I've read up on reviews saying some of the food is bad, etc SO I did my research on what multiple reviews say tasted GREAT! Their Mojarra for one, is amazing with some corn tortillas, beans and rice, and lettuce. The lime garlicky sauce on that one, is what I've been dreaming of. It was THE star of the show. And we also got their wet supreme burrito mojado, with the mole sauce all over it Also tried their agua fresca, loved the cucumber and lime flavor! Great size for two to share, and we had a blast just eating and enjoying the sights laid out to see. Their pickled onions got a spicy kick to it! I loved the added crunch instead of just having the typical hot salsa. Service was great, with the waiters and waitresses checking in on us every now and then, and I liked that we pay first then eat, so we just leave after we're done! Excellent experience as the weather was perfect too, the outdoor seating has some mosquitoes but be sure to go when it's not molting hot outside! After food we got to go on a photo spree and it was wonderful. read more

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I got the vegan tacos with potatoes and even though there were only two it was loaded with toppings and salsa. Really good and a decent price. I do wish there was a vegan protein thrown in like black beans or soyrizo or something to make it more filling but I'm glad there was a vegan option on the menu. There is a salsa bar that can help add to your meal like spicy pickled carrots, cucumbers, salsa and pickled onions. My favorite part of this place is the art decor. They're all made from materials that were bound to go in the trash, most notably cans that they open for cooking. So you'll see lids and the other material from cans beautifully molded into these structures. It may seem random but I found lots of humor and play thrown into the craftsmanship of it all. Some pieces are like playing I Spy. It was funner to see than a lot of museums I've gone to actually. It's truly just packed with art. I even got to meet one of the artists as he was working on something. He was really friendly. There's a few of them who work on them together and I learned they've been doing this since the 90's! How cool. It's so nice to see all the things they've come up with to create. Go check it out! Definitely a date worthy spot too. My bf and I had a lot of fun walking around seeing what they created. read more

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Tito's Tacos is a whole experience - it's food, culture, and art all in one visit. The art installations are very cool. The patio features installations that highlight Mexican culture. There's even a mini church replica. I found the food, on the other hand, to be quite mid. To start, my family shared an order of carne asada nachos ($14.99). You get your choice of meat, cheese, beans nacho cheese, lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes and guac. The portions here are huge, so no complaints there. However, the nachos are weighed down by the beans. And nacho cheese. I also found the warm lettuce to be offsetting and funny to be included in a nacho. I ordered two fish tacos ($5.99) - battered and fried tilapia served with cabbage, cheese, tomatoes, and chipotle aioli. While I love a fish taco, these weren't it. The fish is flattened, battered, and fried - there is hardly any fish to make note of. There was a lot of batter and very little fish. My dad experienced the same thing with his fish burrito ($14.99). There was just so much tortilla to fight through to get to any fish. Obviously people like it here, but I think there were some things that didn't align with my personal preferences ie lettuce on the nachos and in the burrito. Value wise, you get a lot for what you pay for. There are also great photo opps if you're looking for that type of experience. read more

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Decor is really nice here, and service is decent. When it comes to the food and price of the food, not so good. I ordered fajita plate. It hardly came with any protein at all, and it was $25. The portion is a joke. The for was like a slither or rice. Disappointing to say the least. If you want to come for the cute decor sure, but the food nah. Spend your money somewhere else unfortunately. read more

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Had an absolute blast here for a late lunch/early dinner. Food was good, lots more stuff I'd be down to come back and try, they also have a lot of different flavors of agua frescas which we all had separate ones and they were all tasty! Employees were nice and helpful. The best part about this place though is of course all the INCREDIBLY UNIQUE artwork!!! I think we ended up spending 3+ hours there because there was so much to just walk around and see!!! You have to come at least once to check it all out and give yourself some time. I look forward to see why they add in the future! read more

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Visited Tio's Tacos for the first time and all I can say is -- wow. This humble little restaurant, located right behind the owner's home, is truly one of a kind. The creativity throughout the space is incredible, with artwork constructed from recyclable materials everywhere you look. From oversized huaraches and regular sized cowboy boots to metal cans, glass bottles, and paint cans, etc., the craftsmanship and imagination are simply amazing. The patios are beautiful, especially with the butterflies, colorful mosaic tables, and unique wooden table set -- even chairs with carved sunflowers on the back that add so much charm and personality. The food was just as enjoyable as the atmosphere. Everything tasted fresh and flavorful, especially the salsa's. I highly recommend the aguas frescas -- I tried the cucumber and chia mix in and it was excellent. I visited on a weekday when it wasn't too crowded, which made the experience even better. It's easy to see why this place gets attention during holidays like Día de los Muertos and Christmas. I'm already looking forward to coming back! read more

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Tio's Tacos is an interesting place -- in the best way. I love the concept and the story behind it. Walking around, you'll see so many unique art pieces made entirely from discarded materials. Definitely stroll through the space while you wait for your food; there's a lot to take in. We ordered taco plates and aguas frescas. Service was fast, the staff were friendly, and the prices were reasonable. The food was decent -- nothing standout, but not bad either. The wide selection of aguas frescas was a highlight and made for the perfect drink on a warm day as we wandered through the property. Worth a visit if you're looking for something unique, creative, and a little unexpected. read more

Tio's Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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This place is so unique! The art creates a captivating atmosphere that enhances your overall eating experience. I tried the wet burrito supreme, and it was great. I visited late on a Tuesday, so the restaurant wasn't crowded. The staff were friendly and accommodating. Btw, they have great taste in music. Food:4/5 Service: 4/5 Experience: 5/5 read more

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Wow, talk about an amazing experience eating at this awesome find! Not only were all the food options delicious, the whole restaurant is total eye candy that will take you several visits to truly capture all the details! I will add pictures because trying to describe them won't do it justice. You simply can't beat this ambiance! The ordering was simple enough. You go to a counter and order from a menu on the wall. They have just about every Mexican food item you can think of. They also have a wide arrangement of Aguas Frescas and they will happily give you samples for you to try (and take some home!) I had their Horchata and took a StrawberryHorchata home. Their Cafe Horchata was so delicious too, I only wish I could've taken one of each home! Their service was super helpful, friendly and patient, we simply couldn't decide from all the yummy options. I had their Mole Chilequiles and the mole was a red kind. I'd never had that type but it was really good. Our friends also ordered Caldo De 7 Mares, which had tons of seafood, even a huge crab legs. There were crispy chicken tacos, fish & shrimp tacos and a side of their yummy guacamole. Everyone raved about their food. I can't wait to go back so I can try their Salmon a mojo de ajo, yum! read more

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Two adults and two kids went to Tio's Tacos for dinner! It's an artistic restaurant with decor inside and outside of entire restaurant! Service is friendly, you order at front, they bring food to your table only. Champurrado Ricanelas (special hot chocolate for December only) - good but not everyone likes addition of cinnamon and other flavors. 1 Mini Quesadilla Chicken - very yummy. 1 Mix & Match Plate, Enchilada Chicken, Creamy Tomatillo, Hard Taco Shredded Beef With everything - A lot of food and good. 1 Seasoned Fries good 1 Classic Burrito Carnitas With everything - very tasty. Overall price is good, taste is authentic and environment is artistic. It's very busy, so it feels kind of touristy like in Mexico, central or South America. I will return again! read more

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The menudo was my choice and our party of ordered fish and chicken salad, enchiladas beans and rice. All the meals were good We arrived before the long lines so we didn't wait long to order and the food was served in timely manner. Ambiance is crazy amazing it's just unbelievable one must visit to appreciate and enjoy the history behind it all really makes it an experience to share with everyone!! read more

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Excellent hot food! Cooked timely, fed the many and kept restaurant clean! The service was quick and easy to return to. The ambiance was relaxing with plenty of good music. Had a great time! read more

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Such an experience! The atmosphere is insane because of the art literally everywhere! So this is random but best agua Fresca I ever had- they let me try some and I tried the strawberry and woahhhh! Big chunks of berry and just the most delicious drink! The fish taco was good and the chicken taco was yummy. The service was friendly with a smile and it was very clean. Huge menu so something for everyone. Eat inside or out. They had a little self Serve station for pickled onions and salsa. Get that agua Fresca!!! read more

Tio's Tacos - Chicken taco - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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The tacos of Cabeza were so good. Their customer service is great. And it's a fun place to take pictures. read more

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Tio's tacos is a fun eclectic place to grab a meal. They have art installations covering every inch of the place. Tons of random materials are used for their art and displays. The food is also delicious!! Portions are really good too. The staff is super kind and so helpful. They have a tiny parking lot so be prepared to drive around for a spot. Lots of the surrounding curb parking spots are good for 2 hrs. There's a lot to see here to make sure you take the time to browse. read more

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Heard about this spot from a Vender at an Oceanside Festival, told us it was a not miss spot for its unique flavor in food & art. We made the time for a stop on our trip and was not disappointed. Friendly staff, easy to read menu & so much stuff to look at we lost track of time. The Tacos were amazing !!! A very authentic flavor and the just right amount of crispy in the shells. I did a Taco Salad, it was good, but shoukd have tried a burrito. The food was good, a little pricey, but overall not bad. The ambiance is a chaotic assortment of art pieces made from all recycled materials. Very very cool, and there is so much to look at that it blows the mind. Definitely worth a visit !!! read more

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Tio's Tacos is so much fun! I am so grateful to have learned about this Riverside place from friend and fellow Yelper, Stephanie V. We have been back many times, and I think anyone passing through Riverside should go at least once. This place is a great for the eyes. You look there is some amazing and quirky art made if recycled materials. Inside, there is an ocean themed wall mosaic made with vital and sea shells. The floors are gorgeous with inlaid stones and shells. The front patio has giant metal flowers hanging from above, and another patio cover has fish hanging over head and a row of plastic dolphins. There are Disney characters and gigantic statues of people, and even higher snakes climbing in the buildings. There is a parkway with orange butterflies. There are little paths to follow lined with stairs and sculptures made of old pieces of tin and wood. There are even giant huaraches sandals hanging from one patio cover. My favorite, though, is the tiny chapel with a gorgeous painted fresco above the little alter. There is just so much to look at, and too much to even note in a yelp review. You order at the little counter inside. They will give you a number and deliver your food to your table. The menu is pretty big here, and everything we have ever had has been delicious. Today we had: * a carne asada burrito * a pastor burrito * a shrimp ceviche tostada As always everything was yummy, and so big. The tostada was loaded with shrimp, and so big I couldn't finish it. And the carne asada? Soooo delish. What more could you ask for? Delicious, authentic Mexican food and one heck of a unique and interesting atmosphere--you've gotta go! read more

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This place definitely holds a lot of memories for me. I would always come here with my grandma & my family. I'll say the food has definitely improved since then. It's also just a nice place to walk around and look at all the art. I feel like it's always changing over time too, there's a lot of things now that they didn't have before. It's such a cute little place with so much seating available. I usually order carnitas tacos with rice and beans. Their horchata is pretty good too. As for parking, their parking lot is a little small but if it's full there's usually street parking. such a special place! read more

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La Isla de las Muñecas plopped down in Riverside. The art and mosaics are pretty and give the best ambiance of any Mexican restaurant I've been to lol. Love their shrimp tacos because they really blend lots of flavors like chipotle and fresh jalapeño. These really hit for me. The nachos were well dressed but the beef was a little lacking. Not too flavorful and not too tender. Kind of clumped up barbacoa. Will love to eat the seafood again! The fish taco is HUGE and I could barely finish one. read more

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We were there for concert. Place looked very inviting and decor is very unique. I was very disappointed with my food. Who adds imitation crab to Camarones Costa Azul? Disposible plates thing is a complete turn off! read more

This will be 2nd time here I always give a place 2 times before I put a review. 1st off the fish tacos were cold and over cooked wife's el pastor tacos were dried just a awful experience only thing worth was the aguas I don't know what happened to this place a server had a cut in her an it was exposed when it should have been covered for health reasons. Didn't want to spoil my experience but how could I not , paid $16 plus for 2 fish tacos won't be back or do that again outdoor tables had flies all over so moved inside same infested with flies I asked a worker what's going on she said she couldn't comment. Just a awful experience all around Management please do something about this please read more

I was drawn to this restaurant by the amazing outdoor art displays. I entered the property through the back parking area, and wandered a bit before approaching the counter. I was immediately greeted warmly by an employee, and my son and I ordered breakfast items (breakfast taco plate, homemade chorizo & egg burrito) and I ordered a watermelon aqua Fresca, my son ordered a strawberry smoothie (licuado). Our food was delivered to our table promptly, and it was delicious! The salsa bar is "loaded"! It has hot carrots, cucumbers, salsa, and more! After we finished eating, we wandered a bit more-so much to see! read more

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1 for the agua fresca. 1 for the customer service. I ordered takeout. We got chilaquiles with steak, a few asada and carnitas burritos. The chilaquiles came with no steak. We were definitely charged for the steak. They came with green sauce, egg, lettuce, rice and beans. Only thing good from this was the rice. Beans were hella salty. Chilaquiles weren't good at all. I feel like they used old store bought chips. Stale. Little sauce. More sour cream if anything. Had some of the carnitas burrito and it wasn't anything amazing. Needed more flavor. I added the green sauce they have from the stand in front. Didn't do much. Customer service was great. We didn't wait long to order. They were kind. Even when they packed up our food to go... they asked us if we needed anything else. I always see a line so maybe I'm just ordering the wrong thing. It looks like a cool place to sit and eat but we had our food to-go. read more

the environment alone is worth it. I ordered the combo with a mini carniatas burrito and a shredded beef hard taco with rice and beans. Ordered an aqua fresca mix. You can create your owna nd they have alot of choices to mix and match. Their salsa bar is so good! I like to stick with greens. SO yummy! I really enjoyed my time here. The numerous water fountains were so calming to me. SO much art and designs around to take in as well. I really enjoyed myself here. read more

Excellent tacos, excellent food, excellent service...excellent everything! This is one in a million place. Come here for a great meal. read more

Great place to go! Make sure to bring your family! It was so interesting and the food was delicious. The staff was very pleasant and I could tell we're working hard to keep everything clean. read more

Waited over an hour for sub par food. The sign at the front said 30 mins. Everyone around us that sat after us got their food before us and there was only two adults in our party. It was only after we talked to three people. Did we get our food. And the only thing offered in compensation for waiting for forever for our food was a small container of chips and guacamole. read more

What a fun place to eat! A visual feast of eye candy. Highly recommend the Carne Asada Tacos. I'm from the east coast & would die for this recipe! read more

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What an incredible place, it has recycled art all over, it rivals the Cheech Marin center, just kidding but it is a feast for the eyes, every corner of this corner location is filled with displays of imagination. Butterfly corridor; giant shark; space ship; various water fountains; snake; Catrina the list goes on. The menu is as busy as all the artwork. It's hard to decipher, but if you know your Mexican taqueria fare you'll know what to order, e.g. tacos, burritos, etc. I ordered a pastor taco and guacamole. The bill was $15. The guacamole was $10 of the total. The pastor had a little too much of allspice and the guacamole had too much salt. It was a sweltering 94 degrees in Riverside, and I specifically went to Riverside to the Cheech Marin Center. I got hungry and the receptionist at the museum recommended Tíos for the artwork. I was in awe as I walked around and took in the amazing space, loads and loads of displayed one of a kind art. They had outdoor seating but it was just too hot to sit outdoors though there were people tucked away in several of their outdoor areas. I went inside and stood in-line to order food. This place is too funny. They have air conditioning at the counter area and as I was placing my order an employee told the others in line to wait outside in line. It was 94 degrees!!! Glad I didn't have to, but wait as I go to the indoor seated area thinking it would be nice and cooler, NO, they have ceiling fans for the indoor customers and the air conditioner is only at the counter where orders are placed. Come on Tío give your customers a break. A cool break. read more

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this place is horrible the food was bad no taste and cold when they brought it out I went to ask for. a cup of ice and the lady was so rude gave me a rude look and comment felt like I was eating in a junk yard I do not recommend eating here worst 90 dollars spent your better off eating at mr taco or any were but here . read more

Food Quality is 4/5, Service is 0/5. I ordered a bowl and did a substitution of guacamole for beans. I was told this would be fine. Then waiting. 5 hrs for the food I saw that double rice was substituted. When I inquired I was then told it was an upcharge. The restaurant is unprofessional and did nothing to fix the order. For their mistake they should have comped the guacamole. Don't eat here the staff are not smart and unresourceful. read more

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I've been coming here for years and always get the mojara, it's delicious. This place is fun and cool and really unique! I'm glad riverside has something like this, the service is always good :) I'm not giving this place 5 stars because as a fellow Mexicana I'm always sad when it comes to the chili here, 1 it's not that good or flavorful, more like lemony and acidic, there's no red chili, and it's honestly sad that they serve tapatío here as a chili option... So idk bring your own chili haha read more

I already try it for two time the place is so nice but the food is nasty no flavor. Is not a real Mexican food is something Else My family agrees with me read more

Tio's Tacos is such a Riverside gem! The first thing you notice is the incredible upcycled artwork all over the property--it feels like you've stepped into an outdoor folk art museum. Every corner has something quirky and creative to look at, and it makes the whole experience really fun and memorable. The food is just as good as the atmosphere. Big portions, super flavorful, and everything tastes fresh. I especially love the tacos and aguas frescas--they hit the spot every time. During rush times, you might have to wait in a long line outside to place your food order. But the service is quick and friendly, and there's plenty of space to sit and enjoy both the meal and the art around you. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Tio's Tacos is worth the stop. Come hungry and bring your camera--you'll leave full and inspired! read more

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I discovered this place thanks to a mention on Atlas Obscura. What a fun place! Even if you're not interested in eating Mexican food, this unusual and fun place is worth a visit. While the food is pretty ordinary Mexican fare (except that they don't offer tamales!), the decor is a standout of folk, insider art. Crafted from repurposed metal can parts, license plates, shells, mosaic'ed this and that...just about wherever you look, your eyes will fall on something that is decorated with repurposed material. The mellow patio area is a fun place to hang out. Limited on-site parking...better to find nearby street parking than try to jockey in and out of their tight lot. read more

I've lived in Riverside for a few years now and of course have heard of this well known taco spot in downtown. Visited on a Saturday afternoon to see if it was worth the hype. Overall, their food is solid. Really liked their wet burrito with Pastor. I found that their tacos got the job done but wasn't anything spectacular. Of course where the place really shines is the outdoor seating area with its well known art installations and decor. After our meal, my wife and I had a great time walking around and checking it all out. Overall, their food and service is probably average or a little bit better. There's many better taco spots in Riverside, but you come here for the experience and novelty (I mean that in a good way). Had a good time here and will likely be back! read more

Tio's Tacos - Wet Burrito, Chorizo and Carne Asada Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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A Hidden Gem That's Worth the Wait! Wow, I've been living just a short drive from Tio's Tacos for five years and never quite realized what a treasure it was hiding in plain sight. We've driven past a hundred times, admiring the the cool street-side decor but little did I know there was a secret world of upcycled art tucked in the back with more tables and space than I knew what to do with! The food was good and I really wish we could give half stars on Yelp cause Tio would get 4.5 stars. My only tiny gripe (and it's so minor it's practically a love letter) was my carne asada burrito which was more beans and rice than actual meat. I guess my burrito was feeling a little shy about its meat and decided to pack in the extras! We went on a slow Sunday after church, and while the place was pretty chill, we did wait about 45 minutes for our food. Luckily, we had chips and salsa to keep us entertained and let me tell you, the salsa was so good it almost made the wait worth it. Almost. The ambiance totally outweighs the wait the funky upcycled art, the cozy vibe, and the friendly staff make it feel like a little Riverside secret. My mom ordered the Carne Asada plate and was raving about it like she'd just discovered the meaning of life. All in all, Tio's Tacos is officially our new go-to spot when visitors come to town. It's a perfect showcase of how amazing Riverside can be! A little bit artsy, a lot delicious and definitely worth the patience! read more

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This place is a scam. I ordered a carnitas burrito and it came with no carnitas. I asked for a replacement, and the second burrito was the same--no carnitas and no flavor. When I complained, the waitress told me that if I wanted more meat, I would have to pay extra. We also ordered a chicken tostada salad, and the chicken tasted old and greasy. This was a terrible experience and a complete waste of money. I will not be returning and do not recommend this place. read more

Tio's Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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Probably the worst fajitas that I've ever had in my entire life. I'm still trying to brush the taste out of my mouth . Customer service was great though, and the atmosphere was pretty cool. read more

Tio's Tacos - Don't order them! Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

GREAT TACOS & SPECIALTY DRINKS, but... I wouldn't venture into trying other stuff outside of tacos. I got mole enchiladas and they had incredibly dry meat, very little sauce, and didn't feel authentic. On the other hand, the tacos (carnitas) tasted super delicious. The carnitas could've been a bit juicier but the flavor was definitely there. I'll gladly return for some more tacos. I tried their fall drink, the Pumpkin Horchata and hot damn it was fantastic. It had the perfect sweetness and blended two of my favorite things together Fall and Mexican food! Service was okay, nothing to write home about. The girl at the register was nice. However, the lady serving drinks ignored my grandma's order and gave her what she herself wanted to drink. It was weird. As for the artsy, eclectic stuff outside I actually really liked it! Next time I'm definitely eating outside in the front or back patio. There's plenty to see and take pictures off! Whoever created the art pieces here is very talented. read more

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