunch that made every bite so tasty.

Oh, and you have to get their guacamole! They make it right at your table, and it’s so creamy and delicious. If you’re looking for yummy tacos in a lively spot, Los Agaves is the place to go!

3. Estela’s Fresh Mex – Iowa City

Estela's Fresh Mex - Iowa City

184 E Burlington St, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
Phone: (319) 354-6264
Menu: www.estelasfreshmex.com
Directions: Open on Map

Estela’s Fresh Mex in Iowa City is one of my favorite places to grab a quick bite! When I walked in, the bright colors and fun vibe made me feel super happy. It’s a counter-service place, so it’s really easy to order, and the staff is always so nice and helpful.

What I love about Estela’s is how fresh everything tastes. I tried their chicken tacos, and they were absolutely delicious! The chicken was so juicy and full of flavor, and the fresh toppings made each bite even better.

You have to try their homemade salsa too! It’s so tasty and adds a nice little kick to the tacos. If you’re looking for yummy and affordable tacos, Estela’s Fresh Mex is definitely the place to go!

4. Mexico Lindo Grill & Cantina

Mexico Lindo Grill & Cantina

1857 Lower Muscatine Rd, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
Phone: (319) 569-4050
Menu: mexicolindogrillandcantinaic.com
Directions: Open on Map

Mexico Lindo Grill & Cantina is one of my favorite taco spots in Iowa City! When I walked in, I felt so welcomed by the friendly staff and the colorful decorations all around. The place has such a cozy vibe, and I just knew I was in for a treat.

What makes Mexico Lindo really special is their awesome menu. I tried their carne asada tacos, and oh wow, they were so good! The beef was super tender and packed with flavor, and the fresh toppings made every bite even better. I couldn’t get enough!

You have to start with their chips and salsa too! The salsa is fresh and has a nice little kick that I loved. If you’re looking for tasty tacos in a warm and inviting place, Mexico Lindo Grill & Cantina is the perfect choice!

5. El Señor Cactus Authentic Mexican Cuisine

El Señor Cactus Authentic Mexican Cuisine

1534 S Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
Phone: (319) 351-2179
Menu: elsenorcactus.com
Directions: Open on Map

El Señor Cactus Authentic Mexican Cuisine is one of my favorite places to eat in Iowa City! When I walked in, I felt so welcomed by the friendly staff and the bright, colorful decorations. The whole place has a fun vibe that makes you excited to eat.

What really stands out at El Señor Cactus is how authentic everything tastes. I tried their barbacoa tacos, and oh my goodness, they were amazing! The beef was super tender and full of flavor, and the fresh toppings made every bite so yummy. You can really tell they care about their food!

And don’t forget to get their homemade salsa! It’s fresh and has just the right amount of spice. If you want delicious and real Mexican food, El Señor Cactus is definitely the place to go!

6. Taco Loco

Taco Loco

1755 Boyrum St, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
Phone: (319) 569-4545
Menu: tacolocoiowa.com
Directions: Open on Map

Taco Loco is one of my favorite places to eat in Iowa City! When I walked in, I was greeted by a super fun atmosphere and really friendly staff. The colorful decorations made me smile, and I just knew I was going to have a great time.

What I love about Taco Loco is how many different kinds of tacos they have! I tried their fish tacos, and oh wow, they were so yummy! The fish was crispy and fresh, and the toppings added a nice crunch that made every bite amazing. I couldn’t get enough!

And you have to try their special sauce! It’s tangy and gives the tacos a nice kick. If you want a fun place with delicious tacos, Taco Loco is definitely the spot to check out!

7. The Taco Depot 4 Iowa City

The Taco Depot 4 Iowa City

119 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
Phone: (319) 800-6813
Menu: thetacodepot4iowacityia.com
Directions: Open on Map

The Taco Depot 4 Iowa City is one of my favorite taco places! When I walked in, I felt so happy because the cozy vibe and friendly staff made me smile. The colorful decorations really added to the fun atmosphere, and I couldn’t wait to see what yummy food they had.

What I love about The Taco Depot is their amazing variety of tacos. I tried their carne asada tacos, and oh my goodness, they were so good! The beef was super tender and full of flavor, and the fresh toppings made every bite even more delicious. You can really tell they put a lot of love into their food!

And don’t forget to try their homemade salsa! It’s fresh and has just the right amount of spice. If you’re looking for a great taco spot, The Taco Depot 4 is definitely the place to go!

8. Coa Cantina

Coa Cantina

18 1/2 S Clinton St, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
Phone: (319) 259-7199
Menu: www.coacantinaiowacity.com
Directions: Open on Map

Coa Cantina is one of my favorite places to eat in Iowa City! When I walked in, I was greeted by a bright and happy atmosphere that made me smile. The staff was super friendly, and I felt right at home as soon as I sat down. It’s such a cozy spot that makes you want to relax and enjoy your meal.

What I really love about Coa Cantina is their yummy tacos. I tried their pork tacos, and oh wow, they were so good! The pork was juicy and full of flavor, and the fresh toppings made every bite even better. You can really taste how fresh everything is!

And you have to try their house-made salsa! It’s so fresh and has a nice little kick that goes perfectly with the tacos. If you’re looking for a great taco place, Coa Cantina is definitely a must-visit!

9. El Paso Mexican Tienda Y Taqueria

El Paso Mexican Tienda Y Taqueria

609 Hollywood Blvd STE 2, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
Phone: (319) 338-3703
Directions: Open on Map

El Paso Mexican Tienda Y Taqueria is such a cool little spot in Iowa City! When I walked in, I felt so welcomed by the friendly vibe and colorful decorations. It’s a cozy place where you can just relax and enjoy some yummy food.

What really makes El Paso special is how authentic everything tastes. I tried their carne asada tacos, and oh my goodness, they were so good! The beef was super tender and full of flavor, and the fresh toppings made every bite even better. You can really tell they care about using good ingredients.

And you have to try their homemade salsa! It’s fresh and has just the right amount of spice that I loved. If you want tasty tacos in a friendly place, El Paso is definitely the spot to check out!

10. Carlos O’Kelly’s – Iowa City

Carlos O'Kelly's - Iowa City

1406 S Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
Phone: (319) 354-5800
Menu: carlosokellys.com
Directions: Open on Map

Carlos O’Kelly’s in Iowa City is one of my favorite places to grab a bite! When I walked in, I loved the chill vibe and how friendly everyone was. The atmosphere is super relaxed, which makes it a great spot to hang out with friends or family while enjoying some tasty food.

What really stands out at Carlos O’Kelly’s is their yummy Tex-Mex dishes. I tried their chicken tacos, and oh wow, they were so good! The chicken was juicy and full of flavor, and the fresh toppings made every bite even better. You can really tell they care about making delicious food.

And you have to get their queso dip! It’s creamy and cheesy, and it’s the perfect way to start your meal. If you’re looking for a fun taco spot with great food, Carlos O’Kelly’s is definitely the place to go!

Map of Tacos in Iowa City, IA

Choosing the Right Restaurant for You

With 10 excellent places, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Restaurant Price Seating Takeout Delivery Wheelchair Reservation
La Regia Taqueria Inexpensive Yes Yes Yes Accessible No
Los Agaves Mexican Grill Moderate Yes Yes Yes Accessible Yes
Estela’s Fresh Mex – Iowa City Inexpensive Yes Yes Accessible No
Mexico Lindo Grill & Cantina Yes Yes No Accessible Yes
El Señor Cactus Authentic Mexican Cuisine Moderate Yes Yes Yes Accessible Yes
Taco Loco Yes Yes Yes Accessible
The Taco Depot 4 Iowa City Moderate Yes Yes Yes Accessible
Coa Cantina Inexpensive Yes Yes Yes Yes
El Paso Mexican Tienda Y Taqueria Yes Yes Accessible
Carlos O’Kelly’s – Iowa City Moderate Yes Yes Yes Accessible

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where can I find the best tacos in Iowa City?
    If you’re looking for the best tacos, you have to check out places like La Regia Taqueria and Los Agaves Mexican Grill. They have super tasty tacos that I just love!

  • Are there vegetarian taco options in Iowa City?
    Yes, there are definitely vegetarian taco options! Many places have yummy tacos with grilled veggies or beans, so there’s something for everyone.

  • What is the average price of tacos in Iowa City?
    Tacos in Iowa City are usually pretty affordable, with prices around $2 to $5 each. Some places even have combo deals that are a great value!

  • Do any taco places offer delivery in Iowa City?
    Yes, lots of taco spots offer delivery! Places like Los Agaves and Taco Loco make it super easy to enjoy tacos at home.

  • Can I make reservations at taco restaurants in Iowa City?
    Some taco restaurants, like Los Agaves and Carlos O’Kelly’s, let you make reservations. It’s a good idea to call ahead if you’re going with a big group!

  • What are the most popular taco fillings in Iowa City?
    You’ll find popular fillings like carne asada, al pastor, and chicken in Iowa City. There are also fun options like shrimp and vegetarian tacos!

  • Is there outdoor seating available at taco restaurants in Iowa City?
    Yes, many taco places have outdoor seating! It’s a great way to enjoy your meal while enjoying the nice weather.

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