★★★★★
Best authentic tacos in Tampa for the price. Al pastor is perfect, the green salsa is fire, and the drive-thru is fast even at lunch.
Mexican Restaurants · Temple Terrace · Tampa
TacoSon Authentic
Mexican Grill
01
The place
TacoSon Authentic Mexican Grill is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant at 7521 N 56th St in the Temple Terrace area of Tampa, FL. The drive-thru spot serves tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, and traditional Mexican plates from a counter-order kitchen. Signature items include al pastor tacos, carne asada burritos, and house salsas. Prices are budget-friendly at the $ level. The restaurant holds a 4.6-star Google rating across more than 3,700 reviews, one of the highest review counts for any Mexican restaurant on Tampa's north side. Takeout, drive-thru, and third-party delivery are available. Parking is on-site and free. The location is roughly five minutes from the University of South Florida campus and Busch Gardens.
TacoSon Authentic Mexican Grill sits along N 56th St near the Temple Terrace line, a short drive from USF and Busch Gardens. It is an unpretentious fast-food outpost with a drive-thru — order at the counter, grab a number, and food comes out fast. Despite the quick-service format, the menu reads like a traditional taqueria, and a 4.6-star Google average across 3,700+ reviews puts it among the most consistently praised Mexican spots in north Tampa.
Order the al pastor tacos on corn tortillas with cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime. The carne asada burrito is a popular pick, and regulars rave about the carnitas, lengua, and birria tacos when available. Quesadillas, tortas, and rice-and-bean combo plates round out the menu, and the house salsas (especially the green) are worth grabbing extra. Horchata and Jarritos are on the drinks board.
No reservations — it is counter-service and drive-thru only. The dining room is small but clean, with a few tables inside and outside. Parking is free in the lot. Takeout is the most common order, and the restaurant lists on Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub for delivery. Cash and cards are accepted. Expect a short line at lunch on weekdays.
Drive-thru service
Budget-friendly prices ($)
Authentic Mexican menu — tacos, burritos, tortas
House-made green salsa (frequent review favorite)
What to expect
Fast-casual counter ordering with a working drive-thru. Order tacos, burritos, or plates, pay at the register, and food is ready in a few minutes. Budget prices, generous portions, and a no-frills dining room with a handful of tables. Most guests take it to go.
Then come for the photos
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The shop, in frames
Sponsored · Florida Hidden Spots
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What people are saying
★★★★★
Huge portions, very affordable, and tastes like the taquerias I grew up with. The carne asada burrito is massive and the staff is always friendly.
★★★★★
We come here weekly. Quesadillas are loaded with cheese, the horchata is great, and you can't beat the price. A north Tampa hidden gem.
06
Frequently asked
Does TacoSon Authentic Mexican Grill take reservations?
No. TacoSon is a fast-casual counter-service restaurant with a drive-thru. Orders are taken at the register or drive-thru window — no reservations needed.
Is TacoSon Authentic Mexican Grill dog/pet friendly?
Service animals are welcome inside. For pets, the drive-thru is the easiest option since the dining room is indoor-only.
Where do I park near TacoSon Authentic Mexican Grill?
Free parking is available in the restaurant's dedicated lot at 7521 N 56th St. A drive-thru lane is also available if you'd rather stay in your car.
What are the most popular dishes at TacoSon Authentic Mexican Grill?
Top picks include the al pastor tacos, carne asada burrito, carnitas tacos, California burrito, and quesadillas. The house green salsa and horchata are also frequent favorites in Google reviews.
What are TacoSon Authentic Mexican Grill's hours?
TacoSon is open Monday through Saturday, 7 AM – 9 PM, and closed on Sunday. Confirm same-day hours via Google before visiting.
Does TacoSon Authentic Mexican Grill offer takeout or delivery?
Yes. Takeout is available at the counter and drive-thru, and delivery is offered through Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub.
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Closest spots by distance
Other places to fold into the same trip — measured straight-line from TacoSon Authentic Mexican Grill.
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From Instagram
@tacosonmexicangrill