Maria Corbalan started Taco Xpress in 1997 with her income tax refund, a little trailer, $500 cash, some dishes from her house, and a friend who painted the trailer real cute. For the first three months sales ran about $17 a day. Then a review in the Austin American-Statesman ran, and as Maria describes it: “KABOOM.” Taco Xpress grew from that trailer into a permanent building with table service, a liquor license, a full bar, free live music several times a week, and a Sunday Gospel Brunch that packs the parking lot and several neighboring side streets — what locals call “Hippie Church.” It appeared in Season 3, Episode 8 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives — “Real Deal Fast Food,” aired May 19, 2008. Maria is a native of Argentina, which gives the menu a perspective that is authentically South Austin in its anything-goes creative spirit.
Quick Facts
Restaurant: Maria’s Taco Xpress
City: Austin, Texas
Cuisine: Mexican
DDD Season: 3
DDD Episode: 8
Episode Title: Real Deal Fast Food
Original Air Date: May 19, 2008
Address: 2529 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704
Phone: 512-444-0261
Website: https://www.tacoxpress.com/
Status: Open
About Maria’s Taco Xpress
The building is covered in murals by local folk artist Michael Peschka. A gargantuan statue of Maria herself stands outside with outstretched arms. The patio stage hosts live music. The Sunday Gospel Brunch draws a crowd every week. Johnny Depp is a regular. The Austin Chronicle dubbed Maria the “South Austin Taco Queen.” The place has been on Rachael Ray’s $40 a Day, Best Thing I Ever Ate, and multiple other food programs alongside the DDD appearance. In 2017 it was nearly sold due to sky-high property taxes and the community rallied to keep it open. This is not just a taco restaurant — it is a South Austin institution that happens to serve tacos.
What to Eat at Maria’s Taco Xpress
The El Pastor Taco is Guy Fieri’s “highly recommended” item — listed on the menu alongside his endorsement. The Migas Taco is Rachael Ray’s favorite. The Picadillo Tacos have their own devoted following. The Pollo Guisado — smoky chipotle chicken — is the taco that most regulars circle back to. All salsas are made from scratch. The Frozen Strawberry Margaritas are the drink the staff recommends to everyone.
If Maria’s taco approach inspires your own kitchen, Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Top Secret Sauce is the condiment to reach for, and Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Burger Joint Seasoning works as well on chicken tacos as anything else.
Plan Your Visit
Maria’s Taco Xpress is open Tuesday through Sunday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Closed Mondays. Sunday Gospel Brunch runs weekly with live music. Dog-friendly patio.
Address: 2529 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704
Phone: 512-444-0261
Website: https://www.tacoxpress.com/
Status: Open
Triple D Essentials
Maria’s is quintessential Austin — stream the Real Deal Fast Food episode on Amazon, and plan your Austin DDD stops with More Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
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Maria’s Taco Xpress appeared in Season 3, Episode 8 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, “Real Deal Fast Food,” originally aired May 19, 2008.