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Very fun environment with a lot to look at!! Be sure to give yourself time to walk around and see the artwork!! The guac, chips, salas were tasty and very fresh! Aqua frescas are also super tasty! Food was just eh... not bad but not anything super memorable. It's what you'd expect from a shredded cheese on top of your beans type of place. Okay flavor, but very heavy feeling afterwards. We ordered tacos and a green enchilada. Tacos were okay, although I wouldn't order an enchilada again. The sauce was creamier than I am used to, wasn't a fan. Staff was overall very kind and service was quick for being such a big place, maybe a little too quick though.
I finally tried this place out today ! And I'm happy I went . The art is so beautiful all made from waste materials and the designs are interesting. The food was good I ordered fish tacos and watermelon Fresca juice super yummy! The tacos are a nice size I will say it is too pricey it was 5.99 just for one taco . But the staff servers were quick and nice kept the area clean . The lady at the register was rude but maybe it wasn't her day . Also the bathroom is really tiny and hot no air . Other than that I recommend this place very tourist attraction vibe . !
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.
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!
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.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is really nice . Makes you feel like a tourist in another country with all the beautiful art but we are here for the food . My first place was the carne asada plate . The meat was kinda salty and was too much fatty meat. My wife's nachos were good but not great . They use cheap nacho cheese that taste like it's microwaved . My last plate was a bowl of menudo and that was water down . I could tell before even tasting it , and surely when I did taste it . It was watered down and had absolutely no taste . I just left the bowl on the table and walked out after that . This place has potential base on the art present all around . Just need to focus on their food now .
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!
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.
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
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!
The watermelon agua fresca was SO good. The strawberry dessert was so yummy. The tacos were okay in my opinion, the beef was a little tough. I loved the atmosphere and decorations! We received our food and drinks pretty fast. I would definitely come back just for the agua fresca.
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!!!
The food, decorations and drinks are pretty good, however the service is always sucky. The people only speak to you in Spanish when clearly they know English, making it seem like they can't understand. I would like to say this is only a one time occurrence, but it's every time. I want so badly for this place to be a place that feels like home, but the service and hospitality is just really bad. Really bad. A little added note, many people trip over the mat in the front, consider making that better for people's safety.
3 months ago
8 months ago
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
30 days ago
7 months ago
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
1 year ago
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
8 months ago
The food was delicious I ordered the chicken mole enchiladas! They were delicious. It was a lot for me. My daughter, ordered the asada burrito, it was huge and delicious. She couldn't finish it. We also ordered the guacamole and chips, yum. For drinks we got two MICHELADAS they were so good. The presentation of not only the drinks, but the food was really good. Service was amazing. Everybody was kind of courteous. The place was very clean the decoration the museum like setting of the whole restaurant was jaw dropping. There's so much creativity and attention to detail. I will definitely be coming back.. read more
8 months ago
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
6 months ago
1 year ago
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
2 years ago
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
7 months ago
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
4 months ago
My boyfriend and I went to Tio's Tacos this morning it was a lovely experience! He got the classic chicken burrito and I got the carnitas wet burrito. The food was fresh and delicious as well as the agua frescas! The lady taking our order informed us we could get 2 flavors so I got the chia and strawberry and my boyfriend got the mango and orange I couldn't tell you what one was better. The real reason I wanted to come here was because there are beautiful recycled masterpieces all over the seating area outside. My boyfriend loves butterflies and sunflowers so needless to say it was worth it and we will be back! Next time for tacos!! :)) read more
Before I started Yelping this was our to go to when craving for authentic Mexican cuisine. Tio's Tacos has been considered as the City of Riverside's landmark since it was established in 1990. It's rustic art displays made of recycled items from scraps of metals and glass bottles created the ambience of treasured pieces of artistry. Food and service are fantastic. I had the wet burrito with all pastor. Loved the flavored sauce that was not too spicy!! Had the Cucumber Mango drink which was very refreshing complimented my meal. There's a limited seating area inside but a vast outdoor space for dining for big parties. After ordering from a window located outside the restaurant, you are given a number then food will be brought to your table. My family enjoyed celebrating a birthday and will be coming back even with no celebration!!! Restrooms are kept locked so staff had to open it for you ... read more
Always a fun pace to eat. The prices have risen, but where hasn't raised the prices? My daughters got the kids chicken nuggets for $13.99 which to our surprise was Dino chicken! The cheap dinosaur shaped chicken you can get from any grocery store for like less than ten bucks. So I was a bit irritated to pay $14 for 8 Dino chickens when I could buy a box for that price lol. Everything else was good. Service was good, employees were nice. read more
5 months ago
1 month ago
Wow the patio behind Tios is fantastic! It's a time warp and we LOVED IT! We got the wet burrito, which was massive. And two chicken Mole enchiladas. Easy parking on the street and they have a lot. Soda refills are $1 which was my only (small) knock. read more
8 months ago
4 months ago
First they had my order wrong. They remade the burritos but there was so much sour cream and beans I couldn't taste anything else. Just a waste. I was really disappointed, the food smelled really good. read more
9 months ago
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
11 months ago
11 months ago
5 months ago
The food was delicious. The service was fast and ambiance was a-mazing! There was so much to see we have to go back at least 10 times (lol) read more
2 years ago
Amazing, one of a kind restaurant! I was impressed when I parked on the property. I saw all these creative decorations and stuff from bottles, canned goods, etc that you can say are "recyclables" or "trash". It is beautiful! I was mesmerized by the hanging butterfly outside, so cool! I am sure it also looks lovely at night! All the art work surrounds this restaurant, inside and out! It's like a museum of art! But what is good and epic is the food as well. Served by smiling staff , food is delicious and is perfect with the salsa bar! They also have a choice of different aguas frescas! I definitely recommend Tio's Tacos! How come no one ever told me this place exist? read more
6 months ago
1 year ago
This place is awesome I need to use it for my photography business I love the food it's great read more
2 years ago
Riverside Landmark ?- yes- perhaps- but for sure this place is much joy to enjoy any meal - really nice patio seating with lots to see - their decor over the top in creativity! You will def have fun looking at all they say one man's trash is another man's treasures! Food! Well it's Mexican Food- you order up in the front of the restaurant like any taco shop and nice ladies come out to bring you your food! Their Agua Fresca game is on point with enough options to make you indecisive about what you want to wash your food down with - At some point they even have cafe de la olla - which is basic coffee with hint of cinnamon and cane sugar - So service is great cuz you order & they deliver to your table. I do wish food was a little better I got a shrimp burrito and the rice/shrimp ratio was like 70/30 - eh My friends got wet burritos and those were loaded with sauce and meat and rice and beans Another got chilaquiles with mole which was really good with a hard egg on top - Carne asada fries plate is loaded and def made to share ! read more
2 months ago
5 months ago
The tacos of Cabeza were so good. Their customer service is great. And it's a fun place to take pictures. read more
3.5 Fast service Came here on a Tuesday to grab some tacos, always drive by this place I've never been! I got the two taco combo plate and I have to say get both tacos shredded beef! The chicken was OK, but the beef was great! The rice was good, the beans were fine. Also got some chips and salsa and the chips were delicious but the salsa was just OK. Was very happy to see that there was plenty of seating in the shade, considering it was almost 90° when we were there, felt just fine! For two of these taco meals, chips and salsa, and two bottled beers it cost us almost $50. That feels like a lot, but honestly, I feel like that's just standard these days sadly read more
Hi! A friend took me to Tio's Tacos in Riverside today for a belated birthday lunch. If you have never been, you HAVE to go! This is, without a doubt, the most outrageous restaurant I have ever been to! The five star review is as much about the ambience as anything else! Don't get me wrong. My food was good. I had three carnitas street tacos. They were on taco Tuesday special for $1.99 each! The deal of the century! Especially in today's price climate! The tacos were not the tiny street tacos I was expecting. They were full sized corn tortillas. A nice portion of meat, onions, cilantro and salsa. Quite tasty and a great deal. I also had an ice tea. $3.99! PRICEY! And they charge for refills! I would normally knock a star off for charging for refills on an already overpriced drink. But, again, the rating is mostly for the ambiance! The service was good. You order at a counter and they bring the food to you. I suggest you sit out at the patio. Waiting for your food gives you a chance to look around! There are unusual art pieces all over the place. Sculptures everywhere you look! Make sure you look closely at what everything is made of. I don't want to spoil it. Just go!!!! You really have to experience this place!!! Jim read more
1 year ago
very interesting place to go. He has almost the entire block. Lot to see bottle caps, glass bottles. Everything made of tin. Interesting place to at least go once. food was OK. The ambience is great. The service was pretty quick. read more
Great Place!!!! Sooooo many things to look at. Make sure when you go read all the signs. The employees were super nice and grateful that we were there. So many places to sit and it took a while to decide where to sit. Everything there was so random but that's what makes the place fun to eat at. The torta I ate was great with a lot of flavor and my friend enjoyed his wet burrito. There were so many Agua Frescas to choose from. If you are going with a lot of people the parking is very scarce, but when you come don't be overwhelmed. Take your time and look around. The food also comes out fast. read more
Beautiful, unique, and the BEST MICHELADA's EVER! Stopped by here for a drink and ended up staying for dinner. saw this place on TikTok and thought it would be a cute place to bring a date. She'd been here years ago when the neighborhood was a little sketch, I convinced her that we just have a drink and go, she was surprised that the neighborhood had really cleaned up. We got a few tacos & guacamole, (which were great), we got a mango Agua Fresca (delicious), but the star of the show is the Michelada's. It was a whole meal in and of itself. Ours came with all kinds of fruits and vegetables, and even shrimp. SO GOOD! Would definitely come again. The service was a little scatterbrained , but there were a lot of people. Great place to bring a date or your family read more
2 years ago
Came in here after el Dia de Los Muertos in riverside. Saw this place on the way back to the car. Wanted to try it out we came back with the family. We also got to meet up with singer Jade Starling. We had a great time! See you again soon! Calavera Boys style! read more
3 months ago
1 year ago
Food was disappointing. Sad, really sad, had high hopes from the decor, but ultimately a let down. Not sure if the food was safe to eat. The rice and beans were slight cold, not room temperature, not warm, but cool. Beef slices on fajita was taught and very thin slices. Like a cold cut. Burrito was tasteless and cold cheese was not even melted in the middle of te burrito. Anyways, come for the art work not the food. But, the Agua fresco was delicious... so there is a bright star afterall. Enjoy read more
More info about Tio's Tacos
3948 Mission Inn Ave
Riverside, CA 92501
Directions
(951) 788-0230
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http://www.tiostacos1.com
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Ask the Community - Tio's Tacos
Do they serve alcohol?
I remember there were some alcoholic beverages sold, but don’t remember if it was more than just beer.
Would love to plan a motorcycle group ride out here from San Diego- what's the parking situation?
Depends on when you arrive. They have on-site about 8 spots. Everything else is street parking. If you come during lunch parking is difficult
Is indoor seating allowed?
Yes, there is seating inside of the outside seating is where all the beauty is!
Do you have to make reservations or is it just walk into?
I don't know if they take reservations, I think you just walk in order and then find your seat and they bring it to you. It's pretty laid-back and chill environment, and there is always a line when I go, but they move quickly.
Are you beans and rice vegetarian? Does it contain chicken broth or lard etc?
This is very authentic Mexican food, honestly that's all I know. I'm sure you could request they don't use lard or broth, but that will take away from the authentic flavor, just keeping it real. You probably have to have a cheat day to eat here, but…
I have a Tuesday food group and we have picked your location for 11/12 6pm. Can your location accommodate a group of 15-25 people?
I would definitely call them.
Do you guys serve vegan tacos?
Yes there are orders or two tacos de nopales (cactus) or two tacos de papas (potatoes) they come with pico de gallo and salsa on top
Does this place have taco Tuesdays?
We know there's tacos everyday, I think there asking Taco Tuesday special !
Anything vegan here?
They have a new vegan menu with tostadas, tacos, etc. using potatoes and nopales.
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96 reviews that are not currently recommended
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