I'm a huge Taco Bell fan, but after trying Del Taco for the first time I now prefer the West Coast chain

Mary MeisenzahlSep 5, 2022, 18:29 IST

Taco Bell's new vegetarian menu.Taco Bell

I tried Del Taco for the first time as a die-hard Taco Bell lover.
I was impressed by Del Taco's fresh ingredients, housemade guacamole, and plant-based protein.

I'm a huge Taco Bell fan, so on a recent West Coast trip I was eager to try Del Taco and see how the two chains compare.

Taco Bell.Shutterstock

Taco Bell is the bigger of the two chains, with 7,900 locations around the world as of August 3, according to earnings.

Mike Blake/Reuters

It's a part of Yum! Brands, which also owns Pizza Hut and KFC.

KFCSOPA Images

Del Taco has just a fraction of those, with 600 US locations in 16 states, according to the company.

Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

The chain was just acquired by another franchise, Jack in the Box, for $585 million.

Getty Images/David McNew

Taco Bell is a global chain with locations in 26 countries, while Del Taco remains a regional US chain mostly limited to the West coast.

Taco Bell just introduced a taco subscription.Taco Bell

Taco Bell did over $13 billion in sales in 2021 according to the company's earnings, but Del Taco was privately owned until recently and didn't release that information.

Kate Taylor

Taco Bell did over $13 billion in sales in 2021 according to the company's earnings, but Del Taco was privately owned until recently and didn't release that information.

I visited an Orange County, California location to test it out.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The decor inside the restaurant I visited definitely had a Southwestern feel.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Words and images across the design emphasized fresh ingredients prepared on-site.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

All the decor promised bold flavors and made-to-order food.

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.

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.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Through glass next to the counter I could see the refrigerator with ingredients including tomatoes, cheese, and limes, another acknowledgement of fresh ingredients.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

I wanted to sample almost the entire menu, so I ended up with two large bags of food.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

I started with the Nachotada Crunchtada, a new addition to the menu.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

It was a crunchy tortilla shell topped with beans, beef, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, and jalapeños.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

It reminded me a lot of Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza, and it was absolutely delicious.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Next up, I tried the Beyond guacamole taco, with plant-based meat.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The taco was pretty standard, but the guacamole definitely took it over the top.

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.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Next up was a bean and cheese burrito, a classic cheap fast food meal.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

For just $1.49, it was tasty and exactly what I wanted from a small burrito.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

It comes with "zesty red" or "tangy green" sauce. I went with the red, and was very happy with my decision.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

I had to try the namesake Del Taco, with all the fixings.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

It comes in crunchy and soft options.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

It was a basic fast food taco with beef, cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce, but it hit the mark perfectly.

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.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

It comes with a shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and secret sauce in a soft tortilla.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

I loved the touch of a lime wedge, which I squeezed onto my taco.

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.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The stuffed quesadilla taco was one of my favorites, thanks to the queso blanco between the two tortillas.

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.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The crispy chicken taco was especially good and filling for just $1.49.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The crispy chicken adds a nice texture to each bite, and I'd definitely order again.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The only item I didn't completely love was also the most expensive.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The chili cheddar fries weren't bad, but they weren't as impressive as everything else I ordered.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The toppings were great, but the fries were middling.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The Del cheeseburger was shockingly good, the biggest surprise of my meal.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

I went to Taco Bell, one of my favorite fast food restaurants, to compare.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

I got a basic supreme soft taco, a classic.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

I got a Doritos Locos Supreme Taco, which is one of the chain's best innovations to me.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

I never leave Taco Bell without one, they add the perfect tasty crunch to an already good taco.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

I added another favorite, a Crunchwrap Supreme.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

It's classic Taco Bell, and basically a full meal itself.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

It's got beef, cheese, and all the usual fillings wrapped up perfectly.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The grilled cheese burrito is a limited time offer that's back on menus, so I was happy to try it again.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

It's representative of the best kind of Taco Bell LTO — cheesy, hearty, and unexpected.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The beefy melt burrito was surprisingly large for $2.69.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

It's not part of my normal rotation, but it might be after this.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

I'd forgotten how good the toasted cheddar chalupa was.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The toasted cheddar shell is so good, I could eat just about anything on it.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Some other dishes, like the cheesy gordita crunch, aren't quite as impressive.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

It wasn't horrible, but it was missing a good crunch from the inner shell, and didn't feel worth the nearly $5 price.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The spicy potato soft taco is a clear star of Taco Bell's menu among vegetarians and meat eaters.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

It's only $1.49 and consistently delicious, so I completely understand why fans were outraged when potatoes temporarily left the menu.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

I wasn't able to try the Mexican Pizza, which also led to an outcry from fans, on this visit because they won't be back in stock until mid September.

Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza.Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images

While I enjoy the Mexican Pizza, it's basically the same thing as the Nachotada from Del Taco, which is readily available. I see no reason to wait for Mexican Pizza in the meantime.

Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza.Taco Bell

While I enjoy the Mexican Pizza, it's basically the same thing as the Nachotada from Del Taco, which is readily available. I see no reason to wait for Mexican Pizza in the meantime.

Taco Bell's guacamole is a clear loser compared to Del Taco's version. The chain doesn't make it's own guacamole, and it shows.

Taco Bell Online

Now that I've tried both chains, I surprised myself by preferring Del Taco.

Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

In fairness, I've eaten at Taco Bell dozens of times, and I'm fairly used to the menu, while Del Taco is still novel to me.

Taco Bell opening Hammersmith, LondonTom Murray / Business Insider

And I'm by no means a Taco Bell hater. It's still one of my favorite fast food chains, and I'll likely be back soon.

Customers line up at a Taco Bell restaurant inside Miami International Airport in Miami.AP/Wilfredo Lee

The chains are very similarly priced, with a big emphasis on value and deals.

Del Taco

Del Taco's fresh seeming ingredients and somewhat smaller menu made the dishes tastier and more satisfying.

Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

Then again, maybe that's just the price of expanding into a fast food superpower, and Del Taco will look different as it grows.

Matt Marton / AP Images

I shopped at a regular Costco and a Costco Business Center and found two completely different stores targeting different customers

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

I'm a huge Taco Bell fan, but after trying Del Taco for the first time I now prefer the West Coast chain

I'm a huge Taco Bell fan, so on a recent West Coast trip I was eager to try Del Taco and see how the two chains compare.

Taco Bell is the bigger of the two chains, with 7,900 locations around the world as of August 3, according to earnings.

It's a part of Yum! Brands, which also owns Pizza Hut and KFC.

Del Taco has just a fraction of those, with 600 US locations in 16 states, according to the company.

The chain was just acquired by another franchise, Jack in the Box, for $585 million.

Taco Bell is a global chain with locations in 26 countries, while Del Taco remains a regional US chain mostly limited to the West coast.

Taco Bell did over $13 billion in sales in 2021 according to the company's earnings, but Del Taco was privately owned until recently and didn't release that information.

I visited an Orange County, California location to test it out.

The decor inside the restaurant I visited definitely had a Southwestern feel.

Words and images across the design emphasized fresh ingredients prepared on-site.

All the decor promised bold flavors and made-to-order food.

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.

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.

Through glass next to the counter I could see the refrigerator with ingredients including tomatoes, cheese, and limes, another acknowledgement of fresh ingredients.

I wanted to sample almost the entire menu, so I ended up with two large bags of food.

I started with the Nachotada Crunchtada, a new addition to the menu.

It was a crunchy tortilla shell topped with beans, beef, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, and jalapeños.

It reminded me a lot of Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza, and it was absolutely delicious.

Next up, I tried the Beyond guacamole taco, with plant-based meat.

The taco was pretty standard, but the guacamole definitely took it over the top.

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.

Next up was a bean and cheese burrito, a classic cheap fast food meal.

For just $1.49, it was tasty and exactly what I wanted from a small burrito.

It comes with "zesty red" or "tangy green" sauce. I went with the red, and was very happy with my decision.

I had to try the namesake Del Taco, with all the fixings.

It comes in crunchy and soft options.

It was a basic fast food taco with beef, cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce, but it hit the mark perfectly.

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.

It comes with a shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and secret sauce in a soft tortilla.

I loved the touch of a lime wedge, which I squeezed onto my taco.

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.

The stuffed quesadilla taco was one of my favorites, thanks to the queso blanco between the two tortillas.

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 taco was especially good and filling for just $1.49.

The crispy chicken adds a nice texture to each bite, and I'd definitely order again.

The only item I didn't completely love was also the most expensive.

The chili cheddar fries weren't bad, but they weren't as impressive as everything else I ordered.

The toppings were great, but the fries were middling.

The Del cheeseburger was shockingly good, the biggest surprise of my meal.

Before I visited, I didn't even know Del Taco sold burgers, but my Uber driver told me I had to try it.

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.

My huge order came out to $26.09, and was easily enough food for several people, so it felt like a very good deal.

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 went to Taco Bell, one of my favorite fast food restaurants, to compare.

I got a basic supreme soft taco, a classic.

I got a Doritos Locos Supreme Taco, which is one of the chain's best innovations to me.

I never leave Taco Bell without one, they add the perfect tasty crunch to an already good taco.

I added another favorite, a Crunchwrap Supreme.

It's classic Taco Bell, and basically a full meal itself.

It's got beef, cheese, and all the usual fillings wrapped up perfectly.

The grilled cheese burrito is a limited time offer that's back on menus, so I was happy to try it again.

It's representative of the best kind of Taco Bell LTO — cheesy, hearty, and unexpected.

The beefy melt burrito was surprisingly large for $2.69.

It's not part of my normal rotation, but it might be after this.

I'd forgotten how good the toasted cheddar chalupa was.

The toasted cheddar shell is so good, I could eat just about anything on it.

Some other dishes, like the cheesy gordita crunch, aren't quite as impressive.

It wasn't horrible, but it was missing a good crunch from the inner shell, and didn't feel worth the nearly $5 price.

The spicy potato soft taco is a clear star of Taco Bell's menu among vegetarians and meat eaters.

It's only $1.49 and consistently delicious, so I completely understand why fans were outraged when potatoes temporarily left the menu.

I wasn't able to try the Mexican Pizza, which also led to an outcry from fans, on this visit because they won't be back in stock until mid September.

While I enjoy the Mexican Pizza, it's basically the same thing as the Nachotada from Del Taco, which is readily available. I see no reason to wait for Mexican Pizza in the meantime.

Taco Bell's guacamole is a clear loser compared to Del Taco's version. The chain doesn't make it's own guacamole, and it shows.

Now that I've tried both chains, I surprised myself by preferring Del Taco.

In fairness, I've eaten at Taco Bell dozens of times, and I'm fairly used to the menu, while Del Taco is still novel to me.

And I'm by no means a Taco Bell hater. It's still one of my favorite fast food chains, and I'll likely be back soon.

The chains are very similarly priced, with a big emphasis on value and deals.

Del Taco's fresh seeming ingredients and somewhat smaller menu made the dishes tastier and more satisfying.

Then again, maybe that's just the price of expanding into a fast food superpower, and Del Taco will look different as it grows.