Backyard Taco on University in Mesa
Backyard Taco Mesa North is the original Backyard Taco location and the place where our backyard grill flavor found its first restaurant home. After years of cooking for family, friends, and a growing community of fans, Backyard Taco opened its first restaurant on University Drive in Mesa in 2012.
Located at 1524 E. University Dr. in Mesa, this location serves fresh Mexican food made when you order, including mesquite-grilled tacos al carbon, burritos, bowls, vampiros, quesadillas, Familia Paks, aguas frescas, and salsa your way.
Location and Points of Interest
Backyard Taco Mesa North is located on the north side of University Drive, between Stapley Drive and Gilbert Road. This original Backyard Taco restaurant is easy to find, close to central Mesa, and just south of historic downtown Mesa and the light rail.
Guests can dine inside, enjoy the outdoor patio, or order online for pickup. It is a favorite spot for Mesa locals looking for fresh Mexican food, mesquite-grilled tacos al carbon, salsa bar favorites, aguas frescas, and a casual place to gather with family and amigos.
What to Order at Backyard Taco Mesa North
If this is your first time visiting the original Backyard Taco location, start with the flavors that made us famous.
Try our mesquite-grilled tacos al carbon with onion, cilantro, salsa, and lime, or explore the full Backyard Taco menu with burritos, Bueno Bowls, vampiros, quesadillas, Papa Locas, kids’ meals, chips, rice, beans, and more.
Don’t skip the Backyard Taco salsa bar. It lets you top your meal your way with salsas, lime, cucumbers, radishes, grilled onions, jalapeños, and fresh toppings.
For drinks, pair your meal with homemade aguas frescas like horchata, Jamaica, or limonada, or choose a Mexican soda, fountain drink, or hand-spun shake.
What Our Amigos Are Saying
Don’t just take our word for it – learn what our Mesa North amigos are saying.
Don’t just take our word for it. See what our Mesa North amigos are saying about fresh tacos, salsa bar favorites, patio dining, and the original Backyard Taco experience.
Carne asada tacos here are as good or better than any place you'll find in Arizona or Sonora. Any taco place where English and Spanish are spoken with equal frequency is usually a winner. Location is just comfortable enough to be nice and not sketchy, but not so nice that...
Carne asada tacos here are as good or better than any place you'll find in Arizona or Sonora. Any taco place where English and Spanish are spoken with equal frequency is usually a winner. Location is just comfortable enough to be nice and not sketchy, but not so nice that you forget what you're there for (tacos). Been here more times than I can count.
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This place is fire. They have a nice salsa bar. Good choices for hot sauce, including cucumber and other veggies. I ordered al pastor and carne asada tacos. Both were delicious. Well worth the 20 min wait for a to go order during lunch rush. 😉
I recently tried Backyard Taco - Mesa North in Mesa, AZ, and it was a hit! The tacos were packed with flavor, and the portions were generous. The staff was attentive, and the prices were reasonable. Overall, a great spot for delicious Mexican food.
This is my FAVORITE Backyard Taco, I've been to other locations and for some reason they can't get it right like this place can! I just love everything here so much. Yes it's smaller but good is so much more flavorful and never overcooked like a lot of the other...
This is my FAVORITE Backyard Taco, I've been to other locations and for some reason they can't get it right like this place can! I just love everything here so much. Yes it's smaller but good is so much more flavorful and never overcooked like a lot of the other locations are. Oh and not to mention the beans are extremely close to his my Nana's beans taste. I usually get the carne asada burrito with the beans on the side so I can enjoy them separately. I'm not a fan of the cabbage in the burrito but they easily take it out. Also don't forget to ask for grilled jalapeno and onion as it comes free and is amazing! Just go it's so good!
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My first time going here was amazing. I got some tacos and a burrito. The tacos were the birra, and they were great with a little bit of pineapples in it. The birra burrito was amazing and filling. They have a salsa bar for your tacos, and they're pretty good...
My first time going here was amazing. I got some tacos and a burrito. The tacos were the birra, and they were great with a little bit of pineapples in it. The birra burrito was amazing and filling. They have a salsa bar for your tacos, and they're pretty good salsas.
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Backyard Taco Mesa North FAQs
What are the operating hours for Backyard Taco Mesa North?
Backyard Taco Mesa North is open Monday through Saturday. Please check the location details or call the restaurant for the most current hours.
Where is Backyard Taco Mesa North located?
Backyard Taco Mesa North is located at 1524 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85203, between Stapley Drive and Gilbert Road.
Is Mesa North the original Backyard Taco location?
Yes. Backyard Taco Mesa North is the original Backyard Taco restaurant location. It is where the backyard grill flavor found its first restaurant home in Mesa.
Does Backyard Taco Mesa North have a drive-thru?
No. Backyard Taco Mesa North does not have a drive-thru. Guests can dine in, enjoy the patio, or
order online for pickup.
Does Backyard Taco Mesa North offer delivery?
Delivery options may be available depending on the current ordering platform and service area. Guests can check available pickup and delivery options through
online ordering.
Can I become part of the familia at the Mesa North location?
Yes. Backyard Taco is always looking for great people to join the familia. Visit our
Join Our Team page to learn more about current opportunities.
How can I contact the Mesa North location?
You can call Backyard Taco Mesa North at 480.464.8226.
Do all Backyard Taco locations have the same menu?
Most Backyard Taco locations serve the same core menu favorites, including tacos al carbon, burritos, bowls, vampiros, quesadillas, Familia Paks, chips, salsa, rice, beans, and drinks. Some items, availability, or specials may vary by location.
What drinks does Backyard Taco Mesa North carry?
Backyard Taco Mesa North offers homemade aguas frescas, including horchata, Jamaica, and limonada, along with Mexican sodas and fountain drinks.
Does Backyard Taco Mesa North have desserts?
Yes. Dessert options at the Mesa North location may include paletas and flan. Hand-spun shakes, ice cream floats, and soft serve cones are not available at the University location.
Can I purchase Backyard Taco merchandise at the Mesa North location?
Backyard Taco merchandise may be available in select locations or online. Visit
our Taco T-shirt Shop to check current merch options.
Does Backyard Taco offer catering services in Mesa?
Yes. Backyard Taco offers
catering for parties, office lunches, school events, family gatherings, community events, and celebrations in Mesa and surrounding areas.
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Visit the Original Backyard Taco in Mesa
Whether you are a longtime Mesa local or visiting Backyard Taco for the first time, the Mesa North location is a great place to experience the original Backyard Taco feeling.
Stop by for mesquite-grilled tacos al carbon, fresh salsa, aguas frescas, patio dining, and Mexican food made when you order.
Fresh food. Original backyard flavor. That’s Mexcellence.
