This Taco Spot In Kent, Ohio, Adds Color, Creativity, And Fun To Every Bite
My taco radar has led me into plenty of good meals across Ohio, but Taco Tontos in Kent always feels like I just stumbled into a flavor parade. If your usual taco routine needs a plot twist, this is the place that happily rewrites the script.
Come hungry, bring curiosity, and prepare for menu names that grin back at you.
Successfully operating in Kent, Ohio, this spot treats creativity like a daily special and color like a required topping. I still laugh at how quickly I go from “I’ll keep it simple” to ordering something bold that shows up looking like it deserves its own camera roll.
Between oversized tacos, burritos with personality, and salsas that refuse to be boring, every bite feels like a small celebration.
Finding Your Way to Franklin Avenue
Taco Tontos sits right in the heart of downtown Kent at 123 Franklin Ave, Kent, OH 44240, making it incredibly easy to find whether you’re a local or just passing through. The location puts you within walking distance of Kent State University, which explains the youthful energy that fills the space on most days.
Parking can get tight during peak hours, but there are several public lots nearby that make the short stroll worthwhile.
Once you step inside, the compact interior greets you with bold colors splashed across the walls and chalkboard menus listing daily specials that change often enough to keep regulars guessing. The space feels cozy without being cramped, and the open kitchen layout lets you watch your food being assembled with care.
When the weather cooperates, outdoor seating becomes available, and trust me, eating tacos in the fresh air while people-watching in downtown Kent adds a whole new layer to the experience. The vibe here is casual and unpretentious, perfect for a quick lunch or a laid-back dinner with friends.
Burritos That Earn Their Names
The burrito selection at Taco Tontos deserves its own fan club. I’m talking about creations like El Biggo, which lives up to its name by arriving as a massive foil-wrapped package that could double as a small pillow.
Inside, you’ll find layers of perfectly seasoned protein, rice, beans, cheese, and whatever additional toppings you’ve chosen, all rolled tight enough to hold together but loose enough to let the flavors mingle.
Then there’s the Ron Swanson, a burrito that clearly takes inspiration from the meat-loving TV character. Packed with bacon, steak, and enough savory goodness to satisfy any carnivore, this option has become a customer favorite for good reason.
The Saturday brunch burrito makes weekend mornings feel special with breakfast ingredients that transform the standard burrito format into something entirely different.
What really sets these apart is the attention to freshness. Every ingredient tastes like it was prepped that morning, and the house-made salsas add brightness without overwhelming the other flavors.
Even the rice has character, which is rare in the burrito world.
Tacos That Break the Mold
Calling these tacos oversized would be an understatement. Each one arrives on a plate looking more like a small meal than a snack, with fillings piled high and toppings arranged with surprising care for a casual spot.
The tortillas are soft and pliable, sturdy enough to handle the weight without tearing, and they taste fresh rather than like they’ve been sitting in a warmer for hours.
What makes the taco menu interesting is the willingness to experiment. You won’t find plain chicken or beef options here.
Instead, expect flavor combinations that might sound unusual on paper but make perfect sense once you take that first bite. The daily specials often feature limited-time taco creations that push the boundaries even further, giving you a reason to visit multiple times just to try everything.
Vegetarians won’t feel left out either. Black bean and sweet potato options appear regularly, and they’re treated with the same creativity as the meat-based versions.
The pick-three salsa option lets you customize the heat and flavor profile to match your preferences perfectly.
Street Corn Nachos Worth Celebrating
When your nachos arrive in a cake box, you know you’re dealing with something special. The street corn nachos at Taco Tontos have achieved legendary status among regulars, and one taste explains why.
The base starts with crispy tortilla chips that somehow manage to stay crunchy even under the weight of generous toppings. Sweet corn kernels bring a pop of sweetness that balances the savory elements beautifully.
Cheese gets melted across every layer rather than just dumped on top, which means you get consistent flavor in every bite rather than a few overloaded chips followed by a pile of naked ones. The portion size borders on ridiculous in the best possible way.
I’ve watched people attempt to finish an order solo and fail spectacularly, which makes these nachos perfect for sharing with a group.
What really elevates this dish is the finishing touches. A drizzle of crema, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, and a dusting of chili powder transform simple nachos into something that feels almost restaurant-fancy while maintaining that fun, casual vibe that defines the entire menu.
House-Made Salsas and Hot Sauces
Most restaurants treat salsa as an afterthought, but Taco Tontos turns it into an art form. The house-made hot sauces rotate regularly, with different heat levels and flavor profiles appearing on the wall menu throughout the week.
Mild versions offer brightness and tang without much burn, making them perfect for people who want flavor without the fire. The hot options bring genuine heat that builds gradually rather than hitting you all at once.
What impresses me most is the complexity. These aren’t just pureed peppers and vinegar.
You’ll taste layers of roasted vegetables, hints of citrus, and sometimes unexpected elements like fruit that add depth without making the sauce taste sweet. The staff is always happy to let you sample before committing, which I appreciate since heat tolerance varies so much from person to person.
The pick-three salsa option appears on several menu items, letting you mix and match to find your perfect combination. I usually go for one mild, one medium, and one hot to cover all my bases, then adjust based on what I’m eating.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options That Actually Deliver
Finding satisfying vegetarian food at Mexican restaurants can be hit or miss, but Taco Tontos takes plant-based options seriously. The menu clearly marks which items can be made vegan, and the kitchen stocks vegan sour cream for anyone who wants that creamy element without dairy.
Sweet potato appears frequently as a filling option, bringing natural sweetness and a hearty texture that makes you forget you’re not eating meat.
Black beans and pinto beans both show up across the menu, cooked until creamy and seasoned well enough to stand on their own rather than just filling space. Rice gets mixed with vegetables and spices that give it actual personality.
Even the guacamole tastes fresher than most places, with chunks of avocado still visible rather than being mashed into oblivion.
What really matters is that vegetarian options here don’t feel like compromises. They’re treated with the same creativity and attention as everything else on the menu.
Multiple reviews mention being impressed with the meat-free choices, which tells you this isn’t just an afterthought for the occasional vegetarian customer.
Daily Specials That Keep Things Interesting
Routine has no place at Taco Tontos. The daily specials board changes frequently enough that even regular customers encounter new options on almost every visit.
These aren’t just minor variations on existing menu items either. The kitchen gets genuinely creative with limited-time offerings that might feature seasonal ingredients, unusual protein combinations, or fusion concepts that blend Mexican flavors with other cuisines.
The specials tend to sell out quickly, especially during dinner hours, which can be frustrating if you arrive late with your heart set on trying something specific. Calling ahead helps, though the staff can’t always predict exactly when popular items will run out.
Some customers have expressed disappointment about this unpredictability, but I see it as evidence that everything is made fresh in manageable batches rather than mass-produced.
Weekly rotating specials also give the kitchen a chance to experiment and gauge customer interest before potentially adding new items to the permanent menu.
The Zorba burrito started as a special and earned such a devoted following that it now appears regularly, proving that customer feedback actually influences what ends up available long-term.
The Colorful Environment and Downtown Kent Vibe
Walking into Taco Tontos feels like stepping into someone’s really cool, slightly chaotic art project. Bright colors dominate the space, from the painted walls to the furniture to the artwork scattered around.
Nothing matches in a traditional sense, but everything somehow works together to create an atmosphere that feels energetic without being overwhelming. The small space means you’re sitting close to other diners, which adds to the communal, friendly vibe rather than feeling cramped.
Music plays at a volume that enhances the atmosphere without drowning out conversation. The playlist leans eclectic, mixing genres in ways that keep things interesting throughout your meal.
Being located in downtown Kent means you’re surrounded by the energy of a college town, with students, professors, locals, and visitors all mixing together in the dining room.
The outdoor seating option during nice weather connects you directly to the downtown Kent scene. You can watch people strolling through the DORA area, catch occasional live music from nearby venues, and enjoy the small-town charm that makes Kent, Ohio such a pleasant place to spend an afternoon.
Service That Feels Genuine
Fast food chains train employees to deliver scripted friendliness, but the staff at Taco Tontos brings something different to the table. Multiple reviews mention employees by name, which tells you they’re making real connections rather than just taking orders.
Chris and Troy both get called out specifically for being helpful and genuine, the kind of service that makes you want to return even if the food was just okay.
The crew demonstrates real patience with first-time visitors who need extra time to navigate the menu. They’re happy to explain what makes certain dishes special, offer recommendations based on your preferences, and make sure you understand the portion sizes before you accidentally order enough food for three people.
When the restaurant gets busy, which happens often, the staff stays friendly even as ticket times stretch longer.
The restroom setup is simple but limited, and a few customers mention it can feel inconvenient during busy times.
The staff is upfront about what to expect and will point you in the right direction, and small details like that matter when you’re trying to build trust with customers who might be visiting for the first time.
Making Taco Tontos Part of Your Kent Experience
Taco Tontos operates Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM, staying closed on Sundays and Mondays. The schedule means you need to plan accordingly, especially if you’re visiting Kent specifically to try the food.
Arriving during off-peak hours, typically mid-afternoon, gives you the best chance of shorter wait times and guaranteed access to daily specials before they sell out.
Prices fall into the budget-friendly category, marked with a single dollar sign, which makes this spot perfect for students or anyone watching their spending. The generous portions mean you’re getting real value rather than just cheap food.
Many customers report being unable to finish their meals in one sitting, which effectively turns lunch into two meals for the price of one.
The location in downtown Kent puts you near the river and public parks, making it easy to grab your food and enjoy it outside in a scenic setting. The DORA area allows you to walk around with certain beverages, adding another layer of flexibility to your dining experience.
Whether you’re a Kent State student, an Ohio resident exploring new restaurants, or a visitor discovering what this college town has to offer, Taco Tontos delivers an experience that’s worth building your day around.