Got questions about Backyard Taco?

You’ve come to the right place. From our mesquite-grilled meats and catering services to our rewards program, merchandise, and community events, we’ve rounded up the answers to your most frequently asked questions.

Consider this your all-access guide to enjoying Mexcellence every day.

About Backyard Taco

How Long Has Backyard Taco Been Open?
Backyard Taco opened its first brick-and-mortar location in 2012 in Mesa. Located on E. University Drive and Stapley. As the first location, it is the only one without a drive-thru, but it offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery options.
How Many Locations Does Backyard Taco Have?
Backyard Taco currently has six locations across the East Valley. With three in Mesa, as far east as Signal Butte Road, as well as one in Gilbert, Chandler, and Queen Creek. Backyard Taco is currently expanding into the West Valley and will open a location in Laveen by the end of 2025.

Backyard Taco locations in order of opening:

What Backyard Taco Locations Have a Drive-Thru?
Every location except the Mesa North location has a drive-thru for guests to use instead of entering the restaurant.
Which Backyard Taco Locations Have A Patio?
All six of our Backyard Taco locations feature patios where guests can dine. All patios feature misters for cooling and heaters for the cooler weather. They also have speakers to play music. All patios, except the Mesa North location, are available to rent for private events.
Which Backyard Taco Locations Have Catering?
All six of our locations can assist guests with catering orders, whether for pickup or delivery, with the setup option. Disposable chafing dishes are also available for purchase to keep food warm for multiple hours. We also offer full-service, on-site catering for groups of 100 or more.

What Is Carne Al Carbon?
Carne al carbon refers to the way a meat is cooked. At Backyard Taco, we grill our meats on a mesquite grill, which you can see when ordering at any of our six Valley locations. We also grill our tomatoes and chilies on the grill for our salsas, made fresh every day.
What Meats Does Backyard Taco Offer?
Backyard Taco offers four different meats for its guests to choose from. Three of these meats are grilled, starting with the most popular: carne asada, a thinly sliced grilled steak; pollo asada, also known as grilled chicken; and al pastor pork, grilled to perfection with pineapple pieces mixed in. The fourth meat is also a fan favorite: our birria, or shredded beef, is slow-roasted for at least 6 hours every day.
How Does Backyard Taco Source Its Meat?
Backyard Taco sources all of its choice-grade meat from local vendors, delivered multiple times a week to ensure the freshest quality. We have a butcher’s room located in our Mesa South location, where we cut all of our beef and pork options and deliver them to each store daily. Each store cuts its own chicken and then seasons all of the meats with Marisela Alvarez’s special blends.
Are the Salsa Bar Items Actually Free?
Yes! All items at the salsa bar are included for anyone who chooses to dine in at Backyard Taco. Our salsa bar features a variety of salsas, ranging from mild to very hot, as well as guacamole, pickled onions, cucumber, and limes to complement the flavor of any of your Backyard Taco items. We also pack these daily into to-go containers to offer our drive-thru and delivery guests as well.
Are All Of Backyard Taco's Items Made In-house?
Of course, they are! Everything that comes into our restaurant is fresh, never frozen, nor canned. All vegetables come into the restaurant whole; our prep team works around the clock, slicing, chopping, and blending every ingredient. Every cucumber and lime slice, every marinade, and every salsa are made with only the finest ingredients for you to enjoy.

Dietary Options

Does Backyard Taco Offer Gluten-friendly Items?
Absolutely! Backyard Taco offers a variety of gluten-friendly items; in fact, the only menu item that cannot be made gluten-free is the burrito, simply because there is no corn tortilla large enough. Any taco on corn tortillas, as well as our tostadas, gorditas, Papa Loca, Bueno Bowls, Mexican rice, and our chips, are all gluten-friendly. We will also happily accommodate any customer who prefers a quesadilla on corn tortillas instead of flour.
Does Backyard Taco have Vegetarian Options?
Backyard Taco offers a variety of vegetarian-friendly options. Immediately on the menu, you will find the Vegetarian Papa Loca or baked potato as well as the Vegetarian Bueno Bowl. However, anything on the menu can be made vegetarian-friendly by substituting the refried beans for whole pinto beans or simply asking for a gordita without asientos, which we always have available.
Does Backyard Taco Have Vegan Options?
Backyard Taco does have a variety of options that can be made vegan-friendly. We have potatoes available without cheese or sour cream upon request, as well as the whole beans available to top a plain tostada with. You also have the option to order a whole bean burrito, taco, or a Bueno Bowl without the rice. We are also happy to customize any item to make it vegan-friendly to our guests’ liking.

Family & Meals

Does Backyard Taco Have Family Meals?
Yes! Backyard Taco offers a family pack, which includes 1 pound of meat, 16 tortillas, and taco toppings based on the chosen meat. You are welcome to select one or two meats when ordering a family pack. These typically feed 4-5 people and come with the option to add on 1lb of chips and salsa or 24oz of beans and rice for the family. Providing a full meal for the family at approximately $10 per person.
Does Backyard Taco Have Kid’s Meals?
Yes, we do! Backyard Taco offers a variety of kid’s meals to help feed even the pickiest child. We offer a taco, a smaller bean and cheese burrito, or a two mini cheese quesadilla option, all of which come with your choice of side of either beans or rice, as well as a kid’s drink, for under $6. You can also add on an ice cream cone for a child for only $1 more – that’s dinner and dessert for only $7!
Does Backyard Taco Have Dessert?
Looking for a Mexican dessert to go with your meal? We have more than ice cream at Backyard Taco! At Backyard Taco, we offer ice cream cups, cones, and shakes with a variety of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, Oreo, and Horchata. Every location also offers a variety of paleta flavors, including bubble gum, strawberry, cookies and cream, and more. Last but not least, every Backyard Taco location offers freshly baked flan, available by the slice or whole, depending on your preference – all topped with a delicious caramel sauce.

Rewards & Merchandise

Does Backyard Taco Have a Rewards Program?
Yes! Join the Backyard Taco Rewards Program to earn points every time you order. You’ll get exclusive offers, birthday rewards, and early access to new menu items. You can sign up in person or download our app to track points and redeem rewards right from your phone.
Can I Buy Backyard Taco Shirts and Merch?
You bet! Our Taco Tees are available both online and in-store. Each Backyard Taco location has its own selection, so you might find different designs depending on where you visit. The online taco t-shirt shop features its own exclusive lineup too – perfect for gifting or showing off your Backyard Taco pride wherever you go.

Careers & Community

How Can I Apply for a Job at Backyard Taco?
We’re always looking for friendly, hardworking people who love great food and even better vibes. Visit our Join Our Team page to see current openings, apply online, or stop by your local Backyard Taco to drop off an application.
Does Backyard Taco Support Local Fundraising or Community Events?
Absolutely! Through our Dining-to-Donate program, we partner with local schools, teams, and nonprofits to help raise funds while sharing good food and good times. If you’re interested in hosting a fundraiser, please reach out to our team – we’d be happy to help make your event a success.

Didn’t see your question here?

No worries, drop us a line or stop by. We’ll clear things up faster than you can say “dos tacos al carbon, por favor!”