In This Post, You’ll Learn:
- Why Mesa North is the original Backyard Taco location
- What makes the University Drive location feel different
- Why the patio and salsa bar are part of the experience
- What to order when you visit
- How to order pickup from Mesa North
- Why this location is still worth the stop
Every Backyard Taco location has its own personality, but Mesa North hits different.
This is the original Backyard Taco restaurant. The one on University Drive. The one longtime fans remember from the early days, when word spread fast, lines formed, and people came hungry for that mesquite-grilled taco flavor they could not find anywhere else.
It is not the biggest Backyard Taco location. It does not have a drive-thru. But that is part of what makes it special.
Mesa North still has the OG feeling: the patio, the salsa bar, the smell of tacos al carbon, the local Mesa energy, and that warm, no-frills, come-hungry kind of vibe that started it all.
If you want the original Backyard Taco experience, this is the place to visit.
The OG Backyard Taco Location
Before Backyard Taco grew into multiple Arizona communities, the restaurant story started right here in Mesa.
The Mesa North location on University Drive is where the backyard grill feeling found its first restaurant home. After years of cooking for family, friends, and a growing community of fans, Backyard Taco opened its first restaurant in Mesa in 2012.
That matters because this location still carries a lot of the original energy.
It feels a little more old-school. A little more local. A little closer to the backyard grill that started the whole thing.
Located at 1524 E. University Dr. in Mesa, Mesa North sits between Stapley Drive and Gilbert Road, just south of historic downtown Mesa and the light rail. It is easy to find, easy to love, and still one of the best places to experience Backyard Taco the way so many people first discovered it.
View the full Backyard Taco Mesa North location page for directions, online ordering, and location details.
Why Mesa North Feels Different
Some places just have a vibe.
Mesa North has that original Backyard Taco feeling. It is smaller than some of the newer locations, but that is part of the charm. You can feel the history in the space. You can smell the grill. You can see people loading up at the salsa bar. You can sit on the patio and enjoy food the way Backyard Taco was meant to be enjoyed: fresh, hot, and made when you order it.
This location has indoor seating and an outdoor patio, making it a great spot when you want to slow down a little and enjoy the full experience.
No drive-thru? Correct. This is the original location, and it was not built with a drive-thru. But honestly, that is part of what makes Mesa North special.
This is the location where you come in, order your food, grab your salsa, sit down, and stay a minute.
If you are looking for the real-deal Backyard Taco vibe, OG people know: Mesa North is still worth the stop.
The Food That Made People Line Up
Backyard Taco is known for fresh Mexican food made when you order it, and Mesa North is where so many guests first fell in love with that flavor.
The heart of the menu is still our tacos al carbon: mesquite-grilled meats, warm tortillas, onion, cilantro, salsa, lime, and that smoky fresh-off-the-grill flavor.
When you visit Mesa North, you can keep it classic with tacos or explore the full Backyard Taco menu, including burritos, Bueno Bowls, vampiros, quesadillas, Papa Locas, kids’ meals, chips, rice, beans, and more.
Some good Mesa North orders to start with:
- Carne asada tacos with onion, cilantro, salsa, and lime
- Al pastor tacos with a little heat from the salsa bar
- Birria tacos or a birria burrito when you want something rich and filling
- A vampiro when you want crispy, cheesy, grilled flavor
- A Bueno Bowl when you want all the flavor with a fork
- Familia Paks when you are feeding the crew
This location has been around for a reason. The food still delivers.
Don’t Skip the Salsa Bar
The salsa bar is a huge part of the Mesa North experience.
This is where your order becomes your order. Add salsa, lime, cucumbers, radishes, grilled onions, jalapeños, and whatever else makes the bite right.
Some people keep it simple. Some people load it up. Some people have a very specific salsa routine and will not be taking feedback at this time.
We respect that.
The beauty of the Backyard Taco salsa bar is that every amigo gets to finish their meal their own way. The grill brings the smoky flavor, and the salsa bar lets you make it personal.
Drinks, Dessert, and the Full Mesa North Experience
A good taco run deserves a good drink.
At Mesa North, pair your meal with homemade aguas frescas like horchata, Jamaica, or limonada. You can also grab a Mexican soda or fountain drink with your meal.
For dessert, this location may offer options like paletas and flan.
One important note: hand-spun shakes, ice cream floats, and soft serve cones are not available at the University location. So if you are visiting Mesa North, think aguas frescas, paletas, flan, and the classics.
Still a win.
No Drive-Thru, Still Worth the Stop
Mesa North does not have a drive-thru, but that should not scare you away.
This location is about the original Backyard Taco experience: walking in, smelling the mesquite grill, ordering fresh food, visiting the salsa bar, and finding a seat inside or on the patio.
For pickup, you can still order online and grab your food from the Mesa North location.
And if you need a drive-thru, we get it. Backyard Taco has drive-thru service available at several other Arizona locations. You can always check all Backyard Taco locations to find the one that works best for your day.
But when you have a little time and want the original, come to Mesa North.
What to Order at the Original Backyard Taco
Not sure where to start?
Here is a simple game plan.
For the classic OG order:
Go with carne asada tacos, onion, cilantro, salsa, and lime.
For big flavor:
Try al pastor tacos, birria tacos, or a birria burrito.
For crispy, cheesy goodness:
Order a vampiro.
For a fork-friendly meal:
Try a Bueno Bowl with your favorite salsa bar toppings.
For the familia:
Order Familia Paks, chips, salsa, rice, beans, and drinks.
For dessert:
Ask about paletas or flan.
There is no wrong move here. Just come hungry.
FAQs About Backyard Taco Mesa North
Come Visit the Original Backyard Taco
Mesa North is where the Backyard Taco restaurant story began, and it is still one of the best places to experience the flavor, salsa, patio, and OG energy that made people fall in love with Backyard Taco in the first place.
If you are in Mesa, come see us on University Drive. Order your tacos al carbon, load them up your way, grab an agua fresca, and stay awhile.
To everyone who has supported this location from the beginning, gracias. And to everyone discovering it for the first time, welcome to the original backyard.
That’s Backyard Taco. That’s Mexcellence.
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.
