Taco Stand: La Comida On A Budget

by Abby Buss
08/05/2008

If you like the convenience of fast food and cheap prices, Taco Stand is your place.

Taco Stand has four locations: North Milledge at Prince Avenue, Downtown on East Broad, the Eastside on Barnett Shoals Road, and outside of Watkinsville, in Butler's Crossing.

The Mexican cuisine is a step up from Taco Bell. Do not let the inside or the outside deter you because the food is great. Patrons are diverse, ranging from students to townies.

After ordering at the counter, you tell them your name, whether you prefer mild or hot sauce and "for here" or "to go." If you forget the process, they have a convenient cheat sheet on the counter. The restaurant is very adamant about banning cell phone use while ordering.

Food is cooked to order in a microwave, and it is delicious, especially given the price.

The menu features tacos, quesadillas, burritos, nachos and other Mexican items. You can pick the filling of your choice - tofu, chicken, beef or steak. There are many vegetarian options, including the black bean burrito deluxe which never gets any complaints.

You can get a quesadilla (which I highly recommend with chicken), chips and cheese dip and a drink, with free refills, for around $7. There are other combo meals or build your own for around the same price.

The downtown location has margaritas by the pitcher or glass and a full selection of beer, and stays open till 11 p.m. on the weekdays and midnight on the weekends. The other Athens locations are open until 10 p.m. all week, but the Watkinsville location is only open till 9 p.m.

All locations serve lunch and dinner.

Both the Milledge and Broad Street locations offer patio seating, as well as indoor booths. If you have a large group, I would suggest the downtown location because it is a lot bigger.

The Broad Street Taco Stand has Trivia Night on Monday starting at 9 p.m. I recommend going with a group of friends and getting a pitcher of margaritas.