Where to Eat Tacos in Downtown Des Moines 

You don’t have to wait for Taco Tuesday to enjoy your next taco fix in Downtown Des Moines (DSM)! This huge list of options makes it easy to satisfy your taco craving any day of the week, early morning to late night. Whether you’re in the mood for classic street-style tacos or inventive modern twists, Downtown DSM is the place to be! It’s everyone’s favorite handheld food, and these local eateries have the tacos you love.

Did you know: Latino and Hispanic Heritage Month takes place Sept. 15 through Oct. 15! Check out these taco places in Downtown Des Moines to celebrate.

Bar Nico

428 E. Locust St., Des Moines
Located in Historic East Village, Bar Nico is Downtown DSM’s hot spot for modern Mexican fare and late-night tacos. This elevated take on Mexican cuisine features a fully gluten-free kitchen with homemade corn tortillas. The selection of mouthwatering tacos include Al Pastor, Pork Belly Carnitas, Gulf Shrimp and Sweet Potato. For brunch, try the Breakfast Tacos with scrambled eggs, chorizo Verde and salsa guajillo smoked bacon. Upgrade your taco experience with these unique and inventive creations!
barnicoDSM.com

The Breakfast Club

212 E. 3rd St., Des Moines
Who says you can’t have a taco for breakfast? If you’re jonesing for a taco in the early morning hours, head to The Breakfast Club in Historic East Village. Their Breakfast Tacos are made with tender and juicy carnitas, tangy Cotija cheese, smoky poblano, pickled onion, red salsa, over-easy eggs, avocado cream and cilantro, all served on soft shell corn tortillas with a side of tater tots. Pro Tip: This is a great family-friendly spot, too!
thebreakfastclubusa.com

El Bait Shop

200 SW 2nd St., Des Moines
Calling all craft beer fans and taco lovers! El Bait Shop should be on your radar. Boasting one of the world’s largest selections of American craft beer, this popular hot spot serves up creative Mexican American eats to pair with your cold brew. The Market Street Tacos are a must-try, featuring two soft corn tortillas filled with your choice of chorizo, shredded chicken or steak, topped with onion and cilantro. For something lighter, the Fish Tacos with seasoned and sauteed tilapia, pineapple salsa, shredded cabbage and cilantro cream sauce are another solid choice. You’ll keep coming back for the unbeatable combo of delicious tacos and impressive beer selection!
elbaitshop.com

Fernando’s Mexican Grill

700 Locust St., Des Moines
If you have a midday hankering for Mexican food, head to this lunch destination located inside the Local Bites Food Court in the Greater Des Moines Partnership building. We highly recommend the Chicken Tacos, which come with two tacos made with fresh flour or corn tortillas, topped with fresh lettuce, cheese, Pico de Gallo, salsa and sour cream. Hopefully your taco coma won’t affect your productivity when you return to the office after lunch!
fernandosmxgrill.com

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

300 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Suite 120, Des Moines
Fuzzy’s takes tacos seriously! Whether you’re craving breakfast tacos served all day or flavorful shrimp or mahi tacos, they have something for every taco lover. Choose a classic like the Seasoned Ground Beef Taco with all the fixings or get a little creative with a Shredded Brisket Taco. For a true showstopper, try the Quesabirria Tacos: Grilled corn tortillas stuffed with beef barbacoa cooked in a house-made birria sauce, and filled with melted cheddar Jack cheese, onions and cilantro. You won’t be able to get enough of these juicy, cheesy, mouthwatering tacos.
fuzzystacoshop.com/locations/iowa/des-moines

 

Iowa Taproom

215 E. 3rd St., Ste 100, Des Moines
Beer and tacos are a match made in heaven and Iowa Taproom knows their beer! The Taproom food menu includes some unique taco options, like the Bulgogi Tacos: Three corn tortillas filled with a kimchi-style slaw, marinated pork, cucumber sunomono and a sweet soy aioli. Another must-try taco option is the Blackened Salmon Tacos with blackened salmon, grilled corn tortillas, shredded cabbage, lime corn salsa then topped with horseradish cream sauce. And you just can’t go wrong with a spot on their patio, either (pictured above).
iowataproom.com

Malo

900 Mulberry St., Des Moines
Celebrate the vibrant flavors of Latin American cuisine at Malo! The menu boasts 16 varieties of street-style tacos, including vegan and gluten free options. Fan favorite highlights are the Chicken Tinga Tacos and Carne Molida Tacos (both shown below). Each taco platter comes with three tacos served on flour or corn tortillas, or a lettuce shell. Fresh lime, onion, cilantro and your preferred salsa accompany each dish for the perfect taco finishing touch!
malodesmoines.com

Rita’s Cantina

401 SE 5th St., Des Moines
Head to Rita’s Cantina in Historic East Village to enjoy the breezy patio while sipping on a specialty house-made margarita and stuffing your face with some tacos! Popular options on the menu include Street Tacos with your choice of chicken, steak, ground beef, birria or chorizo on corn tortillas, topped with onion, cilantro, and avocado lime sauce. The Mahi Mahi tacos are a light and fresh option with seasoned and grilled Mahi Mahi, avocado-lime coleslaw and corn salsa, drizzled with Sriracha aioli. Pair your tacos with a Margarita Flight and you have the perfect Tex-Mex meal!
ritascantinaDSMcom

RoCA

208 Court Ave., Des Moines
Order a feast of dishes to share at RoCA and be sure to try the standout Steak Tacos and Fish Tacos. The Steak Tacos feature tender steak topped with Pico de Gallo, spicy crema and guacamole bursting with flavor. The Fish Tacos, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, are made with IPA beer-battered fish, pineapple salsa, creamy avocado and zesty Sriracha aioli. These taco shared plates are sure to leave the whole table satisfied!
rocaDSMcom

Ta’Chido Cantina

409 Court Ave., Des Moines
Visit Ta’Chido Cantina in Historic Court District for delicious Mexican street food and refreshing on-tap margaritas. Whether you’re catching a game on TV, enjoying a flavorful meal or staying for the nightlife, Ta’Chido is the place to be. We recommend trying the Asada or Pollo Adobado Tacos, perfectly paired with a Ta-Chida Margarita. Fun Fact: Every Wednesday is Loteria night, making for the perfect chance to play a game while you dine and imbibe!
tachidocantina.com

Since margaritas pair so perfectly with tacos, you’ll want to check out this list of the best spots to enjoy a margarita in Downtown DSM!

If you’re also craving more diverse flavors, why not explore the many Downtown Des Moines cultural restaurants bursting with delicious and unique dishes from around the world? Add these restaurants to your must-try list and experience global cuisine without leaving Downtown DSM!

We could talk about tacos all day! Here are some more places you can find tacos in Downtown DSM: Lina's Mexican Restaurant, The Walnut, Tacos El Chorypollo Taco Truck, Fresko (pictured at the very top of the page) and Gateway Market, too (shown below).

Explore even more Downtown Des Moines restaurants and plan your next visit with these tips for parking and navigation. Follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown DSM.