It takes a special kind of love for Mexico to make the perfect taco. We did just that, bringing the best of flavor, texture and menu options to our original Backyard Taco location on University in Mesa for all to enjoy. Bring your family, hang with old amigos (or make new ones) as you dine on mouthwatering Tacos al Carbon inside or on the patio.
The original Backyard Taco is a free-standing building on the north side of University Road, nestled in between Stapley and Gilbert Roads. Easy to find, situated just south of historic downtown Mesa and the light rail. Plenty of seating inside and an outdoor patio for dining all year round.
What Our Amigos Are Saying
Don’t just take our word for it – learn what our Mesa North amigos are saying.
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!
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.
Ordered the birria bowl (shredded beef). It was meat and beans, which was very good but I thought maybe it came with rice. Nope. The salsa bar had pickled onions, avocado creama, radishes, pico de gallo and more.
Service has its moments, but mostly good. Place seems to be at times distracting to staff but nothing to worry about. you just have to repeat yourself a few times. Food is great. In the past, there was a chance to get meat that has been sitting for some time...
Service has its moments, but mostly good. Place seems to be at times distracting to staff but nothing to worry about. you just have to repeat yourself a few times. Food is great. In the past, there was a chance to get meat that has been sitting for some time and loses its luster. But 90% of the time, the meat tastes hot and juicy. Occasionally, you might get that colder meat, but it's rare. These are not really negatives to avoid. Like most food joints, you take the good and bad and hope for the best. They have found what works best for them, and my stomach approves. Salsa bar is always a great place to load up. Now, if I can get them to make a new location a little more central, I won't have to drive 40min for my tacos 👍🏼. All in all a great place to eat, the University location is cozy with dine in and no drive thru and patio eating the Stanley Dr location feels more commercial but in a way of more seating and a drive through with patio seating. The 3rd location I don't frequent, but if, like the others, they are holding it down.
I got a variety of tacos and each tasted incredible. They were all unique which speaks to the work they put into each of their flavors and meat preparations. I couldn't have been more impressed. They're a tad expensive but it's worth it and really hits the spot. Highly recommend!