Wichita, Kansas, boasts a vibrant food scene, and when it comes to fast food, the options are deliciously diverse. Craving a late-night bite, we ventured to Tacos Mexican Fast Food on East Pawnee, intrigued by its 24-hour promise and the wafting aromas of authentic Mexican cuisine. This wasn’t our first encounter with the “Tacos Mexican Fast Food” name in Wichita. Earlier, we explored their south Seneca location. This time, we aimed to uncover what the Pawnee branch offered and how it stands in Wichita’s competitive fast food landscape.
Located at 1930 E Pawnee St, Wichita, KS 67211, and reachable at 316-264-6000, Tacos Mexican Fast Food operates around the clock, accepting both cash and card payments. This accessibility makes it a go-to spot for Wichitans seeking fast food any time of day or night.
A Taste of the Menu at Tacos Mexican Fast Food
The menu is a comforting compilation of Mexican fast food staples. Think classic tacos, generously filled burritos, cheesy enchiladas, hearty breakfast plates, satisfying tortas, and quesadillas. It’s a familiar and inviting selection for anyone seeking authentic Mexican flavors in a fast food setting in Wichita, KS. Beyond the food, they also offer budget-friendly beer options, including $2.75 Bud Light bottles and $3 Coronas, adding to its casual and relaxed vibe.
Taco Verdict: Hits and Misses
Our order was a taco tour, sampling al pastor, barbacoa, lengua, tripas, and carnitas, alongside a couple of burritos for good measure. Despite a busy dinner service, the speed was impressive – a hallmark of efficient fast food.
The carne asada and al pastor tacos emerged as standouts. Generously filled shells and flavorful meats made them a definite win. Three tacos are more than enough for a satisfying meal, highlighting the value for money in this Wichita fast food joint.
However, the lengua tacos presented a textural challenge. We learned that preparation styles for lengua vary, and Tacos Mexican Fast Food appears to use the entire tongue. This resulted in a very fatty taco, a characteristic that unfortunately carried over to the lengua burrito.
Burrito Breakdown: Onion Overload
The burritos, particularly the lengua burrito, suffered from an excess of onions. Combined with the fatty lengua, the texture was dominated by fat and onions, overshadowing other flavors. In contrast, a carne asada burrito, based on a friend’s experience, would likely offer a much more balanced and enjoyable experience, mirroring the positive impression of the carne asada tacos.
Final Thoughts on this Wichita Fast Food Spot
Overall, Tacos Mexican Fast Food on Pawnee is a quintessential no-frills Mexican restaurant, reminiscent of many found on Wichita’s south side. Beyond the lengua, there were no major disappointments. However, it doesn’t particularly distinguish itself from its competitors in the Wichita fast food scene. It’s a solid, convenient 24-hour option for Mexican fast food cravings in Wichita, KS, especially if you stick to the carne asada and al pastor.
Happy Dining!
