I just visited Del Taco for the first time and now I understand why Jack in the Box scooped up the chain for nearly $600 million last year
Mary Meisenzahl
![I just visited Del Taco for the first time and now I understand why Jack in the Box scooped up the chain for nearly $600 million last year](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticbiassets.in%2Fthumb%2Fmsid-93820880%2Cwidth-700%2Cheight-525%2Cimgsize-49320%2Fi-just-visited-del-taco-for-the-first-time-and-now-i-understand-why-jack-in-the-box-scooped-up-the-chain-for-nearly-600-million-last-year.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Hollis Johnson/Business Insider
- I visited Del Taco for the first time to taste test the food.
- It was affordable and delicious, with a huge menu.
On my recent West coast trip, I got to try Del Taco for the first time, along with some other California staples.
![On my recent West coast trip, I got to try Del Taco for the first time, along with some other California staples.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821194,width-700,height-525,imgsize-148722/on-my-recent-west-coast-trip-i-got-to-try-del-taco-for-the-first-time-along-with-some-other-california-staples-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Del Taco sells "Mexican-inspired" fast food at 600 US locations in 16 states.
![Del Taco sells "Mexican-inspired" fast food at 600 US locations in 16 states.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821190,width-700,height-525,imgsize-460078/del-taco-sells-quotmexican-inspiredquot-fast-food-at-600-us-locations-in-16-states-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The chain was just acquired by another franchise, Jack in the Box, for $585 million, so I was excited to see what made the chain so valuable.
![The chain was just acquired by another franchise, Jack in the Box, for $585 million, so I was excited to see what made the chain so valuable.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821188,width-700,height-525,imgsize-128770/the-chain-was-just-acquired-by-another-franchise-jack-in-the-box-for-585-million-so-i-was-excited-to-see-what-made-the-chain-so-valuable-.jpg)
Getty Images/David McNew
Source: Nation's Restaurant News
The decor inside the restaurant I visited definitely had a Southwestern feel.
![The decor inside the restaurant I visited definitely had a Southwestern feel.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821184,width-700,height-525,imgsize-142238/the-decor-inside-the-restaurant-i-visited-definitely-had-a-southwestern-feel-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Words and images across the design emphasized fresh ingredients prepared on-site.
![Words and images across the design emphasized fresh ingredients prepared on-site.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821180,width-700,height-525,imgsize-251674/words-and-images-across-the-design-emphasized-fresh-ingredients-prepared-on-site-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
All the decor promised bold flavors and made-to-order food.
![All the decor promised bold flavors and made-to-order food.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821178,width-700,height-525,imgsize-84776/all-the-decor-promised-bold-flavors-and-made-to-order-food-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
There was a toppings bar that looks like it might typically have salsa, cheese, or other typical taco additions, but it was empty when I was there.
![There was a toppings bar that looks like it might typically have salsa, cheese, or other typical taco additions, but it was empty when I was there.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821170,width-700,height-525,imgsize-189318/there-was-a-toppings-bar-that-looks-like-it-might-typically-have-salsa-cheese-or-other-typical-taco-additions-but-it-was-empty-when-i-was-there-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The menu was almost overwhelming with how large it was, but luckily I'd already ordered on my phone, so I could take my time.
![The menu was almost overwhelming with how large it was, but luckily I](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821164,width-700,height-525,imgsize-321694/the-menu-was-almost-overwhelming-with-how-large-it-was-but-luckily-iaposd-already-ordered-on-my-phone-so-i-could-take-my-time-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Through the glass next to the counter I could see the refrigerator with ingredients including tomatoes, cheese, and limes, another acknowledgment of fresh ingredients.
![Through the glass next to the counter I could see the refrigerator with ingredients including tomatoes, cheese, and limes, another acknowledgment of fresh ingredients.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821157,width-700,height-525,imgsize-312664/through-the-glass-next-to-the-counter-i-could-see-the-refrigerator-with-ingredients-including-tomatoes-cheese-and-limes-another-acknowledgment-of-fresh-ingredients-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I wanted to sample almost the entire menu, so I ended up with two large bags of food.
![I wanted to sample almost the entire menu, so I ended up with two large bags of food.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821154,width-700,height-525,imgsize-286076/i-wanted-to-sample-almost-the-entire-menu-so-i-ended-up-with-two-large-bags-of-food-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I started with the Nachotada Crunchtada, a new addition to the menu.
![I started with the Nachotada Crunchtada, a new addition to the menu.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821151,width-700,height-525,imgsize-232294/i-started-with-the-nachotada-crunchtada-a-new-addition-to-the-menu-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It was a crunchy tortilla shell topped with beans, beef, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, and jalapeños.
![It was a crunchy tortilla shell topped with beans, beef, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, and jalapeños.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821146,width-700,height-525,imgsize-264144/it-was-a-crunchy-tortilla-shell-topped-with-beans-beef-cheese-tomatoes-sour-cream-and-jalapexf1os-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It reminded me a lot of Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza, and it was absolutely delicious.
![It reminded me a lot of Taco Bell](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821137,width-700,height-525,imgsize-85480/it-reminded-me-a-lot-of-taco-bellaposs-mexican-pizza-and-it-was-absolutely-delicious-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Next up, I tried the Beyond guacamole taco, with plant-based meat.
![Next up, I tried the Beyond guacamole taco, with plant-based meat.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821133,width-700,height-525,imgsize-310030/next-up-i-tried-the-beyond-guacamole-taco-with-plant-based-meat-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The taco was pretty standard, but the guacamole definitely took it over the top.
![The taco was pretty standard, but the guacamole definitely took it over the top.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821125,width-700,height-525,imgsize-446778/the-taco-was-pretty-standard-but-the-guacamole-definitely-took-it-over-the-top-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It's a solid plant-based option, and swapping guacamole for sour cream makes it easy to go vegan without feeling like you're missing out.
![It](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821118,width-700,height-525,imgsize-456194/itaposs-a-solid-plant-based-option-and-swapping-guacamole-for-sour-cream-makes-it-easy-to-go-vegan-without-feeling-like-youaposre-missing-out-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Next up was a bean and cheese burrito, a classic cheap fast-food meal.
![Next up was a bean and cheese burrito, a classic cheap fast-food meal.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821114,width-700,height-525,imgsize-307054/next-up-was-a-bean-and-cheese-burrito-a-classic-cheap-fast-food-meal-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
For just $1.49, it was tasty and exactly what I wanted from a small burrito.
![For just $1.49, it was tasty and exactly what I wanted from a small burrito.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821109,width-700,height-525,imgsize-315418/for-just-1-49-it-was-tasty-and-exactly-what-i-wanted-from-a-small-burrito-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It comes with "zesty red" or "tangy green" sauce. I went with the red and was very happy with my decision.
![It comes with "zesty red" or "tangy green" sauce. I went with the red and was very happy with my decision.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821105,width-700,height-525,imgsize-443520/it-comes-with-quotzesty-redquot-or-quottangy-greenquot-sauce-i-went-with-the-red-and-was-very-happy-with-my-decision-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I had to try the namesake Del Taco, with all the fixings.
![I had to try the namesake Del Taco, with all the fixings.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821102,width-700,height-525,imgsize-276428/i-had-to-try-the-namesake-del-taco-with-all-the-fixings-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It comes in crunchy and soft options.
![It comes in crunchy and soft options.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821098,width-700,height-525,imgsize-608656/it-comes-in-crunchy-and-soft-options-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It was a basic fast food taco with beef, cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce, but it hit the mark perfectly.
![It was a basic fast food taco with beef, cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce, but it hit the mark perfectly.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821094,width-700,height-525,imgsize-71838/it-was-a-basic-fast-food-taco-with-beef-cheese-tomatoes-and-lettuce-but-it-hit-the-mark-perfectly-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I was really excited to try the beer battered crispy fish taco, which I can't remember having anything like at a fast food chain before.
![I was really excited to try the beer battered crispy fish taco, which I can](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821089,width-700,height-525,imgsize-281282/i-was-really-excited-to-try-the-beer-battered-crispy-fish-taco-which-i-canapost-remember-having-anything-like-at-a-fast-food-chain-before-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It comes with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and secret sauce in a soft tortilla.
![It comes with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and secret sauce in a soft tortilla.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821084,width-700,height-525,imgsize-268442/it-comes-with-shredded-cabbage-pico-de-gallo-and-secret-sauce-in-a-soft-tortilla-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I loved the touch of a lime wedge, which I squeezed onto my taco.
![I loved the touch of a lime wedge, which I squeezed onto my taco.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821080,width-700,height-525,imgsize-109122/i-loved-the-touch-of-a-lime-wedge-which-i-squeezed-onto-my-taco-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It was smaller than the other dishes I ordered, but it was crispy and light, a perfect break in the middle of my giant fast food meal.
![It was smaller than the other dishes I ordered, but it was crispy and light, a perfect break in the middle of my giant fast food meal.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821069,width-700,height-525,imgsize-217196/it-was-smaller-than-the-other-dishes-i-ordered-but-it-was-crispy-and-light-a-perfect-break-in-the-middle-of-my-giant-fast-food-meal-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The stuffed quesadilla taco was one of my favorites, thanks to the queso blanco between the two tortillas.
![The stuffed quesadilla taco was one of my favorites, thanks to the queso blanco between the two tortillas.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821064,width-700,height-525,imgsize-109224/the-stuffed-quesadilla-taco-was-one-of-my-favorites-thanks-to-the-queso-blanco-between-the-two-tortillas-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The crispy chicken and all the cheese went together perfectly, and it was exactly what you want out of a fast food taco.
![The crispy chicken and all the cheese went together perfectly, and it was exactly what you want out of a fast food taco.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821058,width-700,height-525,imgsize-71696/the-crispy-chicken-and-all-the-cheese-went-together-perfectly-and-it-was-exactly-what-you-want-out-of-a-fast-food-taco-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The crispy chicken taco was especially good and filling for just $1.49.
![The crispy chicken taco was especially good and filling for just $1.49.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821052,width-700,height-525,imgsize-99624/the-crispy-chicken-taco-was-especially-good-and-filling-for-just-1-49-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The crispy chicken adds a nice texture to each bite, and I'd definitely order again.
![The crispy chicken adds a nice texture to each bite, and I](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821044,width-700,height-525,imgsize-44926/the-crispy-chicken-adds-a-nice-texture-to-each-bite-and-iaposd-definitely-order-again-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The only item I didn't completely love was also the most expensive.
![The only item I didn](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821033,width-700,height-525,imgsize-95660/the-only-item-i-didnapost-completely-love-was-also-the-most-expensive-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The chili cheddar fries weren't bad, but they weren't as impressive as everything else I ordered.
![The chili cheddar fries weren](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821015,width-700,height-525,imgsize-80782/the-chili-cheddar-fries-werenapost-bad-but-they-werenapost-as-impressive-as-everything-else-i-ordered-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The toppings were great, but the fries were middling.
![The toppings were great, but the fries were middling.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93821005,width-700,height-525,imgsize-67840/the-toppings-were-great-but-the-fries-were-middling-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The Del cheeseburger was shockingly good, the biggest surprise of my meal.
![The Del cheeseburger was shockingly good, the biggest surprise of my meal.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93820992,width-700,height-525,imgsize-74360/the-del-cheeseburger-was-shockingly-good-the-biggest-surprise-of-my-meal-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Before I visited, I didn't even know Del Taco sold burgers, but my Uber driver told me I had to try it.
![Before I visited, I didn](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93820985,width-700,height-525,imgsize-65208/before-i-visited-i-didnapost-even-know-del-taco-sold-burgers-but-my-uber-driver-told-me-i-had-to-try-it-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It was juicy and cheesy, with the right amount of crunch from the vegetables. Somehow, Del Taco sold one of the best fast food burgers I've ever had.
![It was juicy and cheesy, with the right amount of crunch from the vegetables. Somehow, Del Taco sold one of the best fast food burgers I](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93820979,width-700,height-525,imgsize-64426/it-was-juicy-and-cheesy-with-the-right-amount-of-crunch-from-the-vegetables-somehow-del-taco-sold-one-of-the-best-fast-food-burgers-iaposve-ever-had-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
My huge order came out to $26.09 and was easily enough food for several people, so it felt like a very good deal.
![My huge order came out to $26.09 and was easily enough food for several people, so it felt like a very good deal.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93820971,width-700,height-525,imgsize-28500/my-huge-order-came-out-to-26-09-and-was-easily-enough-food-for-several-people-so-it-felt-like-a-very-good-deal-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I only visited Del Taco because it was convenient, but I'm so glad I did because it was one of the best West coast chains I tried.
![I only visited Del Taco because it was convenient, but I](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-93820966,width-700,height-525,imgsize-75086/i-only-visited-del-taco-because-it-was-convenient-but-iaposm-so-glad-i-did-because-it-was-one-of-the-best-west-coast-chains-i-tried-.jpg)
Hollis Johnson/Business Insider
Do you have a story to share about a retail or restaurant chain? Email this reporter at mmeisenzahl@businessinsider.com.
Popular Right Now
Advertisement