Hello Bend! Someone wise once said to me, “A well-balanced diet is a taco in each hand.” Well this Texas girl couldn’t agree more! I’m originally from Austin, where tacos are the essence/currency of life. Tacos take the place of bagels, doughnuts, and treats in morning meetings, they’re an easy go-to for any meal, and quite honestly, they are a serious form of comfort food. Moving to Bend, Oregon, I needed to know where to go to get my taco fix—whether on a Tuesday night for dinner, at 10:00 in the morning, or just for a quick snack, I wanted easy access to the best spots. In no particular order, here are the top taco joints my Research & Development taste-tasters found in Central Oregon. Where do they rate on your list?
El Sancho
“People in Bend are mad for their tacos!”
- Location: With 2 brick and mortar locations in Bend, multiple food trucks stationed at Crux, festivals, farmer’s markets, and private events, El Sancho has a large hold on the taco heart of Bend.
- The food: I highly recommend anything with the Barbacoa in it! ALSO if there is a Daily Kitchen Special, do yourself a favor and order that!
- Menu + Details
Barrio
“Great tacos, especially the carnitas and mahi mahi special”
- Location: With a Brick & Mortar in the heart of Bend, Oregon and multiple food trucks scattered throughout the popular brewery hangs, Barrio seems to be always there when you’re craving an upscale Mexican feast.
- The Food: I would travel across the 7 seas to eat their Beef Birria and al Pastor tacos!
- Menu + Details
Taco Salsa
“The Carne Asada Tacos are my favorites!”
- Location: Located on Galveston, the bright “Taco Salsa” sign is at the 14th street roundabout! Making it a convenient place to drop in for a taco!
- Recommendation: Carne asada tacos are amazing!
- Menu + Details
Super Burrito
“The BEST sauces and homemade salsas around!”
- Location: Just off of Wall Street in downtown Bend, Super Burrito is a great spot for fresh, high quality Mexican food.
- The food: This is a great little spot even if the parking is iffy! The food is delicious, the pricing is very affordable. I recommend the Al Pastor Burrito–it’s so flavorful and tasty! Their salsas are all homemade and have great flavor/heat and the outside seating is prime!
- Menu + Details
Vida y Tacos
“Tacos de Gama Libre”
- Location: Located just off of Century Drive near Safeway, Vida y Tacos is the Taco Shop version of it’s sister restaurant, Life and Time. The slogon “Tacos de Gama Libre” means “Free Range Tacos” and the owners believe in the same philosophy that helped make the original Life & Time so popular–food should be fresh, locally sourced, and always always Free Range.
- The food: Anything you order here is good. I’m a sucker for their carne asada tacos and everything always tastes better with one of their slushy margaritas!
- Menu + Details
Sol Verde
“Food Truck with incredible tacos, right on the Galveston corridor”
- Location: Sol Verde is a food truck parked in the prime location on Galveston in the midst of beer haven. The pairing is perfect–Beer + tacos? What’s not to love!
- The food: Anything drenched in the green chili sauce is delicious
- Menu + Details
Parilla Grill
“Creative, unique approach to fusion Mexican food!”
- Location: As of May, only their westside Galveston location is open. This restaurant has a religious cult following, and Parilla is a staple in the Bend foodie scene.
- The food: This fusion grill has some of the most creative twists on standard mexican food. I recommend the Hefe’s Fish tacos/burritos.
- Menu + Details
Lucy’s Taco Shop
“A no frills Mexican joint with big portions”
- Location: Lucy’s makes tacos convenient with a drive-thru option open at their 3rd street location.
- The food: With some of the most authentic Mexican food I’ve had in Bend, Lucy’s always gets an AAA+ rating from my family. The chips & salsa, the crispy tacos, and the fajita were spot on. A great spot for tacos in Bend!
- Menu + Details
Honorable Mention:
Bend Breakfast Burrito – Food Truck
- Location: Parked on Greenwood across from Silver Moon Brewing, the breakfast burrito food truck often boasts a line that wraps around the block.
- The food: You have to try the chorizo burrito! Partnered with a banana nut muffin, this is the perfect breakfast meal.
- Menu + Details
Take-out/ Dine-in
Although a few of these places have their own delivery set up, the following businesses will get your tacos to you anywhere in the area:
Uber Eats Bend | Bend Takeout | Grub Hub
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Brenda Menzel, Broker
HelloBendHomeTeam@gmail.com
Cascade Sotheby’s Int’ l Realty ~ Hello Bend Real Estate
541-640-2125