Taco Express

Taco Express

Taco Express Click to open side panel for more information is a cozy, casual gem nestled in the Wauchula Plaza, offering residents and visitors of Wauchula an exceptional taste of authentic Mexican cuisine. Known for its warm, welcoming, and humble atmosphere, this local favorite strikes the perfect balance between high-quality comfort food and outstanding affordability. Whether you are swinging by for a quick lunch bite, sitting down for a family dinner, or looking for a reliable pitstop with trucker-friendly parking, it delivers a genuinely comforting dining experience built on fresh ingredients and homemade flavors.


Essential Information

FeatureDetails
Address1448 US-17, Wauchula, FL 33873, United States
Phone+1 863-767-8889
Social MediaFacebook Page

Operating Hours

DayActive Hours
Monday10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday10:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Service, Accessibility, and Amenities

CategoryAvailable Features
Service OptionsDine-in, Takeout, Table service (No delivery)
AccessibilityWheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating
Atmosphere & VibeCasual, cozy, quiet, family-friendly, good for groups or solo dining
AmenitiesClean public restrooms, high chairs available for young children
PetsDogs are allowed outside
PlanningAccepts reservations, walk-ins welcome
ParkingFree parking lot, free street parking, trucker-friendly shopping center with plenty of space
Payment MethodsCredit cards, debit cards, NFC mobile payments

Why Visit? Key Highlights

  • Superb Authentic Taste: Reviewers consistently note that the food has a distinct homemade quality, featuring fresh ingredients and vibrant seasonings that rival top-tier northern taco shops.
  • Standout Al Pastor & Barbacoa: The Al Pastor tacos are a consensus crowd favorite for their rich flavor and slight spicy kick, while the slow-cooked Barbacoa is highly praised for being incredibly moist and tender.
  • The Famous Gorditas: Guests rave that the Gorditas are absolutely amazing, beautifully prepared, and so filling that just two items make an incredibly satisfying meal.
  • Fresh Homemade Starters: The complimentary dine-in chips are cut thick and served warm alongside exceptionally fresh, vibrant house-made salsa.
  • Unbeatable Local Value: Renowned as one of the most reasonably priced spots in Hardee County, featuring legendary budget-friendly specials like their Tuesday taco promotions.
  • Warm and Caring Hospitality: The front counter and table service staff are heavily praised for being polite, attentive, and genuinely dedicated to accommodating guests.

Menu and Product Catalog

Antojitos / Appetizers

Item NameDescription
Mexican NachosCorn tortilla chips smothered in house white queso dip, ground beef, pico de gallo, and fresh sliced jalapeños
Carne Asada FriesFrench fries smothered with house white queso, shredded cheese, fajita strips, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and pickled jalapeños
GuacamoleFresh avocado smashed together with lime, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro; prepared fresh to order
Tostaditas de CevicheThree mini corn tortilla tostadas with a thin layer of mayo, topped with house-made shrimp ceviche and garnished with fresh avocado slices
Queso de CamaronWhite queso dip with delicious bites of sautéed, flavorful shrimp; served with warm tortilla chips

A La Orden

Item NameDescription
Flour TacoSoft flour tortilla taco with choice of meat (options for cheese, sour cream, or tripa upcharge)
Corn TacoAuthentic corn shell tortilla taco with choice of meat (options for cheese, sour cream, or tripa upcharge)
TortasTraditional Mexican sandwich featuring authentic flavors, choice of meat, and regional bread
TamalesAuthentic pork tamales
TostadaCrisp fried tortilla base with toppings (option for tripa upcharge)
QuesadillaWarm folded tortilla filled with choice of melted cheese, meat, or seasoned shrimp
GorditasThick, stuffed corn cakes praised by locals for being exceptionally dense, filling, and flavorful
SopesThick fried corn flour bases topped with traditional ingredients and choice of meat

Carnes (Meat Choices)

Item NameItem Name
Carnitas (Braised Pork)Barbacoa (Beef Cheek)
Buche (Pork Stomach)Chicharron (Pork Rind)
Tripas (Tripe)Alpastor (Marinated Pork)
Carne Molida (Ground Beef)Polio (Chicken)
Fajita (Fajita Strips)Steak

Platillos (Entrees)

Item NameDescription
#1 Fajitas CancunSteak, chicken, and shrimp fajitas grilled with onions and bell peppers; served with a side of rice, beans, and tortillas
#2 Fajitas RancherasSizzling steak or chicken fajitas grilled with onions and bell peppers; served with rice, beans, and tortillas
#3 Enchiladas RancherasThree chicken enchiladas covered with guajillo chile and queso fresco; served with rice, beans, and a small side salad
#4 Enchiladas Tex-MexTwo beef flour tortilla enchiladas covered with guajillo sauce, house gravy, and mozzarella cheese; served with rice, beans, and a small side salad
#5 Enchiladas DurangoThree corn tortilla enchiladas filled with seasoned ground beef, covered in house gravy and mozzarella cheese; served with rice, beans, and a small side salad
#6 Burrito GrandeA massive 12-inch flour tortilla stuffed with rice, beans, steak, lettuce, tomato, onion, cilantro, mozzarella cheese, and sour cream
#7 Super Burrito GrandeA 12-inch flour tortilla filled with rice, beans, steak, lettuce, tomato, onion, cilantro, and mozzarella cheese, then smothered in savory house gravy and melted mozzarella
#8 Camarones a la DiablaLarge succulent shrimp sautéed in a delicious, spicy dried-chile sauce; served with rice, beans, and tortillas
#9 Coctel de CamaronTraditional Mexican shrimp cocktail featuring cooked shrimp, onion, cilantro, tomato, and avocado; served with saltine crackers
#10 Taco SaladCrisp corn tortilla chips smothered in white queso dip, topped with savory ground beef or steak, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, cheese, and sour cream
#11 Grilled Chicken SaladCrisp iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, and crunchy croutons, topped with juicy grilled chicken and ranch dressing on the side
#12 Steak RancheroTender beef strips grilled with diced onions and tomatoes, then sautéed in a house-made ranchero sauce; served with rice, beans, and tortillas
#13 Plato de BarbacoaSavory beef cheek meat covered in rich ranchero sauce; served with rice, beans, and tortillas
#14 Plato de CarnitasTender, juicy braised pork carnitas served with fresh house pico de gallo, rice, beans, and tortillas
#15 TampiqueñoRobust beef fajita strips grilled alongside fresh jalapeños, onions, and tomatoes; served with rice, beans, and tortillas
#16 Guiso de Costilla de Puerco con NopalesSavory pork ribs cooked with tender nopales (cactus pads) in a rich, homemade roasted salsa; served with rice, beans, and tortillas

Sides & Extras

Item NameItem Name
Rice & Beans4oz Queso Dip
2oz Sour CreamAvocado on Side
Chips & Salsa To-GoFrench Fries

Kids Menu

Item NameDescription
Nuggets with FriesGolden chicken nuggets paired with crispy french fries
Kids QuesadillaSoft flour tortilla quesadilla served with a side of rice and beans
Kids TacoOne single taco with choice of meat, served alongside traditional rice and beans

Bebidas / Drinks

Item NameDescription
Aguas FrescasRefreshing house-made traditional beverages; choices include Horchata, Piña, Jamaica, and Limon
JarritosAuthentic Mexican sodas available in a variety of fruit flavors depending upon availability
Soda / WaterAssorted canned and bottled carbonated drinks or bottled water