If you are looking to eat at Dario's, be ready to experience the greatest service, the cheapest food, and the most delicious Taco Bowl you've ever tried. The place opens at 12 but people start lining up before that, I usually try to get there at 11:45 and they are pretty good at allowing people who are there before place their orders, as opposed to those who are just getting here. Don't be frightened by you telling them your order and them not taking it down lol! That is how he doing, the owner is gray and once they have your order and you get back in line to pay for it, just know they will have it ready. They are hustling behind that "bar"! And the food is incredibly fantastic. I always go for chicken tacos and I know almost everyone at my office does too. The bowl is a tortilla bowl, which is incredibly crunchy and so delicious when you break it apart to eat! I have no idea what any of the sauces they put in there are but I always say "yes, put everything in there!" You cannot beat the prices as it less than eight dollars for a bowl that will last you probably for lunch and dinner. They have a few tables inside, which most people just sit on to wait before they can place an order. I would say the place is fairly spacious but because of the amount of people they get you will see the line outside the door sometimes. read more

Dario's Restaurant - Taco Bowls - Mexican Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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Tried the chicken taco bowl and it was definitely a hit. It comes loaded with lettuce, salsa, sour cream, black beans, cheese, your choice of protein (I got chicken), and this amazing white sauce that really brings everything together. That sauce is honestly the standout it adds so much flavor.The taco bowl itself is super crunchy and has a really good taste on its own. I'm pretty sure it's fried, and honestly, I could eat the shell by itself. The portion size is BIG. You can easily split it into two meals, or if you finish it in one sitting, you'll be full for the rest of the day. For the price (not even $10), it's definitely a great value.Overall, really good food, filling, and worth the money. I'll be getting this again for sure. read more

Dario's Restaurant - Chicken Taco Bowls - Mexican Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

My friend took me to Dario's in downtown Newark, and I'm officially hooked. I had the best taco salad of my life--the chicken was tender, everything was full of flavor, and the fried taco bowl was crisp and perfect. Didn't need to add a thing! It's a small hole-in-the-wall with only a few tables, and yes, you'll hear a lot of banging from the grill while they cook, but that's part of the charm. Prices are unbelievable--two taco bowls and two Mountain Dews ran us about $20 total! Where else can you get that? Service was great, they take cash and cards, and the food alone makes it worth dealing with the sometimes tricky parking in downtown Newark. I'll definitely be back to try the quesadillas, tacos, and more!! read more

Dario's Restaurant - Chicken taco bowl - Mexican Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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I have been going to Dario's for about six years and it does not disappoint. Dario is perfectly located in the downtown area of Newark and is a great spot for for college students and working professional professionals working in the area. The best part about Dario's though is the value of its meal Dario still has pre-pandemic pricing in a very expensive world we have now the first time I got Darios was before Covid and I recently got it and it cost exactly the same as it did all those years ago. I had the chicken burrito which was solid and for a excellent value price of around eight dollars I had a meal that filled me up and wasn't too costly a great combo. read more

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Still going strong and still pumping out great food all day long. Very good customer service as well. read more

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Dario's is a Newark staple, slinging out delicious Mexican dishes to employees, students, and residents alike. As you walk in, you'll be hit by a wave of smells and, most likely, a loud greeting from Dario himself. I'd plan flexibility if you go here, as the menu is more about what Dario thinks you'll love versus what jumps out to you on the board. For example, I routinely declined any spicy sauce in my dishes until one day I finally capitulated...and now I ask for it every time. It's that personalized feel that makes this place different, even if it's the same Tex Mex you can get elsewhere. Check it out when you need a quick, large lunch meal in Newark - and don't forget to say hello to Dario! read more

Ordered the chicken taco bowl and it was sooo good! The taco bowl includes rice, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, etc. all on top of a fried tortilla. For only $8, it's even cheaper than Chipotle but just as filling and satisfying. Most importantly, they do not skimp out on the chicken! The restaurant is small but there is some seating in the back. You order right when you walk in and then wait in line to pay. You can also ask for some customization such as extra meat or cheese. Unfortunately, the day we went, they didn't have any beef so we settled for the chicken. Next time, I'll definitely try one of their beef burritos or beef taco bowls! Do note they are only open on weekdays. read more

Dario's Restaurant - Chicken Taco Bowl - Mexican Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Not giving it a 5 stars cuz the place is top notch inside, it's not fancy and the place doesn't have parking. But the food is BOMB!!! Great to grab and go with an Boom of flavor ! There are fast and super friendly ! Love it here! Best bowl around! read more

As always! A pleasure to eat here during my office days in Newark. This place is so good you'll go to sleep thinking about it waking up needing to have it! Thank you for serving the community. read more

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Ordered 5 meals from here. Two of which were taco salads with chicken and the remaining three were chicken quesadillas. My quesadilla was more cheese than it was chicken, it tasted really old, burnt and very greasy. They added a side of rice and I don't recall what else and asked for extra sides of white sauce and the man in the store told my sisters that he placed the sauce in the containers with the quesadillas. I most definitely will not be ordering from this restaurant again. read more

Serious hidden gem. Flavor packed, crispy tortilla bowl, fresh veggies - plus great service. Been loving this place for over a decade, been a while since I got to come back and it does not disappoint. Thanks Dario! read more

We stopped by Dario's for lunch. The restaurant is pretty cramped, everyone stands in front of the kitchen to order and pay. They have large grill where they grill the meat and prepare all the orders. All orders come with beans, pica de gello, sour cream, cheese and rice. The meal really gets colorful. The chicken cooked nicely, good seasoning. But all the side items makes it messy. The meals are cheap though, less than $10 for a large soft taco bowl The restaurant is not so great for dine-in. Tables are small and close to each other. They also cut the chicken on the grill, so there's very load banging noise that goes around for a while. Probably most people do take it for this reason. read more

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In Newark, Dario's is the place to be for lunch. The chicken here never disappoints. It must be the marinade they use as it is juicy and flavorful every time! Everything here is under $10 so I never say no to Dario's when someone asks to go. I would suggest to come a bit before 12pm for lunch or order ahead as it does get very busy during lunch hour. read more

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Amazing! Placed a large order for a team and it was delicious and everyone raved about the food for weeks!

If you want a good quick cheap Mexican lunch, this is your place . They have taco bowls, tacos, and burritos. I always order the veggie taco bowl. Which sometimes is a hit & miss but you can't bet a $8 meal nowadays. BE ADVISED: the restaurant sits on a small busy side street and the parking is congested street parking. read more

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Fast and tasty tex-mex that draws a crowd during the lunch hour. I placed my order online and waited five or ten minutes after I got to the restaurant. The three employees were hustling hard to keep up with all the customers. The chicken taco bowl I ordered was satisfying and hearty. The lettuce was crisp and fresh and I liked the taste of the chicken, rice, beans, and the taco shell itself. Perhaps a little too much sauce and sour cream on top for my preferences. I also could've used more salsa. This was an affordable and filling lunch option. The location is conveniently accessible. I'll gladly keep this in mind for the future. read more

Dario's Restaurant - Chicken taco bowl - Mexican Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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i've been eating dario's since 2015 & i get a nostalgic feeling everytime i have it! you can't go wrong with either a taco bowl or quesadilla, just get what you like cause it's gonna be good regardless. the most you'll ever really have to wait is 10-15 minutes, but that's around their peak lunch time. their portions have dwindled since then, but nothing dramatic bc they had a pretty generous portion prior. if you're thinking of it, go! read more

Dario's Restaurant - Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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We got their chicken taco bowl and a burrito but ended up getting two chicken taco bowls. They messed up our order but the rain and wind were screaming that day so we just ate what we were given. The staff were very friendly and courteous, and the prices were seriously low--somehow cheaper than chipotle. The food is pretty Tex-Mex inspired and overall a hit. read more

Dario's Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Dario's has fundamentally changed my life. I first had Dario's when I came to the area in 2018 and over the past 4 years, I have eaten from Dario's over 100 times. It has become a comfort food for me and I always get Dario's whenever there's an occasion to celebrate. It is by far, the best TexMex food I have ever had. It's flavor has a unique quality of being rich, but not the the kind that has you unable to eat it continuously. The quesadilla, taco bowl, and burrito are all amazing. The sauce on the taco bowl is phenomenal and adds such a great flavor. But perhaps what has me returning everytime is the meat. It is seasoned in such a way where it melds perfectly with the other flavors and is not overwhelming your palate at all. For people who are fans of a large selection of options, I would implore you to come here regardless because the dishes they have, they have mastered creating them. I am leaving the area soon and perhaps the thing I am most sad about is that I will no longer have Dario's. read more

Dario's Restaurant - Soft taco bowl on the left and burrito on the right - Mexican Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

They offer delicious Mexican food. You won't want to miss their Chicken Taco Bowl and Chicken Burrito. The prices are also very affordable.

They ok... nothing special, to be honest.. but it quick fast and convenient. Nice little place for lunch.. read more

Dario's Restaurant - a burrito wrapped in foil - Mexican Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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Amazing food, quick service. Only problem is they don't deliver which is honestly fine. I dream sometimes about the chicken quesadillas, and don't have a picture because I eat it so quickly. read more

Amazing food hands down best Gem in Newark small but very lowkey ambiance friendly workers fast service

Really great Tex-Mex in the area with amazing prices! I ordered when there was a limited menu but the chicken burrito and tacos were really solid. Everything was well seasoned and good portions. I'm well impressed and can't wait to try some more options. Fyi, street parking is tough near the location. It's a quick walk from the Military Park Station and Rutgers campus. read more

So much food but alway amazing. Usually busy when I go, need to go on an off hour bc everyone loves this spot! read more

Dario's Restaurant - Cheese and Bean Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Either the taco bowl, or the chicken quesadillas are my favorite! It's good food at an affordable price!

One of my favorite lunch spots, nothing disappoints and the quality is always the same and you know exactly what to expect. My go-tos are the chicken quesadilla and the chicken taco salad. Definitely not fancy, and inside gets quite loud especially when they're cooking/chopping chicken, but for the taste and the great deal it is price-wise this is not an issue. read more

Dario's Restaurant - Chicken quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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Dario's can not be beat. The most fast and efficient cook when it comes to a long scattered food line. Dario is beyond awesome simply because by memory alone he can remember your full order and who was before who as the line tends to be out of place often. He gets you in and out within ten minutes no matter the crowd. He moves at lightning speed and NEVER ever forgets to greet you warmly. His employees or himself always day Thank you or God bless as you exit. I believe that the customer service here is top notch. That's the reason for my boost in rating. The area is cluttered no parking to be found. Hey it's downtown Newark. It's worth the challenge. The food is fresh well seasoned, cooked right before you like some form of magastic spanish hibachi....but for taco salads and burritos lol. I will always patron his place. There need to be more Darios in food service! Hard work, phenomenal skills, pleasant atmosphere and great taste! I literally crave his chicken taco salads out of nowhere. Follow your tastebuds!! read more

This is great place located in downtown Newark. As soon as you open the door, Dario, who is usually cooking, makes it a point to greet you. Everyone behind the counter is biting their butt to get you served as quickly as possible. It is small but there are some seats you can sit at if you choose. The menu is not huge and the portions are more than enough especially for the price. The food is moving so fast it is fresh. If you want something spicy just ask. This is a great little family place that you have to put on your must try list. read more

Dario's Restaurant - Chicken taco salad. - Mexican Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

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best quesadillas ive ever had definitely will come again. Dude was super chill.

Soft taco bowl and chicken burrito rock. Best Tex Mex I've had so far. Will definitely keep coming back.

Had this place bookmarked for quite some time. But, since I don't get out to Newark all that often, it took a while for me to get here. Finally I was passing through Newark, on my way to a different destination, and I figured I had to stop by. This place is located on Academy St., pretty close to Penn station. As you walk in, you are greeted, and if it's your first time, you are introduced to the menu. I came here knowing what I wanted, from reading the Yelp reviews, so ordering was quick and easy. I'm a pretty big fan of taco salad, but there aren't too many places that do it well or specialize in it, like this place does. I ordered the garlic chicken and beef mixed taco salad. The garlic chicken had a nice flavor, not too overpowering. It went well with the beef, the rice, and the salad. I had hot sauce put on it, which really wasn't hot at all. The portion sizes are pretty large and I'd say that this is a pretty hearty meal. As a side note, I've taken my order to go, but there are a few seats in the back of the restaurant. read more

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Used to swing by here all the time from NJIT and man it never failed to satisfy. Owner and workers are always super nice too. Top notch food run by top notch people. read more

I love this place and they never disappoint my favorite is the Taco Bowl the only thing I wish they had was guac but tbh they more than make it for it read more

My girlfriend and I were looking for a spot in Newark and this place was AWESOME. We could tell the staff was really friendly, talking to their lunch usuals, one of which (this man in a security guard outfit) heard us discussing and interjected, telling us that the chicken and beef quesadillas was the BEST thing, and the chicken empanadas with white sauce were also really good. And they WERE REALLY good. Super cheesy, flavorful, and rich. The workers were super nice and even gave us extra salsa free of charge when we asked (because it's usually extra). DEF coming back. read more

Dario's Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

I Ordered The Taco Steak Bowl And The Steak Burrito! Was Awesome... Both! And You Can Not Beat The Prices!

My brother originally took me to this spot my first semester at Ru. Have never stopped going ever since.... It's been 3 yrs. Personally, they never disappoint with my food. 10/10 and the staff is excellent and sharp. read more

Hidden gem in the business district of Newark, NJ. Family owned and the food is fresh, delivered daily..which is why they won't have shrimp or steak some days. Everything is seasoned pretty well. My favorite thing there is the steak quesadilla spicy, but the taco salads seem to be the best seller. The Frieda plantain is one of the best I've ever tasted. If you are allergic to anything you should be careful because everything is cooked on the same grill top. Call in your order if you can, they get busy. read more

Dario's Restaurant - Steak quesadilla, rice, and plantain to go. - Mexican Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Amazing. Wow. Been here a few times now and every single time I just find a reason to love it more. The food is SOOOO good & so well priced as well. I don't think I can say a bad thing about this place. And the people working there are awesome as well. Truly a gem. read more

Dario's Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

The food is very good.So fresh,made in front of you.Service is great.I would highly recommend this place....,,