You Made Me Drive Where for Tacos?

Review: Taco Dirty (Riverview)

My Tampa friends told me, "We’re going to the other Taco Dirty."

I asked, "Is it walkable?"

They laughed. They put me in a car. We drove. And drove. And drove.

Welcome to Riverview.

To a New Yorker, the suburbs are a frightening place. There are no sidewalks, too many trees, and everything is in a strip mall. I looked at the GPS: 10460 Stelling Drive. I thought we were lost.

But then I saw the sign: "COME get dirty, riverview!"

I have to admit, seeing that slogan in the middle of suburbia—where the wildest thing happening is usually a sale at Home Depot—is kind of hilarious. I respect the boldness.

The Commute vs. The Payoff

In the City, I don’t travel past 14th Street for anything less than a life-changing bagel. So, driving out to Riverview for "fast-casual Mexican" felt like a prank.

But here’s the thing: The suburbs are a food desert of chain restaurants. You know the ones—where the menu comes laminated and the microwave works harder than the chef.

Taco Dirty is an oasis out here.

I walked in, and it’s the same deal as the South Tampa spot: colorful, loud, and weirdly energetic for a place next to a parking lot.

The Food: Consistency is King

The menu promised the same "healthy Mexican" spiel. Plant-based options, gluten-free meals, high-quality ingredients.

I was skeptical. Franchises usually drop the ball at the second location.

I ordered the Fried Chicken Tacos (again).

The Verdict: It wasn’t a fluke. It’s still crispy. It’s still good.

And the Bowls? Fresh. The veggies actually crunched. In a land of drive-thru burgers, finding a zucchini that hasn't been deep-fried to death is a miracle.

"Dirty Hours" in the Burbs

They run the "Dirty Hours" (Happy Hour) here too, every day from 2 PM to 6 PM.

In SoHo, 2 PM drinking makes sense—everyone is an "influencer" or "consultant."

In Riverview? Who is drinking tequila at 2 PM on a Tuesday?

Apparently, a lot of people. The place had a pulse. It’s the local hangout. I saw moms, remote workers, and people who clearly just needed a break from suburban quiet.

The Bottom Line

Look, if I lived in Riverview (God forbid—I need concrete under my feet), this would be my spot.

It’s "fast food" that doesn’t treat you like you’ve given up on life. It’s fresh, it’s customizable, and it’s actually cooked with olive oil, which is fancier than half the Italian spots in Little Italy.

Is it worth the drive from Tampa proper if you’re lazy like me? Maybe not. Stick to Platt Street.

But if you find yourself stranded in the 'burbs, look for the "Get Dirty" sign. It’s the best thing happening in this zip code.

Rating: 8.5/10 (Points deducted for the commute, points added for saving the suburbs from mediocrity).

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