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patissac Jul 20, 2009 07:49 AM

Taco Bus in Tampa?

We plan on going to Busch Gardens this week and since we're rarely in the Tampa area, I wanted to check out this Mexican "taco stand" like bus I have heard about a couple of times. I just can not remember their location exactly. Can someone please give me directions or an address, we'll be coming from Busch Blvd heading back towards St.Pete, I'd like to stop there before we head home. Also if you can give a brief review of the place, that would be great! Thanks!

  1. t
    tampa eater Jul 27, 2009 10:45 AM

    The Taco Bus is still there and still as good as before! With more seating now, you can sit inside and not worry about the summer heat. The burritor or lunch taco specials are the way to go with the rice and beans all for $6. I have tried other mexican in the area, and this is the best around - at least from what I have found....Do not look for an actual bus because from the road you cannot see it - its in the back for to go orders....From 2-75 go left off the interstate and it will be on your right - 913 hillsborough

    1. rhnault Jul 20, 2009 08:20 AM

      El Taconazo- When you leave BG take 275 S and exit on Hillsborough. head East on Hillsborough and the Taco Bus is on the right just past the underpass of 275. Don't blink!
      I like their ceviche and tres leches cake.

      1. c
        catchem Jul 20, 2009 08:03 AM

        The 'bus' turned into a pretty cool open air restaurant over the years, although someone should clarify if it's still open. Anyway, the food was incredible and purely authentic - try the lengua tacos! Located east of busch gardens around 50th street (south side of the road) and shares a parking lot with the True Value hardware store. Another good spot is the taqueria on Hillsborough just east of 75, on the south side of the road.

        8 Replies
        1. re: catchem
          t
          TampaAurora Jul 20, 2009 09:20 AM

          The Taco Bus is most definitely open, in fact they have extended their hours and their menu.
          http://www.tampatacobus.com/

          Rene Valenzuela, the owner, is opening a new restaurant in Tampa - Taqueria Monterrey on Fletcher.
          http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/dail...

          1. re: TampaAurora
            a
            andy huse Jul 20, 2009 08:53 PM

            you guys are talking about two different places. I think the searcher is looking for Taconazo. But I used to eat at the other place on Busch Gardens for a little while, can't remember the name.

            1. re: andy huse
              t
              TampaAurora Jul 21, 2009 09:00 AM

              El Taconazo is the Taco Bus. Is there more than one restaurant made out of an old bus?

              1. re: TampaAurora
                d
                digyourself Jul 21, 2009 10:01 AM

                They were one in the same...the customers started calling it the Taco Bus and the new owner has made it official. At least that's what I heard.

                This place is great. I eat there quite often and I am never disappointed. The conchinita pibil is my choice of meat these days and right now I am hooked on the amazing tostadas. This place is not just a gimmicky bus serving tacos. The food is seriously dope. Get some.

                1. re: digyourself
                  a
                  andy huse Jul 22, 2009 06:45 PM

                  No no, pay attention. The restaurant he refers to was "Located east of busch gardens around 50th street (south side of the road)." I haven't been there in years, probably 02-03.

                  They served pretty good food out of a trailer, called La Calenita if I remember correctly. It was the best around until Taconazo and Los Tucanes came along off Hillsborough. It was a favorite when i lived in Temple Terrace (along with Dona Rossina's for simple simple food and pastries).

                  I went back a few years after i moved away, and there had been a shade roof attached to the trailer and a TV blaring. I didn't like it as much, and the food didn't pop. I never went back, but digyourself brought back memories. I don't think Calentina and Taconazo were the same at all, but I could be wrong.

                2. re: TampaAurora
                  p
                  patissac Jul 27, 2009 07:15 AM

                  Aurora and Dig, what is the address of this place please? I didn't end up making it out there after all, but plan to this week. Thanks!

                  1. re: patissac
                    t
                    TampaAurora Jul 27, 2009 08:56 AM

                    913 E. Hillsborough Ave, Tampa FL 33604

              2. re: TampaAurora
                r
                rikkikm Jul 22, 2009 09:16 AM

                The sign on the door of Taqueria Monterrey says they will open tomorrow, July 23.

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