Which Mexican place has the best tacos?
It’s a legit question, and one any local should be able to answer with confidence – in more and more neighborhoods throughout the Valley, the answer is Backyard Taco. Gilbert locals have been getting their hands on amazing tacos from the Backyard Taco Gilbert Higley location for years, and it has become a proud staple in this growing community with an incredibly mouthwatering food scene
As one of the most popular places to live and eat in the East Valley, Gilbert residents consistently look for local restaurants that satisfy their cravings for fresh ingredients, dynamic flavors, and a dining experience for every occasion. But, it’s important to be picky – while taco joints may be popular in the area, not all tacos are created equally.
It’s a fact that the Southwestern United States is ripe with delicious Mexican cuisine and charming cultural influences, and Arizona is no different. With nearly one-third of the state’s population identifying as either Hispanic or Latino, it’s no wonder that tasty tacos can be found on almost every corner. When it comes to Mexican food authenticity, however, local Gilbert residents will tell you that Backyard Taco, with our mesquite-grilled tacos al carbon, is where it’s at.
A Favorite Mexican Restaurant in Gilbert, AZ
What began as a backyard family tradition, we’ve been offering to the local community since 2005. We saw the demand for bold, flavorful offerings and knew we could offer the Gilbert community a fiesta of flavor – delicious mesquite-grilled tacos al carbon, savory sides, scrumptious salsas, and many unique menu items you have to try to believe.
Our flavors aren’t the only thing keeping Gilbert residents coming back – our amigos are always looking for opportunities to create memories while experiencing rich culture through the foods they eat. At Backyard Taco, you get the fun, casual experience of a backyard get-together where family members share in the dining experience. Today, our food not only lives in the hearts of the community but also bridges a connection to the authentic flavors of Mexico.
While you can find Mexican cuisine in many different forms here in the Valley, there is no arguing that the taco is one of the most popular. With humble beginnings as a street food in Mexico City, the taco became a popular choice among blue-collar workers in both Mexico and the United States.
The taco allowed for a combination of fresh ingredients with slow-cooked meats to become a go-to, hand-held, shareable meal that was easy to consume while working long hours. Slowly, it transformed into what we know it as today, with a variety of fillings accompanied by an array of other Mexican-inspired dishes. While many Mexican restaurants blend those humble beginnings with American influences, Backyard Taco remains true to its Mexican origins.
Using our Mexican recipes, we proudly prepare our ingredients daily, making every meal to order and offering our patrons the #Mexcellence of flavors they are looking for.
“Just stopped by Backyard Taco in Gilbert. I ordered the 2 chicken taco plate and a chicken bowl, both were packed with flavour. The meat was juicy, well-seasoned and fresh off the grill.
What I really loved was the casual, indoor and outdoor vibe. It’s perfect for a quick bite. Felt more like an office cafeteria. Plus, the salsa bar is a game-changer, I loaded up with fresh pico, spicy salsas, and lime.
My tip: don’t skip the salsa bar, customizing your tacos makes the whole experience better.
This is one of those places I’ll keep coming back to when I’m craving real, no-fuss street tacos. So good!”
– Keerthana, 5 Star Google Review
Mesquite-Grilled Tacos That Stand Out
Mesquite grilling is an ancient and time-honored method of preparing grilled and smoked meats. This style of preparation has existed for centuries, making it a staple for many chefs who prepare authentic styles of Mexican cuisine. The wood’s distinctive taste and aroma have made it a highly sought-after cultural and culinary experience.
This form of grilling produces highly flavorful, smoky results that are enjoyed by people throughout the Southwest and beyond. The practice of mesquite grilling began among indigenous communities in the Greater Southwestern United States, specifically the Sonoran, Chihuahuan, and Mojave Deserts.
While mesquite wood has proved extremely useful for basketweaving, medicine, and certain spiritual rituals, Backyard Taco uses it to grill our meats, adding to the authentic flavor experience. We offer nearly any traditional Mexican meat you can imagine, grilled tenderly over the famously fragrant, mouthwatering mesquite wood.
From chicken and carne asada to al pastor and birria, our savory proteins complement our other equally delicious ingredients: handmade corn/flour tortillas, crisp red onion, crunchy cabbage, fresh cilantro, and our super-secret spicy red sauce! With so many options to choose from, it’s no wonder our customers find themselves coming to Backyard Tacos time and time again!
Popular Backyard Taco Menu Items
Our uniquely grilled meats are featured in our many authentically crafted Mexican food offerings. Look no further than the Backyard Taco’s menu for a comprehensive list of our south-of-the-border, customizable, and fresh-to-order items.
Tacos
And then, amigos, comes the salsa bar. This is where your meal gets its final glow-up. Whether you want smoky, spicy, tangy, bright, or a little extra kick that reminds you you’re alive, the salsa bar lets you make every bite your own. It’s one of the little details that makes Backyard Taco feel fresh, flavorful, and truly Mexcellent.
Burritos & Burrito Bowls
Our burritos are generously stuffed and tightly wrapped – or (even better) served in a bowl with the moniker of “Bueno Bowl.” No matter how you like yours, they’re perfect for on-the-go mealtimes. Just like our tacos, our burritos and Bueno Bowls highlight the tender pollo, carne asada, al pastor, and birria that we pride ourselves on grilling fresh. We also have vegetarian-style bean burritos for all dietary needs.
Burrito Mondito Mondays offer our amigos reduced prices on both burritos and burrito bowls.
Quesadillas, Papa Locas, & More!
For the adventurous palate, we also offer more authentic and complex dishes. Papa Locas, or crazy potatoes, are fluffy baked potatoes we generously top with your choice of meat, sour cream, cheese, and, of course, butter! Our menu also highlights an assortment of different quesadillas, vampiros (grilled tostadas), and chorreadas (grilled gorditas).
Perfect for Lunch, Dinner, Drive-Thru, or Takeout in Gilbert
We offer a variety of light fare and hearty meals, making our restaurant the perfect spot for Mexican cravings at lunch and dinner. Whether you are grabbing a quick lunch on your shift or need a casual family meal after soccer practice, Backyard Taco is the place to go for your Mexican food hankering.
For the freshest Backyard Taco experience, we recommend coming inside to order and enjoy your food right away, or rolling through our drive-thru when you’re on the go. Either way, your meal is made when you order it, served hot, and packed with the bold, mesquite-grilled flavor we’re known for.
Because let’s be real: tacos are at their best when they’re fresh off the grill, topped your way, and eaten before anyone has time to say, “Are you going to finish that?”
Our freshly prepared menu makes for a filling bite at any time. With several kid-friendly options, our menu is perfectly suited for gatherings with the whole family in tow. If time isn’t on your side, our convenient drive-thru and takeout options make feeding your family delicious, fresh food as quickly as possible a worry of the past.
With several distinctive deals throughout the week, getting authentic, fresh food at an affordable price has never been easier. We are always looking for new and exciting ways to provide our clientele with special promotions, so check out our website and social media for updates on events and monthly offers.
Backyard Taco and the Gilbert Community
Backyard Taco prides itself on its commitment to giving back to the East Valley community through charity and fundraising efforts, two core values we’ve held since we were serving tacos out of our backyard. Why? Without the support of our community, we would never have gotten to where we are today, and we want to see all our vecinos experience the same love. Backyard Taco provides more than just delicious savory meats; we offer a sense of family and belonging to all who enter our doors.
We are proudly partnered with many local organizations in Gilbert, including Saving One Life Animal Sanctuary, A New Leaf, the Higley Unified School District, Gilbert Public Schools, and Queen Creek Unified School District. Our partnership with these groups allows us to support those who supported us since our days of grilling for our little neighborhood.
Our Dining to Donate Fundraising Program allows our patrons to indulge in delicious Mexican cuisine while raising funds for important, local causes. Combining our love of serving others with our love of supporting others is the ideal recipe for giving back to our community.
We are also proud to partner with the GiftAMeal program. When you snap a quick photo of your quesadilla or burrito at Backyard Taco and upload it to the app, GiftAMeal will donate a meal to a local family in need. Not only can you enjoy our tasty tacos, but you can also help fight hunger right here in Gilbert at no extra cost.
Visit Backyard Taco in Gilbert
As our second location, our Gilbert storefront is near and dear to our hearts. Conveniently situated on Higley Road, our Backyard Taco Gilbert Higley location is easily accessible from the Loop 202 freeway. Our menu is prepared fresh daily, with all meals made specially to order.
For the best experience, come inside and enjoy your food fresh from the grill, or swing through the drive-thru when you need something fast without sacrificing flavor. Our mesquite-grilled meats, fresh toppings, handmade tortillas, and salsa bar all come together to create the Backyard Taco experience our Gilbert amigos know and love.
You can also skip the line and use our simple online ordering, bringing our mesquite-grilled meats just a click away.
Whether you are looking to study over a basket of nachos, treat the whole familia to tacos, or throw a huge taco party for all your amigos, our Higley location is ready to take your order. Pro tip: if you are stylish enough to wear one of our Backyard Taco shirts, we’ll set you up with a free taco just for reppin your favorite taco place!
Even though we aren’t in our own backyard anymore, that doesn’t stop us from treating our guests as if that’s just where we are.
See You Soon Amigos!
Whether Gilbert is home, you’re stopping by for a while, or you’re just passing through, come and join us in our backyard. We’ll share the history of Mexican cuisine through a culinary adventure that starts at our mesquite grill. With simple, fresh, and bold ingredients, you will taste our passion for bringing our Mexican culture to Gilbert.
At Backyard Taco, convenience doesn’t come at the cost of taste. Come inside, roll through the drive-thru, order online, or grab takeout when life gets busy. However you order, our spices, sauces, marinades, mesquite-grilled meats, handmade tortillas, and salsa bar are here to deliver a delicious, authentic Mexican culinary experience without big price tags or subpar ingredients.
When you taste our fresh ingredients, you are transported into a rich cultural experience, and you’ll taste the love in every bite.
From our familia to yours, we hope to see you soon. Let us tantalize your taste buds with our authentic Mexican recommendations, make it con todo, or prepare exactly what you’re looking for, just the way you like it.
Backyard Taco’s team is ready to welcome you, just as the Gilbert community has welcomed us. Nos vemos pronto.
Dr. Tyler loves tacos! He is one of the owners of Backyard Taco, and can sometimes be found moonlighting there at night or on the weekends.
Dr. Tyler Robison is an alum of Mesa’s Mountain View High School. He graduted from Brigham Young University before being accepted to the “Top Ten-nationally ranked” University of Louisville in Kentucky, where he earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine and a Master’s Degree in Oral Biology. He graduated with honors in the top ten percent of his class. Dr. Robison continued at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, where he received a second master’s degree in dental science and his orthodontic certification.
Dr. Tyler enjoys serving in his community. He is a provider for the Smile Back Foundation, which offers scholarships for free dental treatment to underprivileged East Valley students. He is also a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve and served during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2008.
Dr. Tyler Robison’s favorite pastimes include spending time with his family on the lake, at the beach, or on the slopes. He is an avid and crazy snowboarder! He has three incredible sons and one sweet daughter: Caden, Jace, Crew, and Bliss.
