I'm a huge Taco Bell fan, but after trying Del Taco for the first time I now prefer the West Coast chain
Mary Meisenzahl
![I'm a huge Taco Bell fan, but after trying Del Taco for the first time I now prefer the West Coast chain](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticbiassets.in%2Fthumb%2Fmsid-94007131%2Cwidth-700%2Cheight-525%2Cimgsize-74958%2Fiaposm-a-huge-taco-bell-fan-but-after-trying-del-taco-for-the-first-time-i-now-prefer-the-west-coast-chain.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
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.
![I](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007811,width-700,height-525,imgsize-612048/iaposm-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-.jpg)
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.
![Taco Bell is the bigger of the two chains, with 7,900 locations around the world as of August 3, according to earnings.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007806,width-700,height-525,imgsize-105764/taco-bell-is-the-bigger-of-the-two-chains-with-7900-locations-around-the-world-as-of-august-3-according-to-earnings-.jpg)
Mike Blake/Reuters
It's a part of Yum! Brands, which also owns Pizza Hut and KFC.
![It](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007796,width-700,height-525,imgsize-679208/itaposs-a-part-of-yum-brands-which-also-owns-pizza-hut-and-kfc-.jpg)
KFC SOPA Images
Del Taco has just a fraction of those, with 600 US locations in 16 states, according to the company.
![Del Taco has just a fraction of those, with 600 US locations in 16 states, according to the company.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007784,width-700,height-525,imgsize-49320/del-taco-has-just-a-fraction-of-those-with-600-us-locations-in-16-states-according-to-the-company-.jpg)
Hollis Johnson/Business Insider
The chain was just acquired by another franchise, Jack in the Box, for $585 million.
![The chain was just acquired by another franchise, Jack in the Box, for $585 million.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007779,width-700,height-525,imgsize-128770/the-chain-was-just-acquired-by-another-franchise-jack-in-the-box-for-585-million-.jpg)
Getty Images/David McNew
Source: Nation's Restaurant News
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 is a global chain with locations in 26 countries, while Del Taco remains a regional US chain mostly limited to the West coast.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007769,width-700,height-525,imgsize-136940/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-.jpg)
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.
![Taco Bell did over $13 billion in sales in 2021 according to the company](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007765,width-700,height-525,imgsize-186050/taco-bell-did-over-13-billion-in-sales-in-2021-according-to-the-companyaposs-earnings-but-del-taco-was-privately-owned-until-recently-and-didnapost-release-that-information-.jpg)
Kate Taylor
I visited an Orange County, California location to test it out.
![I visited an Orange County, California location to test it out.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007759,width-700,height-525,imgsize-303936/i-visited-an-orange-county-california-location-to-test-it-out-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
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-94007754,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-94007747,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-94007743,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-94007737,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-94007732,width-700,height-525,imgsize-378508/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 glass next to the counter I could see the refrigerator with ingredients including tomatoes, cheese, and limes, another acknowledgement of fresh ingredients.
![Through glass next to the counter I could see the refrigerator with ingredients including tomatoes, cheese, and limes, another acknowledgement of fresh ingredients.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007728,width-700,height-525,imgsize-312664/through-glass-next-to-the-counter-i-could-see-the-refrigerator-with-ingredients-including-tomatoes-cheese-and-limes-another-acknowledgement-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-94007726,width-700,height-525,imgsize-299612/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-94007724,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-94007714,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-94007709,width-700,height-525,imgsize-90396/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-94007701,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-94007695,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-94007691,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-94007687,width-700,height-525,imgsize-278406/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-94007676,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-94007669,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-94007663,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-94007652,width-700,height-525,imgsize-444920/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-94007643,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-94007633,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 a shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and secret sauce in a soft tortilla.
![It comes with a shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and secret sauce in a soft tortilla.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007627,width-700,height-525,imgsize-208536/it-comes-with-a-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-94007624,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-94007618,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-94007614,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-94007608,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-94007601,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-94007593,width-700,height-525,imgsize-44936/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-94007586,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-94007581,width-700,height-525,imgsize-85934/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-94007578,width-700,height-525,imgsize-73264/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-94007568,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-94007564,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-94007555,width-700,height-525,imgsize-82146/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-94007546,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-94007537,width-700,height-525,imgsize-96292/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
I went to Taco Bell, one of my favorite fast food restaurants, to compare.
![I went to Taco Bell, one of my favorite fast food restaurants, to compare.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007525,width-700,height-525,imgsize-154602/i-went-to-taco-bell-one-of-my-favorite-fast-food-restaurants-to-compare-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I got a basic supreme soft taco, a classic.
![I got a basic supreme soft taco, a classic.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007513,width-700,height-525,imgsize-106970/i-got-a-basic-supreme-soft-taco-a-classic-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I got a Doritos Locos Supreme Taco, which is one of the chain's best innovations to me.
![I got a Doritos Locos Supreme Taco, which is one of the chain](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007500,width-700,height-525,imgsize-178682/i-got-a-doritos-locos-supreme-taco-which-is-one-of-the-chainaposs-best-innovations-to-me-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I never leave Taco Bell without one, they add the perfect tasty crunch to an already good taco.
![I never leave Taco Bell without one, they add the perfect tasty crunch to an already good taco.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007492,width-700,height-525,imgsize-110052/i-never-leave-taco-bell-without-one-they-add-the-perfect-tasty-crunch-to-an-already-good-taco-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I added another favorite, a Crunchwrap Supreme.
![I added another favorite, a Crunchwrap Supreme.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007478,width-700,height-525,imgsize-145016/i-added-another-favorite-a-crunchwrap-supreme-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It's classic Taco Bell, and basically a full meal itself.
![It](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007464,width-700,height-525,imgsize-139628/itaposs-classic-taco-bell-and-basically-a-full-meal-itself-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It's got beef, cheese, and all the usual fillings wrapped up perfectly.
![It](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007450,width-700,height-525,imgsize-106400/itaposs-got-beef-cheese-and-all-the-usual-fillings-wrapped-up-perfectly-.jpg)
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.
![The grilled cheese burrito is a limited time offer that](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007437,width-700,height-525,imgsize-144102/the-grilled-cheese-burrito-is-a-limited-time-offer-thataposs-back-on-menus-so-i-was-happy-to-try-it-again-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It's representative of the best kind of Taco Bell LTO — cheesy, hearty, and unexpected.
![It](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007428,width-700,height-525,imgsize-206570/itaposs-representative-of-the-best-kind-of-taco-bell-lto-x2014xa0cheesy-hearty-and-unexpected-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The beefy melt burrito was surprisingly large for $2.69.
![The beefy melt burrito was surprisingly large for $2.69.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007418,width-700,height-525,imgsize-217880/the-beefy-melt-burrito-was-surprisingly-large-for-2-69-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It's not part of my normal rotation, but it might be after this.
![It](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007411,width-700,height-525,imgsize-67782/itaposs-not-part-of-my-normal-rotation-but-it-might-be-after-this-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I'd forgotten how good the toasted cheddar chalupa was.
![I](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007405,width-700,height-525,imgsize-160352/iaposd-forgotten-how-good-the-toasted-cheddar-chalupa-was-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The toasted cheddar shell is so good, I could eat just about anything on it.
![The toasted cheddar shell is so good, I could eat just about anything on it.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007399,width-700,height-525,imgsize-123062/the-toasted-cheddar-shell-is-so-good-i-could-eat-just-about-anything-on-it-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Some other dishes, like the cheesy gordita crunch, aren't quite as impressive.
![Some other dishes, like the cheesy gordita crunch, aren](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007396,width-700,height-525,imgsize-111920/some-other-dishes-like-the-cheesy-gordita-crunch-arenapost-quite-as-impressive-.jpg)
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.
![It wasn](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007389,width-700,height-525,imgsize-98518/it-wasnapost-horrible-but-it-was-missing-a-good-crunch-from-the-inner-shell-and-didnapost-feel-worth-the-nearly-5-price-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The spicy potato soft taco is a clear star of Taco Bell's menu among vegetarians and meat eaters.
![The spicy potato soft taco is a clear star of Taco Bell](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007381,width-700,height-525,imgsize-86482/the-spicy-potatoxa0soft-taco-is-a-clear-star-of-taco-bellaposs-menu-among-vegetarians-and-meat-eaters-.jpg)
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.
![It](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007376,width-700,height-525,imgsize-110152/itaposs-only-1-49-and-consistently-delicious-so-i-completely-understand-why-fans-were-outraged-when-potatoes-temporarily-left-the-menu-.jpg)
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Source: 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.
![I wasn](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007369,width-700,height-525,imgsize-263964/i-wasnapost-able-to-try-the-mexican-pizza-which-also-led-to-an-outcry-from-fans-on-this-visit-because-they-wonapost-be-back-in-stock-until-mid-september-.jpg)
Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza. Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images
Source: Insider
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.
![While I enjoy the Mexican Pizza, it](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007362,width-700,height-525,imgsize-121592/while-i-enjoy-the-mexican-pizza-itaposs-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-.jpg)
Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza. Taco Bell
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](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007351,width-700,height-525,imgsize-22000/taco-bellaposs-guacamole-is-a-clear-loser-compared-to-del-tacoaposs-version-the-chain-doesnapost-make-itaposs-own-guacamole-and-it-shows-.jpg)
Taco Bell Online
Source: Insider
Now that I've tried both chains, I surprised myself by preferring Del Taco.
![Now that I](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007341,width-700,height-525,imgsize-110668/now-that-iaposve-tried-both-chains-i-surprised-myself-by-preferring-del-taco-.jpg)
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.
![In fairness, I](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007332,width-700,height-525,imgsize-145754/in-fairness-iaposve-eaten-at-taco-bell-dozens-of-times-and-iaposm-fairly-used-to-the-menu-while-del-taco-is-still-novel-to-me-.jpg)
Taco Bell opening Hammersmith, London Tom 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.
![And I](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007311,width-700,height-525,imgsize-785806/and-iaposm-by-no-means-a-taco-bell-hater-itaposs-still-one-of-my-favorite-fast-food-chains-and-iaposll-likely-be-back-soon-.jpg)
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.
![The chains are very similarly priced, with a big emphasis on value and deals.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007300,width-700,height-525,imgsize-124392/the-chains-are-very-similarly-priced-with-a-big-emphasis-on-value-and-deals-.jpg)
Del Taco
Del Taco's fresh seeming ingredients and somewhat smaller menu made the dishes tastier and more satisfying.
![Del Taco](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007293,width-700,height-525,imgsize-107860/del-tacoaposs-fresh-seeming-ingredients-and-somewhat-smaller-menu-made-the-dishes-tastier-and-more-satisfying-.jpg)
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.
![Then again, maybe that](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-94007291,width-700,height-525,imgsize-134996/then-again-maybe-thataposs-just-the-price-of-expanding-into-a-fast-food-superpower-and-del-taco-will-look-different-as-it-grows-.jpg)
Matt Marton / AP Images
Do you have a story to share about a retail or restaurant chain? Email this reporter at mmeisenzahl@businessinsider.com.
Popular Right Now
Advertisement