If you ask us, taco trucks are always in season. Have you ever been curious about the best ones in Des Moines? We’re thrilled to have Audra of DSM Dine & Dish, an awesome local food blog, break ten of the best down for you. Keep scrolling for the reviews and bookmark this for later! In no particular order…
Words and Research: DSM Dine & Dish’s Audra Ketelsen
Taqueria Los Pinos
- Location: 3920 E. 14th St. Des Moines, IA 50313
- Open:
- Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Friday – Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
I am writing home about this place, literally, and specifically about those tamales. My excitement about Los Pinos continues with the street corn and I do not say this lightly, horchata that will have me raving to anyone I see. This gem has it all. Do not sleep on Taqueria Los Pinos.
Taco Degollado
- Location: 1817 University Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50314
- Open: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m.- 8:55 p.m.
Taco Degollado has got it going on. The green salsa, all I can say is the green salsa. The fish taco by all means was pure perfection. Taco Degollado was easy to find, the service was great and so quick. They have lots of seating and space to relax for a few minutes during your busy workday.
Tacos La Barco
- Location: 1424 E. Ovid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316 (near 14th)
- Open: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Tacos La Barco is absolutely fire. Two things are a must: The Taco de Birria and soaking them in the Consomé. I of course finished the meal with some Tacos Al Pastor to wash it down. The Consome is worth the money and you get plenty to take home as well.
Jose’s Tacos
- Location: 1531 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50316
- Open:
- Monday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Wednesday-Saturday:11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Settled behind the Iowa State Capitol on Grand Ave, this place will surely give you a great feel for this local neighborhood in Des Moines and what it has to offer. Jose’s has some of the best Tacos Al Pastor around with plenty of grilled onions, cilantro, and lime to top them off. Don’t leave without hitting up Pasteleria Raquel, next door, for some amazing Tres Leches.
Tacos Villanueva
- Location: 1601 E University Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50316
- Open: Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Located behind the East High football field, this gem will not disappoint. The Tacos Al Pastor were tender and was pure perfection topped with grilled onions and chopped white onions. I also snuck in a steak quesadilla and chorizo quesadilla. The chorizo meat was delicious and would highly recommend on the tacos as well.
Mi Lindo Mexico Taco Truck
- Location: 5120 NE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50313
- Open: Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Not many things bring me greater joy than a breakfast burrito and some amazing green salsa. Bonus, breakfast all day, yes please. The smells of Mi Lindo were truly intoxicating. Service was excellent and had a nice sitting area as well. This place is well worth it.
Alan’s Taco Truck
- Location: 1211 Sampson St, Des Moines, IA 50316
- Open:
- Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. -10 p.m.
- Sunday – 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.
The vibe of the truck matches the fun menu. From horchata to elote and shrimp cocktail, this place has the variety you’ve been wanting. The Tacos Al Pastor had great seasoning to top off the food tour I took at Alan’s. Calling all my ladies who love a good picture, this truck is the photo opp you’ve been waiting for.
Gorditas Rosi
- Location: 901 E University Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50316
- Open: Tuesday – Saturday 11 a.m. -8 p.m.
Gorditas Rosi has plenty of options to create a meal from Pork and Red Chile with Cactus to Fried Pork Rinds in Red Chile Sauce. Putting any of these and more into a cheesy Gordita will hit the spot! Complementing the food with a tasteful horchata, the excellent amount of cinnamon flavor is a treat by itself that will leave you wanting more!
El Taco Guapo
- Location: 3005 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50310
- Open: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
The picture-worthy flautas are more than just for show. They taste even better than they look, I know that is hard to believe. Of course I grabbed another Taco Al Pastor; it did not disappoint. The friendly service and clean space will keep me coming back for more.
Tacos La Papa
- Location: 1111 E 14th St., Des Moines, IA, 50316
- Open:
- Friday – Saturday – 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
- Sunday – 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Monday – Thursday – 9:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Hitting the spot with that fresh grilled pineapple, it was complete clutch. The great location is easy to access and plenty of seating to enjoy the amazing food. I have heard rave reviews about the torta and I will be back in no time to give it a try.
About The Author
I grew up in Iowa – in a small town where my dad was the principal and where my mom had her Kitchenaid running before six a.m. every day. The quintessential Midwest life felt comfortable and warm, and while I did spend my college years in Milwaukee, it didn’t take me long to find my way back home again.
I wasn’t born a great cook. In fact, it took me until the Quarantine of 2020 to break out my own Kitchenaid mixer. By then, I had spent thirty-three years telling myself that I hated mixing and measuring, kneading and breading. But it didn’t take long for me to realize the joy it brought into my life. I’d call my mom at all hours – “But is it supposed to look like this?” I’d ask. Or, “How do you make …”
That’s the thing about food, isn’t it? It brings people together, which is at the heart of what DSM Dine & Dish really, truly is. What started out as a few girlfriends that wanted to carve out time to see each other every month has morphed into something incredible. We connect with each other, we create new friendships, and we try new restaurants. It feels like a life of adventure with good food and yummy drinks right at the center – and what more could a woman ask for?
Want more itineraries like this from cool people around DSM? Have a cool idea story?
