Taco Villa — Restaurant in Russellville

The number of 5-star reviews for this restaurant is quite baffling. I feel sorry for the people who think this is 5-star Mexican food. They obviously have a terrible point of reference and have never had the pleasure of eating great tasting Mexican food. Or, perhaps, the reviews are from family and friends and have been inflated.

I read the reviews before eating here and, quite honestly, I feel like I was deceived. I'm writing this review to interject a little perspective to the astonishingly high rating of this restaurant. This review is not a reflection of the staff or the service I received. It is based purely on the flavor and quality of the food.

I have been fortunate to live in multiple states and travel quite a bit. After living in Arizona for a few years, I developed quite a taste for Mexican cuisine and I have been to more than 40 different restaurants all over the country.

The burrito I had at Taco Villa was so bland that I dowsed it in their "hot sauce" yearning for some real flavor and cover up the taste of the highly processed 'cheese'. That, however, was a disappointment as all I ended up doing was covering a bland burrito in bland "hot sauce". I didn't even finish the small, overpriced burrito despite feeling guilty for wasting food.

I will spare you the details of the intestinal malfunction that I experienced the next morning.

If you have ever eaten at Tacos 4 Life or Don Pepe's in Conway or even a Chipotle (not usually a fan of large corporate food chains), save yourself the disappointment of feeling like you wasted your money and don't eat at Taco Villa.

If you are reading this review and think it may be undeservedly harsh, eat something from Chipotle, Don Pepe's or Tacos 4 Life. Then compare it to the food served at Taco Villa. I am confident your taste buds will notice...

This was my first visit and I can say nothing but positive things about this little gem. Upon driving up I noticed it was busy with just a few spots left to park. Calling and ordering ahead of time the girl on the phone told me there may be a little wait time. Standing in line to get my to-go order I could see the workers frantically taking orders, preparing food, and doing their best to make sure everyone received the best service possible. One blonde-haired girl in particular was doing a spectacular job taking orders, asking if everyone near the counter had been waited on, and coaching her coworkers who were visibly tired/overwhelmed. When I had the opportunity to ask her how their night was going the girl told me they were slammed with post-game traffic that they were not prepared for. I praised her excellent service and let her know their attitudes, dedication to service, and smiles were greatly appreciated; It's astounding to see the positive attitudes in light of the circumstances/night. I hope that the tip I gave them, the words of encouragement, and appreciation lightened their night as the food I received did not disappoint! I would recommend them for anyone wanting amazing burritos paired with...

North, South, East or West they have the Best All American crispy taco ever. The comfort food kind your momma made that were just good food and addicting. For lunch at least weekly, I get my taco fix with a good splash of their delicious homemade hot sauce, not salsa. One day, I may venture out and try their cheese dip and burritos. Pick-up for take away is more common than dining in only, inside tables stay full too. No drive-thru and payment is cash or check. No large villa here, seating is spartan and limited. 7 tables total maybe, located in a small clean and well maintained building area or to concrete tables outside, larger parking lot can accommodate several cars. From opening to closing, it is always bustling, so watch for the constant incoming and outgoing cars! Look when driving in or backing out. Hopefully, the owners never change a thing about this little taco joint. It just makes Taco Villa all more comforting as a hometown Russellville staple and homegrown landmark. Every local I have ever met has their own Taco Villa st from their having eaten there since high school to their kids eating there now...