Backyard Taco: This isn’t just Mexican food, this is ‘Mexcellence’

Backyard Taco is a Mexican restaurant created when Ruben and Marisela Alvarez came from Mazatlán, Mexico to Mesa, Arizona. Marisela made tacos and sold them out of their backyard. Soon, the lines wrapped down the street: Everyone wanted to buy the tacos.

They were approached to start a restaurant and now they have five locations in the East Valley.

Steve Beck, partner of Backyard Taco says that the restaurant is known for its fast service, clean restaurants and a giant salsa bar. They make everything in-house.

“The first thing we try to focus on is the quality of our food, everything we do here is fresh. The salsa bar is fabulous because it gives our customers a variety of salsas from mild to very spicy,” Beck said.

They also have something called the Papa Loca. A smashed baked potato wrapped in foil and then served in a cup and topped with cheese, scallions and sour cream. “It’s amazing how many people love the crazy potato,” Beck said.

When you step inside the restaurant, it is warm and inviting. As you enter the doors of Backyard Taco, you will see the phrase “Mexcellence,” meaning that everything they do at the restaurant is driven around excellence.

Guest Tiffany Khan, senior director and revenue officer at Arizona PBS, suggested Backyard Taco as her top pick. She ordered the birria tacos. “The birria for me is where it starts and where it ends,” Tiffany said. “It’s really tender beef, shredded, that feels like it’s been cooked and marinated forever.”

She goes on to describe the al pastor tacos. “I was surprised the first time I bit into it. I didn’t expect the pineapple, so the sweetness was really nice.” Tiffany said.

Guest Adrienne Fairwell had the chicken burrito and was pleasantly surprised. “I have never heard of Backyard Taco, so we went and it was absolutely delicious.”

“Everything about the burrito was fresh,” Fairwell said. “The chicken was tender and I could taste just a twinge of spice.”

Guest Allison Otu, went for the Papa Loca. “It’s essentially a freshly smashed baked potato, and they smother it in sour cream and tons of cheese,” Otu explained. “It was just heavenly.”

The restaurant also has a drive through, which our guest Tiffany noted is very convenient. “The ability to drive through and get food that is fresh and tastes delicious, is really helpful.” she said.

If you are looking for an authentic Mexican food restaurant, Backyard Taco is a great option.