This taco truck was voted the best in Merced. Here’s what ‘sets them apart’
In a parking lot behind Raley’s grocery store in Merced, a food truck is serving up what some locals say are the best tacos in town.
In a recent Merced Sun-Star poll, Marco’s Tacos at 99 East Donna Drive claimed the top spot among the city’s taco trucks.
Out of 137 participants, 111 readers voted Marco’s Tacos the best above Hidalgos Tacos, Cortes Tacos #2 and others.
“They are fresh with the best ingredients and the salsa sets them apart,” Sun-Star reader Rob Scheidt wrote. “Plus Marco brings decades of experience by learning from his dad and uncle who have been making these tacos for years.”
Another reader said the food is “to taste and perfection.”
Here’s what makes Marco’s Tacos the best taco truck in Merced:
How did Marco’s Tacos get started?
Marco’s Tacos owner Marco Granados first opened his Merced taco truck in April 2022
However, the name “Marco’s Tacos” has been part of the community for more than two decades.
“Our business was started 25 years ago by my father,” Granados said. “He actually started in Merced but only stayed open for less than a year.”
Instead, his father, Marco Granados Sr., moved the truck to 3853 South Santa Fe Ave. in Le Grand.
While working alongside his dad in Le Grand, Marcos Granados said, he noticed many customers were traveling from Merced.
That steady demand inspired him to open a Marco’s Tacos location back home in Merced. His father continues to operate Marco’s Tacos in Le Grand.
“There were so many people asking us to bring the business to Merced,” Granados said. “I thought it would be a good opportunity.”
Since opening in April 2022, Granados has steadily grown his business by taking part in local events — from community pop-ups to Merced Youth Soccer Association gatherings — and by making it easier for customers to order.
The truck currently offers online ordering, delivery and card payments, with a customer rewards program in the works.
“I want to reward our customers who have been loyal to us and keep coming back,” Granados said.
Granados said he is “truly humbled and grateful” that Marco’s Tacos was voted Merced’s best taco truck.
“I know we’ve only been open for three years compared to other trucks that have been here so much longer and are just as amazing,” Granados said. “So I’m truly honored that people support me. It means the world to me.”
What makes Merced Mexican food truck the best?
Granados said the longevity of Marco’s Tacos is what makes it stand out in the Merced community.
“We’ve been in business for so long, and our recipes have remained the same,” he said.
Granados said customers always compliment the consistency of the taco truck’s food, and that keeps them coming back.
“I’m very big on making every order the best — as if it’s the first time anyone has ever been here,” Granados said. “People tell me all the time that the food is always good, no matter when they come.”
What’s on the menu at Marco’s Tacos?
The menu at Marco’s Tacos features burritos, quesadillas, tortas, tacos and tostadas, all customizable with meats including asada, pastor, chicken or carnitas.
“The meat is very juicy has a lot of flavor and the salsa verde makes it the cherry on top always adding grilled onions to the order without having to ask,” reader Esme Ceja wrote in the Sun-Star’s poll.
Prices range from $1.99 for a quesadilla to $64.99 for a full taquiza tray.
These menu items cost less than $10 at Marco’s Tacos:
- Burrito veggie — $8.99
- Bean and cheese burrito — $2.99
- Burrito botana — $3.99
- Quesadilla veggie — $8.99
- Grandma quesadilla — $6.99
- Torta veggie — $8.99
- Tacos regular — $2.99
- Tostada — $4.99
Granados said the taco truck’s best sellers are the $3.25 supreme taco and the $13.50 supreme burrito.
One item in particular has earned a special place on the menu is Grandma’s quesadilla.
“It’s a specialty item that’s become more popular,” Granados said.
The dish, named by his father, is made with two corn tortillas folded over meat, cheese, avocado and sour cream.
“Opening a business is hard,” Granados said. “So when people tell you they voted you the best, it makes it all worth it.”
Where is the best taco truck in Merced?
Marco’s Tacos is located at 99 East Donna Drive in Merced.
When is Merced taco truck open?
The taco truck is open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
