This Arizona Taco Stand Has A Secret Menu That Locals Don’t Want You To Know About
Tucked away in Queen Creek, Arizona, sits a food truck that has locals buzzing about dishes you won’t find on the regular menu board.
Tacos 86 Food Truck has earned a devoted following thanks to flavors that keep people coming back week after week.
While the posted menu already offers mouthwatering options, there are hidden gems that regulars order by name, items that aren’t advertised but are absolutely worth seeking out.
The first time I stopped by, I planned to order something simple but ended up taking recommendations from the people in line.
And I’m glad I did. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re in on a local secret, where every visit turns into a new favorite order.
Birria Quesotacos That Locals Swear By
Imagine biting into a crispy, cheese-laden taco shell that’s been dipped in rich birria consomé before hitting the griddle. The birria quesotacos at Tacos 86 have reached legendary status among Queen Creek residents, and for good reason.
Each taco arrives golden-brown and practically dripping with savory juices, packed with tender, slow-cooked beef that falls apart at the first bite.
What sets these apart is the perfect balance between the crispy exterior and the melty, gooey cheese that binds everything together. The meat is seasoned with a blend of spices that creates layers of flavor without overwhelming your taste buds.
Dip each bite into the accompanying consomé, and you’ll understand why people drive from neighboring towns just for these.
First-timers often make the mistake of ordering just one or two, only to immediately regret not getting more. Regulars know to order at least four because these disappear faster than you can say “one more, please.”
The combination of textures and flavors makes this a standout item that keeps customers returning weekly. Pro tip: grab extra napkins because these beauties are deliciously messy in the best possible way.
Two Dollar Street Tacos Worth Every Penny
At just two bucks each, these street tacos might seem too good to be true, but they pack more flavor and filling than tacos twice their price.
Unlike other spots where street tacos are skimpy appetizers, Tacos 86 loads each corn tortilla with a generous portion of meat that actually satisfies. Three of these make a complete meal, which is saying something in today’s economy.
The carne asada version stands out as the crowd favorite, with perfectly seasoned beef that’s grilled to smoky perfection. Each taco comes topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime that brightens every bite.
The al pastor option runs a close second, featuring marinated pork with hints of pineapple sweetness that balance the savory spices beautifully.
Last summer, I watched a guy from Texas pull up, try one taco, then immediately order six more before leaving. He wasn’t exaggerating when he told the staff these reminded him of his favorite spot back home.
The quality-to-price ratio here is unmatched in the area.
Whether you’re on a budget or just appreciate incredible value, these street tacos deliver authentic flavor without the inflated food truck markup you see elsewhere.
Carne Asada Fries That Redefine Loaded
Forget everything you think you know about loaded fries because Tacos 86 takes this concept to an entirely different level.
Picture a mountain of crispy fries buried under a blanket of perfectly grilled carne asada, then topped with melted cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and their signature salsas. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a full-on meal that could easily feed two people with hearty appetites.
The magic happens in the layering technique they use, ensuring every forkful includes all the components. The fries stay surprisingly crispy even under all those toppings, which is a testament to their cooking method.
The carne asada is the same high-quality meat they use in their tacos, seasoned to perfection and grilled fresh to order.
What makes this a secret menu favorite is how customizable it becomes when you know to ask. Regulars request extra guacamole or swap proteins to create their perfect combination.
The portion size is absolutely bonkers for the price point, making this one of the best values on the entire menu.
Share it with a friend or challenge yourself to finish the whole thing solo, but either way, prepare for a flavor explosion that’ll have you craving more long after you’ve cleaned your plate.
Burritos Packed With Mostly Meat
Most burrito joints pad their wraps with mountains of rice and beans to cut costs, but Tacos 86 flips that script entirely. Their burritos are legendary for being absolutely stuffed with meat, giving you actual protein instead of filler.
For ten dollars, you get a burrito that weighs enough to use as a doorstop, wrapped tight and loaded with your choice of perfectly seasoned protein.
The carne asada burrito has become something of a local legend, mentioned repeatedly by satisfied customers who appreciate getting what they pay for. Each bite delivers tender, flavorful meat complemented by just enough beans, cheese, and toppings to round out the experience.
The tortilla itself is grilled to create a slightly crispy exterior that holds everything together without getting soggy.
Comparing these to chain restaurant burritos is like comparing a homemade meal to a microwave dinner. The difference in quality and portion size is immediately obvious.
Even big eaters find themselves taking half home for later, which basically means you’re getting two meals for the price of one.
The bean and cheese option works perfectly for lighter appetites, but if you’re hungry and want maximum value, go for any of the meat-heavy varieties and prepare to be impressed by both the quality and quantity.
Al Pastor Done The Traditional Way
Finding authentic al pastor in Arizona can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but Tacos 86 nails this classic preparation. The pork is marinated in a blend of dried chilies, spices, and pineapple, creating that signature sweet-and-savory profile that makes al pastor so addictive.
While they may not always have the full vertical spit setup, the flavor profile stays true to traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Each al pastor taco arrives with tender, juicy pork that’s been seasoned to perfection and grilled until the edges get slightly caramelized. The pineapple marinade adds subtle sweetness that cuts through the richness of the meat without overpowering it.
Fresh cilantro and onions top each taco, with a squeeze of lime bringing all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
My buddy from Mexico City tried these and gave them his seal of approval, which is high praise considering how particular he is about authentic preparations.
The meat stays moist and flavorful, never dry or overcooked like you sometimes get at lesser establishments.
Whether you order it in taco form or as part of a quesadilla, the al pastor here delivers on taste and authenticity, making it a must-try for anyone who appreciates this classic Mexican preparation done right.
Shrimp Tacos That Texans Approve
Seafood at a desert food truck might raise eyebrows, but the shrimp tacos at Tacos 86 have converted even the most skeptical customers. Plump, perfectly seasoned shrimp get grilled just right, staying tender and juicy without any rubbery texture.
Each taco is loaded with enough shrimp to make this feel like a premium option, even though the price remains surprisingly reasonable.
The preparation style keeps things simple, letting the quality of the shrimp shine through. Light seasoning enhances rather than masks the natural sweetness of the seafood.
Fresh toppings add crunch and brightness, while their house-made salsas provide just enough kick to complement without overwhelming the delicate shrimp flavor.
A customer from Texas specifically mentioned these as “to die for” in his review, and considering Texas has some serious seafood game along the Gulf Coast, that’s impressive praise.
The fact that he came back for a second day in a row speaks volumes about how memorable these are.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or just want to try something different from the usual carne asada, these shrimp tacos deliver fresh flavors that transport you straight to coastal Mexico, minus the beach sand and sunburn.
Horchata With Sunday Refill Perks
Nothing washes down spicy tacos quite like a cold, creamy horchata, and Tacos 86 makes theirs from scratch. This traditional rice-based drink hits all the right notes with its sweet cinnamon flavor and smooth, refreshing texture.
At three fifty for a generous cup, it’s priced fairly for a beverage that clearly isn’t coming from a powder mix.
The consistency strikes that perfect balance between too thick and too watery, coating your mouth with subtle sweetness that cools down even the spiciest salsa.
Real cinnamon flavor comes through in every sip, not that artificial taste you get from cheap versions. The drink stays cold throughout your meal, even on hot Arizona evenings when temperatures hover in the triple digits.
Here’s the insider tip that locals know: visit on Sundays and you get free refills on horchata. That single detail has made Sunday the busiest day at this food truck, with regulars timing their visits to take advantage of this generous offer.
The horchata pairs beautifully with every menu item, from the rich birria to the lighter shrimp options. Even if you typically skip drinks at food trucks to save money, make an exception here because this horchata is absolutely worth the splurge, especially on refill Sundays.
Strawberry Churros Worth The Trip
Ending your meal without trying the churros would be a mistake you’d regret on the drive home. These golden, crispy sticks of fried dough come coated in cinnamon sugar that creates an addictive sweet crunch with every bite.
The strawberry version takes things up several notches, stuffed with real strawberry filling that oozes out when you bite down, creating a warm, fruity contrast to the crispy exterior.
Each churro gets fried to order, ensuring maximum freshness and that perfect texture that’s crispy outside and soft inside. The cinnamon sugar coating is applied generously but not excessively, giving you sweetness without making your teeth hurt.
The strawberry filling tastes like actual fruit rather than artificial flavoring, which makes all the difference in quality and enjoyment.
People have mentioned these churros specifically when recommending the food truck to out-of-town visitors, which tells you everything about how memorable they are.
They’re substantial enough to share if you’re full from tacos, but tasty enough that you might not want to.
The combination of hot churro and cool strawberry filling creates temperature and texture contrasts that make each bite interesting.
Grab an order to go if you’re too stuffed to eat them immediately, because these reheat surprisingly well and make an excellent next-day breakfast treat.