Brandon diners are finally on board with the Taco Bus with today’s opening of the local chain’s latest eatery.

The Falkenburg Road location, on the wide lot of a former cement mixing depot, joins Taco Bus’ fleet of food trucks, as well as sit-down sites in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Plant City.

The Mexican restaurant has about 50 seats inside and another 30 on a shaded outside patio.

Tampa has long had a soft spot in its dining heart for Taco Bus, ever since owner Rene Valenzuela first converted a school bus years ago into a kitchen and parked it on Hillsborough Avenue in Seminole Heights – drawing late-night crowds, daytime lunchers and even Food Network for a TV special.

The new restaurant, at 301 S. Falkenburg Road, just north of Adamo Drive, will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 24 hours Thursday through Saturday.

By Fernanda Beccaglia

The Taco Bus started as a food truck on Hillsborough Avenue.

The Taco Bus, where “broken English is perfectly spoken,” is one of the most beloved food trucks in Tampa with enough locations to feed and please the hungry crowds. Make no mistake, this is no Taco Bell.

This Tampa-based eatery has become the place for fresh, quick, Mexican food.
It started as a food truck on Hillsborough Avenue. Then, last year, it was St. Petersburg. And in January of this year, the Taco Bus got its first storefront location on Franklin Street.

Why People Love Taco Bus

Everything is cooked fresh from scratch. No canned tomatoes or pre-diced onions either. No stock or lard are used in their recipes and their tortillas are salt-free.

Taco Bus delivers traditional, real, fresh Mexican food beyond any Tex-Mex you might have had before. Chef Rene Valenzuela, owner of Taco Bus and Taqueria Monterrey, grew up in Mexico savoring Mexican street food and delivers accordingly, to make sure the flavors, freshness and tradition continues in Florida by adding creative touches, using more elaborate flavors including beef tongue and braised beef and some recipes are based on ancient Mayan recipes.

Great affordable, health-conscious menu that includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.
Their Agua Frescas are made with raw fresh fruit.

Taco Bus is open to satisfy every one of your cravings. (Photo/ roaminghunger)

Must Try

The butternut squash tostadas and the cochinita pibil tacos.

Highlights

Open day and night, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
Their menu features daily specials, favorite and popular classics, and a variety of delicious and fresh selections of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
So if you find yourself craving beef tongue tacos in the middle of the night, Taco Bus is open to satisfy every one of your cravings.

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The St. Petersburg location of Taco Bus was named an Outstanding Business of the Year as part of the 2011 Florida Main Street Awards.

The awards program recognizes accomplishments on local levels that advance the goals of Florida Main Street, a state technical assistance program.

Tampa Electric Co. was also recognized in the Outstanding Private-Public Partnership category for its work with Dade City.

Staff
Tampa Bay Business Journal

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