Taco John's — Restaurant in West Des Moines

Back in the early 2000s I worked for Taco John's corporate for a few years. When I moved to an area where they don't have these, I always make a point to stop and eat at one if I am traveling. Back then we were meticulous. I know that they have changed almost all of the top people now, and that this location is a franchise and not owned by the company, but I was disappointed by a couple of very noticable changes. No salsa bar? No super hot sauce, roasted red chipotle, Pico de Gallo, just packets of hot sauce? No olives on the super potato? No bringing my food to my table? As for this location I stopped for lunch off the highway today. I'll say that the potatoes seemed over-seasoned, and the meat and potato burrito had an awful lot of lettuce on it. None of this is too bad. Service was fast and friendly. Bathroom was immaculate. Lady at the register tried to upsell me twice, and when I didn't want a beverage she offered me a free water cup. Doing everything the way we use to. Taco John's has always been more expensive, but you get what you pay for. This one is pretty good, but I wish they had that...

What can I say? If you're looking for a culinary experience that will transport you to the exotic flavors of Mexico, you might want to keep driving. But if you're in the mood for a sad excuse for a taco, then this is your place.

The meat was wet but dry and tasted like it had been sitting out for days. The lettuce was wilted, and the cheese looked like it had been melted with a flamethrower. And don't even get me started on the "hot" sauce, which was about as spicy as a glass of milk. Oh wait, they forgot the hot sauce!

But hey, if you're into bland, uninspired food that will leave you feeling disappointed and unfulfilled, then by all means, give Taco John's a try. Just don't say I didn't warn you.

Overall, I'd give this place a 4.7 out of 10, wouldn't highly recommend. Unless, of course, you're a fan of disappointment and regret. In that case, Taco John's is the...

For the past few months I have been going to Taco Johns a couple times a week at around 630 am, right when they open. I order the same thing every day, a taco bravo and two bean burritos. I've done this at 3 different locations throughout Des moines (Grand Ave, merle hay, and Hubbell Ave). This morning I found myself near this particular taco Johns. I went to order my food and was told I wasn't allowed to do that, because it was breakfast only. I mentioned that I do this quite regularly, and the guy said basically that I couldn't be accurate because corporate policy says I can only order breakfast food between 630 and 8. Why exclude 1.5 hours of the day? Why serve bean burritos at 8 am, but not 630? I assume that this 1 out of 4 restaurants I've been to was in the wrong. But thanks for ruining my...