There are two kinds of taco lovers in Kennewick: those who’ve found their perfect spot, and those still searching. Count us among the first group. We’re not saying you should abandon your favorite taco truck, but sometimes it’s nice to discover a new taqueria by yourself, savor each bite without distraction, and let the flavors speak for themselves.
Birrieria El Sazón
$ | (509) 396-9601 | WEBSITE
There’s no better place to grab a solo bowl of menudo and a fresh tortilla than Birrieria El Sazón on Kennewick’s main avenue. It’s great for when you don’t want to be bothered (the welcoming family atmosphere provides a comfortable buffer), but it’s convivial enough that you can easily chat with other diners if you want some company.
The shredded beef burrito with its generous portion and delicious homemade flavors is fantastic, but crafting a meal out of queso asada or churros is always a great, lighter option. And if you’re up for a challenge, they have a particularly popular beef broth that regulars swear by, and you can try a full meal with all the sides for around $18.
Tacos El Giro
$ | (509) 282-0699 | WEBSITE
Increase your chances of eating the best tacos in Kennewick without a long wait by going to Tacos El Giro solo. Our favorite place to sit is at the counter. That means a view of staff making fresh tortillas by hand, grills sizzling with carne asada, and the cook preparing extra-spicy quesabirria. But as long as a plate of tacos is in front of you, there isn’t a bad seat at Tacos El Giro—even if you’re stuck sitting by the window, gazing at the parking lot outside.
Jack In The Box
$ | (509) 585-0406 | WEBSITE
Jack In The Box has all the characteristics we expect from a fast-food chain—except, we promise, it’s not actually terrible. The location in Kennewick feels like a typical drive-thru spot, with its bright lights and cheerful staff. But it’s a drive-thru spot that serves decent burgers and salads. And a quick meal of a burger and curly fries would only be ruined by someone watching you wait too long for your order.
The quality here can be hit or miss—sometimes the fries are well-cooked and tasty, other times they’re overcooked and cold. The staff are friendly and approachable, making the visit more pleasant even when the food isn’t perfect. It’s generally clean, with kid-friendly features like high chairs and a changing table. Overall, the experience varies from visit to visit, but it’s worth a stop when you’re in a hurry.
Taqueria El Sazon Kennewick
$ | (509) 735-1555 | WEBSITE
The best way to handle Taqueria El Sazon’s busy drive-thru and sometimes-long wait times is to swing by solo on a weekday afternoon. Pull up to the window with some tacos carnitas, maybe a quesabirria or two, and a horchata. This spot is begging to become your new go-to for authentic Mexican flavors.
Salsitas Tacos Grill
$ | (509) 212-0953 | WEBSITE
This taco truck in Kennewick has the vibrant energy of a Mexican street market, filled with people chatting while savoring every bite. Plus, Salsitas has friendly staff, and a quick-service window that keeps the line moving efficiently. All of that makes this spot perfect for a casual meal to begin with, but the main reason we love coming here is because of the excellent tacos.
Their “albañil” features crispy tortillas piled with generous meat portions, fresh cilantro, and a homemade habanero sauce that rivals any bottled version. Flavorful asada is topped with onions, salsa, and lime—which sounds like simple ingredients at play but unlike your average taco joint, it’s bold enough to stand out from the crowd.
Tonys Tacos
$ | (509) 438-4670 | WEBSITE
Tony’s Tacos doesn’t have a dining room. But this brightly lit, counter-service taco truck in Kennewick does have plenty of space perfect for just one person, and several salsas available by the cup, so it counts. This place specializes in delicious authentic Mexican food, and you can get things like al pastor tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. Whichever item you choose, make sure to order some of their green sauce to go with it.
Also worth noting: They have a cute outdoor seating area if you want to eat your tacos outside.
Taqueria Oaxaca
$ | (509) 820-9399 | WEBSITE
Whether it’s a coworker or a particularly self-involved friend, some people will just talk at you the whole time you’re together. It’s kind of like being with a TV, so you might as well go somewhere casual with actual entertainment to distract you while you eat alone instead of listening to your dinner companion go on about their last performance review or new workout routine.
Taqueria Oaxaca in Kennewick has excellent tacos and sides (like tortas and quesadillas) and a dinner theatre building next door with strategically placed seating for your eyes to wander to during plays or live music.
Sazón
$ | WEBSITE
Sazón’s excellent tacos and burritos make it one of our favorite spots in Kennewick. And while we like coming here for a quick lunch, casual dinner, or weekend treat, we also like scheduling some alone time with Sazón’s delicious tacos and spicy red sauce. The outdoor seating area is the best place to do it, especially since it means quicker access to their friendly service and convenient card reader payment.
Taqueria El Marino
$ | (509) 302-6743 | WEBSITE
There’s not a boring seat at Taqueria El Marino—a testament to the infectious energy and sizzle that fill this converted bus daily. But if you can’t score a prime picnic table for four, head to the first-come, first-serve counter. Besides having what might be the most straightforward ordering experience in Kennewick, you’ll also be at the center of the action. On one side, you’ll find families taking down plates of flavor-packed tripitas tacos.
On the other, regulars snack on fresh homemade tortillas, while chatting with the friendly staff about the salsa verde currently being prepared.