Unearth The Voyage
New Mexico is home to some truly amazing tacos, even in the fast-food world. From national chains to local favorites, the Land of Enchantment offers plenty of quick taco options for hungry folks on the go. Whether you’re craving crunchy shells, soft tortillas, or something uniquely New Mexican, these fast-food spots deliver tasty tacos without the wait.
1. Jack in the Box (multiple NM cities)
Late-night taco cravings have a dependable answer at Jack in the Box locations scattered across Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Rio Rancho. These ultra-budget crunchy tacos definitely fall into guilty pleasure territory – more about satisfying a craving than authentic Mexican cuisine. The tacos feature seasoned meat, crispy shells, and a slice of American cheese that somehow works despite sounding strange. They’re nothing fancy, but they’re consistent, cheap, and available when many other places have closed for the night.
2. Del Taco (Albuquerque & Rio Rancho)
Surprisingly diverse taco options make Del Taco stand out among budget chains. Unlike competitors focused solely on ground beef, Del Taco serves up beer-battered fish tacos, grilled chicken varieties, and even carne asada when available. Multiple Albuquerque locations plus a Rio Rancho outpost make it accessible throughout the metro area. The chain strikes a nice balance between price and quality, offering fresher ingredients than you might expect at the price point. Their signature red sauce adds a kick that elevates even their basic tacos above typical fast-food fare.
3. Chipotle Mexican Grill (Albuquerque, multiple units)
Many folks forget Chipotle actually serves tacos! Beyond their famous burritos, Albuquerque’s several Chipotle locations offer both soft and crispy taco options with their signature build-your-own approach. Fresh toppings are the main draw here – from vibrant salsas to hand-cut vegetables. The tacos follow the same protein lineup as their other menu items: responsibly raised meats and organic sofritas for vegetarians. While bowls might give you more bang for your buck, the tacos provide a handheld option with the same quality ingredients that made Chipotle famous.
4. QDOBA Mexican Eats (Farmington)
Farmington residents know the joy of unlimited toppings at QDOBA, where guacamole and queso come standard rather than as costly add-ons. The build-your-own taco station lets you pile on as many extras as you want without nickel-and-diming you to death. Flour or corn tortillas cradle proteins ranging from grilled chicken to seasoned ground beef and pulled pork. What really shines is the topping bar – fresh pico, roasted corn salsa, and multiple queso varieties. The Farmington location has become a local fixture for quick Mexican food with a customizable twist.
5. Twisters Burgers & Burritos (Albuquerque & area)
Breaking Bad fans might recognize Twisters as Los Pollos Hermanos from the hit show, but locals know it as a genuine New Mexican fast-food treasure. Their tacos deliver authentic local flavors that national chains simply can’t match. Green chile makes a welcome appearance, adding that distinctive New Mexico heat that keeps locals coming back. The menu boards showcase both traditional tacos and hearty taco salads for the carb-conscious. Family-owned and operated since 1998, Twisters manages to maintain quality and character despite expanding to multiple locations throughout the Albuquerque area.
6. Taco Box (Clovis, Portales, Farmington)
Since 1969, Taco Box has been serving up old-school tacos to eastern New Mexico communities with a simplicity that’s refreshingly nostalgic. This regional chain sticks to what works – crunchy corn shells filled with seasoned beef, lettuce, tomato and cheese. What makes them special is the distinctive New Mexican touch: green chile sauce that packs genuine local heat. The drive-thru setup feels like a throwback to simpler times, complete with combo meals that won’t break the bank. Generations of Clovis, Portales and Farmington families have grown up with these tacos as their standard for fast Mexican food.
7. Filiberto’s Mexican Food (Albuquerque, Rio Rancho)
Arizona-born but now firmly rooted in central New Mexico, Filiberto’s has earned its taco credentials through sheer portion size and late-night availability. Their carne asada tacos come stuffed with marinated grilled steak, never skimping on the meat. The rolled tacos (taquitos) deserve special mention – crispy, filled with shredded beef or chicken, and topped with guacamole. Many locations operate 24/7, making them the savior of hungry night owls throughout Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. Don’t forget to grab extra of their fiery salsa roja from the condiment counter – it elevates everything on the menu.
8. El Rigoberto’s / Rigoberto’s Taco Shop (Los Alamos & White Rock)
Scientists from Los Alamos National Laboratory flock to El Rigoberto’s for quick, satisfying tacos that deliver big flavors with minimal fuss. The no-frills counter service gets you back to work quickly, but the tacos themselves are worth savoring. Fish tacos here are surprisingly excellent – lightly battered and topped with fresh cabbage and a tangy white sauce. The carne asada version features well-seasoned steak with just the right char from the grill. Both the Los Alamos and White Rock locations maintain consistent quality, serving as welcome lunch spots in communities otherwise limited in quick Mexican food options.
9. Taco Tote (Albuquerque & Las Cruces)
Born in Juarez, Mexico before expanding to New Mexico, Taco Tote brings authentic Mexican street taco style to the fast-casual format. Their spacious Albuquerque and Las Cruces locations feature the signature salsa bar that sets them apart from competitors. The build-your-own concept works beautifully here – start with handmade corn or flour tortillas, add flame-grilled meats like adobada (marinated pork) or sirloin, then visit the extensive salsa bar. Six different house-made salsas range from mild pico de gallo to fiery chile de árbol. Large groups appreciate the family meal deals with mix-and-match protein options.
10. Casa Taco (Albuquerque & Elephant Butte)
The crown jewel of New Mexico’s fast-casual taco scene, Casa Taco has earned its top spot through innovation and quality. Their signature puffy tacos feature shells that are neither fully crunchy nor completely soft – instead, they’re griddled to create a unique texture that’s become their trademark. Family-owned with three locations across the state, Casa Taco maintains the personal touch that chain restaurants often lose. The green chile chicken puffy taco delivers a perfect balance of New Mexico heat, tender meat, and that distinctive shell. Reasonable prices and quick service keep it firmly in the fast-casual category despite quality that exceeds expectations.
